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15 Unique Things To Do in Cary, NC

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Nov 9, 2022 11 min read
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15 Unique Things To Do in Cary, NC
Chapters
01
Koka Booth Amphitheater
02
Fred G. Bond Metro Park
03
Downtown Cary Park
04
Cary Arts Center
05
The Cary Theater
06
Fortnight Brewing Company
07
Ashworth Drugs
08
The Herons at The Umstead Hotel & Spa
09
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve/Stevens Nature Center
10
Cary Action Sports
11
Cary Tennis Park
12
Wake Med Soccer Park
13
Bond Brothers Beer Company
14
Pizzeria Faulisi
15
La Farm Bakery-Preston Corners

Things To Do in Cary, North Carolina

Are you looking for fun things to do in Cary, North Carolina? Check out these unique things to do in Cary!

Whether you live in Cary and are looking for something fun and unique to do or are planning to move to the area, we have come up with this list as a guide to get you started.

Considered to be one of the best Raleigh suburbs for its high safety rating and family-friendly atmosphere, new residents moving to Cary will quickly learn that there is always something to do, whether you are planning a staycation or a date night out.

Beer glasses and nature walking trail

These are the top 15 things to do in Cary, North Carolina!

Koka Booth Amphitheater

Best For: Music Lovers

Open: For Events

Location: 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC, 27518

Ages: All ages

Koka Booth is home to many events throughout the year in Cary, ranging from various music artists to food festivals, comedy shows, and larger-scale community events. It is most well known as home to the NC Chinese Lantern Festival, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually between November and January. If you are asking yourself, what is Cary, North Carolina, famous for? This is one of the many events attracting people from all over to one of the fastest-growing cities in the South.

Suppose you are looking for something to do in the hot summer months. In that case, the Koka Booth Amphitheater entertains people of all ages under the stars, surrounded by the canopy of tall pines and accommodating over 7,000 patrons.

Fred G. Bond Metro Park

Best For: Outdoor Activities

Open: Year-Round

Location: 801 High House Road, Cary, NC, 27513

Ages: All Ages

Bond Park is the largest municipal park in Cary, NC totaling 310 acres of open space, offering many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Featuring a boathouse that overlooks the lake, you will find boat rentals, bait, poles, ice cream, and snacks.

Many people will ask, Can you swim at Bond Park Lake? Unfortunately, the answer is no, but you will quickly see that many options are available to keep you entertained! Picnic shelters are available for reservations and on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, bring your picnic baskets and friends and enjoy this hidden gem, just moments from historical downtown Cary!

Downtown Cary Park

Best For: Outdoor Activities

Open: Year-Round

Location: 316 N. Academy Street, Cary, NC, 27513

Ages: All Ages

Located in the CENTER of downtown Cary, this Cary park is still being completed and is anticipated to be completed in 2023. The downtown Cary Park will total seven acres of open space dedicated to several different areas:

  • Performance Pavilion
  • Bark Bar
  • Dog Park
  • Gathering Garden
  • Academy Street Plaza
  • Children's Play Area- The Nest
  • Towne Square
  • Park Street Courts

The proposed programming will include Arts & crafts classes, outdoor concerts on the lawn, book clubs, fitness classes, story-time programs, and movie nights.

Downtown Cary Fountain in Downtown Cary Park

Cary Arts Center

Best For: Art Enthusiasts

Open: Year-Round
Location: 101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC, 27511
Ages: All Ages

Just a hop, skip and jump away from Downtown Cary Park you will find the Cary Arts Center, which is truly the heart of the Art Activity you can find in Cary.

Many patrons frequent the Cary Arts Center for studio programs ranging from Art, Clay, Glass, Metals, and Jewelry. On a rotating schedule, the Arts Center has various Art Exhibitions open to the public. The Arts Center Theater holds up to 431 people and will host multiple Events, Performances, Classes, and Camps throughout the year. You can even host a private event in the Rental Rooms or rent out the Theater to host your special event upon request.

Art lovers will find that the Cary Arts Center has something for everyone tucked right in the heart of downtown Cary.

The Cary Theater

Best For: Movie Lovers

Open: Year-Round

Location: 122 E. Chatham Street, Cary, NC, 27511

Ages: All Ages- depending on Movie Ratings

The Town of Cary purchased this building in July 2011. As Cary's first ever indoor movie theater, once known as "The Cary," this charming and historic theater would impress any avid movie-goer!

Memberships are available for those who choose, known as the Cary Film Circle Membership. Many will enjoy the variety of movies featured at The Cary Theater and will be sure to enjoy this beautiful historic theater for many years!

