A few weeks ago we headed down to Lassiter Mill Park again to access the nearby greenway via Crabtree Creek Trail for a run. Little did we know that after a mile and half into our run, we would come to Kiwanis Park. It was a nice surprise and a good break from the run, as we weren’t anticipating either!
Following the greenway was a bit tricky in some places. If starting near Lassiter Mill Park, you’ll eventually come to Claremont Rd, where the greenway signs stop. Take a left onto Claremont Rd and then cross Anderson Dr where Claremont Rd turns into Oxford Rd. Stay on the sidewalks and you’ll shortly see the next portion of the greenway on your left, which will lead you straight to Kiwanis Park. Despite the trickiness of the greenway, this has turned out to be one of the favorite running trails in Raleigh. It is super FLAT and the bridges and scenery you pass make the running seem effortless at times.
The Kiwanis Park is located at 2525 Noble Rd just inside the beltline. It has a playground area with a jungle gym, but no swings. There are also several large open fields, mostly used for playing soccer. There is a sand volleyball court, baseball fields, and a basketball court. The nearby community center is not staffed and is available for rent. The large pavilion has several picnic tables and restrooms.
Even though you can get to the park by car, why not make this a greenway/park/brunch adventure with the kids! 1) Run/walk 1.5 miles with the stroller on the greenway to the park, 2) let them burn up some energy on the playground while you rest from your run/walk, 3) then run/walk 1.5 miles back followed by 4) yummy brunch at Nofo at the Pig!
Thumbs up: flat portion of greenway, scenery along greenway, playground, open fields at park, recreational sports
Thumbs down: signage along parts of greenway, no swings on playground
This post originally appeared on southwestraleigh.com, where you can learn more about what a great place South West Raleigh is to live, work, and play.
There is a small neighborhood park nestled between I-440, Kaplan Drive, and a residential area where parking is only available on the street. The tall trees try to muffle the noisy highway sounds, but after all, this is a city park inside the beltline. And if you’re jogging or walking by Kaplan Drive Park at 5208 Kaplan Drive, you can stop by to use the fitness stations.
Kaplan Drive Park has a 1/4 mile paved loop with 10 fitness stations and two benches scattered about. There is a small stream running through the loop and two bridges to cross, making it fun to explore for turtles or other water creatures. The paved trail surrounds a heavily wooded forest boasting diverse trees, putting your child’s tree identification kit to good use.
There are two large open fields at this park: one just below the tree line of I-440 and another near Kaplan Drive. The fields could be perfect for frisbee, a game of tag, or other fun kid activities. Unfortunately, there aren’t any picnic tables at the park, so bring a large blanket for a picnic in one of the many open, shady spots.
Even though this isn’t a destination park per se, it’s a fun neighborhood park to explore on a walk with the dog or a jog down the street.
Thumbs up: shade, trees for possible leaf identification project, fitness stations
Thumbs down: slightly slippery trail due to moss, no picnic tables, noisiness of I-440
This post originally appeared on southwestraleigh.com, where you can learn more about what a great place South West Raleigh is to live, work, and play.
Method Road Park is a busy park with several recreational and community activities going on, despite the small footprint you see from the road. Method Road Park is located at 514 Method Rd, just inside the beltline, near the intersection of Beryl Road and Method Road. There is a large community center building with indoor basketball courts and bleacher seating. The Method Pioneers Building is nearby and available for rent. The center has information about programs for all ages. Here are a few to highlight:
Method Halloween Festival (Oct 28, 5-7pm, ages 6-11)
Free English classes for beginning students (Oct 27-Dec 8, Thursdays, 6:30-8pm)
Daily open gym times (call (919) 831-6066 for hours)
Haunted Mordecai Lantern Tour (Oct 29)
Foster Grandparent Program
If outdoor activities is what you’re looking for, this park has plenty to offer. There are lighted tennis courts, a basketball court with bleachers, baseball fields, a large open multi-purpose field with soccer goals, a large pavilion with picnic tables, and oodles of shady spots and benches for picnics. The old playground area near the front of the park is getting a major facelift. The new playground area will have several swings, a large jungle gym with slides, unique seating, and fun activity equipment. The playground is currently being renovated and should be finished within the next few months.
