At Secret Raleigh, we’re always on the lookout for activities that offer a unique twist! Whether you’re seeking a global dining adventure or an art exhibit that challenges your perspective, we’ve got you covered. Right now, Raleigh offers the mesmerizing ‘Art of the Brick exhibit,’ here for a limited time, and a chance to explore diverse cuisines from around the world without leaving town. Keep scrolling for five unique Raleigh experiences that are not-to-be-missed and a departure from your everyday outings!
1. Visit this incredible LEGO® art exhibition and see larger-than-life sculptures
LEGO® enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the ‘Art of the Brick’ exhibition that has stunned over 10 million guests around the globe and has been named on CNN’s list of “Must-See” exhibitions! Now that it’s in Raleigh for a limited time, you can view 90+ impressive LEGO® sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya, like the world-famous Yellow, and so much more. If you have kids, they’ll love the massive, 20-foot T-Rex made entirely of LEGO® bricks. Classical art lovers can see unique interpretations of famous works, like Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Grab tickets here!2. Venture to a gorgeous Candlelight Concert
The beloved concert series known simply as “Candlelight” invites everyone to relive top musicians’ most outstanding musical works in an incredibly unique atmosphere with hundreds of flickering candles. There’s something for everyone, too, whether you want to hear the classics like Vivaldi or something more modern like tributes to Queen or Coldplay. Celebrate the spooky season with a concert dedicated to the Halloween classics.
3. Explore this Hobbit Home for a unique view of the sky and clouds
If you’re looking for something exceptionally unusual to do in Raleigh, don’t miss exploring the Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky. This spectacular hobbit home is a piece of art by Chris Drury, a British artist who created it to function as a camera obscura. Once the light comes through the small hole in the room, visitors can witness the sky and clouds’ upside-down reflection viewable on the inner walls, surrounded by nature. The North Carolina Museum of Art commissioned this work with funds from the North Carolina State Art Society (Robert F. Phifer Bequest).
4. Travel the world through these international restaurants
Raleigh doesn’t just offer unique experiences; its food scene is anything but ordinary. Tour the world without even stepping foot on a plane and try some incredible dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for Greek, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, or Japanese, you’ll find some of the best options in Raleigh!
5. Check out one of the oldest carousels in the United States
Visit the Pullen Park Carousel, one of the most historic carousel rides in the United States! Created by Gustav A. Dentzel’s Pennsylvania Carousel Company, it initially made its home at Bloomsbury Park but moved to Pullen Park in 1915. Get ready to marvel at the craftsmanship of this carousel, which features 52 hand-carved wood animals, two sleighs, and 18 large gilded mirrors that will enchant guests of all ages.