Tucked away on a back street that runs parallel to Hillsborough is a quaint piece of history you are going to want to visit: the Joel Lane House. Its owner, Joel Lane of course, sold the land that eventually became the city of Raleigh, and his original house (though undergoing extensive renovations several times) is the oldest house in town. Literally. I love just walking around the outside of the house, rambling through the herb garden and visiting the sundial, walking through the back yard court and sitting under the pergolas, which in spring is shaded by sweet Chinese wisteria, or just taking pictures of the fragrant old fashioned roses that line the picket fence surrounding the home. The price of admission to see the inside may feel a little expensive, but the home uses the admission solely for upkeep and repairs. Also, be sure to check on the schedule. The hours are a little strange.
more