Fortnight Brewing Company

Best For: Beer Enthusiasts

Open: Monday-Thursday 3 pm-10 pm; Friday & Saturday, 12 pm-11 pm & Sundays, 12 pm-9 pm

Location: 1006 SW Maynard Road, Cary, NC, 27511

Ages: 21+ for consumption of alcohol

Cleanse your palate with an assortment of beverages, food trucks & outdoor seating! Enjoy an adult outing at Fortnight with family and friends. This brewery offers a variety of rental spaces to host special events throughout the year, as well as an outdoor space where you can bring your favorite pooch to join in on the fun!

Whether you are an avid beer enthusiast or want a unique and different spot to meet up with friends, you will want to keep this spot on your list!

Ashworth Drugs

Best For: Quick Eats

Open: Monday-Friday, 9 am-6 pm & Saturday, 9 am-3 pm

Location: 105 W. Chatham Street, Cary, NC, 27511

Ages: All Ages

Ashworth Drugs is undoubtedly one of Cary's oldest treasures. In the Center of Downtown Cary, Ashworth Drugs is a classic American restaurant and drug store featuring an old-fashioned Soda Fountain. Famous for its hot dogs and orangeade, this local spot will not disappoint as it is a quick, inexpensive option. Go back in time as you enjoy this Classic Cary hotspot.

Have some shopping to do? Kill two birds with one stone as you browse this nostalgic pharmacy and wait for your table. This spot is always a fan favorite for the kids to enjoy a milkshake and a break from the summer heat.

Three milkshakes with whipped cream and a cherry

The Herons at The Umstead Hotel & Spa

Best For: Fine Dining

Open: Breakfast: Monday-Friday 7 am-10 am, Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 7 am-1 pm Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 am-2 pm Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday 5 pm-9 pm

Location: 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC, 27513

Ages: All Ages

Located within The Umstead Hotel & Spa, The Herons brings decadence to the next level. Whether you are going for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, The Herons will not disappoint. They are featuring a showcase of the work of Executive Chef Steven Deveraux Greene. High-quality food pairs with an expert presentation, bringing this five-star restaurant to the top of our list of places to go if you're looking for a unique culinary experience.

Check their website before making your reservations, though, as a dress code should be followed to dine in this establishment. Have a special occasion that deserves some recognition? The Herons should be at the top of your list!

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve/Stevens Nature Center

Best For: Outdoor Activity

Open: 9 am-Sunset Daily- Open 365 days a year

Location: 2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC, 27518

Ages: All Ages

Hemlock Bluffs is a State Nature Preserve managed by the Town of Cary. The park is 140 acres, including the 3700-square-foot Stevens Nature Center. Here you can enjoy the trails and immerse yourself in North Carolina's tall pines. To maintain the wildlife habitat, only walkers on foot can walk the many trails at Hemlock Bluffs. Want a fun place to visit with your pup? Dogs are allowed on leashes to explore the courses as well!

Visitors can enjoy environmental educational experiences at the on-site Stevens Nature Center, which is run by the Town of Cary. Hemlock Bluffs and the Stevens Nature Center are both completely free to visit; however, there is a donation box in the lobby for those who wish to donate. You won't want to miss the natural beauty of this oasis in Cary!

Cary Action Sports

Best For: Outdoor Activity

Open: Wednesday-Friday 4 pm-8 pm, Saturday 1 pm-8 pm, Sunday 4 pm-8 pm

Location: 2040 NW Maynard Road, Cary, NC, 27513

Ages: Participants Under the age of 16 will require adult supervision

Skateboards, scooters, bikes, and inline skates! Cary Action Sports, formerly known as Sk8 Cary, is owned and operated by the Town of Cary and will excite anyone who loves outdoor sports!

You will find safety equipment (helmets and pads) in the pro shop for rental use if needed and snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout your visit. This is an excellent option if you're looking for something more adventurous to try right here in Cary!

Cary Tennis Park

Best For: Tennis lovers!

Open: Monday-Sunday, 8 am-10 pm

Location: 2727 Louis Stevens Drive, Cary, NC, 27519

Ages: 4+

Featuring 32 Championship courts, the Cary Tennis Park is a State-of-the-Art Tennis facility operating for both young and old tennis lovers! Included in the 32 courts is one stadium court with permanent seating and seven covered courts, four permanent Pickleball Courts, a pro shop, two comfort stations, showers, a ball machine, and much more!

