Being an empty nester gives you a great opportunity to see the country and the world.
You’ve finally got the kids out of the apartment and living independently. But what do you do now that you don’t have to plan vacations around school schedules or research kid-friendly destinations?
Taking vacations without the kids can be an adjustment. Follow our tips below to plan a great trip and have a good time even though your little birds have left the nest.
Celebrate Go Skate Day at one of these Triangle area skateparks.
Once considered a pastime for rebels and derelicts, sports like skateboarding, BMX biking and inline skating are becoming more popular among teens and young adults, as well as some adults. So in honor of Go Skate Day, which occurs on June 21, throw on a helmet and some knee pads and check out these local skateparks in the Triangle area where you can learn to ollie or practice your kick flips.
Sk8-Cary
Managed by the town of Cary, Sk8-Cary is located in Robert V. Godbold Park and can accommodate skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX bikers. This expansive park features a 12,000-square-foot street course, ramps, a pro shop, concession area and a covered viewing area. For safety reasons, bikers and skaters can’t use the facilities at the same time, so make sure to check Sk8-Cary’s website to view the complete schedule. Fees to use the park vary and generally depend on whether or not the user is a resident of Cary or a member of the park, but expect to pay around $10.00 per session if you’re not a member.
Where: 2040 Northwest Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27513
Wheels Family Fun Park
A veritable all-in-one park, the 8.5-acre Wheels Family Fun Park has a skatepark that welcomes bikers, rollerbladers and skateboarders. Here, you’ll find a mini half-pipe and a street course with rails, spines and other obstacles. Patrons can also enjoy go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, video games, a snack bar and Internet. Admission is $5.75 for a two hour session or $7.00 for an all-day pass.
Where: 715 North Hoover Road, Durham, NC 27703
The Factory Skateboard Park
Owned and operated by Delicious Skateboard Shop, the Factory Skateboard Park offers 25,000 square feet of skateable space and includes an outdoor concrete park that includes a variety of challenging obstacles like manual pads, ledges, a snake run and bowl. The indoor skate area features two separate areas, one downstairs for advanced skaters, which features a bank, pyramid, six-foot and nine-foot ramps and a seven set stair with a handrail, as well as one for beginners, which includes three-foot banks and quarters, a three set stair, manual pad and ledges. Admission is $8.00 for non-members.
Where: 1839 S. Main St., Building 500, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Chapel Hill Skatepark by Vertical Urge
Located in Chapel Hill’s Homestead Park, the Chapel Hill Skatepark is also the home of the Vertical Urge pro skateboarding shop, where you can pick up the latest gear. Admission to the park is $7.00 for Orange County residents and $8.00 for non-residents.
Where: 100 Northern Park Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Project 58
If you want to skateboard but can’t stand the summer heat, head to Project 58, an indoor skatepark with 10,000 square feet of climate-controlled space. Once you’ve burned off some calories, cool off in the arcade, concession stand or at the espresso bar. You’ll also find a 7,000-square-foot Vertical Urge skate shop at this location.
Where: 7409 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
Photo credit: iStockphoto/Dizzo
Spend some quality time with Dad at one of these great Father’s Day events in the Triangle area.
Father’s Day, which occurs this year on June 17, is a day to celebrate that wonderful man in your life. If you happen to be in the Triangle area during this special time, spend some quality time with Dad at one of these great Father’s Day events.
Daddy and Me Game Day
For an active and fun Father’s Day, take the whole family and hop, skip and jump over to Crowder District Park to take part in an afternoon of nature-related games. Afterwards, cool off with some refreshments.
When: June 17, 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Road, Apex, NC 27539
Dad’s Day Weekend
Celebrate Father’s Day at Marbles Kids Museum, where dad and kids can enjoy special activities like manly mustaches, tinkering with tools and relay races.
When: June 17 and 17, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Father’s Day Tribute Celebration: Pops for Pops
Enjoy the musical stylings of the Durham Community Concert Band and the Durham Jazz Orchestra as they come together for this free performance. If Dad is a music lover, he’ll love this event.
When: June 17, 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: American Tobacco Campus, 318 Blackwell St., Durham, NC 27701
Father’s Day Hike
Spend some time with Dad and the family enjoying the great outdoors while getting some fresh air and exercise. This hike is perfect for nature explorers of all ages.
When: June 17, 11 a.m. – noon
Where: Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4640 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
Family Programs: Canoeing with Dad
Moms are welcome to join as Dads take the kids canoeing on the fishing pond.
When: June 17, 3 – 4 p.m.
