Let's Beat This Heat, Raleigh!
We all love how our beautiful city gives us a taste of all four seasons, but let’s be honest, the heat can be a bit much.
To help you out we put together a few ways to survive the summer while staying local!
Jump In!
Everyone can appreciate a refreshing dip in a cool pool or lake. Did you know that the city of Raleigh has 9 public pools and 7 of them are outdoor with activities for the kids? The way this summer is heating up it might be worth buying a pass to the one near you.
If you are trying to find a place to swim on a budget or a new place to explore the outdoors, Jordan Lake and Falls Lake State Park are right down the road! At Jordan Lake, you can find 7 swimming areas and places to kayak, camp, or picnic. There are 14 miles of hiking trails ranging in length and difficulty so you can include all members of your family. Falls Lake Recreation Area offers boat ramps, biking trails, and 5 beaches for swimming! Each Park offers its own beauty and places to explore, check out their websites for more information.
Be sure to bring your bug spray! We love Murphy’s Naturals for bug repellent candles, yard sticks, and spray!
If swimming is not your scene, check out Sweet T Picnics! Their luxury picnics cater to all ages and stages in life for an memorable afternoon!
Hot and Sweaty? How About a Brain Freeze!?!
Just because it is summer doesn’t mean you can’t make a snow cone! There are so many great places just around the corner to find some amazing ice cream, fruit pops, and shaved ice!
A few local favorites are Andia’s Icecream, Raleigh Rolls, Bold Batch Creamery, Goodberry’s Frozen Custard, Fresh, Waves Shave Ice, Geluna Gelato and Jay’s Italian Ice.
Game On!
Who says you have to be a kid to play in an arcade or go bowling? Leave your work behind and have some fun at RushHour Karting, Crazy Axe, or Boxcar Bar and Arcade, or maybe try going bowling with a few friends!
For more indoor fun, spend an afternoon in Apex searching for gems at Treasure Quest Mining and racing against the clock to solve puzzles at Whole Brain Escape.
If you are the sporty type, check out Fit and Able or Goombay Raleigh-Durham for all types of races and rec leagues! Looking for something a little more laid back? Take a swing at Dogwood Country Club!
Local Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineshops!
Sometimes there is nothing better than enjoying a cold drink and good company. There are so many amazing breweries and distilleries popping up all over the Raleigh area. Check the NC Beer Guys website for a map of breweries and beverage places near you! Not into the beer thing? That’s okay! There is a growing wine scene with fun weekend tastings and weeknight hangouts!
Soak Up Some History and Culture
Raleigh, one of the oldest cities in North Carolina, is the home of many museums, theaters, and galleries. One of our favorites is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science. It is one of the most visited in North Carolina and the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast. Another top pick is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science and History, featuring many events and interesting exhibits! These along with local theaters and galleries can keep any culture connoisseur busy!
For more information on museums, theaters, and galleries check out these links!
It is easy to get stuck in your air-conditioned home during the summer, especially with the days we have been having, but it is important to get out and #showsomelocallove in your community.
We hope our suggestions can point you towards some local places to get you out of the heat while spending your summer in Raleigh and supporting the local community!
Tag us during your summertime adventures @shoplocalraleigh or by using the hashtags #showsomelocallove and #shoplocalraleigh!
