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Raleigh home prices climbed in January compared to the same time last year,  but declined slightly compared to December.

Why it matters: Any relief from sky-high home prices is welcome, especially as mortgage rates creep up.

Raleigh's median home sales price hovered around $428,000 in January, up nearly 7% from last year and down less than 1% from December.

Inventory was down less than 1% from last year.

Homes sat on the market for a median of 65 days in January, more than twice as long as last January.

Zoom out: Nationally, median home sales prices have barely budged from one year ago and activity fell for the 12th month in a row, according to the latest from the National Association of Realtors.

Sales are down 36.9% from the previous year.

As demand falls, homes sit on the market a little longer, which gives buyers a little more room to negotiate.

What’s next: Spring, which is typically marked by high demand, more competition and higher home prices, is right around the corner.

Yes, but: Experts predict 2023 will see a far less frantic housing market than in 2022.

What we're watching: In February, mortgage rates have risen to their highest levels since November, pushing many would-be homebuyers back out of the market, Axios reported. 

Raleigh home prices dipped slightly last month

Raleigh home prices dropped slightly in January compared to December, but increased compared to last year.

Housing

Raleigh home prices climbed in January compared to the same time last year, but declined slightly compared to December.Why it matters: Any relief from sky-high home prices is welcome, especially as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates creep up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms" target="_blank">mortgage rates creep up</a>.

News

Real Estate

It's the best time of the year. Here are 10 ways to make the most of the holiday season. 

Lace up and glide into the holiday spirit. Some ice skating rinks include Skate the Square at Fenton and THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater.

Both rinks are open through Jan. 16, 2023. 

Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre (Nov. 18–Jan. 8)

Magic Of Lights at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek (Nov. 18–Dec. 30)

WRAL Nights of Lights at Dorothea Dix Park (Nov. 25–Dec. 24)

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Downtown Wendell (Nov. 23–Dec. 31)

Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk (Dec. 2–Jan. 14)

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade: The parade starts at Ambergate Station and The Peakway and ends at the Apex Public Works. It starts at 5pm on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade: The parade starts at 4pm on Sunday, Dec. 4. You can find the parade route map here.

Happy Holly Days Christmas Parade: The parade starts at Main Street and ends at Oak Avenue. It starts at 10am on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Durham Holiday Parade: The parade marches down Main Street starting at 10am on Saturday, Dec. 17.

4. Attend the State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony

The tree lighting is Dec. 8. The party starts at 5:30pm with luminaries and holiday music. Expect cookies, cider and a visit from Santa.

Spend the second night of Hanukkah at the Cary Arts Center with the lighting of a new menorah. Expect kids' activities, treats and music, too.

DTR Menorah Lighting is at 5:30pm on Dec. 18th at Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts.

Chanukah at Streets at Southpoint starts at 4:30pm on Dec. 18. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays at PNC Arena on Dec. 14. Tickets start at $49+. Buy them here.

Carolina Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" various days Dec. 16–24. Tickets are $35. Find details here.

This year's Kwanzaa celebration is noon to 5pm on Dec. 30, hosted at the Cary Arts Center. There will be a drumming demonstration for kids, a display from Ujima Group Inc. and live performances. 

Unscripted Durham transformed The Patio into a winter wonderland with rentable igloos that fit 4–10 people. You can reserve them here.

There are no spend minimum requirements on Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon to 5pm Saturdays; or noon to 4pm Sundays. 

Reservations are for a minimum of two hours and require a $50 per person minimum food and drink spend from 4–11pm Fridays; 5–11pm Saturdays; and 4–8pm Sundays.

The minimum spend for parties of two is $200.

Reservations are full this holiday season, but you can stalk their reservation page for cancellations. 

Of note: You can make reservations up to a year in advance, so you can get planning for next holiday season. 

10. Grab a drink at St. Nick's Pop-Up Bar

The Christmas bar is set up inside a historic home in downtown Raleigh (306 E. Hargett St.) Expect festive drinks, decor, local art and plenty of photo ops. 

You can get tickets online for $10 to reserve your spot, or pay cover at the door.

Hours are 5pm–1am Thursday through Saturday. 

10 must-do holiday activities in and around Raleigh

From rentable igloos to parades, consider this your Raleigh holiday bucket list.

Illustration of holiday string lights in the shape of a heart.

holidays

It&#x27;s the best time of the year. Here are 10 ways to make the most of the holiday season.

Things to Do

Local experts say the Raleigh real estate market will largely hold steady in 2023. Here's what to expect this year. 

Pent up demand from 2021 and 2022 and a low supply of homes for sale will prevent prices from crashing, Susan Bashford with Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby's International Realty says.

