With Fall in full swing, it’s a great time to do some hiking in Raleigh’s backyard. Months ago we visited Jordan Lake State Park for some hiking and a picnic and with the leaves changing colors now it’d be a perfect time to go back. Having survived Profile Trail in western NC we wanted to try one of Jordan Lake’s more challenging trails. After researching the NC Parks website we decided on the blue trail at New Hope Overlook. Jordan Lake has several hiking trails across many entrances so be sure to research ahead of time which one to go to. New Hope Overlook is located off WH Jones Rd and has a cash-only entrance, where the fee is $6/car.
The parking lot at the trail head is shared with the boat ramps, so there should be plenty of parking for all patrons. Before heading on the trail we scoped out the path again at the on-site map. Needing to be home for a 1pm naptime we opted for the 2.7 mile Blue trail instead of the 5.4 mile Red trail. The trail is heavily wooded and follows the perimeter of the lake through much of the trail. Being so close to the water made for some great photo ops and a chance to see a lot of wildlife, such as ducks, herons, turtles and frogs. It also gave us a chance to take a few breaks and let Ripken enjoy a cool dip in the water.
The Blue trail had a moderate difficulty with some gradual hills and tree stumps along the path. It was well cleared and easy to follow. It took us about 1.5 hours to finish the hike, making it a great mid-morning outing with Ashley and Ripken. After the hike we headed over to the shore line near the boat ramps for a yummy picnic lunch. Unfortunately there weren’t any picnic tables so we roughed it on the shore line. We all had a great time and can’t wait to head back to Jordan Lake soon for some more hiking and perhaps some camping! Visit the NC Parks website for more information about the features of Jordan Lake.
Directions from Raleigh: follow 64 west and turn left on Beaver Creek Rd before crossing over Jordan Lake, turn right on Pea Ridge Rd, and then a right on WH Jones Rd.
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.
Looking for a park in the Creative District bursting with fall colors? Then, make your next park visit to Edna Metz Wells Park, where urban and nature intersect. This is a small park on the edge of Cameron Village that you’ve probably passed by a dozen times on the way to Glenwood South and never paid much attention. It’s located at the intersection of Smallwood Drive, W Johnson Street, and Peace Street at the southern edge of Cameron Village. W Johnson Street is one-way, so go around the block and park either on Park Drive or W Johnson Street. In late 2010, a $340,000 stream enhancement project was completed at the park as part of an improvement plan for Pigeon House Branch, a watershed that drains much of the downtown area.
Edna Metz Wells Park has several walking trails that meander through the mature trees and over the stream. Several small bridges cross the water and large boulders on the southern part of the stream aid in preventing further erosion. The dense forest is full of pines, oaks, magnolias, and ferns, to name a few! The leafy tree colors are magnificent right now, great for photo ops and picnic spots.
There are also a few open areas in the park, still mostly shaded with nearby benches. This is a great park for taking in some nature in an urban setting. The sounds from the stream provide a nice backdrop to the busy nearby streets. The USGS stream gauging station at the park helps monitor water levels and flow rates for flood forecasting and other projects.
So, grab a lunch or dinner nearby at Noodles & Co or Piccola Italia and head to Edna Metz Wells Park for a nice stroll and picnic.
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.
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.
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
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
My mom visited this past weekend so on Friday morning we headed out to Anderson Point Park at 20 Anderson Point Dr in east Raleigh. This park is bordered by 264/64 bypass on the north, the Neuse River to the east and Crabtree Creek on the west. From the park you can also access the greenway via the Neuse River Trail which is over 4.5 miles of unpaved trails. Here’s a satellite view of Anderson Point Park from Google Maps.
When you arrive at the park, go around the cul-de-sac to the far left to the parking lot. From there we found a very helpful park map detailing all the features. We then walked by the Large Shelter and headed left along the main trail, which is about 3/4 mile loop. The shelter is a large pavilion with several picnic tables, restrooms, and an adjacent open field with a back stop.
Main entrance sign
Informational board near parking lot
Parking lot
Large Shelter pavilion
Restrooms at Large Shelter
Open field with backstop near Large Shelter
Another view of the open field
Walking along the paved trail we first came to the amphitheater. It’s a beautiful stone-terraced amphitheater with lush green grass at each level. At the bottom is a large tree surrounded by a stone wall with benches and swings along the perimeter. The tree provides great shade for picnics or reading on a hot day. My mom did comment on how difficult it might be to see any type of performance at the bottom due to the hedges at each terraced level.