This would be a great park to bring your mommy/baby/toddler groups for playtime followed by lunch or a great place to bring the older kids for open gym, flag football, or kickball. Visit raleighnc.gov for more information about Method Road Park.
Pumpkins, beer, Hokies & family…those were on the agenda a few weeks ago when my in-laws came into town. After some suggestions from my mommy group, we decided to head down to the new Naylor Family Farm in Fuquay-Varina to visit the pumpkin patch. Before setting out on the search for the best pumpkins, we stopped at Aviator’s Smokehouse restaurant in downtown Fuquay-Varina to enjoy a yummy lunch and tasty microbrews. I would recommend the wings paired with a beer flight while Bill would recommend the Monster sandwich and its four different types of meat with the Oktoberfest.
After lunch, we headed a few miles south to Naylor Family Farm. It’s not the typical “park” I should be blogging about, but it has great outdoor activities for the entire family. Being new, there wasn’t a crowd on hand so we were able to leisurely take our time through everything. We paid $15/person for a Master Pass to all the different areas. There are different admission passes depending on what you’re interested in doing. They have a large corn maze, relaxing hayride to the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, barrel slides, straw bale playground, and larger pumpkins/fall produce for sale. The family was extremely nice to chat with and excited about their first year of operation so be sure to check them out. After the pumpkin patch, we headed over to Carolina Ale House with the RTP Hokies to watch the Hokies beat Wake Forest!
With the last weekend in October coming up, I encourage you to get out and enjoy some of these fall activities. Naylor Family Farm is open until Nov 5th; Aviator Brewing Company still has the Oktoberfest, and the Hokies are playing at Duke at 12:30pm! In addition, be sure to check out these other favorite Halloween activities of mine:
So, a few weeks ago when my mom came into town I wanted to do a picnic lunch in the park, but wanted to have food from a new (to us) place and explore a new park. After some quick online surfing we decided on take-out from Nofo at the Pig followed by a trip to Roanoke Park Playground. Both ideas turned out to be absolutely fabulous!
Roanoke Park Playground is located southeast of Five Points at 1500 Cherokee Dr. It’s located in a quiet neighborhood in the median between W Aycock St, Cherokee Dr, and Greenwood St. This was a part of the Five Points area I had never been to and quickly fell in love with the homes and the nearby shops.
On one side of the park is a large open field perfect for a pick-up game of flag football, kickball, or volleyball. There are numerous shade trees along the perimeter, which gave us ample of shade for our picnic lunch. There’s also a small pavilion with picnic table, but having a baby in the prime of her crawling meant we were having lunch in the grass!
After lunch, we followed the wooden path to the other side of the park that contains the playground area. Along the way we passed a large wooden deck with built-in benches. There are two swing sets complete with tot swings for the little ones. The jungle gym has several slides and climbing areas atop a mulch base. The sand box area has a few diggers and other play equipment. We were also shocked to see numerous riding cars sitting in the toy corral area. It was welcoming to know that neighborhood toys could sit in a park and go without being stolen. After some more research on this park, I learned that the neighborhood partnered with the City a few months ago to fund some of the toys you see in the park. At the far end of the park there’s also a full-size basketball court.
This park was so delightful that I packed a picnic lunch and visited it again the next day with my husband, baby, and dog!
Thumbs up: shadiness, peacefulness, swing sets, open fields, friendliness of neighbors
One of the best ways to explore a park is with a friend. It’s even more special when it’s with an old high school friend and you’re both meeting each other’s infants for the first time! A few weeks ago, I finally caught up with my friend, Melissa, and her adorable baby boy, Braxton at the Clayton Community Park. This is a park usually known for it’s big 4th of July celebration, but even the small visits with a friend can be big too!
Clayton Community Park is located at 1075 Amelia Church Rd in JoCo. Yes, I promise we’ll get back to a Raleigh Park soon, but this one is only a short 25 minute drive south of Raleigh. After getting the babies situated in their strollers, we headed off on the 1/2 mile paved trail that surrounds the three baseball fields. While on the trail we passed a small pond, eight bocce ball courts and a shelter, and some unpaved trails that we explored too. We also came upon the strangest amphitheater (we both thought it was a cult gathering area) and a few bridges for crossing the small streams. Nonetheless, it made for a relaxing stroll on a beautiful fall day.
