Outdoor Rinks Question (Raleigh: rentals, restaurants, vs.)

[TinkaMcKirk]

Hi,

I'm off work tomorrow, and a friend and I want to go skating in one of the outdoor rinks, eat some dinner and see a movie. Given the three things we want to do, I figured North Hills would probably be better than the rink downtown. Has anyone been to either rink (or both) who can share thoughts/opinions? Do they both have skate rentals?

Thanks!

[raleighkc]

The downtown rink is $8 and includes rentals. The N. Hills rink is $7 for adults, $5 for kids under age 10 and includes rentals. I haven't been to either yet, but plan to soon. The N.Hills rink closes on Jan 3.

[JohnNC]

FYI...Far as I know (based on last year) the North Hills rink is not ice. It is some material that is supposed to allow you to skate. From watching the kids try it is not very good. Go downtown to the real ice rink.

John

[TinkaMcKirk]

Thanks! I just researched the downtown rink and it says it's real ice. Guess we'll be heading downtown. I wouldn't have even thought about real vs. non-real ice if you hadn't brought it up. Thanks again!

[meanieme]

go downtown, the rink is larger and real ice
have food at the many restaurants around downtown
then watch a movie at the IMAX at Moore Square, also walking distance in downtown

[TinkaMcKirk]

Ooh - I forgot about IMAX at Marbles - excellent idea! Thanks!

[CrawfishGumbo]

I think it's hilarious that the N. Hills advertising blast is "Raleigh on Ice" since it's actually NOT ice. I guess N. Hills is all about pretension after all, huh?