Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and a city that offers something for everyone. History buffs can enjoy the amazing architecture and historic places, there are plenty of free museums (always nice attractions for the budget conscientious), and a rich education heritage. Outdoor activities also abound, with over 156 parks and lakes in and around Raleigh.
The Playspace Children's Museum is a great place for the whole family to visit. The Oakview Historic County Park, a pre-Civil War era farmstead, is a chance to walk back in time. The city's culture is alive with dance, music, and drama shows that are performed through out the year.
The weather in Raleigh is fairly mild for the south. The highs in the summer rarely reach the 90's and the lows in the winter stay above freezing. The rainfall is even staying in or around 3 inches each month.
There are plenty of cheap flights to Raleigh through the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). You can find cheap airline tickets from New York to Raleigh for under $200 US. Flying in from Los Angeles you can get cheap airline tickets for around $300 US.
There are all types of accommodations available in the Raleigh area. Cheap hotels in Raleigh are available in all different areas. You can find cheap hotel rooms from just over $50 US near downtown Raleigh.