HREG’s Top Four Summer Fun Ideas

Our Summer Fun Bracket Challenge has come to an end and the winner is…

The Duke Lemur Center!

The Duke Lemur Center

Thank you to everyone who participated. We had such a good time and learned about lots of new places and activities that we cannot wait to try this summer. We have to give a shout out to the other three finalists:

Runner Up: Visit an NC Lake

Third Place: Howling Cow Creamery

Fourth Place: Paddle Boats at Bond Park

Keep reading to learn a little more about each of these destinations/activities and we hope you will go out and try them for yourself!

**Please note that many of these destinations are closed or operating under different hours due to COVID-19 restrictions. As always, check their websites before you make the drive.

The Duke Lemur Center

The Duke Lemur Center

**The Duke Lemur Center is temporarily closed to visitors due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19. Visit their coronavirus response FAQ to learn more.

Founded in 1966 on the campus of Duke University in Durham, NC, the Duke Lemur Center is a world leader in the study, care, and protection of lemurs – Earth’s most threatened group of mammals.

With more than 200 animals across 14 species, the DLC houses the world’s largest and most diverse population of lemurs outside their native Madagascar.

The DLC offers ten distinct tour types, catering to a variety of ages, interest levels, and budgets — something for everyone! Learn more at Lemur.Duke.edu.

Visit an NC Lake

Lake Norman

North Carolina is overflowing with wonderful lakes to visit! From the stunning Appalachian Mountains to the west, extending all the way to the Atlantic Ocean on the east, there is going to be something for everyone. Fishing and waterskiing are both popular activities in North Carolina so be sure to pack your summer skis and fishing rod! The Crazy Tourist highlights the best lakes to visit in North Carolina at TheCrazyTourist.com.

Howling Cow Creamery

Howling Cow

Howling Cow is currently accepting carry-out orders online. The hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Stop by for a pint, case of cups, or a three-gallon tub of your favorite Howling Cow flavor.

For over half a century, generations of North Carolinians have savored Howling Cow’s premium ice cream on NC State’s campus or at the North Carolina State Fair. Now the Howling Cow brand is available packaged, so you can enjoy it at home, tailgating or at the beach.

Howling Cow is made on campus at the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Science’s Feldmeier Dairy Processing Lab in Schaub Hall. Their traditional recipes start with fresh milk and cream from their Raleigh farm, with top-quality ingredients added to create thier many delicious flavors. Howling Cow is a tasty way to support the education of tomorrow’s dairy leaders — and our great state. Enjoy some today and learn more at HowlingCow.NCSU.edu.

Paddle Boats at Bond ParkPaddle Boat's at Bond Park

All Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facilities are now closed and programming, including classes, events, and camps, is canceled until further notice. Facility rentals are canceled as well. This action follows Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order restricting public gathering sizes, and is taken to encourage social distancing and prioritize the health of Cary’s citizens. Full refunds will be issued for any registered camps, classes, facility reservations, and ticketed Town events canceled due to COVID-19.

The Boathouse at Bond Park has boat rentals for all ages and abilities, including pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and Sunfish sailboats. They supply all life preservers as part of the boat rental. No experience necessary for most rentals (except sailboats).

They also have a wide range of classes available including sailing, stand up paddleboarding (with REI), kayak, and canoe lessons for all age groups.

In addition to boating, you will find bait, cane poles, snacks, ice cream, snow cones, drinks, and more — all for sale at the beautiful Boathouse nestled among the pines on the waterfront of Bond Lake. Enjoy a nice snack break on the screened porch or stop for essentials before you head out on the lake. Learn more at TownofCary.org.