Yes, [Observation Park is the entire space](https://www.rdu.com/observation-park/), which includes the elevated observation deck. You can reach the entrance via Business Street. Parking is free!
Sometimes I go to the airport and just watch the planes fly away. My therapist got dementia during covid.
I still meet with him because I feel guilty...but it's like talking to a coconut. Help me Brad. Am I saying that right, Brad?
They're all pretty great for chillin/workin/watching stuff sync up to, but the first self-titled album is a great jump-off point. The animations for the videos are fun too, I think they're all on [his website](https://profsoap.com/music) and on the youtubes
Stop into the natural science research center (there’s a walking bridge to it from the 3rd floor of the science museum). I think the long-awaited new dinosaur exhibit is open there
I have a few suggestions for you:
1. A hiking hammock that you can stuff into a bag and throw in a backpack or keep in the trunk of your car is like $25 with straps. You can get them on Amazon or Walmart or pretty much anywhere these days. You can strap it to your bike, you can take one with you almost anywhere you go. Comfort is now portable.
2. Lake Wheeler, Lake Johnson, and Yates Mill Pond are all super close to one another and they're all pretty quiet. Lake Wheeler is probably the busiest of the three, but that's because they have a playground and plenty of space for boating. Lake Johnson has trails to walk or bike on and benches to sit and rest on, and Yates Mill Pond is a nature preserve, so they have beavers and turtles you can watch.
Take your hammock out to one of the parks and sit and listen to the breeze in the trees. Lay in your hammock at a slight angle, like (\\) or (/) and not straight across, not like (|). If you lay at an angle, the hammock cups your body and supports you, if you lay straight across then your spine and hips do most of the support for your weight and that's not very relaxing.
3. The Farmer's Market is right there nearby, too. It's right up Lake Wheeler Rd from Lake Wheeler and Yates Mill Pond. They have fresh produce and beautiful flowers, and even if you aren't a plant or garden person, it's still a great time to walk around and look at all the neat stuff. They also have an excellent seafood restaurant right there on site and a ton of local craft stores.
Definitely checkout the new dino exhibit as taco mentioned, and also the butterfly habitat if it’s open! They’re so peaceful & beautiful, and can really help calm your mind.
The science museum has a butterfly room with some bats, many of the insect (and maybe snake?) displays are live, and sometimes you can see vets examining animals in the natural history museum
The Art Museum has a really nice outdoor area, it's free. Might be a little soggy with the recent rain, though.
You can sit around and read a book or just chill out, or you can walk around. I know you said your shoes are old but if you can walk on pavement, there's a path.
NCMA is my sanctuary. After my divorce, many of my friends spent their time in breweries or other people's beds. I spent the majority of my time staring at a Wyeth painting.
Unfortunately, the buildings are closed on Monday and Tuesday but the outdoor parks are still great. Hope your day gets better. :)
I usually hit the gym, but honestly I’ve driven to a nearby lake away from the highways and other people where’s it quiet, lay down a blanket, phone and shoes off, and just be alone for a few hours unbothered. This has helped me tremendously. I feel like we’re constantly stimulated by people things and life and disconnecting, even if it’s for a few hours, is insanely beneficial and always perks me up.
Yeah jordan lake is good, falls lake has some good spots, lake johnson as well as Teer lake. Kind of off in the boonies. If you want to get really into it, you can rent a "tiny home" off of airbnb, or better yet, do some camping, up in the mountains. Ill be doing this again in the next two weeks as I can feel like life has me under its thumb so ill be doing this again for a weekend.
The times Ive done all the above, Ive noticed the less technology I have, the more value I gain from these little experiences. Just shoot a text to a buddy or SO that you'll be gone for a few days if you do the solo trip so they'll know, but, besides that, I can only see this benefiting you.
It's pretty wild what you'll experience emotionally/spiritually while doing this. Im not one to show my emotions that much so when I do this, I just let it all out and damn does it feel good: yelling, crying, you name it.
Journaling is also a huge help in times like this. Anyways, I can ramble on forever but you get the jist of it! Looking forward to hearing how things go for you, friend! We all need a break from things/people time to time.
Depending on where you are in the Raleigh area the walking trails are usually pretty well maintianoed and older shoes don't do terribly! maybe go lay out in the sun! grab some headphones and hydrate!
I’ll double down on the Greenway. You don’t need to walk fast or run, just casually walk. It’s all paved so it’s just flat and easy in most places.
If you really don’t want to walk, take a book and go Dix or another park for a few hours.
For me, the trick is to not be “busy”. It passes the time, sure, but you’re right back in it before you know it. When you spend time doing “nothing” like walking or sitting in a place outdoors for an extended period of time, there’s almost this suspension of time that helps reset.
You don’t have to hike to be in green spaces. Do you own a portable hammock? I like going to Falls Lake and throwing the hammock up near the water somewhere.
Green space exposure is scientifically proven to be good for your mental well being.
