When you get a sudden urge to take advantage of the weather and see something fun, you don’t always have to take an expensive trip out of state. North Carolina has so much to see, and much of it is close to Cary. Each of these places is worth a trip because they’re just far enough to feel like an adventure but close enough to visit and return in a single, day-long excursion.
Carowinds
A trip to Charlotte is close to three hours from Cary, but the reward is one of the most fun amusement parks in the state (pictured above). Home to Planet Snoopy and shriek-inducing roller coasters, this family-friendly park has something for everyone. The huge water park is especially fun in the summer. Carowinds daily tickets are $62.99, but you can save $20 when buying them online, and there are more affordable season passes and other offers if you and your family love the thrills and sights enough to visit often.
North Carolina Zoo
Head about an hour or so west and visit the North Carolina Zoo in the Uwharrie Mountains. Unlike more metropolitan zoo environments, this huge, green habitat is just what the animals need to live in peace. Get a taste of what its like to really see a group of elephants in a vast savannah, explore a jungle where primates swing and cheer, and watch polar bears swim. There are cool events with live music for families, a 4-D theater, and educational exhibits on conservation and green living. General admission is $15, and it’s $13 for seniors and $11 for kids ages 2–11.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Speaking of nature, a more calm alternative to the zoo is just a short distance north of Raleigh at the Falls Lake State Recreation Area. This gorgeous state park covers the shores and forested mainland around the 12,410-acre lake. Pleasant short beaches, natural campgrounds, and comfortable walking trails await on land, and the lake itself is ripe for fishing and boating through the lake proper and its glassy tributaries. If you decide to turn your day trip into an overnight camping trip, be sure to book a campground spot in advance, and check the rules.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
If you liked the drive to the zoo, consider also taking a day to visit the Reynolda House, a pristine mansion built by the influential R. J. Reynolds and opened as a museum in 1965. The mansion holds an impressive collection of art from colonial times to modern day. Not interested in fine art? Reynolda House is still worth a visit for the outdoor gardens alone, being one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the entire state. General admission for adults is $14, and if you love the neighborhood enough to stay the night, there are overnight packages with butler-led tours, breakfast, and more.
There’s so much to see and do in Cary and Raleigh, but that doesn’t mean a day trip to neighboring cities isn’t worth your time. Try one of these four soon, and don’t be afraid to turn a day trip into a full weekend of fun.
Comments are closed.