Summer on a Budget

WRAL is exploring the best things to do during the summer months. Looks for ways to keep the kids busy, have fun with family and even places to take a date – all while keeping the costs in check.

See the sites profiled in Summer on a Budget.

 

  1. GPS technology guides modern treasure hunters

    In a new adventure game, adults and families are combing cities, towns and the countryside. But "X" no longer marks the spot – your GPS unit does.

    1. Sep. 5, 2009
  2. WRAL photographer: 'I like lunch'

    Follow WRAL News photographer Richard Adkins and his yellow lunch box as they tour North Carolina, seeking out the best places for lunch.

    1. Sep. 3, 2009
  3. Cary family runs educational farm

    Michael Phillips is turning his working family farm, at 6701 Good Hope Church Road in Cary, into acres of entertainment and education.

    1. Sep. 9, 2009
  4. Get wrapped up in Quilt Trails' stories

    Stitched into the wrinkles and ripples of Western North Carolina, more than 140 "quilt blocks" blanket the sides of barns and buildings in six contiguous counties, with the highest concentration in Yancey and Mitchell Counties.

    1. Aug. 21, 2009
  5. N.C. embraces romance of the grape

    North Carolina tourists can embrace the grape at more than 80 vineyards set in rolling fields where tobacco once grew.

    1. Aug. 15, 2009
  6. Randolph County is one-stop destination for aviation, pottery fans

    On a visit to Randolph County, one can visit museums devoted to motorcycles and aviation. A trip to Seagrove offers pottery demonstrations.

    1. Aug. 8, 2009
  7. Triangle boasts free, outdoor family fun

    The Triangle is a treasure trove of parks, playgrounds, ponds and plants. You can find family fun, times four, all for free in your own back yard.

    1. Aug. 1, 2009
  8. Beaufort waterfront has quaint charm

    Beaufort is a tiny town on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, but its quaint, historic waterfront – and its pirate history – is a major attraction for visitors.

    1. Jul. 24, 2009
  9. Tour the ecosystem for free at Jockey's Ridge

    Jockey's Ridge State Park has an answer for North Carolinians who want to travel to the beach but can't afford to do much once they get there.

    1. Jul. 17, 2009
  10. Transportation museum, natural beauty entertain

    South of the Triad, a transportation museum and mountainous state park let visitors explore the industrial and recreational amenities of North Carolina.

    1. Jul. 10, 2009
  11. Halifax has historic, feathery marvels

    In Halifax County, history and nature come to roost. The American Revolution and the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park entertain and educate visitors.

    1. Jul. 3, 2009
  12. Fort Macon offers history, fun in the sun

    People can spend an hour or two strolling through the actual fort for free or take advantage of the park's public access to the Crystal Coast.

    1. Jun. 27, 2009
  13. Big birds, fishing star at Carolina raptor center

    Sharp-clawed, strong-beaked and feather-filled, eagles and hawks provide summer entertainment – and education – at the Carolinas Raptor Center, north of Charlotte.

    1. Jun. 20, 2009
  14. Pirates, politics and museums await in downtown Raleigh

    From politics to pirates, a trip to downtown Raleigh can be an inexpensive and educational getaway.

    1. Jun. 12, 2009
  15. Indoor, outdoor adventure found south of the Triangle

    Families looking for adventure can find it for free at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville and Raven Rock State Park near Lillington.

    1. Jun. 5, 2009
  16. Albino alligator, Civil War fort spice up trip to Kure Beach

    An albino alligator in an oceanfront aquarium: It sounds like a rare sight for residents of the Piedmont, but with a little planning the exhibit can be seen in a day trip to Kure Beach.

    1. May. 23, 2009
  17. Explore nature indoors and out in Durham

    A trip to Durham can yield information about the body, bears and butterflies without breaking the bank.

    1. May. 26, 2009
  18. Ashe County mountains beguile with cheese, frescoes, trails

    A trip west from the Triangle over the hills into the mountains of Ashe County will give travelers some time on the road and a little extra money in their wallets.

    1. May. 9, 2009
  19. Get off the beaten track on drive to Outer Banks

    Quaint towns and wildlife refuges make for interesting pit stops when traveling east along U.S. Highway 64 to the Outer Banks.

    1. May. 2, 2009
  20. Mount Airy offers affordable trip down memory lane

    Pack a picnic and plan for the past. Mayberry is just about two hours away.

    1. Apr. 24, 2009
  21. Planes, movies & museums

    Watching airplanes can be mesmerizing, and there’s no better view than at Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s observation park. For many families, that is one of their favorite free activities.

    1. Jun 17, 2008
  22. Outdoor fun on a scaled-back budget

    For the second installment of her “Summer on a Budget” series, WRAL reporter Kim Dean focused on outdoor activities that won’t break the bank.

    1. Jun 19, 2008
  23. Keeping kids engaged

    WRAL reporter Kim Dean looks at free or low-cost options for kids during the summer months.

    1. Jul 9, 2008
  24. Outdoor movies, music mark Triangle summer

    When the sun goes down, towns across the Triangle roll out low-cost movies and concerts to entertain all ages.

    1. Jul 29, 2008
  25. Brewery, winery offer free tastings

    In the next installment of her “Summer on a Budget” series, WRAL reporter Kim Dean finds places that offer free wine and beer tastings.

    1. Aug 8, 2008
  26. A free day of history

    Free tours are available to help visitors delve into the histories of Raleigh and Durham.

    1. Aug 14, 2008
  27. Where to visit free, unusual museums

    WRAL reporter Kim Dean takes you into museums you'll find off the beaten path and absolutely free.

    1. Aug 18, 2008