Paved walking trail around park
Small playground area near walking trail
Picnic tables near baseball fields
Baseball fields
Building near baseball fields with restrooms
Small pond along trail
Another view of the pond
Braxton & Ashley chilling on the walk
Braxton enjoying the sunshine
Bocce ball courts
More bocce ball courts
Pavilion near the bocce ball courts
Unpaved path through the woods
Amphitheater
Benches near the stream along the unpaved trail
After some walking we headed over to the pavilion to relax and play with the babies. Next to the pavilion are sand volleyball courts, six lighted tennis courts with a shelter, and some of the most unique playground equipment.
Playground near the large pavilion
Sand volleyball courts
Charcoal grill near the large pavilion
Picnic tables at the large pavilion
Ashley & Braxton crawling around
More of the babies first park visit
The lighted tennis courts
Another view of the tennis courts
Signs with information about tennis leagues
A view of the large parking lot
Front entrance sign
What a fun day catching up with an old friend and her baby boy! Visit the Town of Clayton Parks & Rec department for more information about this park and the nearby community center.
Thumbs up: paved trail around pond, playground area, picnic tables in pavilion, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts
Thumbs down: lots of flies at pavilion (I believe due to full trash cans), creepy amphitheater
This post originally appeared on southwestraleigh.com, where you can learn more about what a great place South West Raleigh is to live, work, and play.
The last time I was at Lake Raleigh (unknowingly) was during last year’s Polar Plunge 5k race with the Raleigh Jaycees. The race started near the lake, meandered through Centennial Campus, and then ended back at the lake where several people plunged into Lake Raleigh…in February! All for a good cause nonetheless.
Visiting Lake Raleigh on a cool-summer-almost-Fall-time day is a much more practical way to explore the lake.
Open to the public, Lake Raleigh is located on NC State’s Centennial Campus, nestled between college buildings, corporate/government/non-profit partners, and residential space. Like any place you visit on a college campus, parking can be challenging. There is a small parking lot at Lake Raleigh but it requires an NC State parking permit Mon-Fri from 7am – 5pm. You can pick up a $15.00 visitor day pass at the Transportation Department – 2721 Sullivan Drive, Administrative Services 1 bldg. Alternately, use the Park Mobile App and pay for parking at the Poulton Deck (across the street from Hunt Library) on Partners Way. The cost is $3.00 for the 1st hour; $2.00 every hour after that or maximum of $15.25 for the whole day.
A quiet fishing spot down from the piers
Fishing is permitted in marked areas and non-motorized car-top boats such as kayaks or canoes are also allowed in the lake. There are two fishing piers near the entrance with long benches, perfect for enjoying the views or waiting for a bite. The paved trail is part of the Centennial Greenway, which is a work-in-progress.
The trail extends in both directions past the main entrance, but does not loop around the lake. If you walk to the right, you’ll pass other popular fishing spots, wetlands, The Shores residential area, and a bridge perfect for taking photos. If you walk to the left, you’ll pass gorgeous views of the lake, the SOUL community garden, the 9-hole par 3 frisbee golf course, and an exercise station before coming to the tunnel under Main Campus Dr.
As noted above, the trail is part of the Centennial Greenway, which is a fitness trail and educational tool for the campus community. Little mowing is done around Lake Raleigh to allow the natural plants to thrive. Future development of the greenway will connect Centennial Greenway to the Capital Area Greenway at Lake Wheeler Rd and Lake Johnson.
Last week I spent a wonderfully relaxing week with great friends and family in Nags Head. Everyday was at least 85 degrees and sunny except for the last day, so my mom, sister, bro-in-law, Ashley and I decided to check out the newly renovated Jennette’s Pier at MP 16.5 in Nags Head. For someone who isn’t interested in fishing, I fell in love with this pier! From the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, to the history and science lessons scattered throughout the pier, to the spirit of the fishermen… you, too, will fall in love.
The pier, on property originally owned by the Jennette family, was first built in 1939 for $6,000 and extended 740 feet. It collapsed in 1943 and was rebuilt after WWII in 1947. Since then, there have been several repairs due to storms and hurricanes, most notably in 2003 when Hurricane Isabel came through and destroyed a large portion of the pier. Before then, the Jennette family had sold the pier and then the NC Aquarium Society (a division of the NC Dept of Environmental and Natural Resources) purchased it in 2003. Construction of the new pier began in 2009 and was finally completed earlier this year.