Would-be-buyers have been waiting for the market to calm down, and potential sellers have waited to list until inventory picks up, Bashford explained. 

Tim McBrayer at Jim Allen Group at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry And Walston tells Axios 2023 will still be a sellers' market, but not quite as challenging for buyers as 2022.

"We will still have more buyers than we have properties for sale for the foreseeable future but some lessening of demand may help push average home prices down from the highs of 2022," he says.

Houses might sit on the market for longer, for example. 

AnnMarie Janni, founder and leader of Element Realty Group at Allen Tate Realtors, thinks the market will even out in 2023; not favoring buyers or sellers. 

"I think we are going to start the year slow, but will be in a strong, very even market," she says. 

3. Buyers and sellers will need to make adjustments

Sellers might have to drop their asking prices, or put in more work before their homes hit the market (think fresh paint and carpet), Janni says.

Rising interest rates, though, have made homes even more unaffordable for the typical Triangle resident, despite some price drops, Axios recently reported.

Buyers, Janni says, are still adjusting to those interest rates and may decide to get the house they want and hope to refinance when the rates drop.

Here's what experts say 2023 holds for Raleigh real estate

It'll still be a seller's market, but buying will get a little easier.

Illustration of the year 2022, with a keyhole for a zero, which zooms in so you can see through the keyhole to the year 2023.

Real estate

Local experts say the Raleigh real estate market will largely hold steady in 2023. Here&#x27;s what to expect this year.

If you're still figuring out how to spend spooky weekend, here are some ideas.

🎃 Take the kiddos to Spellbound Square this afternoon for activities, including pumpkin decorating and costume contests. 

🧟‍♀️ Join the Raleigh Zombie Walk in the Moore Square Historic District tonight.

🕯Catch a double feature at Dix Park tonight. They're showing "Hocus Pocus" and "Scream."

🦇 Tour the EdwardsBattle Haunted House. Open tonight through Halloween. 

🚂 Ride the Track or Treat Halloween Express. (Most days are sold out.)

🍩 Get spooky doughnuts from Duck Doughnuts. Open 6am–7pm daily. 

👻 Visit the Halloween House at 504 Oakwood Ave.

7 things to do for Halloween weekend in and around Raleigh

Animated illustrated of a spider with the Axios logo on its body.

Halloween

If you&#x27;re still figuring out how to spend spooky weekend, here are some ideas.🎃 Take the kiddos to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spellbound Square" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spellbound-square-registration-254545481387?aff=erelexpmlt" data-vars-content-id="c136575f-9d31-4baf-aa9f-49b901515e3d" data-vars-headline="7 things to do for Halloween weekend in and around Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spellbound-square-registration-254545481387?aff=erelexpmlt" target="_blank">Spellbound Square</a> this afternoon for activities, including pumpkin decorating and costume contests. 🧟‍♀️ Join the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh Zombie Walk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/RaleighZombieWalk" data-vars-content-id="c136575f-9d31-4baf-aa9f-49b901515e3d" data-vars-headline="7 things to do for Halloween weekend in and around Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/RaleighZombieWalk" target="_blank">Raleigh Zombie Walk</a> in the Moore Square Historic District tonight.

Whether you're looking for a coastal respite or an adventurous mountain trip, here are three destinations to consider for your next getaway. 

Veggie pizza and a flight of craft beer from Thirsty Souls. Photo: Emma Way/Axios

This charming small town is just over 2 hours from Raleigh. Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Mount Airy.

Stay: In an Airbnb above Mount Airy's first brewery, Thirsty Souls, owned by Maria and Jan Kriska. 

Relive the "Andy Griffith Show" era during one of several "Mayberry days" in various locations around Mount Airy from September 18–24. Details.

Find a funky sweater at Groovy Goose, a local thrift store just outside of downtown.

Go for a hike at one of the three state parks surrounding the town: Pilot Mountain (the shortest drive and hike), Hanging Rock or Stone Mountain.

Get a margarita flight from Mi Casa. Choose three flavors (lime, strawberry, mango, blackberry, pineapple or caliente) for $15.

Stock up on sweets at Opie’s Candy Shop, right on Main Street.

Grab a “Joe’s Joe,” a cinnamon and mocha latte, from Keepsmiling A’Latte.

Order the pork chop sandwich at Snappy Lunch, a downtown landmark, made famous in part by its mention on "The Andy Griffith Show."

A burger from The Original Salt Works. Photo: Bri Crane/Axios

North Carolina's coastal crown jewel is about 2.5 hours from Raleigh. Here's how to spend a weekend in Wilmington. 

Stay: At Dreamers Welcome, a renovated Victorian home was converted into a boutique bed and breakfast. It starts around $200 per night.