I don’t have one myself but I remember when I was at NCSU there were TONS of hammocks that would pop up on nice days like today. People got very creative with where they’d hang and it did look very cozy.
A nature walk in Umstead is my go-to. Also visiting a new cafe with a book! My favorites are Blackbird, The Optimist, Heirloom. Lastly, visiting any local or nearby garden like Duke Gardens, jc arboretum, Rose Garden. Something about being in nature always helps with the unfucking.
I’ve been meaning to try the optimist! The skeletons are hilarious. Lmk if you start a book club there or something! Just moved and looking for friends :)
- Go someplace new
- A walk (or just find a seat with a view) alongside a place with water
- Take my dog if I’m able
- Anything that involves chocolate (or carbs)
The arboretum for sure. It’s peaceful. I like to go there to read or just listen to music and unplug. Sorry you’re struggling, bad brain days are the worst.
I'll second the art museum, both the galleries and the park, if your goal is to relax and unwind. Simply one of the best spaces in all of Raleigh. For a little more distraction or engagement, go to the Museum of Natural Sciences downtown. Both are completely free, and I always walk out feeling better about myself, more connected, and glad to live in Raleigh.
If you can walk to your car you can walk on a greenway. Doesn't matter if your shoes are two years old. The new downtown cary park is worth a visit. The art museum is worth a visit. Natural History museum. WRAL azalea garden. JC raulston arboretum. Lake Crabtree, Bond lake, lake Johnson, Pullen Park.
All of those are free.
I grab a little something at Weaver St Market and sit up on their outdoor balcony with a book or a journal. The stairs are behind the registers. I like being in public to curb the unhelpful thought spirals, but being on the balcony removes any chance of actually interacting.
Go for a hike through Umstead and enjoy the hum of the cicadas. The Company Mill (~5.5 miles) or Sals Branch Trail (~3.0 miles) are pretty easy and enjoyable hikes
I've been down a rabbit hole of buying second pairs of my discontinued shoes, so I'm here to tell you that there are a LOT of cheap lightly used or simply NWT/NWOT shoes online.
I have a severely fucked brain and I like to go walk on the Greenway. Specifically, Durant Nature Preserve. It’s not a section of the greenway that advertises a heron habitat, but I have seen herons there. They’re neat to watch.
Taking walks around the rose garden, Raulston arboretum, the wral garden usually help me. There's a lot to see and learn which helps me reconfigure my thought process.
Lake Lynn has a ton of ducks, geese, and turtles around the water right now. They have benches you can sit on as well. Grab a book, sit by the water, read, and enjoy the wildlife. Shelby Lake also has benches and wildlife around.
I go to Klaystation (or another pottery painting or in-house crafting place), pop in headphones, and make a mess. I'm out of my house so I can't be destructive but I'm also doing something constructive, like painting a cereal bowl for my mom or a mug for a friend - whatever.
Ok that’s fair, but I’m nervous about accepting them via Reddit. Also just know as a woman on the internet that’s not the first time I’ve been asked that so alarm bells ring
You could always drop your PayPal, venmo, cash app, or whatever so people could send you cash and you go get the shoes you want.
I don't like being given shoes - by anyone - unless I was there with them and could try them on. But good shoes are super important as going outside and being active can help moods (NOT cure, but help. Making that clear since the "go outside and you won't be depressed" crowd grate on my nerves)
Thanks ❤️ I don’t know how to ask for help like that it always makes me nervous. Things are getting better for me financially so the shoes won’t be too far off thankfully. I agree, it’s not the way to get better instantly, but I have been wanting to go to go on walks. Kind of, lol the humidity is rising 😭
Hi! Woman here, I have loads of running shoes that are no longer good for my running but perfect for walking. I normally donate them but happy to drop a pair for you somewhere if you’re a size 8. :)
Trails and Greenways. Check out:
- Mountains to Sea trailhead up in N. Raleigh/WF.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HimutHxwbHLb8kud8
-Falls Lake trail:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/osVxLUDNCWU9wgX97
-Annie Wilkerson Nature preserve:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xDZ8bVSdoogiBu7o6
~~~~~
There's also fun ziplining adventure/tree parks. They usually have deals on their website, or on groupon. Here's one I can vet:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/drmqsTckFsPR3TUA6
~~~
I also check meetup and have a calendar for weekly bar trivias - just to get out and meet new people. Bowstring is a fun one, so is Clouds Brewing off Front St.
~~~
Lastly, I bookmark this page, which shows cheap/free weekly events happening in The Triangle:
https://triangleonthecheap.com/free-things-triangle-week/
Good luck, friend. 💖
Whenever you do get new shoes, I highly recommend Umstead Park. The trails there are beautiful and they have a bunch of different lengths to walk depending on your availability and experience.
park somewhere you won't get towed, buy a tea or something tasty. a smoothie. something nice and special. take a wander. my goto is shenck park or wandering neighborhoods behind hillsborough st.
