Things To Do
Duke Lemur Center
** Tickets must be purchased ahead of time online ** Dylan still hasn't visited yet (it's on my to-do list to take him), but this is easily the coolest single thing in all of North Carolina in my book. I learned so much. I didn't want to leave. 10/10 experience if you have even a passing interest in animals. - Keely
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
We have only been here a handful of times, but are blown away at every visit. Definitely make time to see if you're near Duke!
Gocciolina
We've spent a lot of date nights here eating some of the best Italian food in the area. Reservations recommended. After dinner, get some ice cream at The Parlour or Simon Says Dip This in downtown Durham.
Carrboro Farmers Market
Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings only, but well worth the drive if you're looking to visit the Chapel Hill Area! This was one of our favorite weekend traditions before we moved to Fuquay Varina. Highly recommend a bagel from Brandwein's and a coffee from Gray Squirrel Coffee Co. on the way in! They are just around the corner, between the farmer's market and UNC's campus.
Maple View Farm Ice Cream
This may be a bit of a drive for our guests, but is so worth visiting if you're near UNC or just want some good ice cream! It's so much fun to sit on the lawn and look out at the farmland and fields of sunflowers. The UNC area becomes rural pretty quickly once you leave campus and Maple View is a pretty place to experience that :)
Al Buehler Trail
There are so many beautiful parks and trails in the RDU area if you're looking for a good run or hike! We've spent a lot of weekend mornings walking with Jaskier and running at the Al Buehler trail on Duke's campus, but are happy to provide other recommendations as requested. The Al Buehler trail is just shy of a 3 mile loop.
Raven Rock State Park
Another one that's a little farther away (about an hour south of RDU airport), but if you are staying for the weekend and like hiking/visiting state parks, this is a great place to do it. We were shocked to find this existed just 20 minutes from our house! Stop at Sunni Skies Ice Cream in Angier to cool down on the way home (bring cash- they don't take cards) :)
Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Jordan
A pleasantly quiet area- it felt like we had the whole lake to ourselves last time we were here.