Before going onto the pier, you’ll pass through the main building, which contains the future aquarium, educational programs, and gift/convenience shop. The shop is filled with children’s books, stuffed animals, and prepared food and drinks. A digital tower highlights educational programs, daily temperature and tidal current info, fishing reports, and history about the pier. There is no fee to walk onto the pier, but there is a suggested $2 donation. The daily fishing rates are as follows: $12 adults, $6 children under 12. Additional fishing fees can be found here.
The new pier cost $25 million and has 257 concrete piles installed between 35-45 ft deep. The pier extends 1000 feet, where the water is about 25 ft deep. It is a grand structure, to say the least. As you walk along the pier, it’s easy to get lost in the conversation among the fisherman, the sounds of the crashing waves, and in the educational information about tidal currents, pier etiquette, wind power, marine mammals and birds, and surfing, to name a few. You’ll also see fish plaques throughout the pier showcasing the various sponsors. The sounds from the three wind-powered turbines support the pier’s “green” statement.
On the second story of the pier is a large reception room available to rent for private events. It has a plasma TV, floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and gorgeous globe-like chandeliers. The wrap-around porch with rocking chairs provides 270 degree views of the pier and ocean. Chair sponsorships are also available.
So, next time you’re at the Outer Banks be sure to check out Jennette’s Pier with your family. Whether you’re there to do some fishing or just exploring the pier, there is great fun for everyone!
This post originally appeared on southwestraleigh.com, where you can learn more about what a great place South West Raleigh is to live, work, and play.
Powell Drive Park is another example of a Raleigh park that offers more features than meets the eye. Drive past Powell Drive Park and you might only see the features closest to the road, such as the unattractive neighborhood building, playground area, and tennis courts. You may not know that if you explore the park further, you’ll find a small pond surrounded by shade trees great for picnics and photos, pavilions perfect for small family outings, and a large open field for group recreational activities.
Powell Drive Park is located at 740 Powell Drive in the southwest Raleigh area. It is located in the triangular region between Western Blvd, I-440, and I-40. For those in the nearby neighborhoods, there are sidewalks and stairs for accessing the park.
Close to the parking lot is a small open field, a neighborhood center used for programs or available for rent, two lighted tennis courts, and a playground area. The neighborhood center is not staffed, but you can learn more about the facility at the City of Raleigh’s website. The playground area has a large jungle gym with mulch base, swing set, sandbox area, benches, and water fountain.
Follow the paved path from the parking lot past the playground and you’ll first come to the lighted basketball court. Immediately past the basketball court is where the small pond surrounded by shade trees is located. Several benches are located along the perimeter of the pond, which you can access by a cleared trail covered in pine needles. At opposite ends of the pond are small steel bridges, which add architectural interest to the area. Sadly, on this particular day, I didn’t see any evidence of ducks or turtles near the pond.
Continue on the paved path to access the large, open field where the backstop and soccer goals are located. The open field is surrounded by a dense forest to the north and west and four small pavilions (one has a charcoal grill) and a less dense forest to the east and south.
With the busy school schedule and college/pro football season upon us, take some time out and grab the kids and stomp around the playground, enjoy a yummy picnic with a loved one, or round up some friends for a game of flag football at Powell Drive Park.
Thumbs up: playground area, shady picnic spots, photo ops around pond, large open field, small pavilions
Note: I’m apologizing in advance as this may make you sad.
This has been a rough week, so unfortunately we didn’t make it to any parks. After a year and half struggle with seizures and a sudden, rapid decline due to a probable brain tumor over the last month, we made the tough decision to say goodbye to our first baby, Jerry, this week. Being only 7 years old, he lived the life of a much older dog, having traveled to many places (Blacksburg, Richmond, DC, Wintergreen, Virginia Beach, Caroline, Stafford, Atlanta, Vermont, NYC, Nags Head, Maryland, Charlottesville, Pittsboro, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Smith Mountain Lake, and Asheville, to name a few), enjoyed a variety of activities, and romped with so many people and furry friends. Words can’t express what he’s meant to us and how much he has enriched our lives, so here are pictures and videos from over the years that show the wonderful memories we had with him and his furry friends. Thank you to our friends and family who brought him into your lives and befriended your dogs.