Check out the NC Azalea Festival from April 12–16. This five-day affair welcomes 200,000 visitors to the Wilmington area each year. 

Spend the day at Wrightsville Beach. If you want to be walking distance from tourist attractions like the pier or Wings, look for parking somewhere between accesses 15 and 30. If you prefer a quieter beach day, park near access eight.

Take a self-guided film and TV location tour. If you were a big "Dawson's Creek" or "One Tree Hill" fan, you can follow this map to see some of the shows' iconic filming locations.

Get a pizza from Benny's Big Time. Celebrity chef Vivian Howard's family-friendly pizzeria has delicious cocktails and pizzas, and a signature hot honey sauce I'd drizzle on anything.

Try a spiked slushie from Jimmy's. Go here if you want to drink with the locals.

Get a burger (or double with bacon) from The Original Salt Works.

Get an iced coffee from Port City Java. This classic coffee spot has been around since 1995. And it’s reliably delicious.

The 34.3-mile Virginia Creeper Trail is worth the 4-hour drive from Raleigh. 

How it works: You rent a bike (or bring your own) and ride from the top of the mountain all the way down. 

It's a family-friendly trail that's mostly downhill, though some stretches require a little extra peddling. 

Stay: At any number of Airbnbs if you want to make it a weekend.

Rent a bike from SunDog Outfitters. They'll cart you and your bike to the top of the trail. You can find all of the rental options here.

Stop for a picnic. The trail has a couple of concessions along the way, but we always pack our food so we can pull over in less crowded spots.

Grab a drink and sit outside at Wicked Chicken. They have 40+ flavors of wings to choose from if you work up an appetite.

3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh

From a coastal respite to an adventurous mountain trip, here are three getaways to consider.

