If you want to make plans for a fun and easy date or day trip around the triangle, here are some super fun things Beau and I have been doing lately, and you should definitely check them out with your boo thing - and when you do, they will appreciate the effort and all of the fun to be had. It never hurts to find a quiet spot, make some sandwiches and take snacks and a blanket or Eno and just relax. It doesn't always have to be a 5-star restaurant or movie, guys!
1. Parker's Creek Beach, Seaforth Beach, Ebenezer Church Beach - all on Jordan Lake - $6 per car entry to the state park.
Inside of Jordan Lake State Park, there are a few sandy beach areas that I've gone to. The areas are open to the public, but they are all very clean and sometimes can be busy. I definitely recommend towels, chairs, sunscreen & portable radio or speakers.
2. William B. Umstead Park - hiking – free , canoe and row boat rentals – $5/hr
Everyone remembers the row boat scene from The Notebook, so many ladies would probably think you were playing out a scene from it if they ended up here, so remember to pack your bug spray and an umbrella in case it rains, as well as a few towels to sit on or in case you get wet! This is also a great venue for picnics.
3. Videri Chocolate Factory & Escazu Artisan Chocolates – depends on items, but touring is free!
First of all, who doesn't love chocolate and second, both of these places have so much character and charm, they are the perfect places to go on cute dates or in my case, misadventures.
In downtown Raleigh there are so many fun start-up businesses that have turned into statement landmarks that make Raleigh the diverse and fun city that it is! Videri and Escazu are two very different, very unique places that make their own chocolate, right from the bean! Videri is an upbeat, fun attraction and Escazu is the sweetest café-factory combo, but hides most of the “behind-the-scenes" work (if you do end up there, I recommend the ice cream and see if you can find out more about how the place got started! Awesome story!) Both of these places are accessible if you are adventuring by foot around downtown Raleigh.
http://www.viderichocolatefactory.com
http://www.escazuchocolates.com
4. JC Raulston Arboretum – NC STATE- free
North Carolina Botanical Gardens – Chapel Hill – free
Sarah P. Duke Gardens – Durham – free
On a sunny day, all three of these places are incredible places to adventure around. Sometimes at school it seems like the scenery of North Carolina blends together, but visiting these three gardens, which are all very different and have a lot to offer an outdoorsman or picnicking couple. Take a blanket and a basket of food or even order to go and drive to any of these places to sit and eat! So much wildlife in the center of a big city can make city life remind you of home and you might even see a wedding in process in the fall or spring! (aww..)
5. Irregardless Café & live music – cost of food
This wonderfully modern café has food for anyone, and live music, they call it moodies and foodies. Even if you went for a few drinks, Irregardless grows a lot of their produce in the Well Fed Community garden, located in Raleigh, NC where they also donate to local causes and take volunteers to help out.
6. Wine & Design – cost varies
This is a new trend catching on around the country, and women everywhere LOVE IT. It doesn't matter how artistic you are, there are instructors there including local artists who show some of their own art off and give you a chance to paint and hangout with everyone at the shop. They tell you immediately not to worry about your level of artistic experience, just to relax, open your favorite drink and let the fun begin! Just beware, you may need to sign up ahead of time to reserve your seats!
http://www.wineanddesign.com/location/raleigh-nc/home
7. Music Festivals – free/ can vary
Find out their musical interest and check out some of the festivals that the triangle has to offer, such as the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival, Triangle Beach Music Festival, or Hopscotch festival! Even though this may be out of your comfort zone, it may be something new or different to both of you and these places have a lot of life and energy!
8. Museums – free
Downtown Raleigh has The Museum of Natural Science & The Museum of Natural History, and everyone needs to visit at least once. While this may be more of a rainy day activity, and museums aren't an ideal Saturday date, I loved the butterfly room in the natural science museum! There is a real (sleepy) sloth in the room and the butterflies can actually land on you (unless that's not your thing of course), but there is a lot to see and do while exploring the state's capital city!
