Beyond going to parties and attending events on campus, students of NC State have downtown Raleigh in their backyards to entertain them. Raleigh has a lot to offer, and a good portion of downtown can be enjoyed for free. Below are a list of things that can be enjoyed in the Oak City.

1. The museums.

Many great museums are located in downtown, including the Natural History and History Museum of North Carolina. The North Carolina Museum of History is currently hosting a great photography exhibit of Southern architecture found in our state, as well as an exhibit dedicated to the history of film making in North Carolina. Both of the museums are free, but the film making exhibit costs extra.

2. Food. So much food.

A slew of amazing restaurants call downtown home. Beasley's Chicken and Honey, Mecca, Tasty 8's, and tons of little Southern-with-a-twist restaurants can be found on any street in downtown. Fiction Kitchen, which is an all vegan restaurant can also be found downtown, as well as Videri Chocolate Factory.

3. Take a walk.

Raleigh is home to beautiful architecture, and when all else fails just walking around the city can be breathtaking. The State House, other government buildings, and storefronts provide a beautiful stroll down the sidewalks.

4. First Friday.

The first Friday of every month offers many deals and vendors, as well as free after hours admission to many art galleries and museums. Going to First Friday should be on the bucket list of every NC State student, and easily shows how much downtown Raleigh has to offer. Here is a link the website for the event.

5. Concerts.

Not only does the Red Hat Amphitheatre host concerts, but little restaurants and bars have live music most nights. If you are in the mood to hear live music, you will probably find somewhere in downtown that can fill your need!

Instead of binging on Netflix or hanging out on campus, go and take advantage of the treasures the City of Oaks offers to NC State students.