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Off the Beaten Path in Raleigh
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Raleigh Off the Beaten Path

A Tunnel under Wade Ave. - Raleigh
A Tunnel under Wade Ave.
by TimDaoust
Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Raleigh attractions, posted by real travelers and locals.
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Raleigh Off the Beaten PathTips 1 - 8 of 8  
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Lake Benson Park
  • Tip Rating:
    • TimDaoust
  • By TimDaoust on February 10, 2005
  • Raleigh Page by TimDaoust
    • Rock garden at Lake Benson Park - Raleigh
    Rock garden at Lake Benson
    Park
    by TimDaoust
    This park is actually in Garner but it counts because Garner is a suburb of Raleigh and close enough to hit if you throw a stone to the south of Raleigh. It has several sheltered picnic areas, a jogging/hiking path, playgrounds for the kids, it's right on the lake and it has a nice rock garden where my wife and I staged our wedding ceremony. To get there you would take the Hammond Rd. exit off of I-40 and head south toward Garner. At the tenth traffic light, you will take a right on Aversboro Rd. Just past the Lutheran church you will see the park entrance on the left. Bring a blanket, a picnic, a frisbee, your dog, whatever. It's perfect on a nice day.

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    Raleigh Greenway
  • Tip Rating:
    • TimDaoust
  • Updated By TimDaoust on May 18, 2005
  • Raleigh Page by TimDaoust
    • A Tunnel under Wade Ave. - Raleigh
    A Tunnel under Wade Ave.
    by TimDaoust
    Raleigh has a pretty extensive greenway that can be accessed by bicycle or by foot. The paved path is built over the sewer systems behind some neighborhoods so it can be a little smelly sometimes but the ride is nice on a bike. Part of the greenway is really close to where I live and I can take the path down to Shelly Lake, a small man made lake that has paddle boats, canoes and lots of ducks and geese. For a map of the Greenway go to
    this site. Oh, and they just added a new bridge to the system that spans across part of I-440. If I make it down there I'll add a picture to my travelogues.

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    William B. Umstead State Park
    MovingMere
  • By MovingMere on February 6, 2008
  • Raleigh Page by MovingMere
    • An oasis in the middle of a busy city.

  • Phone: (919) 571-4170
  • Website: http://ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/wium/main.php
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    Oakwood Cemetary
    Maria250
  • Updated By Maria250 on June 21, 2007
  • Raleigh Page by Maria250
    • Oakwood Cemetary is the resting place of 2,800 Confederate Soldiers, 5 Civil War Generals, 7 governors, and many U.S. Senators. Established in 1869 it is an excellent example of lovely Victorian landscaping. Yes, it's a sad place yet peaceful and comforting too.

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  • Website: http://www.historicoakwood.com/
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    Lake Johnson
    MovingMere
  • By MovingMere on February 5, 2008
  • Raleigh Page by MovingMere
    • This beautiful lake is divided in the middle by Avent Ferry Road. The trail on one side is paved and is about three miles, while the other is a dirt path and is about 2 miles. You can do the loop on the 3 mile side without crossing the road, but the 2 mile path is shaped like a U and each end opens to the road. I prefer the shorter one because it's not paved and it's less crowded.

    You can bike the trails except for one preserved stretch on the 2 mile path. The lake is accessible from both Avent Ferry Rd. and Jones Franklin Rd, although the only parking available is on Avent Ferry.

    Between Memorial Day (in May) and Labor Day (the first Monday in September), you can rent a paddle boat to take on the lake, and you can take a picnic to enjoy anytime. There are fliers at the boathouse for events like yoga and drum circles (yes, drum circles) that are offered at the lake.

  • Website: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_306_209_0_43/http;/pt03/DIG_Web_Content/category/Leisure/Parks_and_Facilities/Lakes/Lake
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    Umstead State Park, off of...
  • Updated By rduonline on August 26, 2002
  • Raleigh Page by rduonline
    • Umstead State Park, off of Ebenzer Church Road

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    William B. Umstead Park
    TimDaoust
  • Updated By TimDaoust on February 28, 2005
  • Raleigh Page by TimDaoust
    • Me in Umstead with fall colors as a backdrop - Raleigh
    Me in Umstead with fall colors
    as a backdrop
    by TimDaoust
    William B. Umstead Park. This park is a short way down the road from where I live and is so peaceful compared to the hum of Raleigh's highways. The park was initiated in 1934 and in 1943 became a state park. It is home to many long hiking trails through the hills and woods west of Raleigh, a few lakes and streams and plenty of wildlife, the most visible of which being the deer that roam the park. To get here from I-40 simply pull off on the Harrison Ave. exit and head north. The road dead ends in a parking lot just a few feet ahead. (If you end up in Cary, you've gone the wrong way). Also there is a north side to the park that can be accesed from hwy 70. You will see large signs on hwy 70 directing you to the park. Once inside try one of the many hiking trails, there are maps available and posted on the trails. During the summer months, the lake on the north side of the park has a boathouse that is open. Don't know all the prices though. Shouldn't be too expensive.

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  • Website: http://umsteadcoalition.org
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    Pullen Park
    superWade
  • Updated By superWade on January 8, 2008
  • Raleigh Page by superWade
    • The carousel at Pullen Park. - Raleigh
    The carousel at Pullen Park.
    by superWade, 3 more photos
    Pullen Park is a great a place for a family to spend a warm afternoon in Raleigh. Within the park you have a carousel, playground, miniature train, paddle boats, walking trails, 2 swimming pools and my favorite a train caboose to amuse your family or even just you.

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    More Raleigh Tips
    Overview
         		Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 16 - Photos: 12
    Things To Do
    Tips: 50 - Photos: 47    		Nightlife
    Tips: 29 - Photos: 12
    Transportation
    Tips: 16 - Photos: 6    		Restaurants
    Tips: 80 - Photos: 38
    Shopping
    Tips: 11 - Photos: 12    		Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 8 - Photos: 7
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 2 - Photos: 0    		Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 12 - Photos: 3
    Local Customs
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 2    		Packing Lists
    Tips: 2 - Photos: 0
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 8 - Photos: 3    		General Tips
    Tips: 9 - Photos: 5
    Flights
    Tips: 10 - Photos: 0
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