Cruising Raleigh

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes NCTIES back to Downtown Raleigh! To help you find local attractions and restaurants, learn about local tours and how to ride the new R Line, or just to get answers to your questions, please stop by our welcome booth set up in the lower lobby of the Raleigh Convention Center. We’ll be right across from the entrance to the NCTIES exhibit hall, or stop by our visitor center in the connector space between the Marriott and the convention center. And you can always learn more at visit http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/

Did you pick up your complimentary Greater Raleigh SMART card yet? If not, be sure to do so before you go to dinner! The card is provided complimentary by Zspotlight.com and visitRaleigh.com. When you use it, you'll save money at area restaurants and attractions. To preview the many businesses that accept our card, see http://www.zspotlight.com/raleigh-restaurants.asp

What’s new since NCTIES was here last year? Have you tried Zpizza on City Plaza located street level in the Bank of America Building – we think you’ll like this pizza made from all organic and gluten free ingredients. Good and good for you! http://stores.zpizza.com/raleigh-downtown/

Would you like another restaurant idea? Buku is just a few blocks away at the corner of Wilmington and Davie Streets. Featuring street foods from around the world, it’s a great spot for trying something different for lunch, dinner or late night snacks. We loved the Plantain Crusted Chilean Sea Bass! http://bukuraleigh.com/buku/

Interested in live music later on Thursday night? Consider “Enter the Live Haggis” at The Pour House off Moore Square http://www.the-pour-house.com/ , check out the Lounge at 42nd Street Oyster Bar http://www.42ndstoysterbar.com/Live_Music.html or live jazz at The Mint http://www.themintrestaurant.com/events.html . For a complete look at Raleigh nightlife see http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/things_to_do/nightlife/

If you can grab some time before heading home, check out the newly updated IMAX Theatre at Marbles Kids Museum. The new IMAX is even better than before. Now playing: Hubble 3D, Ultimate Wave 3D and I Am Number Four. For more information about show times see: http://www.imaxraleigh.org/showtimes/ While you’re there, check out Marbles – expanding the imaginations of children by providing great adventures through play. See http://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/aboutus

NCTIES may end Friday afternoon, but why not get in a little “R and R” before you head home? Stay around for First Friday, a great way to enjoy art, dinner, and a wide range of cultural activities http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/firstfriday/index.htm

And finally, who says you can’t shop in Downtown Raleigh? For shopping adventures we have a great variety of galleries, unique gift stores and interesting consignments. To plan your downtown shopping see: http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/at-ease/shopping