The National Inclusion Project will be held this coming Saturday, October 17^th, 2009.  For that reason, there will many fans traveling to Raleigh from all over the United States to support Clay Aiken and his Project.

If you are one of the lucky one to attend the Gala, perhaps you will have some extra time to be a tourist and see the sites of the community.

Listed below are a few of the recommended sites that you might want to visit.  I live in California and, although this will be my 3^rd trip to Raleigh, I am certainly no expert on the area.  The following suggestions were found at tripadvisor and Yahoo Travel.

NC State Fair
From October 15^th to the 25^th, Raleigh will be home to one of North Carolina’s most entertaining and memorable events, the 2009 N.C. State Fair.  With rides, competitions, exhibits and entertainment galore, the N.C. State Fair is always a great time, attracting visitors from all 100 counties!

The State Fair’s motto, “A Whole Lotta Happy”, pretty much sums up how everyone will feel once they’ve experienced this fun-filled event.  As always, there will be a wide array of exciting rides that everyone can enjoy.  In between rides, take a break to enjoy one of the many concerts that will take place at Dorton Arena.  This year’s entertainment line-up includes Jason Michael Carroll, Kellie Pickler, The Temptations and Eric Church, just to name a few.  You can also stop by one of the many exhibits that will be going on, such as Green NC or Field of Dreams.

Historic Oakwood
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Oakwood is an enchanting neighborhood of restored and carefully maintained Victorian and Antebellum homes. It offers an ideal view for a stroll. Lovely anytime of the year, Oakwood is truly at its finest at the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour and again in the spring, when the gardens put on their best show. Bordered by Franklin, Watauga, Linden, Jones and Person Streets. It is close to the Executive Mansion.   Sidewalks and trees line the quiet streets, making it an ideal place for a walking tour during an afternoon visit.

Address: Franklin Street Raleigh, NC 27601
Tel: 919 733 3456

The Executive Mansion
The North Carolina Executive Mansion, often referred to as the Governors Mansion, is a monumental building located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is currently home to North Carolina’s governor, Bev Perdue. The mansion on Fayetville Street in downtown Raleigh has not always been the residency for North Carolina state governors; in fact, it is the fourth official house that has been selected.

Since its initial construction in 1882, few major changes have been made to the building’s structure. Porches on the north and east sides have been enclosed to expand kitchen and security facilities. The 14 foot high ceiling fits a huge Christmas tree in which the governor traditionally turns on the lights after Thanksgiving. As you walk in you see a huge red carpet given to the house and state for its 100th anniversary.

Overall, the house is very historical and interesting. If you ever have a chance to visit the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion then you should go.

Address: 200 N Blount St Raleigh, NC 27601
Tel: 919 807 7950

Mordecai Historical Park
This park is located on a former plantation that was owned by Joel Lane who donated his land to the city of Raleigh.  The house on this property was built in 1785 which makes this the oldest house in Raleigh on its original foundation.  The land around the house was originally a plantation that was 5000 acres.  Most of the buildings on this property were unfortunately built sing slave labor.  Also on this property is the building that Andrew Johnson was said to be born in.  The park is open 24 hours a day. Guided tours are available on Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm

Address:
One Mimosa St. Raleigh, NC  27604
Phone: (919) 857-4364

The State Capitol
The State Capitol looks much the same today as it did back in 1840. Originally built between 1792 and 1796, it burned in 1831 and the government set out to build a new, more majestic, Capitol. Today it stands proud on Union Square, one of the best-preserved examples of Greek-Revival style architecture in America. The centerpiece of the impressive rotunda is a statue of George Washington dressed in a Roman tunic. The building’s history is a colorful one, with stories of ghosts roaming and secret spy rooms. Free guided tours.

1 East Edenton Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-1011
Open Hours8am-5pm Mon-Fri; 10am-4pm Sat; 1pm-4pm Sun

City Market
City Market, built in the early 1900s, still holds a lot of old world charm. Converted in 1988 to house shops, art galleries and restaurants, the original cobblestone streets, accented with period lampposts, are dotted with park benches. There is a festival atmosphere on the weekends, when the trees are lit in the evenings and live music plays on the streets. Couples holding hands stroll by while children dance and older folks sit tapping their toes. A trolley runs Thursday through Saturday nights, offering free transportation to other downtown locales.

303 Blake Street
Raleigh, NC  27601-1801

Other Place to Visit:

Museum of Natural Sciences
11 West Jones St.  Raleigh, NC 27601

JC Raulston Arboretum
Department of Horticultural Science
NC State University
Campus Box 7522
Raleigh, NC 27695-7522
(919) 515-3132

Duke University
Durham, NC 27708
(919) 684-8111