In Raleigh for 5 days next week

Completely depends on what you want to do.

Raleigh is a crossroads for other places, great place to live but not a lot to do.

2.5 hours east is the Atlantic. I'd recommend the Wilmington area because you can have all the sun and sand you want and still enjoy the riverfront area in Wilmington with all the restaurants and bars that go with it.

3-4 hours west are the Smokey Mountains. I'd recommend Asheville/Biltmore. From there you have the National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway if you want to stay in the car, plus you can stay in Asheville to enjoy the food and bar scene there. Kind of a haven for craft beer and all things hipster frankly. If you prefer romantic, do Biltmore with the wife, place is next level in terms of amenities and activities, your trip will be remembered for a long time.

DC is 4+ hours north depending on traffic on I-95. Beware, can be a nasty drive in the summer depending on wrecks, but if you are used to traffic in Baton Rouge shouldn't be anything new. If you haven't done DC its fun, but bring walking shoes, clothes for hot weather and keep hydrated. Hotels are actually reasonable in the summer and if you don't mind the heat its a good time to visit as the locals tend to clear out in July/August on the weekends.

Tons of options as I said, unfortunately beyond downtown Raleigh and checking out the campuses of Duke and UNC there isn't a ton to be had in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill frankly.