Dix Park
Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
We finally made it to Gipson Play Plaza this week, and all I can say is — wow, Raleigh, you nailed it!
We originally planned to spend the morning chasing trolls around Dix Park (a local rite of passage, right?), but the crowds were wild. So instead, we wandered over to the new children’s playground — and ended up discovering one of Raleigh’s most magical new spaces.
In our life as professional travel bloggers — which has included traveling with our kids since they were born (seven of those years full-time on the road!) — we’ve been to hundreds of playgrounds around the world. And I can tell you; Gipson Play Park is a standout.
From rope bridges to mirror mazes, splash zones to creative climbing structures — it’s a wonderland for kids of all ages. I actually found myself a little jealous it wasn’t around when our girls were younger. We would have been there all the time.
There are plenty of picnic tables and even grills for family gatherings, and right nearby sits the adorable House of Many Porches, where you can grab a snack, sit in the shade, or even catch a live DJ set. The whole area hums with community energy — laughter, music, and play filling the air.
What really struck me, though, was the intentionality behind it all. Raleigh doesn’t always get it right when it comes to planning, but this is a shining example of what happens when a city designs for happiness, joy, and connection. (Downtown Cary Park is another stellar example of this)
Yes, Dix Park carries a complicated history — it once held a mental health facility that was deeply needed. But I’m grateful that instead of turning the land into more high-rises, it’s becoming a space that promotes well-being. Now, it’s up to all of us to use it as it was intended — to play, rest, and connect with each other.
And for the perfect start to your Dix Park adventure? Swing by Willow House Coffee near the entrance. Owner Bryan makes one of the best lattes in Raleigh (yes, at the perfect temperature) — and if you pair it with one of their gluten-free brownies, you’ve got yourself a little slice of magic before your morning of exploration.
Caroline
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
The fall colors at Bond Lake on my afternoon walk yesterday.
The new patio outside Williams & Company | La Veladora on North Person St (Reel below)
I attended a performance at the Raleigh Little Theater for the first time. Witch is on again this weekend! What a lovely little theater it is!
The fish and chips from Crispy Cod in Morgan St Food Hall is pretty authentic to a British version.
A Murder Mystery tea at the Littlest Tea House was so much fun! Content coming soon. I’ll be publishing our Twilight Tea Reel today from last week.
Nash Square
Bond Lake
Murder Mystery Tea
Crispy Cod fish and chips
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
The Pantry Bowl 2025 is on. Help raise much needed funds for the Feed the Pack Food Pantry at NC State for students, staff, and faculty facing food insecurity. For the Pantry Bowl we are aiming to get more monetary gifts than rivals UNC Chapel Hill. #GoPack
North Carolina Football Club (men’s) has officially submitted an application to join the United Soccer League’s new Division One league. That means the team won’t be playing until that’s sealed and a potential 15,000 seat stadium in Downtown Raleigh (South End)
North Hills has announced that SoCal jewelry brand Gorjana will open its first Raleigh store next to True Food Kitchen.
Oen of our favorites, Drift Coffee will be the first tenant at The Weld, a new development near Dix Park. We’ll be visiting their new Horseshoe at the Hub RTP location on Monday.
As if holiday travel wasn't stressful enough, delays are predicted through RDU Thanks to the federal government shut down. Practice grace and kindness for RDU staff as it’s not their fault. We have holiday travel tips on our travel blog.
Local bagel icon, Benchwarmers Bagels’ second shop at Rockway in the South End has opened. (near Dix Park) They will soon open their third location in North Hills
We have our tickets for the Raleigh Holiday Tradition: A Christmas Carol. We are taking Craig’s parents who will be visiting for three weeks over the holidays. It's on in Raleigh from Dec 5-7, and in Durham from Dec 10-14. Get tickets here.
🖋 ON THE BLOG
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
Fri: First Friday in Downtown Raleigh. Art galleries and studios are open late with rotating exhibits and artist talks See all events here.
Fri & Sat: Moonlight in the Garden at JC Raulston Arboretum Illuminated gardens, live music, food trucks, s’more fire pits, and more. 5:30-9:30 p.m. See reel
Sat: Person Street Plaza Block Party with pop up markets, arts and crafts, live music, live tours of Raleigh City Farm, and food from local establishments 11am – 4pm
Sat: Fall Arts Fair at Fred Fletcher Park features crafts from dozens of local artists, including jewelers, potters, painters, printmakers, bookmakers, glass artists, and fiber artists as well as live music and food trucks 10am – 4pm
More ideas 👇
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