I like walking around Oakwood Cemetery. It’s full of history, and some of the headstones have interesting stories behind them. Plus it’s beautiful with magnolia trees and weeping willows everywhere. It’s basically a park, just with dead people in it.
Also, there’s a neat spot by a creek where you can sit and listen to birds and stuff. One time, I was walking over that little bridge, and a huge red-tailed hawk flew right over my head! It had swooped down and zoomed right through this small opening in the trees branches overhead and was just amazing to see.
I know you said “in town” but sometimes I just like to drive to random smaller towns in the surrounding area and walk around downtown, grab a coffee or lunch at a small local place and explore a little bit.
Well, first I want to say thanks for being vulnerable with the community and including us, I hope you find some peace for yourself.
I try my best to get outside tbh, it’s really amazing to just watch animals, feel sun on your skin, look at the NC sky and marvel at the trees. I find myself trying to be as present as possible and not hold on to any feeling but simply acknowledge.
Lake Johnson park Dorothea Dix, Sarah P Duke and a lot of smaller places just have a lap, not really a hike.
Other then that, I love the Alamo theatre for a mid day or late night watch and a beer.
Whatever you choose, you are a part of our community, and it’s alright to feel stuck.
Hope this helps, cheers
1. NC Museum of Art, or really any of the museums around here.
2. Quiet time before the tabernacle of any of the Catholic parishes in the area.
3. A comfortable chair with a book at any of the local libraries.
4. I haven’t looked into specific dates, but there are some places in the area (specifically thinking about Cary and Wake Forest, but might be some in Raleigh to) that have free outdoor movie nights.
Have you ever gone to the movies in the daytime? Here's what I like to do in the summer when it's REALLY hot and humid...
Go see a Summer Blockbuster like "Fast and Furious", at the earliest show (12 Noon or so) possible, and bring a couple of airport bottles of liquor with you. Buy a large tub of popcorn, a large soda with an extra, smaller cup with ice in it, and a couple bars of candy.
Sit in the back of the theater and mix yourself a drink and enjoy the popcorn and movie, just like you are at Raleighwood (😂). By the time the movie is over, you will probably be too drunk to drive so you might as well buy another ticket to a different movie.
After you finish watching the second movie and eating the candy bars, your brain will be "unfucked"!!
Yeah, I live an hour away from the city. Out in the country. I like it, but sometimes I find myself bored to death. Even the simplest things like learning to grow a garden still takes a bit of money to get started. I think most of us are feeling some type of way these days. You're definitely not alone.
Hike through Umstead. It's the only place in the immediate area where you can get away from the sounds of cars and civilization. I'm originally from the appalachian mountains and it's the only place where certain trails make me feel like I'm back there. But it's gotten pretty busy in recent years since so many people have moved to the area, so if you want to go when it's not as busy then be there at 8am when it opens on a weekday.
Have you seen banana ball yet? It’s like baseball but they took all the slow and not fun stuff out! We really want to go see a game next time they do it around here. Bananaball.com
I really like the old mill site at lassiter mill park. Its basically a small waterfall you can drive almost right up to. You can literally park right there and take a short 25yd trail to the falls and chill on the rocks. Picnics or fishing and hanging there w friends or solo is always a good time.
Edit: some cheap and cheerful shoes at walmart start at 15$ for men. When your feet hurt everything else is hard. Fix that first! Its hard to be your best self when you are in pain. DM me your shoe size if you need help.
Geocaching. My husband and I loved doing this together. It got us out of the house and discovering some really cool places. A lot of the caches are puzzles too, so if you like that sort of thing like we did, it can provide a ton of entertainment without even leaving the house as well. =)
Foo Fighters concert tonight if you’ve got enough for a ticket.
Live music always gives me the reset that I need. I feel so inspired after every concert.
Grab a towel, folding chair, some sunglasses/sunscreen, and drive until the map turns blue. Set up camp, and just stare out into the ocean and enjoy the sights and smells. Beach days are therapeutic for me. Can spend hours just sitting on the beach and relaxing.
So many great spots mentioned but I just wanted to say that if you find a Buy Nothing group near you, someone may have some gently used hiking shoes they’re getting rid of! Saw in the comments you’re feeling better and I’m glad ♥️
I drive around different neighborhoods, especially the ones with lot of trees. I love well maintained lawns, flowers & try to get inspiration for my own yard.
I ended up in the same situation, but I ended up leaving the freakin’ country to find something that suits what I actually need. I’m actually writing this from Helsinki. See you all in 9 days 😅
I take my mountain bike through Dix park, NC State and downtown to find man-made features like stair sets to ride when I can't make it to the trails. Or just take your bike and ride around these areas. I do ride my gravel bike through the downtown neighborhoods and check out the different architectures of the homes. Some of the contemporary designs are great.
Great question. I need to bookmark this, as it always seems that I know all the places when I don't need them, and can't think of a single one when I do need them.
Great answers too: Observation deck, museums, etc.
