Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

Nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Fayetteville Street stands as more than just a mere street; it's a vibrant corridor of history, culture, and community. Originally a bustling main artery in the early 20th century, Fayetteville Street was the principal route south of the state capitol. Its transformation into a pedestrian mall in 1977 marked Raleigh's determined effort to revitalize its downtown core. Thus, Fayetteville Street was reborn with even greater vitality in 2006, as it was reintroduced to vehicles, reinvigorating the area and reaffirming its status as the city's ceremonial center.

The spirit of Fayetteville Street extends beyond its architectural design and urban layout. The street has a rich legacy of hosting parades, special events, and seasonal celebrations. From the annual Holidays Parade on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to the city's vibrant New Year's Eve celebration known as First Night, Fayetteville Street serves as a hub for communal merriment. Its legacy of celebration is further enriched by the Raleigh Wide Open event, a yearly celebration that marks the reopening of the street, symbolizing Raleigh's resilience and growth.

This historic thoroughfare is not only a focal point for celebration but also a hub of commerce and culture. The Fayetteville Street district is a bustling tapestry of downtown life, home to a diverse array of businesses, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Strolling down this vibrant corridor, one can encounter a myriad of experiences, from indulging in culinary delights to exploring unique shops and immersing oneself in the city's arts scene.

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Fayetteville Street Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, cementing its place as a cherished heritage site.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Raleigh. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Fayetteville Street on Map

Sight Name: Fayetteville Street
Sight Location: Raleigh, USA (See walking tours in Raleigh)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Raleigh, North Carolina

Create Your Own Walk in Raleigh

Create Your Own Walk in Raleigh

Creating your own self-guided walk in Raleigh is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historic Buildings Walking Tour

Historic Buildings Walking Tour

As you traverse the streets of North Carolina's capital Raleigh, you cannot help noticing a wealth of historic buildings, each illustrating a chapter in the city's annals.

Among these revered structures, the Joel Lane House emerges as a cherished relic of the distant past; its venerable walls echo with the whispers of bygone eras. The Dodd-Hinsdale House, a stately emblem of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Raleigh Introduction Walking Tour

Raleigh Introduction Walking Tour

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is often called the "City of Oaks" because there are many oak trees there. The city's origins go back to the late 1700s and are connected to the famous English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh from the 16th century. He tried to establish the first English colony in the Americas, known as the Roanoke Colony, which is now in North Carolina.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles