1. Cheerwine Is The Only Soft Drink Worth Sipping On
Produced in Salisbury, North Carolina, this delicious cherry-flavored soft drink is super popular with Raleighites. One sip, and you’ll totally understand why.
2. Bojangles’ Is The Best Fast Food Ever
Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits may not be your mom’s home cooking, but it satisfies the craving for delicious, spicy Cajun fried chicken that’s oh-so-good but oh-so-not-good-for-you just fine.
3. Ketchup In BBQ Sauce Is Just Downright Wrong
Come on, we’re not in Charlotte here. Vinegar-based sauce is the only way to go.
4. You’ll Fit Right In If You’re A Member Of The Pack
The North Carolina State Wolfpack, that is. Just don’t get caught howling for their rival team, the North Carolina Tar Heels, on game day.
5. Raleigh Totally Lives Up To Its Nickname
The City of Oaks? Yeah, sounds about right. Raleigh’s gorgeous tree lined streets and green spaces make it just about the prettiest city ever.
6. There’s No Acceptable Excuse To Order Unsweetened Iced Tea
Honestly, what are you doing? The only way to drink your tea in Raleigh is sweet—and preferably while lounging on a porch, looking out at the beautiful city skyline, and chatting with a neighbor.
7. Don’t Compare Raleigh To Charlotte… Unless Raleigh Comes Out On Top
Charlotte might as well be an annoying younger sibling as far as Raleighites are concerned. Sure, Charlotte likes to brag that they’ve gotten a little taller (like 300,000 people taller), but guess who’s still the state capital?
8. It’s Impossible Not To Lick Your Plate At Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
It’s the best authentic North Carolina BBQ in the city, so yeah, it’s acceptable to forget a few traditional table manners at the door. No true Raleighite is going to judge you for that.
9. The Rodeo Doesn’t Involve Any Bulls Or Horses
It does, however, involve a whole lot of delicious food. The Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo is more of a foodie’s dream than a cowboy’s.
10. The Best View Of Downtown Is Also The Best Place To Grab A Beer
There’s a reason Boylan Bridge Brewpub is so popular with Raleighites—actually make that three reasons. Fantastic beer, fantastic food, and holy cow, that’s one fantastic view.
11. There Is Absolutely No Reason Not To Be Outside All The Time
But there are about a billion reasons to be outside. Whether they’re boating on the lake, hiking, biking, or jogging the endless trails, or even just hosting a quiet barbeque in the park, Raleighites are all about appreciating their gorgeous city.
12. Plus, You’ll Never See More Beautiful Seasons
Raleigh is blessed with mostly mild weather, but a full range of seasons. That means lots of long summer days, snow angels in the winter, gorgeous changing leaves in fall, and blossoming trees in spring—all without ever feeling like you might die of exposure.
13. Raleighites Do Hot Dogs So Much Better
Hot dogs are not just for the Fourth of July, baseball games, or picky seven year olds. Local hot dog joint The Roast Grill totally elevates hot dogs to highbrow foodie standards (without losing picky seven year old approval).
14. No Raleighite Is Above Stealing Sugar Cookies From Kids
Okay, not directly from kids. But the best grocery store on the planet, Harris Teeter, provides free sugar cookies for kids… and no one cards you, so it must be okay to take them.
15. The Cupcake Shoppe Is The Best Place To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
If stealing all those Harris Teeter cookies didn’t do it, maybe one of The Cupcake Shoppe’s seriously decadent treats will. (If not, you can always order by the dozen.)
16. When In Raleigh, Mind Your Manners
Ma’am and sir definitely aren’t archaic phrases in this city. Raleighites know the real key to that Southern charm that they have in spades are good old fashioned manners.
17. Raleighites Are A Bunch Of Super-Brains
Raleigh is home to the IBM Corporation and a really full handful of pharmaceutical companies, so next time you think about making a stupid Southern stereotype joke, check your medicine cabinet or use your computer. There’s a reason this city is one of the three points in the Research Triangle.
18. The Best Place To Grab An Old Fashioned Milkshake Is At A Pharmacy
Raleigh’s pharmaceutical companies may be high tech, but you can still get a milkshake for two at the counter of Person Street Pharmacy.
19. Lafayette Village Is Just Like That City In Europe
You know the one—Hipsterville. North Raleigh’s “European style” village may not actually be super… European. But it is chock full of shopping, craft beers, and awesome restaurants, and you don’t have to buy a two thousand dollar plane ticket to get there.
20. Kids Are Literally Everywhere All The Time
Raleigh is definitely different than most major cities, but one of the things that sets it apart are the sheer number of small children. Young professionals tend to flock to city centers, but in Raleigh they stay to raise a family. And with awesome public schools and great parks and museums, why wouldn’t you?
21. Driving In The Snow Is Totally Hopeless
Raleighites may be used to a little snow in winter. What they’re not used to? Cleaning it off the roads. Just one inch and everyone is huddled inside waiting for their boss to call and tell them they don’t have to come in that day.
22. The State Fair Is Actually The Best Thing Ever
In October, everyone from the state of North Carolina flocks to the State Fair. It’s a far shorter flock for lucky Raleighites, since it’s hosted right in their own back yard.
23. Traffic Is Seriously Not As Bad As It Sounds
Traffic in Raleigh is really not that bad. The average commute clocks in at just over twenty-minutes. But locals have the unique ability to make it sound like they’re driving in Los Angeles.
24. The Weekend Starts On Beach Music Thursday
Okay, not really, but wouldn’t it be awesome if it did? At least letting loose at the Midtown Beach Music Series in North Hills makes it a little easier to trudge through your last day of the week.
25. It’s All About Local Artists On First Fridays
If you didn’t get your fix on Thursday night, downtown Raleigh comes alive with music, food, and tons of local artists showcasing work on the first Friday of every month. So you can check “great local art scene” off your list too.
26. If One Friday A Month Isn’t Enough, CAM Will Always Be There For You
There’s always something new going on at the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, whether it’s a visiting artist event, or a travelling exhibit. So, you get a whole lot of bang for the five bucks for general admission.
27. It’s Not All Delicious BBQ Pork And Fried Chicken In Raleigh
Okay, so it’s a lot of that. But Raleighites eat their vegetables too (and not just when they’re greens cooked in pork fat). The Farmers Market is the place to go for super fresh produce… and okay, maybe a cupcake or two.
28. Grabbing A Slice At Lilly’s Pizza Isn’t Just About The Food
Of course, the food it totally worth the trip. But Lilly’s gets tons of local bonus points for their awesome, laid back atmosphere.
29. Raleighites Get To Take The Best Day Trips
Beaches and mountains are just a few hours away from Raleigh, so whether water skiing or, well, regular skiing are your thing, it’s just a short drive away.
30. Raleigh Is Right In The Middle
Right in the middle of the state, right in the middle of beaches and mountains, and most importantly, right in the middle of big city and small town vibes. And that’s exactly how locals like it.
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about Raleigh? Tell us in the comments below! 
