We stayed in Chapel Hill a few years ago and took a day trip out to Jordan Lake. The water was warm and it was a lot of fun. If you have the time and want to go hang out by a lake, I recommend it.
Also Duke University has a beautiful garden that you can spend the day at. It's located in Durham.
If you are looking for kid things, this museum is supposed to be pretty cool (I have not been). www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/ The NC Museum of Natural History is there as well. My husband loves the Angus Barn for a good steak. One of my favorite beers is brewed there at Lonerider Brewing - Sweet Josie is the beer.
I'm trying to tag people, but can't get the names just right... Cicero, orangeblossom
Besides Jordan Lake, there is Falls Lake, which we prefer. Falls Lake has hiking and biking trails. There are a lot of parks though, including one right by the airport if you're staying there. There's also Pullen Park, which has a playground, paddle boats, merry-go-round, a train, great fun for little guys. And I definitely second the Marble Museum idea. 518 West is a good Italian place. If you have the time, there is a great ice cream place in Angier called Sunni Skies. Soooooo good.
Anybody have any reccomendations for things to do or places to eat in Raleigh NC?
A second (or third) for Marbles if you have little people. Go to see family a few times a year so we have fun everywhere together but we did really like the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History with their Imax theater.
For food in Raleigh proper, Sitti is a great lunch or dinner (lunch if with kids since think that dinner gets a little fancy). For Middle Eastern/Lebanese food we love it, and you can be content with just ordering a bunch of apps for lunch.
Pooles Diner Neomonde Raleigh Times (good food and beer) definitely bar scene at night though Trophy Brewing (just voted best pizza in NC) Guasaca (like chipotle but different ingredients in arepas)
Lots of breweries to visit. Duke Gardens There is a trail (greenway) that goes all through the city- fun to walk or bike Cameron Village for shopping Pullen Park (if you have kids) Movie theater in North Hills, also an upscale bowling area & a restaurant, Cowfish, specializes in burgers and sushi- fun environment. I love getting the Bento Box.
I don't know when you are coming, but there are always festivals, food truck rodeos, and concerts. Red hat amphitheater is downtown (smaller venue) walnut creek amphitheater (large venue, fun country concerts), and PNC (large indoor)
If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!
Oh, and the trolley pub. It goes downtown to different bars, it's Byob and I think really fun!
More restaurants- Angus Barn is really good, but pricey. If you go, go early and go upstairs to the wild turkey lounge for free cheese and get a drink.
I'm trying to tag people, but can't get the names just right... Cicero, orangeblossom
Besides Jordan Lake, there is Falls Lake, which we prefer. Falls Lake has hiking and biking trails. There are a lot of parks though, including one right by the airport if you're staying there. There's also Pullen Park, which has a playground, paddle boats, merry-go-round, a train, great fun for little guys. And I definitely second the Marble Museum idea. 518 West is a good Italian place. If you have the time, there is a great ice cream place in Angier called Sunni Skies. Soooooo good.
I'm trying to tag people, but can't get the names just right... Cicero, orangeblossom
Besides Jordan Lake, there is Falls Lake, which we prefer. Falls Lake has hiking and biking trails. There are a lot of parks though, including one right by the airport if you're staying there. There's also Pullen Park, which has a playground, paddle boats, merry-go-round, a train, great fun for little guys. And I definitely second the Marble Museum idea. 518 West is a good Italian place. If you have the time, there is a great ice cream place in Angier called Sunni Skies. Soooooo good.
Yes. Sunni Skies, so good!!!
Sunni Sky's is SO good.
Restaurants we love: Cowfish, Gravy, Toast Cafe (for breakfast/brunch), Daniel's (in Apex), Mason Jar Tavern (in Holly Springs), Tyler's Taproom, Relish, Yard House, Fiesta Mexicana