Holly Springs might be a small town in Wake County, but the Raleigh suburb is home to something big. Namely, the multibillion-dollar Fujifilm Diosynth plant, called North America’s largest end-to-end bio-manufacturing facility.
Holly Springs is not the only Triangle town that is leaving its mark on the region. Apex is the future home of North Carolina’s first and only standalone children’s hospital which is expected to bring 8,000 jobs. The hospital will be a part of a larger, massive project integrated into Veridea, a 1,000-plus-acre mixed-use community with homes, retail, dining, office, research space and a new Wake Tech Community College campus. These investments are proof of the strong future ahead.
These small towns are surrounded by the anchor cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, together called the Triangle. The region is the home of the Research Triangle Park (RTP), one of the largest and most successful research parks in the world with more than 300 businesses including Biogen, IBM, GSK and others.
The capital city of Raleigh is always at the forefront of innovation and ranks high on livability lists. Forbes has ranked Raleigh (and the broader Raleigh–Cary metro area) a top spot for business and careers in the U.S.—reaching #1 four times in the last five years. The rankings cite low business costs (15–18% below national average), strong migration growth, and a highly educated population (more than 50% have advanced degrees) who graduate from NC State, Duke, and UNC–Chapel Hill. In 2025, WalletHub ranked Raleigh as the third best state capital to live in.
Raleigh is acclaimed for its rich cultural scene and Smithsonian-quality museums that are free: the NC Museum of History (currently closed for renovation), NC Museum of Natural Sciences, NC Museum of Art (NCMA), among others. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is popular with all ages who are drawn to the dinosaurs, butterfly conservatory, and the dazzling SECU Daily Planet theater. It is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. NCMA is one of the South’s premier art museums, boasting free galleries with global art, live performances, plus a breathtaking 164-acre park filled with outdoor sculptures.
The city is full of history starting with the graceful State Capitol, a Greek Revival gem built in 1840 (tours are free). For history mixed with nature, explore Yates Mill County Park (guided tours available through November), home to Wake County’s last working gristmill surrounded by serene hiking trails. Connect with nature at Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve or Shelley Lake Park, a serene 53-acre lake with paved greenways, bridges, and trails. On the Neuse River Greenway Trail, expect picturesque fall views and peaceful riverside paths. Hop on the colorful carousel for a historic ride at Pullen Park, the state’s oldest public park (est. 1887).
Live performances are popular at the holidays at the Carolina Ballet, North Carolina Opera and North Carolina Symphony including favorites like the Nutcracker. On the stage, actors entertain audiences at the North Carolina Theatre, Theatre in the Park, Raleigh Little Theatre (one of Raleigh’s oldest theatres) and others. The PNC arena hosts national touring acts and is the home arena for collegiate sport teams and the NHL Carolina Hurricanes.
It’s virtually impossible to match the food quality in the Capitol City. Districts throughout the city serve up fare with flair in casual eateries like Poole’s Diner, cafes and upscale eateries like Figulina Pasta + Provisions. Located in the hopping Warehouse District, the Italian eatery known for its originality and exquisite menu has been nominated for the James Beard award. Also in the district, check out the Morgan Food Hall, see art at CAM Raleigh, and eat chocolate at Vierdi Chocolate Factory. Wash it all down at one of the 40 breweries in the Raleigh metro area.
Durham, referred to as the Bull City, is a vibrant city rich in culture and innovation in business, medicine and the arts. The city is the home of renowned Duke Medical Center, Duke University and the Duke Blue Devil basketball team, and of course the Durham Bulls baseball team.
Downtown Durham is made for exploring with pedestrian friendly streets filled with top rated restaurants, shops, bars and more. Repurposed historical building are a place for dining, attractions and entertainment at Brightleaf Square and the American Tobacco Historic District, including the American Tobacco campus.
The city knows how to relax on the weekends with high quality entertainment. Museums, art galleries, theatre and Durham’s Performing Art Center (DPAC) that keep visitors and locals entertained all year and with special events at the holidays. Before a show at DPAC, walk downtown to experience restaurants serving pizza, small bites, burgers and upscale menus. When the temperature cools nothing says Durham like an electric game of Blue Devil basketball.
In the fall, students return to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC, the oldest public university in the U.S., is a historic, focal point of the town. The school is known for its legendary Tar Heels basketball and football team, now headed by former NFL coach, Bill Belichick. Come early to the game and take time to explore the Ackland Art Museum or the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center on campus.
Visitors make time to shop and stroll on Franklin Street, lined with unique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The bibliophile city supports its book stores such as Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews, known for Spanish literary events, Flyleaf Books and others.
Chapel Hill boasts a vibrant culinary scene with diverse dining options. Try out Proximo for Spanish tapas and wine, One40 Social for smash burgers and Ukrainian street food. The eclectic menu also serves up brew or a spiked milkshake in a Mason jar. Or, get the famed BLT at Merritt’s Grill. Make sure to grab a craft beer at the oldest brewery in the Triangle, Carolina Brewery – celebrating 30 years in business in 2025.
Surrounding the “Big Three” are smaller towns that attract newcomers and business to Cary, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Morrisville, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, and others.
The Triangle town of Cary has plenty to brag about with a one-of-a-kind park and the only five star restaurant in the state. Cary is also the home of the celebrated Umstead Hotel and Spa, a resort that is the perfect treat at the holidays. In the fall it is the perfect time to watch the North Carolina Courage play soccer on WakeMed Soccer Park. The team in the winningest team in the National Women’s Soccer League.
At the heart of Cary lies the Downtown Cary Park, a sprawling seven-acre space with an elevated Skywalk offering stunning views and a scenic walk. Close to the park is the Cary Arts Center, the heartbeat of the Cary art scene with an array of art classes year-round for all ages, live performances in the 431-seat theatre and much more. After time relaxing or walking the dog in the park, it is time to relax over dinner at SAAP where guests enjoy a Laotian centered menu. Don’t leave town without trying the Football Bread from La Farm Bakery.
Carrboro marches to its own beat with its unique interpretation of arts and culture. The town is a well-known hub for local artists and performers at The Cat’s Cradle, a long-time music venue where famous and local bands take the stage. The town also touts its progressive art scene which earned it the name of “Paris of the Piedmont.” Favorite art venues are The Arts Center (catch a live performancesin the 350-seat theater), and The Peel Gallery, where contemporary art is the focus. After a day of art or music have a glass of wine at Glasshalfull with a cheese plate.
For a trip to the past, the road leads to Hillsborough. The town is known for its historic downtown and well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. The outdoor life is easily accessible with trails and green spaces, with a walk around the scenic Eno Riverwalk a favorite pastime. For a sip of local cider head to the Botanist and Barrel Winery and Tasting room or have a craft beer at The Wooden Nickel Pub.
There is much to see and do in the Triangle and there are no wrong turns. No matter where the road takes you, there is always something to experience in Triangle towns.