Where: Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill, NC 27562
Food Truck Rodeo
If Dad is a foodie, take him down to the Food Truck Rodeo, the largest food truck assemblage in the Triangle area. Featuring over 35 vendors, including ChirbaChirba Dumpling, Big Mikes BBQ and ParlezVous Crepe, there’s something to please every palate. Enjoy music from dub Addis, an African-inspired jam band, in the afternoon.
When: June 17, 2012, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Durham Central Park, 502 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701
Photo credit: iStockphoto/PinkTag
Get great views of Raleigh's skyline while playing a round of 18 holes.
With gorgeous weather year-round, Raleigh is your golf destination. Whether you’re the next Tiger Woods or you just like to go with a few buddies for a round of fun, Raleigh has some of the best golf courses around. Maybe you’re faking sick for the day and just need to get some time on the links away from the office, or maybe you are looking for a course to challenge your current skills; either way, there’s a golf course out there with your name on it. So, grab your clubs and try some of the best golf courses in Raleigh and North Carolina’s Triangle area.
Lonnie Poole Golf Course
Located on North Carolina State University’s facility, this challenging course also offers some of the most beautiful views of the downtown Raleigh skyline. This course is great for those who like to play a little riskier. The public course was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. The Lonnie Poole Golf Course is very playable for all skill levels, and it has a par of 71. Additionally, it is affordable, and you can typically get in to play during twilight hours for $35 on the weekdays.
Where: 1509 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
Eagle Ridge Golf Course
The wooded rolling terrain of the Eagle Ridge Golf Course is very playable for all golfers. Higher handicappers can safely find their way to the green, and riskier players will find plenty of risk, as well as rewards. The 1992 U.S. Open Champion Tom Kite designed this course, and he was very hands-on when making decisions for it. The course offers a driving range, practice green and chopping area and a PGA staff to help tailor your golf game.
Where: 565 Competition Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
Raleigh Country Club
Designed by an influential golf course designer, Donald James Ross, Raleigh Country Club has been a part of Raleigh since 1948. Not only is the course impressive, but the service from the pro shop and the golf pros is excellent. The greens are a little challenging, but it is very playable. It is the current host site for the McConnell Challenge, as well as the North Carolina Open. Membership is exclusive.
Where: 400 Donald Ross Drive, Raleigh, NC 24610
River Ridge Golf Club
This public golf club is perfect for those who just need to get out of their apartment for a few hours of relaxation. The course is reasonable, as far as difficulty goes. The holes provide some challenge, but time spent on this course is always fun. It was voted, “Best Bang for Your Buck in the Triangle” by NC Golf Panel in 2011.
Where: 3224 Auburn Knightdale Road, Raleigh, NC 27610
TPC at Wakefield Plantation
These 18 holes of golf were designed by veteran PGA Tour player and three-time U.S. Open winner, Hale Irwin. It offers a variety of amenities, and the breathtaking countryside within the Wakefield Plantation is reason enough to grab your clubs. The beautiful course is lined with pines and quiet creeks, and it is the host of the Nationwide Tour during the Rex Hospital Open. This course is a must-see for any golfer.
Where: 2201 Wakefield Plantation Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/zxcynosure
Raleigh is chock full of music stores where you can pursue a new hobby.
Summer is officially here, which means longer days, kids out of school and more free time for everyone. Don’t let these days get away from you: now is the perfect time to cultivate a hobby, like learning how to play a musical instrument. If you’re in the Raleigh area, stop into one of these shops that specialize in musical instruments, both new and used, pick one up and test it out. And if you find something you like, some of these stores even offer lessons.
John Montgomery Violins
This small boutique violin shop is owned and operated by the talented John Montgomery, who is fully trained in both instrument making and restoration and has been working in the field since 1977, and before that he attended the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City and became a Watson Fellow, studying instrument construction in France. Needless to say, his credentials are impressive, and you won’t find a better made violin in this part of the country. He has a full inventory of handmade and used violins, violas and violoncellos, as well as bows and other accessories like strings, cases, stands, shoulder rests and rosins.
Where: 509 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Harry’s Guitar Shop
Founded in 1985, Harry’s is a full service guitar shop located in downtown Raleigh that features new and used gear for musicians at any level. In addition to different types of guitars, like acoustic, electric and classical, you’ll also find a selection of bass guitars, mandolins and banjos, as well as amplifiers and a selection of accessories like strings, straps, tubes and pickups. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and you might even run into Harry himself, if you’re lucky.
Where: 616 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603
2112 Percussion
As one of the only shops in the Raleigh area to specialize in percussion, 2112 Percussion is a great resource for existing or aspiring drummers in the city. In addition to a full retail space, which features drums of all shapes, sizes and varieties and accessories like drum sticks, stick holders, headphones and seats, 2112 Percussion also offers lessons in guitar, bass, piano, drum and voice and sponsors many music-related summer camp programs.
