RALEIGH, REALLY

Raleigh, the capitol of North Carolina, is a bit "stately" and more city-like than one such as Charlotte. A bus system called the R Line gives you a free ride through downtown reaching several districts such as: State Government, Raleigh Convention Center, Performing Arts Center and Warehouse District. That's one way to get acquainted with the area. I decided on a different route via a Segway tour.

Okay, it wasn't the whole downtown area. Rather a Triangle Segway's one-hour "Experience" tour covering Fayetteville (the Main Street of Raleigh), the Government areas and City Market, where the tour begins. It's really easy to get the hang of this standing bicycle and all is taught and practiced before you leave the building. I'm hoping to "Segway" in all of the cities that I go to.



Outside of the downtown area is where the North Carolina Museum of Art is located. It appears that they have built a whole new 127,000-square-foot West Building with nearly 800 works of art and highlighted by daylit galleries. It's a one-level deal and having these open galleries makes it easy to view the artwork and sculptures. The former building is being renovated to contain temporary exhibits.

Rodin sculptures are featured here and can also be found in one of the outside gardens.

Iris is the name of the Museum Restaurant that features culinary art with great food. My lunch choice was this fabulous sweet potato soup and chicken salad prettied up with watermelon radish.