Remembering when Raleigh was just Raleigh

You use to be able to wonder down Hillsborough St. and be alone. College students were in class and everyone else was at work. This was when you could see pass the hustle and bustle of every traffic and enjoy the charm of a the big city with a small town personality.

There was a calm in the air down town on spring or fall days that smelt like fresh dew drops with the occasional whiff of a Hot dog stand. If you sat there long enough some talented musician would come along and play while a few state workers or down town lawyers pass by for lunch. Everyone giving that customary nod, wink, or smile just to say hello, that’s they way it use to be....

Long gone are the days when you could hear the saxophone humming between the not so tall buildings on Fayetteville street that was a mall, that is now a street again. Now its filled with construction noises and people in a hurry to get wherever they have to be. No doubt that it is one of the many modern restaurants or trendy boutiques that have replaces the old establishments pharmacies or mom and pops.

I don't see down town on days like this any more.

I still come Downtown but when everyone else comes, for Artsplosure or Raleigh Wide Open. I show up for any of the Spark-on events and Moore Square. The kids love the Marbles Museum, Internal Festivals and the Christmas parade. I have to admit I enjoy the events as well. I more so like the Bikefest or the CaribMask. I can't deny I have been in congestion of New years night and made at least one attempt to do 4th July here.

But I don't get to see this down town any more.

The quiet southern how you doing, have a good day with a head nod and a smile. The City where you couldn't meet a stranger because we all knew each other.

Down town Raleigh I use to know. Its a different vibe now...

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