We have a thread about showing things off from other cities. I wanted to show Raleigh off (and area aka Cary/Durham for my post) for a change.
This past Friday, I decided to take advantage of our bus/greenway system to ride the unofficial Raleigh/Durham Mall to Mall Trail (Southpoint to Crabtree). As always, you can right click a photo and open in a new tab to see the full photo.
I jumped on the 27 bus at Crabtree and rode to The Raleigh Market/Fairgrounds. After stopping and seeing the bus sign didn’t list #100 for GoTriangle, I rode to the intersection of Trinity Rd/Blue Ridge.
Left: Inside the #27 bus. Was very empty
Right: Intersection of Trinity/Blue Ridge. Not a good stop since I waited in the wet dirt.
The #100 bus had a decent number of riders at about 13. I transferred at the RTC station to the #800 which dropped me off at Southpoint. I was surprised to see they converted one lane as a bus only lane. Props to Durham. I took a walk around Southpoint and like that they had a display called “Prismatica” set up. I also found it interesting they had a stage set up. I’ve been to Southpoint quite a bit before, but I guess never paid attention to the truss/stage set up.
Left: Bus lane on Renaissance Parkway
Middle: Prism for “Prismatica” and truss stage set up.
Right: Looking down the outdoor portion of the mall
Left: Water feature in front of Barnes & Noble
Right: Looking towards indoor portion of mall and another water feature
I went up to the pedestrian bridge that crosses 40. I’ve passed below this bridge, but have never been on it.
I headed south on the American Tobacco Trail and found it interesting how there were lines in the middle of the greenway similar to roads. I liked seeing the sign on the side showing where there was a water fountain although it was shut off. I also liked that there was a restroom at one of the parking access points. The sculpture was a nice touch.
Left: American Tobacco Trail with dashed lines
Middle: Sign indicating water fountain just off the trail
Right:
Left: Unpaved portion of Tobacco Trail
Middle: Wayfinding sign
I continued into Cary where the paved was paved again. I thought it was interesting where a section between Davis Drive and Mac Arthur Dr. was right in the middle of two sections of houses. I thought this would be a cool Christmas light walk if the houses decorated their backyards. I liked the painting on the side of the tunnel.
Left: Painting at the entrance to a tunnel.
Middle: The trail going between the backs of houses. This photo doesn’t do it justice.
Below: Fred G. Bond Metro Park
Additional trail photos and Lake Crabtree
I continued on the trail back to the wonderful city of Raleigh where I went into Umstead, was able to take a quick look at the Bandwidth campus, and take a break at the Museum of Art.
Umstead:
Reedy Creek Trail:
Museum of Art:
Final photo. Does anyone know why there would be an Arlo security camera under Blue Ridge Rd? I don’t think I’ve seen them under any of the other bridges.
Final quick thought:
- I have to say that I am a bit jealous of Southpoint. The addition of the Prismatica installation showed that they are attempting to bring people in. I also like the outdoor part/cinema as it provides longer hours of entertainment. Crabtree has the Ale House which is a nice little spot, but it’s separate from everything else that would remain open later such as Cheesecake Factory, Fleming’s, Uncle Julio’s, and La Rancheria. Granted that the other places aren’t nightlife places, but having those places near each other would give the perception that it’s active. I don’t think Crabtree could (and probably shouldn’t) pull a cinema due in part to the proximity of other cinemas, but they could use some sort of other night entertainment aspect. There’s a lot of hotel rooms there so I’m sure it could keep busy. I had hoped they would steal Dave & Buster’s away from Cary.