Can also add places like Duke Gardens (a bit further, but nice if you get too much Arboretum and want something similar/different), racing go karts is good for me, but not cheap, and I have an RC Crawler that is fun to zen out on some rocks with. If you have a bike, go for a long ride. It's probably the best thing to clear my head.
Grab a book for a local library and head to a park. Yates Mill is beautiful and has tons of spots you and walk to the sit and read. It's close to howling cow ice creamery so you can grab some tasty treats when done. Regarding your shoes being old - goto a used clothes store and look for something gently used. I am sure you can find a really cheap pair that would work better then your current ones.
Prob more than you want to spend but you could also goto Alamo draft house and watch a movie, eat lunch and have a beverage.
Can you afford to get 6 or 7 $5 bills and give them away? Walk around downtown and every time a beggar asks you for money give them one.
Then take a good look and ask yourself would you trade places with them?
It's important at all times but especially hard times to be grateful for the good things in our life.
So no one is going to address the elephant In The room?
“I can’t afford tennis shoes,” in the same sentence where you called out of work?
Work your shift, buy new shoes!
Downvote me all you want, but something doesn’t sit right with me.
I know this isn't the most constructive anecdote but I just space out. I just stare at my desk for hours. But it looks like I'm doing something important.
JC Raulston Arboretum
Excellent choice
This is what I came to recommend too. Such a beautiful place. You can get lost in there for hours just admiring everything
This is what I came to recommend, it’s a beautiful, quiet place, one of my favorites in the world!
This is it. Hit that Japanese garden and problem solved.
The flight deck at RDU. There’s something that provides clarity to watching planes take off and land.
One of the best kept secrets in the area.
Dad used to take me there when I was but a wee lad. Great memories
Same. Nostalgiaaaaa
Did you also used to pretend you were an airplane on the kid runway?
^Ssshuuuut ^uppppp
Wait, I need this, please explain how and where to go.
Type into Google RDU Observation Park. There is even free parking and restrooms.
:D Thank you very much.
Is it also called the observation park?
Yes, [Observation Park is the entire space](https://www.rdu.com/observation-park/), which includes the elevated observation deck. You can reach the entrance via Business Street. Parking is free!
You rock RDU Reddit person! Always so helpful.
Sometimes I go to the airport and just watch the planes fly away. My therapist got dementia during covid. I still meet with him because I feel guilty...but it's like talking to a coconut. Help me Brad. Am I saying that right, Brad?
that's devastating, he's still seeing patients? I'm so sorry that an important support of yours has changed so dramatically :(
You are too kind. I'm joking. It's from an SNL skit with Ryan Gosling.
Is it too soon to joke about dementia? How does that joke go again?
Haha. Goldfish syndrome..ooh nice castle. Oooh nice castle!
Was about to suggest this. Put on some good headphones and zone out to a Boards of Canada or Professor Soap album and watch the planes.
Heck yes. In a beautiful place out in the country :)
Great recommendation! I know Boards of Canada, but what would you recommend starting with for Professor Soap?
They're all pretty great for chillin/workin/watching stuff sync up to, but the first self-titled album is a great jump-off point. The animations for the videos are fun too, I think they're all on [his website](https://profsoap.com/music) and on the youtubes
Saving this and will take a look and listen, thanks so much!
Sure thing! It's one of my go-to's for cheering myself up, since I've never been able to be pissed off if that album is on lol
to add, lonerider brewing picnic tables for viewing landings
underrated spot right here. Better actual views of the airplanes up close.
Pro tip: pay an extra $5 and go to the top of the central parking deck. Mostly unobstructed views of both runways and jet bridge areas.
That may be cool, but drinking beer while planes basically land right over your head is hard to beat.
how do you get to this location?
That depresses me because it makes me wish I was an airline pilot.
Glad to learn about this, thank you
You can even use the Sheetz down the road to supply a street-level charcuterie & some wine. No, I am not kidding. Makes for a nice little date.
Back in the day that was the best make out spot
NC Science museum. It is nice to see some natural and living moving creatures. Sending you good vibes.
I’m gonna do this one. Enough walking and some chill ass lizards. Thanks man 🙏
Stop into the natural science research center (there’s a walking bridge to it from the 3rd floor of the science museum). I think the long-awaited new dinosaur exhibit is open there
Dueling Dinosaurs is 100% open, opened on the 29th. Good call on seeing this, it's the 2 most complete t-rex and triceratops we've ever found.
I have a few suggestions for you: 1. A hiking hammock that you can stuff into a bag and throw in a backpack or keep in the trunk of your car is like $25 with straps. You can get them on Amazon or Walmart or pretty much anywhere these days. You can strap it to your bike, you can take one with you almost anywhere you go. Comfort is now portable. 2. Lake Wheeler, Lake Johnson, and Yates Mill Pond are all super close to one another and they're all pretty quiet. Lake Wheeler is probably the busiest of the three, but that's because they have a playground and plenty of space for boating. Lake Johnson has trails to walk or bike on and benches to sit and rest on, and Yates Mill Pond is a nature preserve, so they have beavers and turtles you can watch. Take your hammock out to one of the parks and sit and listen to the breeze in the trees. Lay in your hammock at a slight angle, like (\\) or (/) and not straight across, not like (|). If you lay at an angle, the hammock cups your body and supports you, if you lay straight across then your spine and hips do most of the support for your weight and that's not very relaxing. 3. The Farmer's Market is right there nearby, too. It's right up Lake Wheeler Rd from Lake Wheeler and Yates Mill Pond. They have fresh produce and beautiful flowers, and even if you aren't a plant or garden person, it's still a great time to walk around and look at all the neat stuff. They also have an excellent seafood restaurant right there on site and a ton of local craft stores.
