The Pursuit of a Vibrant Life

WELCOME TO THIS IS RALEIGH.

We’re Caroline and Craig, an Australian couple who are madly in love with the vibrancy of life in Raleigh.

After living in 5 countries and traveling to over 50, we chose the City of Oaks as our home.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our mission is to help you connect to the spirit of this community.

Join our free email community and allow us to be your local, passionate guides! We’ll share the best things to do in Raleigh, and the best places to eat, drink and play!

Plus, you’ll get a Free Uniquely Raleigh Checklist

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The BEST of Raleigh, right in your inbox.

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November IN rALEIGH: EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS


Click on the images below for ideas for things to do in Raleigh in Nov. This month we still get to enjoy the end of Fall, but welcome in a few holiday events. It’s an action packed, fun-filled month! Click the images below for ideas to create a fun month in Raleigh! Don’t miss what’s happening this weekend in Raleigh!

women in mexican dress dancing
ugly sweater party
Christmas lights
cakes and hot chocolate at the dessertery
CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL CARY
LADY TAKING PHOTO INSIDE ILLUMINATED ORNAMENT
crowds on Fayetteville Street at a raleigh festival

LIVING IN RALEIGH


There is so much to love about living in Raleigh! Here are reasons why we love it and some useful resources for those considering moving to Raleigh.

visitors to raleigh


Planning on visiting Raleigh? Whether you are looking for things to do in Raleigh, places to stay in Raleigh, and how to get around Raleigh, we’ve got posts and itinerary guides to help you! Click the images below for more.

aerial view of raleigh skyline
girl walking near sculptures in NC museum of art
aerial view of hotel on lake raleigh
raleigh skyline from dorothea dix park

INCREDIBLE VACATION IDEAS


We love Raleigh’s central location to so many amazing destinations and easy getaways. From the mountains to the beaches, and fun urban experiences. We can’t wait to keep sharing what we discover. Click the article names below to learn more

day trips raleigh
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One of our favorite Christmas holiday activities is to go ice skating at @fentonnc in Cary called "Skate the Square". [AD]. We go each year, and it's such a fun way to get in the spirit of the holidays. 

The large Christmas tree overlooks the rink, there are string lights and music playing and a great community atmosphere.

Why not make a night of it? After skating we had a tex-mex dinner at @Supericatexmex (great tacos and mezcal cocktail), then finished off with gelato and shakes at @honeysucklegelato. 

You can also get lots of your gift shopping done while there at the many excellent retail outlets.

DETAILS for SKATE THE SQUARE:

* Dates: until February 5th
* Location: 21 Fenton Main Street Cary) Next to Paragon Theaters
* Cost: $17 for a 75 min skate session (includes skate rentals)
* No age restriction. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
* Rental skates available from Toddler-8 to Adult-15 (included in ticket cost, brings socks)
* You can bring your own skates
* No helmets to rent, you can bring your own
* The rink is ADA compliant
* Tickets: www.fentonnc.com/event/fenton-skate-the-square

Tag someone in the comments who you'd love to go skating with.

#FentonNC #FentonHolidays #HolidaysAtFenton #SkateTheSquare #carync #carymoms
#ThisIsRaleigh #RaleighNC #raleighevents #raleighchristmas
#visitraleigh #raleighdurham #919 #livinginraleigh #raleighwood #raleighmoms #wakecountync
It's GIVING TUESDAY! 

There are so many ways to give back today to our Raleigh community. We have 15 ideas on the blog ( link in bio)

One is to shout out your favorite non-profit in Raleigh in the comments below. Today is also a great day to consider a donation or volunteering!

We love:

@designedforjoy (photo is of me with co-founder Cary Heise)
@tableraleigh
@greenchairproject
@raleighcityfarm 
@nowomannogirl

Make an extra effort today to do something as simple as smile and offer a compliment to a stranger!

Share your favorite nonprofit in the comments and how they make Raleigh a better place!

#raleighmom #raleighcommunity #shoplocalraleigh #shoplocalraleighnc #raleighlocal #thisisraleigh #raleighlifestyle #lifeinraleigh #raleighwood #raleighlove #oakcity #raleighliving #raleighlife #wakecounty #thetriangle #cityofoaks #919 #raleighdurham #rdu #downtownraleigh #trianglenc #dtr #givingtuesday2023 #raleighnonprofit
Why visit Raleigh? We can think of several good reasons, not only to visit but to live. This city ticks a lot of boxes, although we stop short of calling it a "foodie" destination.

We just published a blog article sharing our thoughts. Go read that at ThisIsRaleigh.com and search for "Why Visit Raleigh". The link is also in our bio. 

Read that blog post then let us know what you think? 

Tag someone in the comments who might like to read it.

#ThisIsRaleigh

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#RaleighNC #downtownraleighnc #visitraleigh #wakecountync #raleighdurham #919 #exploreraleigh #discoverraleigh #raleighnorthcarolina #cityofoaks #raleighwood ##thetrianglenc
What are some of your holiday traditions?

Here are some of ours:

⛸️ Ice skating (certainly don't get that in Australia for Christmas)

🎄 Watching cringy Hallmark Christmas movies ( got any recs?)

🎅 On Christmas night we choose a movie from our childhood (Gen Xers) to watch with our girls. Haven't chosen this year's yet - what do you think?

🎄Buying Christmas ornaments on our travels and then reminiscing when we put up the tree.

🌎 We usually do some kind of holiday travel experience, but this year we're staying home.

🎄 Talk to family back home in Australia on Christmas Eve - so our celebration is extended. 

I used to be quite the Grinch when it came to Christmas, but it was in starting our own Christmas traditions that I warmed up to now loving it!

And Christmas feels more magical in the US because y'all celebrate it longer and have lots of festive things on.tbat suit the spirit and the weather.

 In Australia, we're wrapped up in the joy of summer and the end of a school year! 

Caroline ❤️

#christmasevetraditions #traditionalchristmas #familychristmastraditions #christmastraditions #christmasornament #christmasinspo #christmasideas #holidaytraditions #holidaycheer #makingspiritsbright #holidayfestivities #celebratetheseason #holidaycelebration #raleighchristmas #raleighinfluencer #raleighblogger #raleighinfluencers
🍸COOL BAR alert. Tucked into a barber shop in Downtown Apex is the @exchange_barbershop 

Fun small bar with affordable craft cocktails and NC beer and huge charcuterie boards. 

The Aperol Spritiz was pretty good, too. Still not Italy, but good enough!!

#downtownapex #downtownapexnc #shoplocalraleigh #carync #apexncpeakofgoodliving #apexnc #peakofgoodliving #apexbars #thetriangle #wakecounty #apexlife #apexlifestyle #raleighblogger #thingstodoinapex

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