Situated just west of Raleigh, Cary is in close proximity to Research Triangle Park as well as Duke University, making it a popular destination for professionals as well as college students. Despite being known as ?The technology town of North Carolina? because of the large number of residents who own computers, Cary, NC still manages to retain its old world charm and its natural preserves. Residents as well as visitors have a large choice of outdoor activities in Cary including a skateboard park, several golf courses and four major parks.

Hemlocks Bluffs Nature Preserve

Hemlocks Bluffs Nature Preserve, so named after a unique stand of Hemlock trees at the park offers excellent wildlife and bird watching opportunities and scenic observation platforms as you walk along the three miles of trails within the park. The 3,700-square-foot, Stevens Nature Center, is a great place to learn about the history of the area as well as the various animals and plants that live in the Nature Preserve. Year-round nature programs for participants of all ages make this Nature Preserve a favorite haunt for the whole family during any season. Other attractions at the Stevens nature Center include a hands-on educational exhibit hall, a native wildflower garden and an outdoor education shelter.

Sk8-Cary Skate Park

With a 12,000 sq foot street-course style concrete skating park, the Sk8-Cary Skate Park is a great place for rollerblading, skateboarding, inline skating and biking. The skate is innovatively designed to give novice skaters a safe skating experience while offering exciting challenges to the more experienced skaters. Spring and fall sees the place come to life as crowds of skating enthusiasts gather to see or participate in the exciting skate and bike trick contests.

The Amphitheatre at Regency Park

Opened in 2001, the Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park offers a state-of-the-art performing arts center right in the middle of the pines and hardwoods of a North Carolina woodland.

Kids Together Park

The Kids Together Park at Thurston Drive, was designed especially with kids in mind and includes a playground, an outdoor basket ball court and great picnic facilities with picnic tables.