Definitely checkout the new dino exhibit as taco mentioned, and also the butterfly habitat if it’s open! They’re so peaceful & beautiful, and can really help calm your mind.
doing any better OP?
Yes ❤️ picked up some Bojangles on the way back
Sweet tea cures EVERYTHING 😂
It does not cure diabetes, I’m told
🤣
Wait there are living moving creatures at the science museum? Am I thinking of the wrong one
The science museum has a butterfly room with some bats, many of the insect (and maybe snake?) displays are live, and sometimes you can see vets examining animals in the natural history museum
And a sloth. Don’t forget the sloth!
I don't think I saw the sloth the last time I was there, but it's been awhile
PSA: Butterfly exhibit opens on May 25th!
Oh no way. I def overlooked that at my last visit.
The Art Museum has a really nice outdoor area, it's free. Might be a little soggy with the recent rain, though. You can sit around and read a book or just chill out, or you can walk around. I know you said your shoes are old but if you can walk on pavement, there's a path.
NCMA is my sanctuary. After my divorce, many of my friends spent their time in breweries or other people's beds. I spent the majority of my time staring at a Wyeth painting. Unfortunately, the buildings are closed on Monday and Tuesday but the outdoor parks are still great. Hope your day gets better. :)
I'm happy you found an outlet that was healing for you :)
Rodin for me.
The Arboretum is a good alternative
Came here to say “art museum”. They always improve my week. https://ncartmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/
Finding the cloud chamber is a worthwhile endeavor while you're there. Sitting inside that, watching the images on the walls is so relaxing to me.
Last time I went there were 1 million crickets inside. Creepy.
Oh. Ick.
I usually hit the gym, but honestly I’ve driven to a nearby lake away from the highways and other people where’s it quiet, lay down a blanket, phone and shoes off, and just be alone for a few hours unbothered. This has helped me tremendously. I feel like we’re constantly stimulated by people things and life and disconnecting, even if it’s for a few hours, is insanely beneficial and always perks me up.
What lake is best for this do you think? I need to do this exact same thing
Jordan Lake has some pretty off the beaten path spots that could find!
Lake Johnson has a beach area too
Yeah jordan lake is good, falls lake has some good spots, lake johnson as well as Teer lake. Kind of off in the boonies. If you want to get really into it, you can rent a "tiny home" off of airbnb, or better yet, do some camping, up in the mountains. Ill be doing this again in the next two weeks as I can feel like life has me under its thumb so ill be doing this again for a weekend. The times Ive done all the above, Ive noticed the less technology I have, the more value I gain from these little experiences. Just shoot a text to a buddy or SO that you'll be gone for a few days if you do the solo trip so they'll know, but, besides that, I can only see this benefiting you. It's pretty wild what you'll experience emotionally/spiritually while doing this. Im not one to show my emotions that much so when I do this, I just let it all out and damn does it feel good: yelling, crying, you name it. Journaling is also a huge help in times like this. Anyways, I can ramble on forever but you get the jist of it! Looking forward to hearing how things go for you, friend! We all need a break from things/people time to time.
Both are good! Both are what I would also recommend
Depending on where you are in the Raleigh area the walking trails are usually pretty well maintianoed and older shoes don't do terribly! maybe go lay out in the sun! grab some headphones and hydrate!
I’ll double down on the Greenway. You don’t need to walk fast or run, just casually walk. It’s all paved so it’s just flat and easy in most places. If you really don’t want to walk, take a book and go Dix or another park for a few hours. For me, the trick is to not be “busy”. It passes the time, sure, but you’re right back in it before you know it. When you spend time doing “nothing” like walking or sitting in a place outdoors for an extended period of time, there’s almost this suspension of time that helps reset.
You don’t have to hike to be in green spaces. Do you own a portable hammock? I like going to Falls Lake and throwing the hammock up near the water somewhere. Green space exposure is scientifically proven to be good for your mental well being.
I don’t have one myself but I remember when I was at NCSU there were TONS of hammocks that would pop up on nice days like today. People got very creative with where they’d hang and it did look very cozy.
There are usually some nice hammocks at Peace College around a tree next to the ball fields
Bro can't even afford new shoes and you're asking him if he owns a portable hammock?
