5 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun in Cary, NC

Explore Cary without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Cary, located in North Carolina, offers plenty of budget-friendly options for travelers. Visitors can explore the beautiful parks, such as Bond Park and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, for free or at a low cost. Additionally, the town has affordable accommodation options and delicious restaurants that won't break the bank.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival

  • Check-in at La Quinta Inn & Suites Raleigh Cary.
  • Grab a bite at Doherty's Irish Pub & Restaurant for some hearty pub grub.
  • Take a stroll around Cary Downtown Park, a charming spot for a sunset stroll.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth with a scoop (or two) at Fresh Local Ice Cream.
  • End the night with a pint at Bond Brothers Beer Company.
Day 2

Art & Culture

  • Start your day with a caffeine kick at BREW Coffee Bar.
  • Head to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center for a dose of local history and art exhibitions.
  • Enjoy a light lunch at Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Cafe, known for their homemade pastries and sandwiches.
  • Explore Cary Village Square, a colorful backdrop for artsy Instagram photos.
  • Catch a live performance by the Cary Players Community Theatre group.
Day 3

Outdoor Adventure

  • Hit the trails at Umstead State Park, offering scenic nature walks and biking paths.
  • Refuel at Neomonde Mediterranean for some delicious, freshly made falafel wraps.
  • Kayak or paddleboard at Lake Johnson Park for a splash of water adventure.
  • Visit the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve for a serene hike to the stunning waterfalls.
  • Catch a movie under the stars at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Day 4

Shopping & Relaxation

  • Score some bargains at Cary Towne Center Mall.
  • Indulge in a spa day at The Umstead Spa for some well-deserved pampering.
  • Satisfy your sushi cravings at Sushi-Thai Cary.
  • Take a walk around Fred G. Bond Metro Park, especially known for its lovely rose garden.
  • End the night with a cocktail at The Mayton Inn's bar & lounge.
Day 5

Local Experiences

  • Learn the art of pottery making at the Cary Pottery studio.
  • Treat yourself to a cupcake tasting at Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery.
  • Tour USA Baseball National Training Complex for a glimpse into America's pastime.
  • Dine at Herons, a Michelin-starred restaurant for an extraordinary culinary experience.
  • Say goodbye to Cary with a pint at Jordan Lake Brewery.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cary, United States by plane is to fly to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and then take a taxi or ride-share service to Cary.

Car

Driving to Cary is convenient as it is located near major highways like Interstate 40 and US Route 1. You can also rent a car from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Cary, so taking a train is not an option.

Boat

Since Cary is located inland, taking a boat is not an option.

Bus

Taking a bus to Cary is possible by using Greyhound Bus Lines or Megabus. From nearby cities like Durham, you can take GoTriangle bus routes that connect to Cary.

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