There are still one way streets in downtown, so be careful.

Capital Boulevard North (away from downtown) has a wide selection of dealerships. You can find anything in this one five mile stretch.

When I was in college, I was dating someone who worked for a local landscape architect. He would get to see what city planners were planning on doing in the city because his company had a contract to work on the landscaping. Raleigh was pretty small and inclusive then, with few major roads to go from downtown to other cities. That would shortly change! Since then I moved away, to NJ, but came back to visit because my family still lives there. Recently, my daughter decided to go to a small college in Raleigh. So now we are moving back, and the change in the infrastructure is incredible! Development and more industry at RTP and downtown have forced the inclusion of much larger highways than ever. There is a new (as in last few years new) beltway, with an inner loop going towards downtown Raleigh and an outer loop going away from downtown. I love driving in Raleigh, open highway or not, because I enjoy remembering the cow pastures that used to be there and comparing that to now. Now it is a dynamic, thriving place to be. The highways go from the western mountains of the state all the way to the "Crystal Coast", the beautiful unspoiled beaches in the eastern part of the state.

South Saunders Street into downtown. South Saunders St. Comes into downtown Raleigh from the south part of the state, and it is geographically lower than downtown. So as you come in from the south, the downtown skyline is above you, and you can see the skyscrapers and the road ahead of you. Sometimes I have seen it right before a summer thunderstorm hits, the views are breathtaking!

Be prepared to drive defensively! It's not the city for "Sunday drivers". If you come to Raleigh and putter along, you'll find yourself getting rear-ended. Also, do NOT trust the "friendly" wave. That's when traffic is stopped and they tell you to come on out and turn left. I've gotten hit twice from that scenario, totaling one car.

I went to the Honda dealership because I buy Hondas. I would suggest they do that! I am not the type to buy a car off craigslist, so I can't suggest that. Capital Blvd and Glenwood Avenue have tons of auto dealerships.

My favorite driving memory is not necessarily a good one but definitely memorable! I went to a luncheon in Cary, which is the neighboring city to Raleigh. During lunch it began to snow. We quickly finished lunch, as it was really coming down. The bad thing was that it began to freeze on the roads. So instead of staying put, the entire Triangle region sent their employees and students home. It took me from 1pm until 9:30 pm to get home that day. I sat in traffic for all that time. It was a nightmare, yet I still look back and smile at the absurdity of it all.

Capital Blvd as you head into Downtown. Because the view of the Raleigh skyline is just lovely. As you head down Capital Blvd, the road turns slightly and you are in this really charming downtown area with museums, churches, and cool bars.