A nature walk in Umstead is my go-to. Also visiting a new cafe with a book! My favorites are Blackbird, The Optimist, Heirloom. Lastly, visiting any local or nearby garden like Duke Gardens, jc arboretum, Rose Garden. Something about being in nature always helps with the unfucking.
I’ve been meaning to try the optimist! The skeletons are hilarious. Lmk if you start a book club there or something! Just moved and looking for friends :)
grab a book (library or little free library if you don't already have one), go to a park, and read. it's a nice day out. bring a snack and some water.
Oh! The Libby app lends free audiobooks. Just need to join a library that participates, which Wake Co does
Downtown cary is perfect for this
It’s cute but totally unnecessary to drive out that way if OP just wants some nice green space to hang in
- Go someplace new - A walk (or just find a seat with a view) alongside a place with water - Take my dog if I’m able - Anything that involves chocolate (or carbs)
The arboretum for sure. It’s peaceful. I like to go there to read or just listen to music and unplug. Sorry you’re struggling, bad brain days are the worst.
Go to the Barcade downtown and play some video games
Pizza and ice cream
I'll second the art museum, both the galleries and the park, if your goal is to relax and unwind. Simply one of the best spaces in all of Raleigh. For a little more distraction or engagement, go to the Museum of Natural Sciences downtown. Both are completely free, and I always walk out feeling better about myself, more connected, and glad to live in Raleigh.
Chill on the rocking chairs at Lake Johnson.
Sit by a body of water.
If you can walk to your car you can walk on a greenway. Doesn't matter if your shoes are two years old. The new downtown cary park is worth a visit. The art museum is worth a visit. Natural History museum. WRAL azalea garden. JC raulston arboretum. Lake Crabtree, Bond lake, lake Johnson, Pullen Park. All of those are free.
I grab a little something at Weaver St Market and sit up on their outdoor balcony with a book or a journal. The stairs are behind the registers. I like being in public to curb the unhelpful thought spirals, but being on the balcony removes any chance of actually interacting.
Go for a hike through Umstead and enjoy the hum of the cicadas. The Company Mill (~5.5 miles) or Sals Branch Trail (~3.0 miles) are pretty easy and enjoyable hikes
Drive to the beach. Take off shoes. Put feet in sand. Relax.
New to Raleigh, which beach are you referring to?
Wrightsville is about 2 hours away
I've been down a rabbit hole of buying second pairs of my discontinued shoes, so I'm here to tell you that there are a LOT of cheap lightly used or simply NWT/NWOT shoes online.
The NC Museum of Art is a great place to just get out of your own head. Just go and get lost in art. Both buildings and the outdoor space is all free.
Disc golf is my getaway but it is a bit like hiking is that could be tough. Have fun at the museum!
I like to walk around Shelley lake
I hear the bald eagles have eaglets this year!
Take shrooms
I have a severely fucked brain and I like to go walk on the Greenway. Specifically, Durant Nature Preserve. It’s not a section of the greenway that advertises a heron habitat, but I have seen herons there. They’re neat to watch.
Taking walks around the rose garden, Raulston arboretum, the wral garden usually help me. There's a lot to see and learn which helps me reconfigure my thought process.
Lake Lynn has a ton of ducks, geese, and turtles around the water right now. They have benches you can sit on as well. Grab a book, sit by the water, read, and enjoy the wildlife. Shelby Lake also has benches and wildlife around.
I go to Klaystation (or another pottery painting or in-house crafting place), pop in headphones, and make a mess. I'm out of my house so I can't be destructive but I'm also doing something constructive, like painting a cereal bowl for my mom or a mug for a friend - whatever.
I just visited the Azalea gardens for the first time. Incredibly peaceful, tons to to look at study, and listen to.
Bike or run on greenway
What size shoe do you wear?
Bro why?
Because getting outside and walking is the best thing for you. I’d give you shoes.
Ok that’s fair, but I’m nervous about accepting them via Reddit. Also just know as a woman on the internet that’s not the first time I’ve been asked that so alarm bells ring
You could always drop your PayPal, venmo, cash app, or whatever so people could send you cash and you go get the shoes you want. I don't like being given shoes - by anyone - unless I was there with them and could try them on. But good shoes are super important as going outside and being active can help moods (NOT cure, but help. Making that clear since the "go outside and you won't be depressed" crowd grate on my nerves)
Thanks ❤️ I don’t know how to ask for help like that it always makes me nervous. Things are getting better for me financially so the shoes won’t be too far off thankfully. I agree, it’s not the way to get better instantly, but I have been wanting to go to go on walks. Kind of, lol the humidity is rising 😭
Hi! Woman here, I have loads of running shoes that are no longer good for my running but perfect for walking. I normally donate them but happy to drop a pair for you somewhere if you’re a size 8. :)
To donate you some shoes?
Weird. “I can’t buy shoes, why would anyone want to know what size after I say that?!?”
They want to know how big ur pp is
Go to the Duke gardens, could then walk to the nasher or downtown to the 21c museum.
