CityView Magazine

travel Terrific trips to the Triangle D Embark on a day trip to one of Raleigh and Durham's many attractions By Diane Silcox-Jarrett oes riding a 1920's carousel, spending a morning with lemurs, sipping an old-fashioned milk shake or being surrounded by hundreds of butterflies add up to summer fun for you? Well, you are in luck because you are only a little more than an hour away from all of this and much more. A trip just down the road to Raleigh or Durham will lead you right into these experiences and much more. Raleigh The capitol city awaits with history, art, science, and one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. You might want to start your day off with a nice southern breakfast at Big Ed's. Located in downtown Raleigh, this restaurant centered around southern cuisine will not let you down with red-eye gravy, grits and spiced sausage. You can always get an order of pancakes that will literally fill your plate to the edges! The biscuits come out warm and ready for you to spread honey on them, or lots of butter if you prefer. After your mouth watering breakfast you can take a walk downtown and get your day started with some science fun. Raleigh is home to the most popular museum in the state, The North Carolina Museum of Natural Science. With its new 80,000 square-foot Nature Research Center, the museum is the place for inquisitive minds both young and old to explore, ask questions, and be a part of science. And since a large part of being a part of science is being hands on, there are plenty of exhibits to keep the busiest hands occupied. You can also pay a visit to "Willo" who has the distinction of being the most complete Acrocanthosaurus skeleton of its kind on display in the whole world. Complete your dinosaur fun with 14 life-size metal dinosaurs who are making a visit to the museum this summer. Each one has its own lever and pulley system, or remote control and can be manipulated by visitors. Right next door to all the science fun is the North Carolina Museum of History. This summer its exhibits include "N.C. & The Civil War: The Raging Storm, 1863". The exhibit is part of the 150th anniversary and highlights the events taking place each year during the "War between the States". The museum also showcases "Art in Clay: Masterworks of North Carolina Earthenware" which features 18th century Moravian and Piedmont patterns in the collection. If the children in your group are inspired by the earthenware they can create their own designs and learn how to make pottery! Families can make another stop downtown at the Marbles Kids Museum. "This summer our Around Town area has been completely redone," said Katy Hipp Burgwyn. "We have a new area, 'On The Farm' which features stuffed animals such as pigs and chickens." Burgwyn also said their train table has doubled in size as well as a new theatre with puppet play. A full garden is in full bloom outside of Marbles with a bounty of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Next to Marbles, the IMAX Theatre has several features scheduled throughout the summer, from kid friendly cinema to feature films like "Superman: Man of Steel." CityViewNC.com | 31

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