Amphitheater
Large shade tree and benches
Ashley with her Cici
Looking from the top of the amphitheater
Back on the trail we followed the spiral pathway up to the scenic overlook. There’s a circular flower garden at the top surrounded by a stone wall perfect for sitting and enjoying the views of the park. There are also several covered swings at the top great for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
Pic of the paved trail
Flower garden at the top
Shaded benches at the top
View from the top overlooking the park
Continuing on, we passed bluebird trails and bird houses that attract martin birds. Luckily my mom, who is a bird enthusiast, was with us to identify the bird houses. The surrounding natural vegetation still allows for great views of the park.
Houses along the bluebird trail
Martin birdhouses
Next, we came upon a large open field with a backstop across from the Retreat Cottage. The cottage can be rented for conferences and events and contains a small nearby parking lot to use.
Open field with backstop near cottage
Sign outside cottage
Retreat Cottage for rent
Close to the cottage is the Small Shelter, which is a covered pavilion with several picnic tables and restrooms. It has an adjacent open field surrounded by crape myrtles and magnolias. Nearby there is also an information board with details about renting the various shelters, open fields, and Retreat Cottage.
Small Shelter with picnic tables
Restrooms near Small Shelter
Open field near Small Shelter
Beautiful crape myrtles and stone work near open field
Next on the trail is the largest playground I’ve ever seen. Part of the playground is covered in a mulch base and part is a sandy base. There is a large jungle gym, multiple swing sets, and several teeter totters with plenty of seating along the perimeter and sloped, grassy hill. The entire playground area is full sun, so be sure take a break at the nearby water fountain. The Small Shelter would be perfect for birthday parties with the playground being so close!
Looking down at the playground
Slides down the grassy hill
Large jungle gym
Swing sets
Another view of the jungle gym
Sandy area with teeter totters
Water fountain
Continuing on, we arrived near the entrance, which has several shade trees and swings overlooking a large part of the park. The signs are helpful in directing you to the various parts of the park.
Shade trees and swings near entrance
Benches at the entrance
Signage near the front
We followed the trail back to the parking lot and headed out of the park, but not without stopping at the canoe launch that we passed on our way in. Park in the lot there to get on the Neuse River Trail or head down the gravel road to the launch area for the Neuse River.
Canoe Launch sign from Anderson Point Dr
Gravel lot near put-in area
Launch area
Looking north up the Neuse River
Looking south towards the railroad tracks and 264/64 bypass
This is a great open park with lots of unique amenities surrounded by a paved trail that is perfect for walking the dogs and babies or going for a run. We had a fun morning with lots of exploring, so we finished off our adventure with cupcakes from The Cupcake Shoppe!
Yummy red velvet
Thumbs up: scenic overlook, shelters, open fields, access to greenway, canoe launch area, playground, beauty of amphitheater, birding
From playing sports, walking, and having picnics to viewing the numerous gardens there is such a variety of activities at Fletcher Park. Fletcher Park is located at 802 Clay St inside the beltline. Parking is available along Washington St or in the nearby parking lot. We parked in the large parking lot and began our stroll along the paved walkway. The entire park is magnificently landscaped. Follow the walkway and you’ll come across stone walls protecting the gardens, perfectly edged lawns, and beautiful gardens filled with varieties of crape myrtles, gardenias, magnolias, hostas, butterfly bushes, and daylilies.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on a bench, on the lush green grass, or in the amphitheater-style seating in the grass. There are plenty of private areas to lay a blanket down and soak up some sun with a good book too!
Next, we came upon the Borden house, which was built circa 1900. It has been restored and is available to rent for weddings and other events.
We then walked through the grass next to the Borden building to get a better view of the baseball fields below.
Afterwards, we walked through the grass behind the Borden house and came upon another paved walkway that backs up to residential homes. We passed several labeled species of daylilies.
As we followed the narrow path around, we discovered the water gardens that were under construction in 2008. First we came upon the Forebay, which is the deepest pool of the water garden.
Information plaque about the Forebay
Plant life in the Forebay
We continued on and enjoyed the rest of the water garden and wetlands. There is a great wooden deck overlooking the wetlands, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the views. Informational plaques located along the walkway and on the deck provide more details about the benefits the water gardens provide. It’s a great place for kids to experience; while there, we saw ducks, dragonflies, and butterflies! Here’s more information about the City of Raleigh Water Garden and Wetlands Project.
Information plaque about the Water Garden
Demonstrating how the water garden improves water quality in Raleigh
Looking into the water garden
Views of the plant life
Plants thrive here!
Beautiful purple flowering plants love it here too!
One of the many ducks living in the water garden
Learn more about the different plants that inhabit the water garden
Baby Ashley enjoying the views from the deck
It was such a sunny day!
Across from the water gardens are the basketball courts and tennis courts. When Bill and I used to play tennis here it was always a very popular spot.
