You've got to figure any place consistently mentioned as one of Money magazine's "top-rated places to live" would also be a pretty good place to visit.

And you'd be right. Raleigh (and the surrounding towns of Durham and Chapel Hill) is known more for its towering pines that its towering office buildings. Therein lies its charm. It's a geographically blessed city in the woods, with large lakes and more than a few golf courses. Raleigh enjoys four seasons, with pleasantly mild winters.