Raleigh might be best known for barbecue and government buildings, but peel back a few layers and you’ll find a city where massive pink dogs, NASCAR legends, and a very suspicious-looking house all have a place. Secret Raleigh is your guide to the city’s quirkiest corners—like a former racetrack now swallowed by trees and a soapbox derby where costumes are just as important as speed.

You’ll meet a 22-foot Muffler Man, discover redwoods growing in front yards, and learn why the state capital owes its location to a tavern with good drinks. Want waterfalls? Raleigh’s got a secret one inside the Beltline. Dream of living in a fire station? Someone beat you to it.

With author Emily Price, this isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a celebration of the curious, overlooked, and delightfully weird. It’s perfect for locals who think they’ve seen it all, or visitors who prefer their travel with a side of “wait, what?” Bonus points if you pack a camp chair and a sense of humor.