Four Ways to Enjoy Warm Weather in the Triangle
Summer is in full swing, so it’s time to get outside and soak in all the beauty the Triangle has to offer!
Make the most of the gorgeous days of pleasant weather and vitamin D overload! For anyone who’s ready to get out of the house and bask in our beautiful state in all its summertime glory, these are a few ways to do it.
Stop and Smell the Flowers
Need some inspiration for that green thumb? Explore the gardens and botanical attractions in the area! Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham offers tours by foot or by trolley, which are the perfect opportunity to see everything the gardens can offer - from native plants to vegetable gardens and unique architecture! Keep in mind that these gardens are not fully open quite yet due to COVID.
With a conservation focus and an abundance of events and classes, North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill is the ideal way to pass a nice day. Attend outdoor yoga in the garden, or simply stroll through the fragrant pathways, enjoying the sculptures and exhibits along the way.
Explore Pullen Park
Looking for fun for the whole family? Pullen Park offers picture-perfect attractions to keep kids excited for hours. Less intense than a full-fledged amusement park but more engaging than your neighborhood green space, Pullen Park is equipped with kid-friendly rides to kick up the novelty in your weekend plans.
Kiddie boats, an adorable miniature train, and a carousel accompany a lovely park - the perfect spot for a picnic or a few lawn games.
Hike or Bike on Beautiful Trails
Gardens and parks not quite large enough for you? Hit the trails to enjoy the great outdoors! The Triangle offers endless miles of trails and state parks to breathe the fresh air and get the endorphins pumping.
Eno River State Park is central and unfailingly gorgeous, with a shallow and steady stream alongside almost 30 miles of trails and heavenly camping spots. Craving some altitude gain? Head to the nearby Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area to huff and puff to the highest point in the Triangle and take in some unbeatable views.
For a bit of added historical interest on your hike or bike ride, check out the American Tobacco Trail or the Occoneechee Speedway Trail. The paths at the American Tobacco Trail once supported a railroad corridor, and now offer over 22 miles of hiking and biking connecting Durham, Chatham, and Wake Counties. Once a horse racing track and then a NASCAR loop, the Occoneechee Speedway Trail is a unique place to enjoy both nature and Southern history throughout the 44-acre site.
Hit the Beach or Boat
Pack a picnic - or better yet, prep for camping all weekend - and head to one of the many watering holes in the area. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers a boater’s haven as well as not one but four ample swim beaches!
Forget you’re landlocked at Falls Lake State Recreation Area, where sandy beaches and expansive swimming waters stretch on and on.
Looking for an in-between? Venture out for an afternoon kayak at Haw River State Park!
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