The Big List

Fifty-six hundred acres of real forest wedged between the city and the airport — hike the Company Mill loop past the old grist-mill stones, then cool off with a rowboat on Big Lake in summer.

The two-mile paved loop is North Raleigh's town square — herons at dawn, strollers by nine, and a long view down the water from the dam. Playgrounds at both ends for the kids.

The Southeast's biggest farmers market, open rain or shine every day of the year — peaches by the flat in July, collards and sweet potatoes all winter, and a proper biscuit at the market restaurant when you're done.