Raleigh, NC

Chavis Park and Carousel
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; Mon-Fri 10a-10p; Community Center Sat 9a-3p (Sep-May), Sun 1p-6p (Nov-Feb); 720 Chavis Way; 919-831-6989

Pullen Park
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; Memorial Day - Labor Day: Mon-Thu 10:30a-6:30p; Fri-Sat 10:30a-8p; Sun 1-8p,  hours vary during other times of the year; 520 Ashe Ave; 919-831-6468

Durham, NC

West Point on the Eno
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; 5101 North Roxboro Road

American Tobacco Trail
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; trailhead begins near 426 Morris Street

Duke Gardens
Sarah P Duke established these 55-acre landscaped and woodland gardens featuring more than 2,000 kinds of plants, miles of trails; Duke University - West Campus at Anderson Street off Campus Drive; this is nirvana for flower lovers; 919-684-3698

Quail Roost Farms
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; Highway 501 & Conference Road off Roxboro Road; 919-477-8932

Historic Durham Athletic Park
The actual film location for the movie, "Bull Durham"; now home to the Durham Braves and a state of the art baseball park; 426 Morris Street; http://www.dbulls.com

Morrisville, NC

Lake Crabtree County Park
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; daily 8a-sunset; 1400 Aviation Parkway; 919-460-3390; http://www.wakegov.com/parks