Things To Do
Dix Park
Dorothea Dix Park has many attractions and is the largest Raleigh City park! Start at Gipson Play Plaza to see a cool new playground and then make your way over to Big Field! There are also many locations to hang a hammock and a dog park for any furry friends that made the trip! The Dix Park Campus was originally home to a mental health institution, which is still standing today, for any collectors of eclectic spaces.
JC Raulston Arboretum
Jeb and Kristal spend a lot of time at the Arboretum and always take people who stay with them to see the beauty of it! The Arboretum is home to various styles of gardens, from Japanese plantings to native North Carolina perennial borders. There are many unique species and cultivars from across the state, country, and world, including the Dwarf Loblolly Pine, which can currently only be found at the Arboretum.
Downtown Cary Park
Downtown Cary Park was completed just a few years ago, but is already a local favorite. The unique playground featuring two large wooden cardinals is a favorite for young guests, while the bar, dog park, and concert venue keep the older crowd entertained. The bar features drinks on tap from local breweries with a great view of the park.
Lots of local breweries!
There are so many fun breweries in and around Raleigh! Some of our favorites are Fortnight Brewing (they have a small disc golf course, which Jeb and Kristal love to play), Crank Arm (in Downtown Raleigh), and Bull City Cider Works (a bit farther away but Kristal’s favorite!).
Esteamed Coffee
While you’re out visiting Downtown Cary Park, make sure to walk over and get some great coffee here! The shop employs and benefits adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities(Plus, the merch is really great!). Esteamed also shares an outdoor seating area with Serendipity Gourmet Deli, and be sure to try the chicken salad.
Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery
The BEST ice cream made locally by NC State students! The Creamery is a teaching farm where dairy science students learn every step of the process from animal care to commercial production. You can sit and watch the howling cows while you eat your tasty treat! Jeb's favorite flavor is butter almond, and Kristal's is cherry vanilla! Farm fresh from udder to cone! ( Also be sure to visit Yates Mill Pond Park across the street for history and a hike!)
Kentwood Park Disc Golf Course
This is our favorite place to play Disc Golf, and it is also the most played course in North Carolina! This course boasts moderately strenuous terrain and great views of the local ecology. When the weather is nice, Kentwood is bustling with players of all skill levels hunting a new personal best. Be sure to stop by for rocky fairways and bangin' chains!
Local Shopping
There are many shopping hubs in the Raleigh area with a mixture of national chains and local flavor. Some of our favorites include Fenton and Crossroads Plaza in Cary, North Hills in North Raleigh, as well as the Village District near downtown and NC State's campus. On the weekends, you can stop by the Raleigh Market at the North Carolina Fairgrounds, recognized as one of the top flea markets in the country!