Good morning, Raleigh. ☀️ Our city has some pretty picturesque spots, but when it comes to naming the landmark that best represents our city — what comes to mind?

We all know the typical spots: NC State’s belltower, the PNC building, Boylan Bridge... but what about the places you always take your out-of-town friends to see and say, “This is Raleigh?”

We asked you on Instagram which iconic images best evoke the spirit of #RaleighNC… and then ranked them based on your votes. Drumroll please…

5. Boylan Bridge

This skyline view from Boylan Bridge might inspire tears for any loyal Raleighite. | Photo by @raleigh.good

Boasting one of the best views of the city, Boylan Bridge connects historic neighborhood Boylan Heights with the Western edge of the Warehouse District and is a scenic destination for those wanting to take in a full view of the downtown skyline. The bridge was one of the first built to span the old North Carolina railroad.

4. Sir Walter Raleigh statue

Dressed for Pride + COVID-19 | Photo by @smagerkurth

Dedicated in 1976, the 11-foot bronze figure of our city’s namesake was created by Bruno Lucchesi, a world-renowned Italian-American sculptor. It’s not unusual to see the figure dressed up according to certain holidays, events, or seasons — including Pride month.

3. Memorial Belltower at NC State

Bird's-eye view | photo by @downtownraleigh

Completed in 1937 (the cornerstone was first laid in 1921), the belltower was initially built to honor NC State alumni who died in WWI. The 115-foot monument is made from 1,400 tons of granite + is located at the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Pullen Road.

2. The First Night Acorn

So big it's nuts | Photo by @theamandabittner

Weighing in at 1,250 pounds, the copper sculpture designed by David Benson is lowered annually over Fayetteville Street to ring in the New Year. In the meantime, it lives on a permanent pedestal near the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

1. Cree Shimmer Wall at Raleigh Convention Center

Red Hat Amphitheater | Photo by @raleighconvention

The 210-foot public art piece from local sculptor Thomas Sayre is made from ~80,000 aluminum panels depicting a giant oak tree. The image shifts in the breeze and with changing sunlight patterns + is backlit at night by colored LED bulbs that change seasonally. The installation faces McDowell Street, which sees approximately 20,000 vehicles enter downtown each day.