Last Updated on December 13, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh
Cary, North Carolina, is part of the Triangle area encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. It is one of those rare gems with a small-town feel while providing the amenities of an urban lifestyle. The downtown area is supremely walkable, which adds to the city’s overall community feel. With weekly and monthly special events happening, any time of the year is a good time to visit Cary, NC.
Downtown Cary Park
The park, twenty years in the making, is the crown jewel of Cary’s downtown. Encompassing seven acres, it’s offered many ways to bring the community together in its first year. With a fantastic playground, large gathering spaces, indoor gathering options, and more, Downtown Cary Park is the place to be.
Frantz Square
Named after a local Councilmember, Frantz Square includes a beautiful fountain, plenty of event space, and multiple public art installations. It is just one of the park’s areas that can host the many pop-up markets and art-related events.
Academy Pavilion & Plaza
This area offers restrooms and an enclosed event space. Market 317 offers upscale grab-and-go items such as sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and wine for impromptu picnics.
The Barkyard and The Bark Bar
If you’re traveling with your dog, both of you will love The Barkyard! Two enclosed dog parks cater to small and large dogs. Adjacent to the dog runs is The Bark Bar, which offers craft beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks.
Great Lawn
As you can imagine, the Great Lawn hosts concerts and other live performances. It’s also an excellent place for yoga and other physical activities.
The Nest Play Area
I wish my now-grown kids had somewhere like The Nest to play! There are two large cardinal play structures (the cardinal is the symbol of Downtown Cary), multiple slides, a toddler play area, and a splash pad. For parents, there are a lot of shady places to hang out!
Special Events
The park is the perfect gathering space, and the Cary community takes full advantage of that. Every week, there are markets, movie nights, live performances, preschool art activities, and more. I was able to visit the Cary Night Market, which was a fun mix of vendors and specialty food offerings. It would make for a laid-back but fun date night!
Downtown Cary Highlights
While Downtown Cary Park is impressive, it’s not all Cary, North Carolina has to offer. Founded in 1871, the town has historic sites, a long history of arts support, and plenty of green space to discover.
Explore the Cary Arts Center
I was fascinated. I’m a sucker for historic structures, and this one honors its history. There was a school on this site from 1870 to 1998. Although purchased by the city in 2003, the building remained unused, falling into disrepair, until 2010. The Arts Center offers classes and hosts performances and art exhibits. However, you will see nods to its history everywhere. From the abundant photos of students to the rows of lockers embedded into brick walls, the building is an excellent mix of development and remembrance.
Page-Walker Arts and History Center
Built in 1868 by the town founder, the Page-Walker Arts and History Center began life as a hotel. Although Cary, North Carolina was a small town, the hotel was situated along the railroad and provided a needed service. The hotel became a private residence in 1926 and was vacated in 1980, falling into disrepair. A group of concerned local citizens got involved, and in the 1990s, the old hotel had been restored and turned into an arts center. It hosts art galleries on two floors and the Cary Heritage Museum on the third floor. The Friends of the Page-Walker group also hosts historic walking tours of Cary.
Cary, North Carolina Shops and cafes
Cary was made for strolling and shopping! There are so many cute shops within walking distance of downtown Cary. If you need a pick-me-up, stop by Esteamed Coffee. The cafe hires and supports adults with special needs and has really great coffee! If you want to go further afield, Fenton is an upscale multi-purpose complex that offers shopping, dining, and entertainment. If you’re looking for unique items, the Chatham Square shopping center offers retail and food with an international flair. Of course, if you are around on one of the many evenings and weekends that Downtown Cary Park hosts its markets, be sure to take advantage.
Exploring Nature in Cary, North Carolina
There are many trails and parks in Cary, but I love Bond Park. Encompassing 310 acres, it’s the largest park in Cary and one of the largest in Wake County. Plenty of trails, a playground, a challenge course, and an amphitheater exist. I made a beeline, though, for the waterfront area. There are small picnic tables and grills scattered about to enhance your day out. In addition, the Boathouse offers a deck with tables and a larger gathering space that can be reserved. In warmer weather, you can find snacks, drinks, and bait for sale there.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
This nearby venue offers an abundance of special event options. Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts over 55 events each year, including concerts, arts performances, and festivals. I had the absolute pleasure of attending the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival here, which was amazing. There was ample parking, concessions, food trucks, and plenty of room for the various activities and performances.
Where To Eat in Cary, North Carolina
The short answer to this question is everywhere. You can find upscale to budget dining and everything in between. There are several breweries and tap rooms in the area if you are into craft beer. There are also diverse flavors, such as SAAP Laotian cuisine. I enjoyed a delicious lunch from Scratch Kitchen and Taproom, a short walk from downtown. If you want to stay near the park area, you can’t beat Peck & Plume in the Mayton Hotel at the park boundary. I have a favorite – La Farm Bakery, also within downtown walking distance – is hands down a must-visit. The owner, Lionel Vatinet, is a French Master Baker, and it shows in everything they produce. Breads, pastries, sandwiches… I could eat every meal from there. Their white chocolate baguette is my go-to.
Lodging in Cary, North Carolina
I have stayed at The Mayton twice, and it has not disappointed me. It’s in the middle of downtown Cary, at the edge of Downtown Cary Park, making it the perfect starting point for walking to most of my favorite Cary locations. The boutique hotel has rooms that feel luxurious. Have a drink at the on-site bar or sit in front of the cozy fireplace in the lobby. Peck and Plume is the onsite restaurant, and it’s fabulous. In nice weather, I urge you to sit on their shaded terrace overlooking the park. If you’re an art lover, you’ll appreciate the artwork on the walls, all from local artists and all for sale. On-site parking is limited, but I have used the nearby Cary parking deck during my stay.
Make Cary, North Carolina, Your Next Getaway Destination
If you’re looking for somewhere new to explore or just want a more laid-back vibe, don’t sleep on Cary, NC. It offers options for doing all the things or doing absolutely nothing – it’s up to you. It’s an absolute tonic for my typical Type-A vacation style. The small town has plenty of food and activity options, so you can let your vacation unfold as you go. Check out their special events page and start planning your trip!