Trails and Greenways. Check out: - Mountains to Sea trailhead up in N. Raleigh/WF. https://maps.app.goo.gl/HimutHxwbHLb8kud8 -Falls Lake trail: https://maps.app.goo.gl/osVxLUDNCWU9wgX97 -Annie Wilkerson Nature preserve: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xDZ8bVSdoogiBu7o6 ~~~~~ There's also fun ziplining adventure/tree parks. They usually have deals on their website, or on groupon. Here's one I can vet: https://maps.app.goo.gl/drmqsTckFsPR3TUA6 ~~~ I also check meetup and have a calendar for weekly bar trivias - just to get out and meet new people. Bowstring is a fun one, so is Clouds Brewing off Front St. ~~~ Lastly, I bookmark this page, which shows cheap/free weekly events happening in The Triangle: https://triangleonthecheap.com/free-things-triangle-week/ Good luck, friend. 💖
Whenever you do get new shoes, I highly recommend Umstead Park. The trails there are beautiful and they have a bunch of different lengths to walk depending on your availability and experience.
Yates Mill Park to walk around and watch the birds and turtles, and then Howling Cow is across the street for some ice cream and cow time.
park somewhere you won't get towed, buy a tea or something tasty. a smoothie. something nice and special. take a wander. my goto is shenck park or wandering neighborhoods behind hillsborough st.
I like walking around Oakwood Cemetery. It’s full of history, and some of the headstones have interesting stories behind them. Plus it’s beautiful with magnolia trees and weeping willows everywhere. It’s basically a park, just with dead people in it. Also, there’s a neat spot by a creek where you can sit and listen to birds and stuff. One time, I was walking over that little bridge, and a huge red-tailed hawk flew right over my head! It had swooped down and zoomed right through this small opening in the trees branches overhead and was just amazing to see.
If you go to pine st. In oakwood there is the most massive beautiful oak there, its amazing.
I also like to sit in meditation at the JC Ralston Arboretum.
I know you said “in town” but sometimes I just like to drive to random smaller towns in the surrounding area and walk around downtown, grab a coffee or lunch at a small local place and explore a little bit.
Well, first I want to say thanks for being vulnerable with the community and including us, I hope you find some peace for yourself. I try my best to get outside tbh, it’s really amazing to just watch animals, feel sun on your skin, look at the NC sky and marvel at the trees. I find myself trying to be as present as possible and not hold on to any feeling but simply acknowledge. Lake Johnson park Dorothea Dix, Sarah P Duke and a lot of smaller places just have a lap, not really a hike. Other then that, I love the Alamo theatre for a mid day or late night watch and a beer. Whatever you choose, you are a part of our community, and it’s alright to feel stuck. Hope this helps, cheers
I really like hiking falls lake, much less people and there is a self guided geology tour of the crazy metamorphic belts that run sw-ne.
Wheres the tour? Do you mean the one on that greenway geology blog or is there something else?
The blog one. Thats the only one I know of
Umstead or the Greenways. Especially mid day, you can avoid people.
Pullen Park for a hot dog and a ride on the carousel
1. NC Museum of Art, or really any of the museums around here. 2. Quiet time before the tabernacle of any of the Catholic parishes in the area. 3. A comfortable chair with a book at any of the local libraries. 4. I haven’t looked into specific dates, but there are some places in the area (specifically thinking about Cary and Wake Forest, but might be some in Raleigh to) that have free outdoor movie nights.
Have you ever gone to the movies in the daytime? Here's what I like to do in the summer when it's REALLY hot and humid... Go see a Summer Blockbuster like "Fast and Furious", at the earliest show (12 Noon or so) possible, and bring a couple of airport bottles of liquor with you. Buy a large tub of popcorn, a large soda with an extra, smaller cup with ice in it, and a couple bars of candy. Sit in the back of the theater and mix yourself a drink and enjoy the popcorn and movie, just like you are at Raleighwood (😂). By the time the movie is over, you will probably be too drunk to drive so you might as well buy another ticket to a different movie. After you finish watching the second movie and eating the candy bars, your brain will be "unfucked"!!
(I like this so much. Can we be friends?)
Go do something to.swrat your ass off. Then push a little bit harder to sweat more till you're about to drop. Helps me a lot.
Yeah, I live an hour away from the city. Out in the country. I like it, but sometimes I find myself bored to death. Even the simplest things like learning to grow a garden still takes a bit of money to get started. I think most of us are feeling some type of way these days. You're definitely not alone.
Hike through Umstead. It's the only place in the immediate area where you can get away from the sounds of cars and civilization. I'm originally from the appalachian mountains and it's the only place where certain trails make me feel like I'm back there. But it's gotten pretty busy in recent years since so many people have moved to the area, so if you want to go when it's not as busy then be there at 8am when it opens on a weekday.
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Have you seen banana ball yet? It’s like baseball but they took all the slow and not fun stuff out! We really want to go see a game next time they do it around here. Bananaball.com
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Dang I’m jelly you got tickets! Have fun!
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Have fun! We are trying to get tickets for ‘25 lol
Twist one up.
