suggestions for places to visit (Raleigh, Durham: to rent, chapel, how much)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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As I mentioned in a different post, my family is thinking about moving to the area. We will be in the area in July to visit with some friends, and were planning to take 2 - 3 days to stay in town and visit the different cities. We are thinking of staying in Cary (because they have a hotel we like and the location seems to be kind of central).
We will likely be there for a Thurs - Sat or Fri - Sun. Does anyone have any suggestions on places we should visit to get a good feel for the town? We plan to eat out for all of our meals...we prefer local places...ethnic food (particularly indian & thai). We would like to visit some parks or neighborhoods with playgrounds, if anyone has any suggestions for those. We also plan to travel around rush hour on the weekdays so we can see what the traffic is like (we are in the Wash DC Metro area now...I've heard mixed things about the traffic down there). From what we know about the area, were we to relocate, we would likely rent for a year, but then look in Chapel Hill, Durham or Hillsborough to live permanently, so we are looking for suggestions in these areas. I'm not planning to spend much time in downtown Raleigh during our visit, because I don't see us living there necessarily.
Are you sure you want to stay in Cary if your focus is north of there? Since you are limited on time I would consider staying somewhere closer. SW Durham is closer and lots of shopping and restaurants. I would also consider staying anywhere on the west side of Durham or somewhere nice in Chapel Hill. Traffic here isn't anything like the DC Metro area, and Durham and Orange County have much less than Wake County, but SW Durham and Chapel Hill have the most traffic in their counties.
In Hillsborough I would check out the historic downtown, great restaurants, some shopping, a few historical sites/museums including Ayr Mount (I love the Poet's Walk trail here too). Any kids? I would also make a trip to Maple View Farms for ice cream. If you come the last Friday of the month check out Hillsborough's Last Friday's http://hillsboroughartscouncil.org/LastFridays.html
In Durham check out a Bulls game, see about a show at the DPAC, check out the restaurants at the American Tobacco District (before or after a game/show), Brightleaf, 9th St. You could do 9th St. and Duke University/Gardens tour together. If you stay in SW Durham the best sushi (they also have Thai, and various Asian dishes) is Shiki Sushi. In SW Durham you will also find Southpoint mall and most of your big box shopping.
In Chapel Hill you can tour UNC's campus and check out the planetarium. Others could suggest more things to do and which restaurants to try.
Hmmm..shows how much I know, I didn't think Cary was that far off! Our friends that we are visiting are in North Raleigh, though it isn't as important that we are close to them as we plan to do dinner with them and then go off to see things on our own. I have asked them for some suggestions too, but they really only know Raleigh.
Your suggestions sound wonderful - we will have a 2 1/2 year old with us and it sounds like we will have plenty to do. I would love to hear some more ideas too!
Your suggestions sound wonderful - we will have a 2 1/2 year old with us and it sounds like we will have plenty to do. I would love to hear some more ideas too!
Sarah Duke Gardens: walk the grounds enjoy the sights and smells of all those flowers and greenery
For Indian food I suggest Saffron located in Morrisville
For the kids you gotta visit Frankies for games, go carts mini golf, laser tag, batting cages and a nice bar for mom and dad.
Lake Johnson in downtown Raleigh is close to Pullen Park and a great place to rent peddle boats, canoes, kayaks and sail boats for as little as $6 an hour.
Gotta stop at goodberry's for frozen custard while you are here, locopops is also a neat little ice pop place.
Catch a bulls game and go across the street to the mellow mushroom for pizza or Cuban Revolution for good cuban sandwiches and salsa dancing. The tap room is also a great place for beers.
The Farmers Markets here are also a great place to wonder and waste time on a weekend morning
In Cary you won't be too central to Durham, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. As a recent transplant from DC, I'd say try to stay farther north. By DC standards, Cary isn't too far from where you are looking, but by Triangle standards, it's a totally different area.
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Our friends that we are visiting are in North Raleigh, though it isn't as important that we are close to them as we plan to do dinner with them and then go off to see things on our own. I have asked them for some suggestions too, but they really only know Raleigh.
