visitRaleigh Creative Genius Blogging — Hot Ticket: Going Underground at Cameron Village
Sampling of posts and photos promoting the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
Those who were around Raleigh, N.C., in the 1970s and early 80s may remember the popular Village Subway: underground shops, restaurants and night clubs that contributed to a lively music and entertainment scene in the Cameron Village shopping center. Positioned between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Ga., Raleigh was a popular stop for touring musicians and still is today!
Modeled after Underground Atlanta, the name Village Subway came from its New York City-like subway entrance with a long stairwell that led to paintings of trains. As home to venues The Frog and Nightgown, the Bear's Den, Elliot's Nest, Cafe Deju Vu and The Pier, the Raleigh Underground attracted some of music's best up-and-coming talent; famous for hosting the likes of Bette Midler, R.E.M., The Police, The Ramones, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Sonic Youth and The Connells.
Sadly, the Underground was shut down in 1984 and its main entrance paved over. Its legacy lives on, however, and newer visitors have discovered the history of this subterranean landmark thanks to local blogs like Goodnight Raleigh and Candid Slice.
—Greater Raleigh CVB | 2013-2020