Meeting Jerry for the first time, Thanksgiving 2004
First bath at his new home
Playing with his new toys
The only time he let his ears hang down
He loved playing with tennis balls
Snoozing on the couch
Being playful with Bill
Super Dog
Snoozing with his buddy, Smokey
He loved wearing sweaters
Jerry and Mr. Endo
Pete & Jerry at Wintergreen, Jan 2005
Hiking through Umstead, 2005
Pete & Jerry relaxing
Meeting the Beltie cows at Fearrington
First SPCA dog walk
He loved swimming in the pool
Lucy and Jerry at Lake Sherando
Jerry loved to tease Pete in the water
The only boy allowed at Jennie’s bridal shower
Birthday treats from Bill’s mom
Heading to Asheville
Heading to the pool for the Doggie Swim
With Jasmine, Pete, and Lucy for the doggie swim
Sunning with Smokey
Couldn’t stay out of the water
At the SPCA dog wash
So tired from walking around downtown Wilmington
Halloween dragon
With his friends Mr Endo and Ty and Jangmee at Carol & Brian’s wedding in Lynchburg, VA
Always looking for a treat
Thanksgiving dinner with Jasmine, Smokey, Lucy & Pete
Gangsta Jerr-bear
Christmas with Santa
My dad and Jerry
In Nags Head for the Yuengling 5k race, 2007
Going for a boat ride around Smith Mountain Lake
At one of the many BT meetups at the dog park
Taking a break from playing in the creek at the dog party
Being playful in the creek
Doing “frog man” at the dog park
Cooling off with other BTs at Falls Tap Room
A new adventure of swimming lessons
Squeaky pink elephant = motivation for learning to swim
Well, of course dogs can wear costumes at the dog park
Tackling Adam
Not happy about the newly constructed gate for the deck
Snuggling next to the warm fireplace in Vermont
Bunny ears for the BT
Hiking around Lake Harris
New brother, Ripken has arrived!
With pals Lucy, Ripken & Ty trying to tap the Rockies
At Nags Head
Kris & Blair with all the pups cheering on Gin & Bill at the July 4th 5 miler
at the WWII Memorial after a fun weekend in DC
One of Jerry’s favorite places to sun himself
Getting geared up for Hokies football!
After the Alzheimer’s Walk with the Jaycees
Fall time at Everett Ave
Cows and bumble bees for Halloween
Christmas 2008
Ripken’s first stocking
Lots of awkward staring!
Bark at the Park with Ansley and Ripken
Baseball was too tough, so they took a break
All-American baseball fan, Jerry
Jerry’s friend, Abby!
Relaxing with Kelly (too much water slide time)
Halloween 2009 in VA Beach for the Wicked 10K race
Christmas 2009
Chilling with Pugsley and Ripken
More sunning
Laying pool side after a few cold ones
Surfing in Nags Head, 2010
Halloween Dog Party 2010 at the Hoover’s
Full on cat poop and egg nog, Christmas 2010
Snuggling with Ashley and Bill
The entire family on the way to their first drive-in movie
Snuggling up with me
All cuddled up with Bill, Ashley & Ripken
Jerry loved to curl on up on the couch, Nags Head 2011
On a hike at Umstead, May 2011
Looking ever so regal on Memorial Day weekend
Enjoying some quiet time with Ashley
Hanging out with Cas and Jamie
With buddy, Tyler in Richmond
With lots of friends in Nags Head, May 2011
Last trip to Nags Head, Labor Day 2011
Hanging out with baby Ashley
The Three Musketeers
Ashley trying to be like big brother Jerry
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
A few weeks ago we headed down to Lassiter Mill Park again to access the nearby greenway via Crabtree Creek Trail for a run. Little did we know that after a mile and half into our run, we would come to Kiwanis Park. It was a nice surprise and a good break from the run, as we weren’t anticipating either!
There is a small stream running through the loop and two bridges to cross, making it fun to explore for turtles or other water creatures. The paved trail surrounds a heavily wooded forest boasting diverse trees, putting your child’s tree identification kit to good use.
