Things To Do
Downtown Cary Park
Where Mea grew up! Take a walk in the newly renovated park featuring the regional library, pavilion, and water features. Explore the local shops of quaint downtown Cary. One of Mea's favorite stores is Peak Olive Oil. Further down by the local theater are more cute shops and restaurants. Past the railroad tracks and behind the town hall, you can find the gardens where Mea spent much of her time playing Pokemon Go.
William B. Umstead State Park
A state park and close to the airport! Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, fishing, or picnicking, this park has something for everyone. The weather will be on the warmer side in September. Bring bug spray! Parking and admission is free :) The park has two entrances: The Crabtree Creek Entrance is directly off I70, taking Exit 287. Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh The Reedy Creek Entrance can be found off of N. Harrison Ave. Address: 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary
JC Raulston Arboretum
A beautiful place to walk around, enjoy the sun, have a picnic, and look at the beautiful flowers. Mea and Andrew had their first date here!
North Carolina Museum of Art
The main exhibit hall is free admission. Lovely space and expansive collection of art and outdoor installations. Mea spent a lot of time here in undergrad! On some weekends, there will be outdoor pop-up art markets!
James B. Hunt Jr. Library
The James B. Hunt Jr. Library at NC State University was designed by renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. This is where Andrew and Mea went to undergrad! Explore the library where Andrew, Mea, and friends spent all their time. The library is open to the public and features a BookBot, and over 80 different types of iconic modernist chairs. Each floor features floor to ceiling windows, showcasing the beautiful campus landscape. On the fourth floor balcony, you can see downtown Raleigh and Lake Raleigh! Try NC State's famous ice cream--Howling Cow! If you're in this area, feel free to check out Pullen Park or the State Farmer's Market, only a 10 minute drive away.
Pullen Park
A lovely park with rides, curated gardens, and a beautiful walkway around the lake. This park is right by Andrew and Mea's school and makes for a cute hangout with friends and family. Rides include a carousel, train, pedal boats, and kiddie boats!
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre botanical garden in the heart of Duke University’s campus. Admission is free. They have a variety of themed gardens to enjoy.
State Farmers Market & Restaurant
NC's fresh & locally grown goods can be found here! Discover produce to plants, shops, restaurants, arts & craft year-round at the State Farmers Market. The restaurant features Southern home-cooked meals with biscuits and good olde Southern hospitality. Mea loves the Daily Specials to get a bit of everything! If you go to the Seafood Restaurant, located on the other side of the Farmer's Market, try their hushpuppies!
Grand Asia Market
A local Asian grocery store, featuring a bakery and restaurant just a 5 min drive from the reception hotel. Mea's favorite item from the bakery is the sponge cake. Try the quail egg with pork steamed bun too! The restaurant has large servings and don't forget to add the chili oil!
Baker's Dozen Donut Shop
Mea's favorite donut shop! Just a 5 min drive from the reception hotel. Get there early because once they sell out for the day, that's it! On the weekends, they usually sell out before noon. Mea recommends the bear paw, apple fritters, and all of the glazed raise donuts :)
Szechuan Mansion Hotpot Cary
One of Mea's favorite foods is hotpot! Mea always orders the lamb skewers from here.
Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
Andrew's favorite! If you want to try some good Southern food, check this place out. They are only open until 2:30 pm though!
Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are a beautiful set of beaches along the North Carolina coast. If you love the ocean, this is the best place to go to! Andrew loves the beach! Note that this is a several hours drive East from where the reception is!