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What’s not to love about Raleigh?

A little southern hospitality mixed with Saks Fifth Avenue, the award winning Poole’s Diner, and a nationally-acclaimed 152-mile Greenway System makes for a winning combination! From museums and parks, to shopping and dining, Raleigh is a wonderful city full of many attractions that make it the perfect place to retire.
Yes, Raleigh has so much to offer to its residents, and is frequently recognized as an exceptional city. We are proud to be honored as the “Most Educated City in America” by Men’s Health, and the “Healthiest City for Women” by Women’s Health. Southern Living names us as one of the “Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South,” and we are among the “Five American Cities You Should Visit in 2015” according to The Huffington Post.
But, most importantly, Money Magazine has ranked Raleigh in the Top 5 destinations for retirees. Why? Maybe it’s because we have all four seasons, beaches within a two-hour drive, and mountains only four hours away. Not to mention, the city is home to one of the three tier-1 research institutions: NC State University. With UNC and Duke University as our neighbors, we can easily claim to be one of the most educated cities!
Whether you are visiting Raleigh for the first time or have lived here since birth, we invite you to check out the best attractions in the city. With so much to do in one place, Raleigh is a great place to spend your retirement.

Museums

NC Museum of Natural Sciences (source: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2012/5/inside-outreach/)

NC Museum of Natural Sciences (source: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2012/5/inside-outreach/)


Raleigh is known for many of its unique and special museums. For example, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum, with a state-of-the-art nature research center wing that opened in 2012. The North Carolina Museum of Art opened a $75 million expansion of iconic gallery and public spaces in April of 2010. Along with rotating and permanent art exhibits there are concerts, movies and plays for all ages. And best of all, both museums are free to visit. If you prefer a New York art scene, check out CAM (Contemporary Art Museum) in the downtown warehouse district. The museum showcases new and emerging art and design. Coming in the summer of 2016 is The Gregg Museum on the campus of NC State University. This $9.8 million project will include the 1927 Chancellor’s Residence, a 15,000-plus square foot contemporary addition, and various outdoor spaces.
Contemporary Art Museum  (source: http://triuxpa.org/event-1794981)

Contemporary Art Museum (source: http://triuxpa.org/event-1794981)

Dining

Raleigh is home to many award winning restaurants, diners and eateries. Poole’s Diner, located downtown on McDowell Street, has been in business since World War II. In 1950, it was transformed into a luncheonette. Chef Ashley Christensen received the James Beard Award for “Best Chef – Southeast” and continues to bring us the best Raleigh has to offer. The macaroni and cheese is not to be missed!

Mac and Cheese at Poole’s Diner (source: http://ac-restaurants.com/pooles/)

Mac and Cheese at Poole’s Diner (source: http://ac-restaurants.com/pooles/)


Fiction Kitchen on Dawson Street is best known for their vegetarian choices. Their crispy fried “chicken” with waffles – a “mock chicken” with special herbs and seasonings is fried paired with fluffy Belgian waffles.
Hayes Barton Café and Dessertery on Fairview at Five Points was awarded the “Where The Locals Eat” and the “Best Dessert” awards. Don’t just go for the dessert, though. Make it a meal and order the meatloaf. You won’t be disappointed.
Hayes Barton Café and Dessertery (source: https://www.google.com/maps/views/u/0/view/110003106906648435924/gphoto/6060833037179617458?gl=us)

Hayes Barton Café and Dessertery (source:
https://www.google.com/maps/views/u/0/view/ 110003106906648435924/gphoto/6060833037179617458?gl=us)


 

Shopping

GQ names us as one of “America’s Coolest Towns” which means shopping in Raleigh is top notch. Cameron Village is the perfect outdoor shopping experience with shops and restaurants on every corner. Dine on the patios and shop for funky fashion or classic antiques. Crabtree Valley Mall and Triangle Town Center are home to Saks Fifth Avenue, Belk, Macy’s and numerous food choices. McCormick & Schmick’s and Brio Tuscan Grille are just a few examples of what you will find. Visit the fun corner spot for food, florists, antiques, coffee and pizza. Or, in North Raleigh, don’t forget Zest for the best gift market and brunch!

Parks

The train at Pullen Park   (source: http://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/ParksRec/Articles/Parks/Pullen.html)

The train at Pullen Park
(source: http://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content /ParksRec/Articles/Parks/Pullen.html)


Our popular greenway system provides walking, jogging, hiking and biking trails all around the city. The are also many lakes for boating, kayaking and fishing. Pullen Park is great for a pedal boat excursion and a ride on the Merry Go Round. Ice cream and a train ride around the park will delight everyone in the family. For the bigger boat enthusiasts, check out Falls Lake for skiing, fishing and picnicking. Lake Lynn offers a great 2-mile trail around the lake for biking and walking (ducks included!) It’s a favorite spot for bird watchers.
Lake Lynn, nature at it’s best!  (source: http://raleighnature.com/2015/05/20/raleigh-nature-starts-a-shift-westward-with-lake-lynn-residency/)

Lake Lynn, nature at it’s best!
(source: http://raleighnature.com/2015/05/20/raleigh-nature-starts-a-shift-westward-with-lake-lynn-residency/)

Not To Be Missed

James B. Hunt Library  (source: https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/huntlibrary/photosandvideogallery)

James B. Hunt Library
(source: https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/huntlibrary /photosandvideogallery)


Raleigh has unique attractions scattered in every corner of the city. Start with The James B. Hunt Library on the campus of NCSU. The bookBot delivers books with the newest high tech automated system. While you are there, feel free to try out their hundreds of different chair designs. There will certainly be one to fit your reading style.
Segway Tours are great for the family and touring the downtown Capitol grounds. Marbles Kids Museum and the JC Raulston Arboretum are two more of our “don’t miss” places to go.
Mix in a little southern hospitality during basketball season and everyone knows this is the only place to be with the NC State Wolfpack, the UNC Tarheels and the Duke Blue Devils fans. Sporting your team colors and enjoying a little eastern NC BBQ can’t get any better! Come visit and enjoy all that Raleigh has to offer, y’all!
For more information about Raleigh, and what it’s like to live at Springmoor, call us at 919-234-7626.

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