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Affectionately known as the city of oaks, Raleigh is a beautiful place filled with nature. Although this scenic capital has plenty of parks and walkways for you to enjoy, its also overflowing with high-tec industries. Along with Durham and Chapel Hill, its known as the Research Triangle, which is home to more than 140 organizations. And if thats not enough, this triangle is packed with academics, which include Duke, NCSU, NCCU and UNCE-Chapel Hill. So what does an oak filled, research centre, academic saturated city offer you? More than you might expect.

Get a glimpse into what Raleigh would have been like in the 19th century when you walk along Village Street in Mordecai Historic Park. Youll see the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson and where five generations lived in a stunning plantation house. Village Street also showcases many historic buildings that reflect the century old architecture. The Capitol building, built between 1833 and 1840, proudly stands on Union Square, which is at the heart of the city. Its one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture and is a National Historic Landmark. The Queen Anne cottage was finished in 1891 and is a stunning 40-room mansion that showcases the finest Victorian architecture the United States has to offer. Although visiting a cemetery may not be your ideal place to go while on vacation, the Oakwood Cemetery is quite beautiful and is also the final resting place for more than 2,800 Confederate soldiers, numerous U.S. Senators, five Civil War generals and seven governors.

Spread across 75 acres, the State Farmers Market is one of the very best in the states. It contains both indoor and outdoor stalls and restaurants that showcase local wares, including a garden center, fruits and vegetables, as well as produce and gifts from the southeastern states. And because its open year round youll be able to enjoy it any time you come.

Although the North Carolina Museum of Art is a bit out of the way, its definitely worth the trip. Featuring works of art by Monet, Georgia OKeeffe and Chardin, youll enjoy an amazing collection of paintings. There are great galleries, which include European, American and African collections that are spread across 180,000 sq feet. And if thats not a long enough walk for you, make your way to the museums 100-acre park filled with great trails and sculptures. Two museums that are quite easy to get to are located in downtown Raleigh. The North Carolina Museum of History has amazing displays on the Civil War, a model of the Wright Brothers Plane, great artifacts, flags, and photographs. Another great museum is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. A visit here is a definite must. There are the Mountains to the Sea exhibit, which includes a 20-ft waterfall, an Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur skeleton (the only one on display throughout the world), exploration stations, fossil labs and a great living conservatory that includes hummingbirds and butterflies.

Raleighs downtown is the place to go if you love museums, historic buildings and fantastic dining options. And since its also home to NCSU, North Carolina State University, youll find a wealth of great bars and coffee shops. At the center youll also find many great historic districts, such as Oakwood, Glenwood South, Hillsborough Street and the Warehouse District. Another neat area is the Cameron Village, the place to go for boutiques and trendy restaurants. And if you feel like kicking up your heels at one of the clubs, make sure you know the Shag, the dance made famous in Myrtle Beach still lives on in Raleigh. Not too sure how to dance the Shag? During the Beach music festivals, free lessons are given so keep your eyes and ears open.

Even though Raleigh is well known for its academics and research, its also a fantastic city filled with great museums, outdoor markets, beautiful architecture and of course, the Shag, which make Raleigh a fantastic place to go.