things to do in Raleigh Archives

Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art

Most recently updated March 24th, 2026

“Art in Bloom” is an annual fundraiser at the North Carolina Museum of Art, taking place March 18-22, 2026.

More than 50 floral designers from across North Carolina and beyond will interpret artwork and objects in the NCMA’s People’s Collection during this five-day festival of florals.

This year’s theme, “Written in the Stars”, is reflected in 14 gallery installations inspired by the zodiac’s astrological signs and their various meanings.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a media “sneak preview” of the exhibit before it opened. And I have to say, if you can find a way to get there – do it!!

Opening remarks at the Art in Bloom media preview.

As the NCMA’s largest annual fundraiser, Art in Bloom supports the museum’s public programming, annual exhibitions and the NCMA Foundation, Inc.

(PNC Bank returns as the founding presenting sponsor of Art in Bloom.)

The five-day event also includes floral workshops, lectures and programs as well as special extended hours and expanded food options.

See more information on related events by visiting ncartmuseum.org /artinbloom.

Sculptures in the West Building host Art in Bloom

Admission is now SOLD OUT to Art in Bloom at the NCMA, March 18-22, 2026.

BUT THERE’S STILL A WAY TO SEE IT!

For a chance to see Art in Bloom plus more, purchase a raffle ticket here.

Also, see the “Art in Bloom” promo page on the NCMA website, for other upcoming Art in Bloom-related events, and Membership information.

NCMA Art in Bloom Information

Art in Bloom themed items are available at the Gallery store in the West building.

Gallery of Art in Bloom Photos

All of the photos in this article were snaps I took at the preview of the artworks presented at that time.

During the show, we’re only supposed to use photos of the installations for personal use – seems fair, right?

So I’ll open my exhibit photo Gallery next week, after the event is officially closed.

UPDATE: The show is over, so I’ve added a link below to my personal photo gallery of the event.

Click here to enjoy the photos 🙂

About the North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art’s collection spans more than 5,000 years, from antiquity to the present, making the institution one of the premier art museums in the South.

The NCMA collection provides educational, aesthetic, intellectual and cultural experiences for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond.

The museum is located at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. in Raleigh and is home to the People’s Collection.

Just a word about parking at the NCMA during Art in Bloom – even if you’re just there to go to the park – it will be terrible!

If you can park at a nearby location, and walk in, it will be much better for you ! 🙂

About the NCMA Art Park

The 164-acre Museum Park showcases the connection between art and nature through site-specific works of environmental art.

Whirligig sculpture and remaining smokestack in NCMA Art Park

The museum park offers changing special exhibitions, classes, lectures, family activities, films and concerts.

Continue reading Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art

Explore the Rolesville Batholith at Mitchell Mill State Natural Area

Most recently updated July 23rd, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes

I’ve been exploring and hiking on trails in North Carolina for more than 20 years, but one thing I’ve neglected – partly because they don’t have many long hiking trails – are the State Natural Areas.

Though not great for hiking North Carolina State Natural Areas are good for exploring nature and different habitats in a fairly small space.

This kind of place can be an exciting outdoor adventure for small children, like your kids or grandkids.

Mitchell Mill State Natural Area in Northern Wake County is one such very unique spot to explore.

The 93-acre site is a Registered Heritage Area, and sits atop one of the largest granite domes on the east coast, called the Rolesville Batholith.

Plant life from lichens to full grown trees sit atop the Rolesville Batholith.

Mitchell Mill State Natural area protects this Paleozoic-era granite, and also houses a fragile and rare ecosystem, including native plant communities that can only grow in such a “granitic flatrock” environment.

Read more to learn how you can visit and explore this unique State Natural Area!

Continue reading Explore the Rolesville Batholith at Mitchell Mill State Natural Area

Hike, Bike or Just Relax at the North Carolina Museum of Art Park

Most recently updated September 17th, 2024

Signpost on the Green trail at the edge of the NCMA park.

The North Carolina Museum of Art Park has been a tremendous gift to the whole Raleigh community.

The park’s trails and open lawns, ponds and pools, larger than life outdoor art, plus the amphitheater and outdoor movie screen provide a beautiful open air gathering place for everyone.

NOTE: We were just named a local NCMA expert on ApartmentGuide.

Read the full article here: Unique Things To Do in Raleigh, NC

I’ve gotten a lot of good use from the safe – and inexpensive – outdoor activities for kids the Museum Park has made available over the years.

From the time my daughter was in kindergarten through her college years – and even now as a young adult in the community – the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and the Museum Park events and grounds have been a big part of both of our lives.

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Get Outdoors with Your Toddler at JC Raulston Arboretum

Most recently updated September 22nd, 2022

Years ago, when my daughter was about 3 years old and I was looking for outdoor activities for smaller kids, a friend introduced me to the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.

For my daughter – and for me, too – it was a magical place.

This was partly because we were living in a rented townhome with not even a minimal yard, and partly because the arboretum really is magical! 🙂

But seriously, it does seem to be getting more difficult to find simple inexpensive fun outdoor activities for toddlers, especially if you don’t have a home with your own yard.

This is a real shame, because toddlers love getting outdoors to run around in the sunshine, play with bugs, and eat dirt.

Part of a border garden at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Fortunately for me, the JC Raulston Arboretum was only a short drive away, and was a great place to get outdoors and explore without any admission or parking fees – or even funnel cakes or anything-on-a-stick that I had to say “no” to.

Fortunately for everyone, although it has grown a lot in the past 20 years, the JC Raulston Arboretum is still a magical and inexpensive place to take young children to play outdoors.

They can feel the sunshine, eat dirt, and maybe learn a few things about trees and plants, too.

Continue reading Get Outdoors with Your Toddler at JC Raulston Arboretum