Sep. 18, 2010 - 75 Things to do in the Triangle

Each week I meet with clients relocating to the Raleigh-Cary area and they ask my why this area is so special. What is it that drives more than 15,000 people to relocated to the area each year?  

Great schools? Yes

Great climate?  You bet

Low Property Taxes?  Absolutely

If I were relocating to the area I would want to make sure I know about all of the fun things to do in the Triangle.   I've decided to put together a list of things to do in the Triangle with a Cary twist since I live in Cary.   I hope you find this list of 75 Things to do in the Triangle helpful. 

1. Watch at Duke/UNC/NCSU basketball game and try to remain unbiased
2. Watch NCAA Tennis at Cary Tennis Park
3. Go hiking at Umstead Park in Raleigh
4. Visit on of the many universities - UNC, Duke, or NCSU and tour the campus
5. Catch one of the many bike rides from Cycling Spoken Here in Cary
6. Watch a concert on the lawn or the 4th of July Fireworks at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary
7. Eat  authentic Italian gelato at Henry's Gelato in Cary
8. Don't miss Lazy Daze Festival in Cary
9. Watch a movie on the lawn outside the NC Art Museum, Raleigh
10. Rent a kayak at Bond Park
11. Ride your bike down the American Tobacco Trail (paved) from Apex to downtown Durham
12. Have drinks on the balcony of Top of the Hill overlooking downtown Chapel Hill
13. Check out an exhibit at the NC Museum of Natural History, Raleigh
14. See a show at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro
15. Don't miss one of the many Carolina Railhawks soccer games
16. Have one of your friends invite you for a round of Golf at Preston, MacGregor, or one of the many private golf courses in the area. 
17. Hike the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary
18. Check out the specials on fresh flower Friday at Preston Flowers in Cary
19. Buy fresh produce at the NC Farmer’s Market in Raleigh
20. Sign up for the sprint triathlon in Cary in the Spring
21. Watch the Carolina Hurricanes play at the RBC center, Raleigh
22. Eat weekend brunch at Briggs in Cary
23. Pick fresh strawberries at Jean's Berry Patch in Apex
24. Shop at the Smithfield Outlets just outside of Raleigh
25. Take your dog to the dog park in Cary off of Maynard Road
26. Picnic at the Duke Gardens, Durham
27. Eat eastern NC BBQ from Dixie Belles BBQ in Apex
28. Pet the belted cows at the Fearrington Farm, Chapel Hill
29. Listen to renowned authors read from their books-Quail Ridge Bookstore, Raleigh
30. See an exhibit at the Nasher Art Museum, Durham
31. Go shopping at the brand new Nordstrom's Rack in Durham
32. Ride the bus to the World Beer Festival in October (Durham) or May (Raleigh)
33. Go boating at Jordan Lake
34. Pick up a custard at Goodberry's in Cary
35. Eat at Foster’s restaurant in Durham
36. Attend Festival for the Eno, fourth of July week, Durham
37. Buy local produce Saturdays at the Cary Farmer's Market or at Carpenter Village
38. Eat at Mitch’s Tavern, the bar used in the movie Bull Durham, Raleigh
39. Catch a Durham Bulls baseball game, Durham
40. Follow the seasons change at the JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh
41. Stop by the NC State Fair in October, Raleigh
42. Watch a summer outdoor pops concert by the NC Symphony orchestra
43. Listen to live music at Fridays on the Front Porch The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill
44. See up & coming bands 7 nights per week at The Pour House, Raleigh
45. Shop at the Southern Season Sale each June, Chapel Hill
46. Attend a cooking class at Southern Season in Chapel Hill
47. See a touring Broadway show at the Broadway Series South, Raleigh
48. See a touring show or concert at the new Durham Performing Arts Center
49. See a show at the Morehead Planetarium, UNC
50. Walk the 2 Mile Loop at Apex Park
51. Walk the Trails at Bond Park
52. Free live concerts in Raleigh Thursday Nights in the summer (“Alive after 5”)
53. Eat fried chicken & pecan pie at Mama Dip’s, Chapel Hill
54. See local artists featured at the 2nd Friday artwalk, Carrboro
55. Buy freshly imported Italian foods from Capri Flavors, Morrisville
56. Serve the Italian food on Italian pottery from the Vietri outlet, Hillsborough
57. Watch some movies at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Durham
58. Catch a play at Playmaker’s Theater on UNC’s campus
59. Play golf at one of 27 area public golf courses
60. Watch independent movies at the Galaxy in Cary
61. Check out Pepper’s Pizza on Franklin Street, including the staff
62. Be amazed by attending an American Dance Festival performance, Durham
63. Cheer on the UNC Women’s Soccer team
64. Relax over a brunch at German bakery Gugulhupf, Durham
65. Check out Holly Hill Day Lilly Farm in Montcure
66. Spend a relaxing day at the 5 Star Umstead Spa in Cary
67. Spend some time at Kids Together Playground in Cary
68. Take a spin on the New Hope Valley Railroad during Halloween
69. Take the Historic Oakwood Tour during the Christmas holidays in Raleigh
70. Catch Fist Night in Raleigh on New Years
71. Shop at one of everyone's favorite - Whole Foods or Trader Joes
72. Play tennis at Cary Tennis Park
73. Swim laps at the Triangle Aquatics Center in Cary
74. Check out the blooming orchids at The Orchid Trail in Morrisville
75. Check-out the area publications for more information on a weekly basis!