Where: 1003 East Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27608
Marsh Woodwinds
Located in the heart of downtown, Marsh Woodwinds has been providing the area with instruments, repairs and woodwind culture for over 25 years. You’ll find a vast selection of wind instruments, like trombones, trumpets, clarinets, flutes and saxophones as well as guitars and ukuleles. If you’re tired of browsing and are looking for something a little more engaging, the shop also features great local and regional live music on a weekly basis in its upstairs performance space.
Where: 707 North Person Street, Raleigh, NC 27604
Falls River Music
As more of a catch-all music boutique, this small yet well-loved store gives customers a wide range of consignment instruments but specializes in guitars, guitar equipment and offering music lessons for guitar, bass, drum, violin, trumpet, flute and voice. Next door, you’ll find a coffee house also owned by the professionals at Falls River Music that has a stage with full gear so interested musicians can walk right in, plug in and play. Open mic nights are on Tuesdays.
Where: 1141 Falls River Ave., Raleigh, NC 2761
Photo credit: iStockphoto/niknikon
Celebrate Valentine's Day in Raleigh with music, comedy, food and culture.
With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, you might be searching for the perfect way to spend this special day. Whether you plan to spend the international day of love with your friends, family or significant other in the Raleigh area, you’re in luck, as there are a number of great Valentine’s Day events in this city.
For the Music Lover: Firebird
Make this Valentine’s Day super special by treating the music lover in your life to an exciting night of some of the best classical music in the Triangle area. Lead by guest conductor Joana Carneiro, renowned soloist Johannes Moser performs the 1945 version of Igor Stravinsky’s seminal Firebird Suite on cello, as well as music by English composers Benjamin Britten and Edward Elgar.
Details: Feb. 11 and 12, 8 p.m., Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 East South St., Raleigh, NC 27601
For the Class Clown: My Funny Valentine Comedy Jam
Keep this Valentine’s Day lighthearted and fun at the My Funny Valentine Comedy Jam. Featuring rip-roaring performances by comedians Bruce Bruce, Tony Rock, Arnez J and Gary Owen, the My Funny Valentine Comedy Jam is guaranteed to make for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.
Details: Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts – Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh, NC 27601
For the Foodie: Valentine’s Evening at Prime Smokehouse
Prime your taste buds for a magical evening of food and romance at Prime Smokehouse. You’ll be treated to an extravagant three-course dinner featuring wine pairings on the appetizer and dessert courses, all while being serenaded by the sultry sounds of Henry Lovett and Gina Revae. To cap off the evening of romance, ladies will receive long-stemmed roses and chocolates.
Details: Feb. 14, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Prime Smokehouse, 2800 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC 27610
For the Cultural Enthusiast: Valentine’s Day Gala
For a night like no other, lace up your dancing shoes, don your best attire and head out to the Valentine’s Day Gala, sponsored by the Triangle Lebanese Association. At this classy and upscale event, you’ll get the chance to participate in a number of different dance styles, such as samba, salsa, merengue and more. Or, simply lounge in the elegant ballroom and partake in an array of delicious international food while you soak in the culture.
Details: Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m., Crabtree Marriott, 4500 Marriott Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612
For the Family: Cowboys & Cowgirls Valentine’s Day Rodeo
Valentine’s Day fun for the whole family starts at the Cowboys & Cowgirls Valentine’s Day Rodeo at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds’ Hunt Horse Complex. The main event features barrel racers and bull riders from around the Southeast competing for prizes for the fastest times. Take a break from all the high-energy action by shopping at the different vendors, or have some fun with pony rides and mechanical bulls.
Details: Feb. 10 and 11, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Hunt Horse Complex, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27695
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Eraxion
Find innovative and classic barbecue throughout Raleigh.
It’s no secret that Southerners love their barbecue. In fact, in some cities, it’s a veritable way of life, with many regional and national debates over what barbecue truly is, taking into account details such as style, method, preparation, type of meat and condiments served. From the pork-centric, “wet” and “dry” preparation found in Memphis, to the beef-dominated, “cowboy style” in Texas, to the “whole hog” style of the vinegar-based North Carolina style, barbecue can be found in almost any way imaginable. Here, we detail some of the best barbecue joints near downtown apartments in Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital city.
Ole Time Barbecue
Why: Located just minutes from downtown apartments in Raleigh, Ole Time Barbecue is one of the city’s culinary institutions. This tiny, no-frills roadside joint offers up two house-made sauces and tasty, made-from-scratch sides including macaroni and cheese, killer hush puppies, fried okra and collard greens. Try their famous pulled pork sandwich and bask in the Americana-themed knickknacks that line the walls.