Developmental programs accommodate children ages 4-17 throughout the year on a rotating schedule. Cary Tennis Park has over 200 league teams for adults each year. If tennis is your passion or your favorite past-time, you will not want to miss experiencing all that Cary Tennis Park has to offer!

Blue tennis court with a net

Wake Med Soccer Park

Best For: Soccer lovers!

Open: Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm, Weekends depending on Events Scheduled

Location: 940 E. Chatham Street, Cary, NC, 27511

Ages: Youth & Adult

WakeMed Soccer Park is a 150-acre multi-use sports complex operated by the Town of Cary. Ranging from Professional Level Soccer teams to Non-Profit organizations, you will be amazed at all of the features this Sports Complex has to offer.

Lighted fields and open-air, covered patios entice soccer enthusiasts to get involved in the Soccer community like never before! Amenities such as locker rooms and luxury suites will leave you wanting to come back to enjoy another reason to return to the Soccer Park. If Soccer is your passion, you will want to check this Cary hotspot out!

Bond Brothers Beer Company

Best For: Beer Enthusiasts

Open: Monday-Thursday 2 pm-10 pm, Friday & Saturday 12 pm-12 am & Sunday 12 pm-10 pm

Location: 202 East Cedar Street, Cary, NC, 27511

Ages: All ages, 21+ after 8 pm

Enjoy the vibe of this casual yet inviting brewery found right in Cary! The highlight of this venue is mainly focused on their specialty- beer! However, if you've brought the family along, you will find an assortment of snacks behind the bar and some coloring pages for the kids to enjoy!

Do you want to visit a family-friendly place and bring the dog? This brewery has you covered! Bond Brothers Beer Company welcomes our furry family members as long as they are friendly and on a leash! You won't want to miss this excellent laid-back venue on your next day off!

Pouring beer into glass at a brewery

Pizzeria Faulisi

Best For: Foodies!

Open: Tuesday-Friday 11:30 am-2 pm for Lunch, 5 pm-8 pm for Dinner, Saturdays 12 pm-8 pm with Service all-day

Location: 215 East Chatham Street, Suite 101, Cary, NC, 27511

Ages: All Ages

We all know that Pizza is not what the South is known for, but Pizzeria Faulisi is the exception to the rule! All pizzas are about 12" around, made with local vegetables and grains, with a combination of flours found locally at Bolted Bread in Raleigh and imported flour from Italy. Each pizza is baked to perfection in a wood-fired pizza oven.

Enjoy the various varieties of Antipasti in addition to a wide selection of wines to pair with your pizza! This restaurant does not take reservations and is open to all on a first-come-first-serve basis. Come check out this Cary favorite today!

La Farm Bakery-Preston Corners

Best For: Foodies!

Open: Monday-Saturday, 7 am-6 pm; Sundays, 8 am-4 pm

Location: 4248 NW Cary Parkway, Cary, NC, 27513

Ages: All Ages

One of the best parts of Cary you will find in your explorations is the variety of restaurants inspired by authentic cuisine worldwide. This Authentic French Bakery offers choices to dine in, carry out, or Cater for an event. You will be amazed at the wide variety of bread baked fresh every day.

La Farm Bakery is a modern bakery geared to draw patrons together in their love for food and French delicacies. Their goal is to uphold centuries-old baking traditions dating back from the small towns found in France and bring them to the plates of those who frequent Cary, NC. If you are in Cary and are looking for a perfect bakery to enjoy, you will not want to miss this bakery!

Explore Cary, NC, with Raleigh Realty

While you search for unique things to do in Cary, NC, you can see that this all-American town has so many things to offer, which attracts so many people moving to North Carolina each year.

If you are searching for homes for sale in Cary, refer to our other area guides and resources on our website, including the area spotlight on Downtown Cary Park, the area spotlight on Fenton, the best neighborhoods in Cary, the best restaurants in Cary, the best coffee shops in Cary, and Cary real estate trends.

Contact us today to start your home search! We are here to help and are ready to answer any questions.

 

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Koka Booth Amphitheater
02
Fred G. Bond Metro Park
03
Downtown Cary Park
04
Cary Arts Center
05
The Cary Theater
06
Fortnight Brewing Company
07
Ashworth Drugs
08
The Herons at The Umstead Hotel & Spa
09
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve/Stevens Nature Center
10
Cary Action Sports
11
Cary Tennis Park
12
Wake Med Soccer Park
13
Bond Brothers Beer Company
14
Pizzeria Faulisi
15
La Farm Bakery-Preston Corners

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