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| February 1st and 70 degrees? Hellooo, Raleigh! |
While February does not usually conjure up images of hiking in the sun—ice storms tend to come to mind instead—I wanted to share some of the places my family and I have found that help make the Triangle such a great place to be.
Some of our favorite Triangle spots where we go to escape into the outdoors:
- What better way to start off this list than with Triangle Land Conservancy, an organization that makes it so easy and fun to explore local lands and connect with nature. We love making treks all over TLC's Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, with its stony creeks and winding trails. If planning your own excursion seems like a lot of work or you think you've seen everything TLC has to offer, visit their Backyard Adventure page for more inspiration. Also, be sure to check out their updated website—we are honored to have helped pull it together!
- The Eno River has become one of our favorite spots; even the occasional snake sightings are fun…at a distance! You can wade in the river, play in the woods, set out on a hike, explore some forts, wander across a swinging bridge…plenty of options to make for a full day! Also, the Eno River Association hosts the incredibly popular Festival for the Eno, as well as events throughout the year from history hikes to bird watching.
- Just as it opened, we had the chance to explore the newest stretch of the Capital Greenway, the Upper Neuse off Falls of Neuse Road in North Raleigh. In addition to the wonderful biking trail, there is a spot to launch a canoe. Checking out the Greenway is worth a trip in itself, and the Upper Neuse section is definitely a well-used addition!
- I was lucky enough a couple of years ago to attend a native plant and gardening course at the North Carolina Botanical Garden at UNC. Since that course, I have spent lots of time exploring their course offerings, walking trails, and investigating the nuances of the LEED Platinum building. While there is plenty on site to keep you busy, I particularly love taking trips to Mason Farm Biological Preserve.
- While it may seem strange to think about outdoor adventures in the middle of winter, spring will officially be here before we know it!




