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The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum. Here, you can enjoy hands-on activities and exhibits that feature everything from live sloths to the world’s most complete Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur. General admission to this Smithsonian affiliate is free.

The North Carolina Museum of Art features more than a dozen galleries of art from around the world, and admission is free. Or, discover art alfresco in the 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, located just outside the museum. The park’s paved hiking and biking trails are lined with commissioned art pieces, and the museum hosts free concerts here during the summer.

Historic Yates Mill County Park’s scenic trails, wildlife, creeks and 24-acre pond make it a perfect spot for outdoor lovers, but history buffs will appreciate the star of this 174-acre wildlife park: Wake County’s last operable water-powered gristmill. Admission to the park is free, or you can take a guided tour of the mill for a small fee.

Foodies rejoice! Raleigh’s State Farmers Market is considered one of the nation’s best, with 75 acres of specialty shops and restaurants featuring produce, plants, meat and gifts from local farms and shops across the state. Get lost in the endless aisles, then pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of Raleigh’s many beautiful parks.