Across from the tennis courts you’ll see the art sculpture. Further ahead, you’ll pass the shaded playground area along Washington St. To the left there is also a large pavilion with picnic tables and a charcoal grill. If you continue on the walkway you’ll find your way back to parking lot. This is also a great place to visit on Sunday evenings in the summer for their free concert series! Bring a blanket and some snacks and have a fantastic evening!
Thumbs up: condition of basketball and tennis courts, scenic views, wetlands, water gardens, picnic spots, landscaping, free concerts
Thumbs down: lack of signage
For my first Mother’s Day we spent the weekend in Nags Head with great friends and the pups for our traditional Yuengling 5K race. When we got home on Sunday we walked down to the Rose Garden, which is just two blocks from our house. We were too late for their annual Mother’s Day brunch celebration (mimosas and yummy food) so we just walked around and enjoyed the fantastic sights, smells, and company. The Rose Garden can also be rented for weddings and other events (hint: no money needed on decorations).
Wandering through the rows and rows of roses
Lovely shades of peach, hot pink, and light pink roses
The rose garden is located in the circular, below-street level area at 301 Pogue St. Parking is limited to around the circle and the nearby neighborhood streets. There are a few different entrances with stairs or you can walk down the paved entrance way near the theater. The grass height in the gardens is kept pretty low so you can easily push a stroller.
There are over 50 varieties of roses to touch (no snipping) and smell. One end of the garden has a beautiful pergola covered in white roses and the water feature and the other end has a gazebo with other varieties of shade-loving plants. There are benches and picnic tables covered with large shade trees for great picnic spots.
The pergola at one end covered with white roses
The other end of the garden
Some of the shade-loving hostas
You can’t visit the Rose Garden without scoping out the latest plays at Raleigh Little Theater, which is adjacent to the garden. RLT is a community theater that produces 11 shows each season. I’ve been to a few shows and know folks who work on the production so be sure to check them out!
We’re not in Raleigh anymore! Yes, we did venture out to Durham in early April to see the Sarah P. Duke gardens on the campus of Duke. My best friend, Kelly, was coming into town to meet Ashley so the timing was perfect for my inaugural visit to the gardens.
We went mid-morning on a Friday and had to circle the hourly pay parking lot for about 15 mins before a spot opened up. We stopped off at the Visitor’s Center first to get a map and use the restrooms. Not knowing much about the gardens (besides it being a great spot for weddings), the folks at the front desk were extremely helpful with explaining the different gardens. We decided to first visit the Terrace Gardens. The walk to the garden is a rocky, dirt path that was partway under construction so it was somewhat difficult to push the stroller. However when we got to the top of the terraces and walked under the gazebo, the breathtaking views were so worth it! It was April which means tulips, tulips, tulips in bloom everywhere! Most of the paths along the terraces are compacted mulch, which made for easy strolling. After walking through the rows of tulips and other flowers we checked out the water lily pond, but nothing was in bloom yet so we walked along the South Lawn.
Tulips and other flowers in the Terrace Gardens
Tulips, tulips, tulips!
More pics of the Terrace Garden and Kelly with Ashley at the top
Views of the South Lawn
After that we made a short trip to the Native Gardens before deciding they were a little too native for the stroller.
We had worked up a sweat so we stopped by the Terrace Cafe in the Terrace Gardens for a lunch. They sell pre-made sandwiches, chips, drinks, ice cream, fruits, and coffee. All of the shady spots in the garden were taken so we ate in the cafe’s shady courtyard. It was a fun, relaxing lunch after all the walking and stroller pushing.
We ran out of time to visit the other gardens, but we’ll be back soon. Next time we’ll bring the Baby Bjorn instead of the stroller. Afterwards, we headed back to Raleigh to cool off with ice cream sandwiches from the Cupcake Shoppe on Glenwood Ave.
With Fall in full swing, it’s a great time to do some hiking in Raleigh’s backyard. Months ago we visited Jordan Lake State Park for some hiking and a picnic and with the leaves changing colors now it’d be a perfect time to go back. Having survived Profile Trail in western NC we wanted to try one of Jordan Lake’s more challenging trails. After researching the NC Parks website we decided on the blue trail at New Hope Overlook. Jordan Lake has several hiking trails across many entrances so be sure to research ahead of time which one to go to. New Hope Overlook is located off WH Jones Rd and has a cash-only entrance, where the fee is $6/car.
The Blue trail had a moderate difficulty with some gradual hills and tree stumps along the path. It was well cleared and easy to follow. It took us about 1.5 hours to finish the hike, making it a great mid-morning outing with Ashley and Ripken. After the hike we headed over to the shore line near the boat ramps for a yummy picnic lunch. Unfortunately there weren’t any picnic tables so we roughed it on the shore line. We all had a great time and can’t wait to head back to Jordan Lake soon for some more hiking and perhaps some camping! Visit the NC Parks website for more information about the features of Jordan Lake.
