Have you ever had a true “stay-cation”?
You know, where you pretend you’re a tourist and explore all the nooks and crannies of where you live, it doesn’t even have to be that in depth, but just experience the basics of what your city has to offer.
Well if not then perhaps it’s time. Rated as one of the fastest growing cities in the country, someone is bound to soon ask you, “What’s there to do for fun around here?” Well it’s summertime so, outdoor movie in a park anyone? Raleigh Brewing and the Raleigh Little Theatre team up to sponsor “Movies in the Garden” a series of free outdoor movies on the Stephenson Amphitheatre in July and August. Also in Cary, Koka Booth Amphitheatre becomes an outdoor movie theatre during its “Movies by the Moonlight” series, so pack a picnic, grab a blanket for the lawn and relax.
What about visiting a vineyard? Nearby there’s Adams Vineyard and Winery, the Adams' mission is to sell the best quality wine and revitalize the economy of their family and community. Or check out Chatham Hill Winery and Event Venue in Cary, NC it’s one of the oldest wineries in the state and producer of award-winning, European-style wines such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Also Cloer Family Vineyards in Apex, NC is a fun place to bring your whole family and enjoy the day wandering through the vineyards or have a picnic lunch with a bottle of wine.
Have you ever been on a Segway? Located Downtown is Triangle Glides, not only is this fun but you’ll learn more than you ever thought about this City on this 90 minute tour! Tours such as the “Historic Oakwood”, “Downtown Discovery”, and “Raleigh Explorer”, and if those don’t get you excited perhaps you need the “Raleigh’s Darkest Secret” tour!
Did you know there’s such a thing as “First Friday”? It’s a free self-guided tour of downtown Raleigh’s cutting edge cultural hot spots. Local art galleries, art studios, alternative art venues, and museums stay open late the first Friday of every month to welcome thousands of art-seeking enthusiasts downtown.
While you’re there for “First Friday”, grab a bite at one of the many famous downtown eats like 42nd Oyster Bar, or Second Empire and Poole’s for something a little fancier. Although you can’t go wrong waiting in line at Beasley’s Chicken & Honey or head over to The Pit Authentic Barbeque in the Warehouse District among many more you won’t be able to hit in only a weekend!
On the outskirts of downtown be sure to discover nature’s true beauty. Join one of Raleigh’s hiking groups or explore on your own. William B. Umstead State Park covers 5,599 acres nestled between the expanding cities of Raleigh, Cary, and Durham. It offers hiking and biking trails, boat rentals, camping, picnic areas, and educational programs. Grab your backpack, pup and go!
Be sure to fit in some sporting events! From the Hurricanes to the Bulls to the Mudcats to the Railhawks (we’re partial to these guys!), let’s not forget the Rollergirls and of course NCSU, UNC & Duke. There’s always someone to root for!
From trolley pub tours to concerts to festivals to farmer’s markets and so much more, you don’t need to travel to the beach or the mountains (although that’s not far either!); you can stay right here at home and experience something new every weekend! Give it a try… then you’ll at least have an answer to the new-comer or visiting sightseer whom we’re so proud to welcome into this wonderful city we love called Raleigh, the “City of Oaks”.
(photo credit: iheartretail.com)