Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
When people think of Raleigh, North Carolina, their minds may drift to The Andy Griffith Show – and Mayberry. It is through this show that many around the country first became acquainted with the city. But let me tell you – Raleigh has come a long way since the days when the show first aired (1960 – 1968)!
Often I hear from visitors to the Raleigh-Durham area that they are pleasantly surprised to see what it has to offer. Earlier this week while dining with friends in Downtown Raleigh, someone commented that when she first visited downtown, her initial reaction was, “You call this a downtown?” But she quickly fell in love with the city and the people who live here. (They’re the Salt of the Earth, I tell ya!)
While Raleigh has a ways to go to compare with, say, New York City or Chicago, the city offers so much for newcomers and long-time residents, alike.
Please allow me to share…
As a native North Carolinian, I could go on…and…on…and…on about how wonderful life is here in this beautiful state – especially in the heart of it all – the Raleigh-Durham area, also referred to as the Triangle. I really could and should perhaps be working in public relations for the North Carolina Division of Tourism.
One of the great things about here is that it truly is a great place to live – and consistently makes national lists, such as Kiplinger and Forbes) validating it. Here, we enjoy accolades such as:
- Being one of the smartest metropolitan areas in the United States. It’s reported that 41.5 percent of the residents have at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Having world-class research universities (such the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Duke University; NC State University, and a host of other universities and colleges.)
- Employing some of the best world’s medical professionals (Duke University Medical Center where U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy recently had brain surgery; UNC Hospitals; a VA Hospital and an entire host of medical facilities, and satellite medical facilities throughout the area.) I have clients who say they decided to retire here because of the access to the best medical care.
- Research Triangle Park with its nearly 160 companies that employ nearly 40,000 workers within the 7,000 acre area.
- Its central location to so many attractions such as the beaches near Wilmington, NC (2 hours); the Blue Ridge Mountains (3 hours); Washington, D.C. (4 hours); and Atlanta (6 hours). In real estate, we always talk about LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Raleigh has just that—LOCATION!
Forbes.com even went as far as to call the Raleigh area “recession-proof”. Wow!
With the median household income of more than $56,000, some would say that those in the Raleigh area earn a decent living, especially when there are, unfortunately, so many of our beloved citizens in the United States who live below the poverty line.
Although there is reportedly quite a bit of disposable income here in the Triangle, the prudent thing to do, of course, is to try to keep as much as possible in our pockets, right? (We could all learn something from “The Millionaire Next Door.”) One of my favorite quotes is on page 29 of the book: “Being frugal is the cornerstone of wealth-building.” Period.
And with gas prices being a constant topic of conversation, I thought it would be fun to look at FREE (or nearly free) things you can do in the Raleigh area.
Maybe it’s just me – but I really enjoy sniffing out a bargain. Sometimes, I laugh to myself when I think about what one of my friends says about me all the time: “Girl, you can make a dollar holler and a penny scream!” Just call me the Queen of Free.
Not only am I always on the lookout for bargains in my personal life – but I also work diligently to obtain the best prices for home Buyer and Seller clients, too.
When clients move here from out-of-town, they’re often asking me, as their REALTOR®, about what to do. No worries, there’s plenty! And so much of the “good stuff” costs so little. The money saved can go towards building your wealth.
Let’s get started…
THE ARTS
Raleigh has been dubbed the Smithsonian of the South, with more than 20 free museums within the city. Yes, F-R-E-E! There’s something for everyone – from kids museums to art museums to those who are interested in visiting the world’s only Harley Drag Racing Museum. Also, the North Carolina Museum of Art offers outdoor films in the summer, which are $3 for general admission, and free for Museum members and children under 6 years of age.
NOTE: The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit will be at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences June 28, 2008 through December 28, 2008. While all permanent exhibits are free, there is a charge to see this traveling exhibit.
The Sunday in the Park Concert Series
No admission fee. Held at Fletcher Park (820 Clay Street, Raleigh, NC 27605). If it rains, the event will not be rescheduled.