Where: 6309 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27606
Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue
Why: If you’re fortunate enough to live in downtown apartments in Raleigh, make sure to stop by Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue, a friendly place that has been serving up Carolina-style barbecue since 1938. Founded by the great Clyde Cooper himself, this pork haven cooks top-notch lean pork shoulders and hams and adds a dash of their homemade barbecue sauce for a flavor that is out of this world. Add a side of Brunswick stew or crispy pork skins and top off the meal with a sweet and creamy order of banana pudding, and you’ve got yourself a meal made in hog heaven.
Where: 109 E Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601
The Pit
Why: Mixing Southern hospitality with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic in a restored 1930s meatpacking warehouse, The Pit has made a name for itself for being the can’t-miss, slightly upscale barbecue destination near downtown apartments in Raleigh. Drawing media attention from Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” The Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” and magazines such as Bon Appetit and Southern Living, The Pit is known for top-notch pork as well as unique starters such as Fried Pimento Cheese and Pumpkin Skillet Cornbread. The Pit even serves up barbecue turkey, Texas-style brisket, fried chicken and a barbecue tofu dish for those looking for an alternative option.
Where: 328 W Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/TheCrimsonMonkey
Downtown Raleigh is a hub for business and industry.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/killahfunkadelic
It’s a very exciting time to be living in Raleigh right now. Beyond the fact that it’s the second-largest city in North Carolina, it’s also one of the fastest-growing in the country. The city offers a wide variety of activities, as well as a number of fine educational opportunities and a proximity to several other attractions in the state of North Carolina. With a rich history that dates back nearly 250 years, you can be sure that there’s something in Raleigh for the entire family. It’s also a great place to live and one that you’ll quickly fall in love with should you decide to do so.
Education
As of 2011, Time magazine has Raleigh ranked as the third-most educated city in the United States, based on the number of residents with college degrees. This is thanks in no small part to the large number of educational institutions throughout the city. Raleigh has more than a dozen schools to call its own, including North Carolina State University, which is consistently regarded as one of the finest public schools in the country.
There are also plenty of private schools for interested parties, including William Peace University. Established in 1857, this school teaches an intimate student body of 700 a number of different fields. Though historically Peace University is one of the oldest women’s schools in the United States, it has recently announced that it will begin admitting men.
Raleigh is home to a number of fine charter schools that are sure to offer only the best education for young students. The city’s public schools are also excellent. This is a great place to earn an education – it’s filled with the rich culture and devoted teachers that are so necessary to ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
Technology
Just northwest of Raleigh is the Research Park Triangle. If Raleigh makes up one point of the triangle, Chapel Hill and Durham complete it. The Research Triangle is one of the most prominent high-tech research and development centers in the country.
Originally founded in 1959, its initial funding came from state and local governments, as well as universities. It now covers more than 7,000 acres of land and includes more than 130 different research and development facilities. Some 39,000 employees make their way to the Triangle every day, nearly a third of which work for IBM. The IBM facility is the company’s second-largest in the world, beaten only by operations in India.
Other companies that work within the Research Park Triangle include Intel, Fidelity Investments and Microsoft. It brings consistent funds to the area and promises plenty of employment opportunities for fresh graduates. This is a great place to foster technological skills, and your chances of finding work in the area are much higher than they could be in others. Affiliation with universities like Duke and UNC Chapel Hill means research facilities are always kept up-to-date and in top-notch condition.
Culture
Those who enjoy the finer things in life certainly won’t be lacking in Raleigh. More than 15 museums call the city home, including the North Carolina Museum of Art. This facility covers nearly 5,000 years of artistic development and features painting and sculptures from around the world. Its permanent collection shows pieces from Africa, the Americas, Egypt, Italy and many others. Major acquisitions in recent years have dramatically improved the museum’s stock of contemporary art as well.
The Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek is a beloved venue that has seen a number of major bands through its gates. Its 20,000-person capacity makes finding a ticket easy, and you’re sure to find a favorite group playing there.
The Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts is a complex that is home to a number of small venues, such as the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and the Fletcher Opera House. A variety of performances are held throughout the year. There are also free outdoor shows given every now and then during the warmer months. With a ballet and symphony to call its own, Raleigh is practically a hub of fine cultural offerings and is sure to keep you engaged for years to come.
Sports
Though Raleigh doesn’t have too much in the way of professional sports, the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes have called the city home since 1997. They are the only professional team from North Carolina to have won a national championship, bringing home the Stanley Cup in 2006.
There are plenty of non-major league teams to check out, such as the Carolina Mudcaps – a AA baseball team – and Carolina RailHawks FC, who play in the North American Soccer League. Though it’s not quite major league, the thrill of competition is still there, and you won’t be paying nearly as much for tickets!