Raleigh, NC

Chavis Park and Carousel
DESCRIPTION: Named for early 19th century free Negro preacher and teacher of both races, John Chavis (1763-1838), this 37-acre park was opened as a park for Colored People by the City of Raleigh; although the original carousel was installed in 1937, the park was dedicated in 1938; small fee to ride the carousel

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a-10p; Community Center Sat 9a-3p (Sep-May), Sun 1p-6p (Nov-Feb)

ADDRESS: 720 Chavis Way  MAP

PHONE: 919-831-6989

Pullen Park
DESCRIPTION: This beautiful park offers recreational opportunities for everyone. It includes a 1911 Menagerie Carousel, train ride, community center, boat rentals, arts center, ball fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, playground, concession stand and Theatre In The Park; free admission; small fee for amusement rides

DAYS & HOURS: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Mon-Thu 10:30a-6:30p; Fri-Sat 10:30a-8p; Sun 1-8p, hours vary other times of the year

ADDRESS: 520 Ashe Ave  MAP

PHONE: 919-831-6468

Durham, NC

West Point on the Eno
DESCRIPTION: This city park located along the Eno River features a 1778 working grist mill, a blacksmith shop and several other re-created or renovated facilities from the 19th century; includes hiking trails and an amphitheater

ADDRESS: 5101 North Roxboro Road  MAP

American Tobacco Trail
DESCRIPTION: Beginning just south of downtown, a trailhead opens where Blackwell Street passes under NC Highway 147 (Durham Freeway) and stretches into southeast Durham, then onto Chatham and Wake Counties -- a total of 23 linear miles and the largest of its type in North Carolina; it is a favorite of joggers, bikers and leisurely walkers

ADDRESS: trailhead begins near 426 Morris Street  MAP

Duke Gardens
DESCRIPTION: Nirvana for flower lovers, Sarah P Duke established these 55-acre landscaped and woodland gardens featuring more than 2,000 kinds of plants, miles of trails

ADDRESS: Duke University, West Campus at Anderson Street  MAP

PHONE: 919-684-3698

Quail Roost Farms
DESCRIPTION: Organized as a hunt club in 1875, it became one of the nation's leading stables and dairy farms; today serves as a home for Duke's equestrian team and Rougemont Red Mountain Hounds hunt club; riding lessons available

ADDRESS: Highway 501 at Conference Road  MAP

PHONE: 919-477-8932

Historic Durham Athletic Park
DESCRIPTION: The actual film location for the movie, "Bull Durham"; now home to the Durham Braves and a state of the art baseball park

ADDRESS: 426 Morris Street  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.dbulls.com

Morrisville, NC

Lake Crabtree County Park
DESCRIPTION: On the shores of a 520-acre lake, the park offers hiking, cycling and nature trails; boat rentals; two playgrounds; playfields; picnic facilities; and environmental education. The park also offers fishing from the bank and a platform, and a fishing pier for the physically challenged

DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-sunset

ADDRESS: 1400 Aviation Parkway  MAP

PHONE: 919-460-3390

WEBSITE: http://www.wakegov.com/parks