FREE FAMILY MOVIES
Since 1991, each summer, Regal Entertainment Group has offered the Free Family Film Festival around the country on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. during the festival. The festival begins on July 1, 2008 and concludes August 7, 2008.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Raleigh has more than 150 gardens, lakes, parks, and greenways. With a relatively mild climate, Raleigh residents are able to enjoy the outdoors a majority of the year. Sometimes, when I'm riding around the city, it seems that there is a park of some sort on each corner!
Greenways
The city boasts a 54 mile, 3,000 acre greenway system that is ideal for jogging, hiking, bird watching, fishing, walking, picnicking, and lots of outdoor fun. Check out the Capital Area Greenway Map.
Lakes
- Lake Johnson: Has a 150 acre + lake and more than 300 acres of land surrounding it. Boating, picnic shelters, facility rentals, and more. Open 7 days a week.
- Lake Wheeler: 800 acre lake/park which serves as the city’s secondary auxiliary water supply.
- Shelley Lake: 53 acre lake and park which surrounds the lake. It has a 2-mile walking path around the lake, and residents can be seen walking their pets, skating around the lake, and just enjoying the scenery.
- Fishing Program: The city also offers classes for residents. Fees vary.
In addition, situated in Northwest Raleigh is an etnrance to the William B. Umstead State Park which offers boating, camping, fishing, and a entire list of events either free or for a nominal fee.
FREE Eats (or nearly free):
Raleigh boasts more than 500 restaurants. And while eating out can be a real treat – and can add up quickly. There is some relief, however, at some local area restaurants which offer reduced and even free children’s meals when an adult meal is purchased. I don’t have kids, but when my niece and nephews come to visit, rest assured that I look for the places offering me a bargain!
NOTE: I phoned these restaurants below - but you may wish to call yourself before visiting, as offerings may change. Also, there may be more than one restaurant in the Raleigh area; However, there is one listed only one here for your convenience.
ANY NIGHT/Multiple Nights:
Lone Star Steak House
All day on Tuesdays and Saturdays at lunch
6512 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh NC, 27612-7156
919.781.8400
Mcallister's Deli
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays
4361 Lassiter at North Hills Ave
Raleigh NC 27609
Phone: 919.787.9543
SUNDAYS:
The Twisted Fork
Kids 10 and under eat free from the kid's menu Sundays after 4 p.m.
At Triangle Town Center
3751 Sumner Boulevard
Raleigh, NC 27616
Phone: 919.792.2535
Ragazzi's
Kids eat free Sunday until 4 p.m.
5800 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: 919.787.0434
MONDAYS:
Steak-n-Shake
(With each adult meal, Jr. kids meal free – after 5 p.m.)
2840 Millbrook Road
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: 919.872.6669
Cici's Pizza
Kids eat for $1.99
Many locations throughout the Triangle.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Many locations throughout the Triangle.
Remington Grill
4551 New Bern Ave
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: 919.255.6891
TUESDAYS:
Chick-fil-A (with the purchase of an adult meal)
Check with your local restaurants. I don't know if all franchises offer kids free nights.
WEDNESDAYS:
Fire House Subs
When an adult purchases a combo, the kids (up to 2) eat free.
10251 Little Brier Creek Lane
Raleigh, NC 27617
Phone: 919.806.3900
THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS, and SATURDAYS:
No restaurants to report. I suppose the “lesson” here is to eat out other days of the week.
What Free Events are Happening This Weekend?
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Sunday June 29: Raleigh Parks and Recreation presents the 440th Army Band (Military marches; patriotic music, more)...
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Sunday June 29: Charlie Goodnight’s Comedy Club: Purchase dinner (minimum of $15) and receive a free ticket to see Killer Beaz.
Additional Local Resources for Being Frugal in the Triangle:
- Saving for a Home? Start by Lowering Your Food Bill!
- 3 Ways to Save Money on Car Repairs
- Taking Stock (The Raleigh News & Observer’s Sue Stock’s blog relating to saving money). This is LOTS of great information in her blog about saving money, especially with coupons.
As you can see, there is so much to do in the Raleigh area – and I’ve barely skimmed the surface.
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Have you discovered something free and fun to do in the Triangle? Please share with us!
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Also, what do you love most about living in the Triangle?
REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!TM Phone: 919.454.8864 Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/
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