As the weather warms and flip-flops start to emerge from hibernation, we’re sure you’re ready to get back in touch with the great outdoors. An awesome perk of visiting Greater Raleigh is that you can get the metro experience, complete with performance arts, outstanding museums and delicious restaurants, AND the natural, outdoors experience far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

There are so many outdoor recreation opportunities in the area that your outdoor plans for the day are limited by only one thing: what you feel like doing! If you’re an Adrenaline Junkie looking to get active, then why not go mountain biking on one of the many trails in the area, or take a swim in the Falls Lake State Recreational Area (there’s even a waterslide).

Free Spirits can get in touch with nature during a few hours of horseback riding on local farms such as MacNair’s Country Acres Stables, Painted Sunset Farm or Phillips Farm. If you’ve got an equestrian friend of your own, feel free to bring him/her along and enjoy a day trail riding at the William B. Umstead State Park or the Southern Oak Equestrian Center.

Foodies aren’t confined to the indoors of restaurants in this area. Choose a restaurant that has an outdoor patio so you can catch a few rays during your daytime meal, or pick up some delicious local eats to-go and picnic at any of dozens of area parks with beautiful views. The combination of mouthwatering local bites and the beauty of the outdoors will make for a meal you won’t forget.

Whether you’re in the mood for a canoeing or sailing excursion, taking a hike or trail run, or playing a round of golf, you’ll find that Greater Raleigh is nearly limitless in what it can offer in the outdoors.