Raleigh , United States

Downtown Cary Historian-Guided Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Explore the history of Cary, one of North Carolina's most interesting municipalities. From its earliest foundation, Cary has been a center of innovation, featuring one of the earliest public schools in North Carolina, as well as serving as the home of one of North Carolina's most impactful inventors of agricultural machinery, to the foundation of North Carolina's oldest racially integrated social club. Experience this guided jaunt written by a local historian and hosted by an enthusiastic, passionate, and knowledgeable guide.

Some of the sites we will visit include the Page-Walker Hotel, Ashworth Drugs, the Ivey Ellington House, Pasmore House, Cary Arts Center, and more.

Available options

Downtown Cary Historian-Guided Tour

What's included

A talented and informed guide to share the city's wonderful character

A tour of historic sites in downtown Cary

Detailed itinerary

Travelers will travel between a selection of historic sites in downtown Cary, including the old WPA Cary High School, Ivey-Ellington House, Pasamore House, Ashworth Drug Store, and the Page-Walker Hotel

What's not included

Bottled water

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Esteamed Coffee is located on South Academy Street

About Raleigh

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, thriving tech industry, and lush parks. Often referred to as the 'City of Oaks' due to its many oak trees, Raleigh offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern innovation, making it an appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

One of the largest natural history museums in the Southeast, featuring exhibits on dinosaurs, marine life, and the natural history of North Carolina.

Museum 2-3 hours Free

Pullen Park

A historic amusement park and public park offering a variety of recreational activities, including a carousel, train rides, and pedal boats.

Park Half day Free entry, $2-$5 per ride

North Carolina State Capitol

A historic building that serves as the seat of the North Carolina General Assembly, offering guided tours and exhibits on the state's political history.

Historical 1 hour Free

Umstead State Park

A large state park offering hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities, with scenic trails and natural beauty.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Raleigh Little Theatre

A historic theater offering a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and children's theater.

Cultural 2-3 hours per performance Varies by show, typically $10-$30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pulled Pork BBQ

Slow-cooked pulled pork served with BBQ sauce, typically served with coleslaw and hushpuppies.

Main Course Contains pork, can be made gluten-free

Fried Green Tomatoes

Unripe green tomatoes coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy, often served with remoulade sauce.

Appetizer Vegetarian, can be made gluten-free

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Southern dish featuring shrimp cooked in a savory sauce, served over creamy grits.

Main Course Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy, a classic Southern breakfast dish.

Breakfast Contains pork, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking in Umstead State Park Mountain biking at Lake Johnson Park Kayaking on the Neuse River Picnicking in Pullen Park Strolling through the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Enjoying a spa day at The Umstead Hotel and Spa Visiting the North Carolina Museum of Art Attending a performance at the Raleigh Little Theatre

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. These seasons also host various festivals and events.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5:00 (Eastern Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Raleigh is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Raleigh-Durham International Airport • 20 miles (32 km) northwest of downtown Raleigh

By train

Raleigh Union Station

By bus

Raleigh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

GoRaleigh offers a comprehensive bus network covering most of the city. Buses are frequent and affordable, making them a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Raleigh Five Points Mordecai North Hills

Day trips

Durham

30 miles (48 km) west of Raleigh • Half day to full day

Durham is known for its historic sites, including the Duke University campus and the American Tobacco Historic District. The city also offers a variety of cultural attractions, dining, and shopping options.

Chapel Hill

35 miles (56 km) west of Raleigh • Half day to full day

Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and offers a variety of cultural attractions, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Kitty Hawk and the Outer Banks

120 miles (193 km) east of Raleigh • Full day to overnight

The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and wildlife refuges.

Festivals

North Carolina State Fair • October Raleigh Wine and Food Festival • April Hopscotch Music Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the exhibits at your own pace.
Explore the historic Mordecai neighborhood for a glimpse into Raleigh's past, and don't miss the Joel Lane House, the oldest home in the city.
Take a stroll through the Raleigh Rose Garden, a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Attend a game at the PNC Arena to experience the excitement of North Carolina sports and entertainment.
Visit the Videri Chocolate Factory for a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process and to sample some delicious treats.