Sole Energy - Raleigh

Art is in the air every May as nearly 70,000 people convene in Raleigh for the annual Artsplosure. It is one of North Carolina's most well-attended and well-respected outdoor art events. The festival is held in the Moore Square Park area in downtown Raleigh and features more than 250 visual and performance artists. The weekend-long celebration is typically held on the third weekend of May and is free to the public.

Regardless of whether you want to take it all in on your own or need a little assistance, the natural beauty and all that it has to offer you is on display over the 236 acres of Blue Jay Point County Park.

The Raleigh Times Bar is a timeless local watering hole with Raleigh’s past, present and future on display with old press clippings and images from their namesake newspaper on the walls. This 100 year old building includes second floor seating and a rooftop patio with the best views in downtown Raleigh. Providing exceptional cuisine, classic bar fare favorites, an inventive drink menu and extensive Belgian beer selection.

No trip to the area would be complete without a stop in Historic Hillsborough. Classically-styled homes, churches and various other buildings make up this richly storied part of the world that, not surprisingly, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.