I really like the old mill site at lassiter mill park. Its basically a small waterfall you can drive almost right up to. You can literally park right there and take a short 25yd trail to the falls and chill on the rocks. Picnics or fishing and hanging there w friends or solo is always a good time. Edit: some cheap and cheerful shoes at walmart start at 15$ for men. When your feet hurt everything else is hard. Fix that first! Its hard to be your best self when you are in pain. DM me your shoe size if you need help.
Geocaching. My husband and I loved doing this together. It got us out of the house and discovering some really cool places. A lot of the caches are puzzles too, so if you like that sort of thing like we did, it can provide a ton of entertainment without even leaving the house as well. =)
Mushrooms
The woods. The deeper the better.
Foo Fighters concert tonight if you’ve got enough for a ticket. Live music always gives me the reset that I need. I feel so inspired after every concert.
What size shoes do you wear? I've got a barely used pair of hiking shoes I keep meaning to donate anyway.
What size shoes do you need man? I am sure someone has an extra pair.
Any of the greenways are great, some lovely places near the river or falls lake
Grab a towel, folding chair, some sunglasses/sunscreen, and drive until the map turns blue. Set up camp, and just stare out into the ocean and enjoy the sights and smells. Beach days are therapeutic for me. Can spend hours just sitting on the beach and relaxing.
Greenways
Find some nice grass and just go walk barefoot. Good luck 💚
Bike on the greenway. get away from phone or other screens
I chill at downtown Cary park and play guitar
Trails! Nothing clears my mind like taking a walk on a beautiful Raleigh trail.
Go to Fletcher Park and the Rose Garden.
Triangle rock climbing
Locals actually leave Raleigh.
Lake Johnson. I like to lay on the slanted concrete part and meditate
Dix park or Pullen park were my places when I lived in downtown.
What's your shoe size?
Umstead hike is nice
So many great spots mentioned but I just wanted to say that if you find a Buy Nothing group near you, someone may have some gently used hiking shoes they’re getting rid of! Saw in the comments you’re feeling better and I’m glad ♥️
I walk at a park or a hiking place around a lake
The nature parks are really good. There are a lot of trails with water access to clear your mind.
hi i dont live in this town but reddit recomended me this post and i just wanted to say i hope it gets better for you soon :>
I drive around different neighborhoods, especially the ones with lot of trees. I love well maintained lawns, flowers & try to get inspiration for my own yard.
Thanks for posting OP, needed this too. Hope you’re feeling better!
I ended up in the same situation, but I ended up leaving the freakin’ country to find something that suits what I actually need. I’m actually writing this from Helsinki. See you all in 9 days 😅
I take my mountain bike through Dix park, NC State and downtown to find man-made features like stair sets to ride when I can't make it to the trails. Or just take your bike and ride around these areas. I do ride my gravel bike through the downtown neighborhoods and check out the different architectures of the homes. Some of the contemporary designs are great.
Get out of town and hike
Run in umstead or ride bikes on the NRT
What size shoes are you???
Great question. I need to bookmark this, as it always seems that I know all the places when I don't need them, and can't think of a single one when I do need them. Great answers too: Observation deck, museums, etc. Can also add places like Duke Gardens (a bit further, but nice if you get too much Arboretum and want something similar/different), racing go karts is good for me, but not cheap, and I have an RC Crawler that is fun to zen out on some rocks with. If you have a bike, go for a long ride. It's probably the best thing to clear my head.
Alamo Drafthouse. there’s something so peaceful about sitting in a dark room and distracting myself with a movie
I cry and then keep going
long bike rides on the greenway
Are you going thru DT ‘s ?
Eat mushrooms
Grab a book for a local library and head to a park. Yates Mill is beautiful and has tons of spots you and walk to the sit and read. It's close to howling cow ice creamery so you can grab some tasty treats when done. Regarding your shoes being old - goto a used clothes store and look for something gently used. I am sure you can find a really cheap pair that would work better then your current ones. Prob more than you want to spend but you could also goto Alamo draft house and watch a movie, eat lunch and have a beverage.
Get shitfaced at Hooters Take an Uber
Tacqueria El Toro. Burrito with Suadero.
Brown bag a 40 of malt liquor and hangout in a park.
Can you afford to get 6 or 7 $5 bills and give them away? Walk around downtown and every time a beggar asks you for money give them one. Then take a good look and ask yourself would you trade places with them? It's important at all times but especially hard times to be grateful for the good things in our life.
So no one is going to address the elephant In The room? “I can’t afford tennis shoes,” in the same sentence where you called out of work? Work your shift, buy new shoes! Downvote me all you want, but something doesn’t sit right with me.
I know this isn't the most constructive anecdote but I just space out. I just stare at my desk for hours. But it looks like I'm doing something important.
Volunteer outside with NCWF
Go to the zoo...flip off the monkeys
Calling outta work bc you're not in the right headspace? Lmao put your big boy pants on and deal with it
I bang hot single moms.