I have lived in Raleigh, NC my whole life...well with exception to that stint in Switzerland and then college in Boone. Anyway, I digress. I've been here a LONG TIME. Raleigh wasn't always something worth writing home about. In fact it was kinda lame back in the day. But times they are a changin'. Raleigh has finally found its place in the world and it has some bomb bits and pieces. Not only that but things are getting even better. I'm going to give you the down low on all things downtown Raleigh. So whether you live here and have been avoiding it like the plague or if you're just visiting, you'll find it worth your while to introduce yourself again or for the first time. Downtown Raleigh is separated into five different districts which each have their own distinct personality. Let's get our learn on and have a little meet-cute with each one, shall we?

Downtown Raleigh District Map Warehouse District - I love, love, love the Warehouse District. The look of it is kind of like an old depot station, with the train tracks going through it and all of the brick buildings. It's very chill with a pretty cool night life and two really fantastic restaurants worth checking out, Humble Pie and Jibarra. Yummers. Fayetteville Street District - Think of this as the heartbeat of downtown Raleigh. It's where all the main buildings are, you know those "tall" ones. It is home to LOTS of restaurants, our Courthouse (been there a couple times thanks to my lead foot problems), the Performing Arts Center and Raleigh Convention Center. The Convention Center is where we actually have our annual Ace Awards. Notable restaurants here are The Raleigh Times Bar and Poole's Diner. Moore Square District - Holler. I was just there this past weekend. We grubbed on some insanely amazing Lebanese food at a restaurant called Sitti. I am still thinking about their grape leaves. Okay. Moving on. This part of the city is the more artsy part. It has a bunch of art galleries and Marbles is located here that is home to our illustrious IMAX theatre. Another restaurant I have to hype up is Tir Na Nog. I'm Irish. I have to. Capital District - It's just what you think. Very government-y. Our Governor's Mansion is located here as well as wait for it...the Capitol Building. It is also home to two of my favorite museums - The Museum of Natural Science and The Museum of History. There are also a bunch of historical homes that occupy this district. They are truly stunning. Glenwood South District - This is the trendy part of town. Five Points is located in Glenwood South which is literally five streets that form an intersection and there are many restaurants along that area worth hitting up. Glenwood Ave is the main drag of the Glenwood South District. It is home to many night clubs, bars and restaurants that are within walking distance of each other. Hibernian is one of my fave bars and 518 West is one of my favorite restaurants. Half price wine nights on Mondays (shout out to Allie, what what?!). And guess what...we have two Camden communities that are a stone's throw from downtown Raleigh. Camden Manor Park and Camden Overlook. Then a bit further down Highway 70, is Camden Crest. All three are fabulous and in the process of being upgraded to be even better. So if you are in the market for an apartment in that area, you should definitely check them out. Being that close to downtown Raleigh without having to pay the downtown Raleigh price tag is pretty note-worthy. Downtown Raleigh really does have a lot to offer. Between the music, the restaurants, the scenery and the night life, my on again, off again affair with it seems to be a full-fledged romance now. I'm pretty excited about it. P to the S. Hungry? Try this site to give you EVERY. SINGLE. RESTAURANT. downtown. Interactive restaurant map go boom.