Downtown Wilmington. Photo: Bri Crane/Axios

Whether you&#x27;re looking for a coastal respite or an adventurous mountain trip, here are three destinations to consider for your next getaway. <h5>1. Mount Airy</h5><figure><img alt="Veggie pizza and a flight of craft beer from Thirsty Souls. Photo: Emma Way/Axios" height="933" id="2fd98625-eded-4ac8-a357-dde5f53eb4b1" src="https://images.axios.com/oGwDk9Ugccq2O81ZeZNOT5tpV-I=/2023/01/23/1674510027926.jpg" width="700"/><figcaption>Veggie pizza and a flight of craft beer from Thirsty Souls. Photo: Emma Way/Axios</figcaption></figure>This charming small town is just over 2 hours from Raleigh. Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Mount Airy.Stay: In an Airbnb above Mount Airy&#x27;s first brewery, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thirsty Souls" data-vars-click-url="https://thirstysoulsbrewing.com/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thirstysoulsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Thirsty Souls</a>, owned by Maria and Jan Kriska. <ul><li>Book <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://staymountairy.com/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://staymountairy.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</li></ul>Do:<ul><li>Relive the &quot;Andy Griffith Show&quot; era during one of several &quot;Mayberry days&quot; in various locations around Mount Airy from September 18–24. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yadkinvalleync.com/events/mayberry-days-in-andy-griffiths-hometown/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yadkinvalleync.com/events/mayberry-days-in-andy-griffiths-hometown/" target="_blank">Details</a>.</li><li>Find a funky sweater at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Groovy Goose" data-vars-click-url="https://thegroovygoose.com/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thegroovygoose.com/" target="_blank">Groovy Goose</a>, a local thrift store just outside of downtown.</li><li>Go for a hike at one of the three state parks surrounding the town: Pilot Mountain (the shortest drive and hike), Hanging Rock or Stone Mountain.</li></ul>Eat:<ul><li>Get a margarita flight from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mi Casa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/Micasaonmain/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/Micasaonmain/" target="_blank">Mi Casa</a>. Choose three flavors (lime, strawberry, mango, blackberry, pineapple or caliente) for $15.</li><li>Stock up on sweets at Opie’s Candy Shop, right on Main Street.</li><li>Grab a “Joe’s Joe,” a cinnamon and mocha latte, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Keepsmiling A’Latte" data-vars-click-url="https://keepsmilingalatte.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_medium=referral" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://keepsmilingalatte.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Keepsmiling A’Latte</a>.</li><li>Order the pork chop sandwich at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snappy Lunch" data-vars-click-url="https://thesnappylunch.com/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thesnappylunch.com/" target="_blank">Snappy Lunch</a>, a downtown landmark, made famous in part by its mention on &quot;The Andy Griffith Show.&quot;</li></ul><h5>2. Wilmington</h5><figure><img alt="saltworks cheeseburger" height="4032" id="1e362498-e7d3-4840-847c-2d44e43aba52" src="https://images.axios.com/rfru1DIjBbaJePPEDdLsT4jeXLE=/2023/01/23/1674509870360.jpg" width="3024"/><figcaption>A burger from The Original Salt Works. Photo: Bri Crane/Axios</figcaption></figure>North Carolina&#x27;s coastal crown jewel is about 2.5 hours from Raleigh. Here&#x27;s how to spend a weekend in Wilmington. Stay: At <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dreamers Welcome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dreamerswelcome.com/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dreamerswelcome.com/" target="_blank">Dreamers Welcome</a>, a renovated Victorian home was converted into a boutique bed and breakfast. It starts around $200 per night.Do:<ul><li>Check out the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NC Azalea Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://ncazaleafestival.org/?utm_source=icwnet" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ncazaleafestival.org/?utm_source=icwnet" target="_blank">NC Azalea Festival</a> from April 12–16. This five-day affair welcomes 200,000 visitors to the Wilmington area each year. </li><li>Spend the day at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wrightsville Beach" data-vars-click-url="https://wrightsville-beach.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wrightsville-beach.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/" target="_blank">Wrightsville Beach</a>. If you want to be walking distance from tourist attractions like the pier or Wings, look for parking somewhere between accesses 15 and 30. If you prefer a quieter beach day, park near access eight.</li><li>Take a self-guided film and TV location tour. If you were a big &quot;Dawson&#x27;s Creek&quot; or &quot;One Tree Hill&quot; fan, you can follow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/things-to-do/tours-and-cruises/famous-film-and-tv-sites/#top-film-tv-locations" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/things-to-do/tours-and-cruises/famous-film-and-tv-sites/#top-film-tv-locations" target="_blank">this map</a> to see some of the shows&#x27; iconic filming locations.</li></ul>Eat:<ul><li>Get a pizza from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Benny&#x27;s Big Time" data-vars-click-url="http://www.vivianhoward.com/bennysbigtime/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.vivianhoward.com/bennysbigtime/" target="_blank">Benny&#x27;s Big Time</a>. Celebrity chef Vivian Howard&#x27;s family-friendly pizzeria has delicious cocktails and pizzas, and a signature hot honey sauce I&#x27;d drizzle on anything.</li><li>Try a spiked slushie from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jimmy&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jimmyswb.com/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jimmyswb.com/" target="_blank">Jimmy&#x27;s</a>. Go here if you want to drink with the locals.</li></ul><ul><li>Get a burger (or double with bacon) from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Original Salt Works" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/The-Original-Salt-Works-245508413882/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Original-Salt-Works-245508413882/" target="_blank">The Original Salt Works</a>.</li><li>Get an iced coffee from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Port City Java" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portcityjava.com/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portcityjava.com/" target="_blank">Port City Java</a>. This classic coffee spot has been around since 1995. And it’s reliably delicious.</li></ul><h5>3. Virginia Creeper Trail</h5><figure><img alt="virginia creeper trail" height="3024" id="eff99ca1-e994-45b3-8669-83b6e5272476" src="https://images.axios.com/japyU0anBDV9VPYrpSGH52x3YjM=/2023/01/23/1674509751795.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>Photo: Bri Crane/Axios</figcaption></figure>The 34.3-mile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia Creeper Trail" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/29454208.85/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudmFjcmVlcGVydHJhaWwub3JnLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/60256225e4494b3dda653442Bc9e64190" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/29454208.85/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudmFjcmVlcGVydHJhaWwub3JnLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/60256225e4494b3dda653442Bc9e64190" target="_blank">Virginia Creeper Trail</a> is worth the 4-hour drive from Raleigh. How it works: You rent a bike (or bring your own) and ride from the top of the mountain all the way down. <ul><li>It&#x27;s a family-friendly trail that&#x27;s mostly downhill, though some stretches require a little extra peddling. </li></ul>Stay: At any number of<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Airbnbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Damascus--Virginia--United-States/homes?flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&amp;query=Damascus%2C%20VA&amp;place_id=ChIJySBww9lAUIgRW81946pf5zM&amp;refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;tab_id=home_tab&amp;date_picker_type=calendar&amp;source=structured_search_input_header&amp;search_type=autocomplete_click" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Damascus--Virginia--United-States/homes?flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&amp;query=Damascus%2C%20VA&amp;place_id=ChIJySBww9lAUIgRW81946pf5zM&amp;refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;tab_id=home_tab&amp;date_picker_type=calendar&amp;source=structured_search_input_header&amp;search_type=autocomplete_click" target="_blank"> Airbnbs</a> if you want to make it a weekend.Do:<ul><li>Rent a bike from SunDog Outfitters. They&#x27;ll cart you and your bike to the top of the trail. You can find all of the rental options <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vacreepertrail.org/plan-your-visit/bike-shops-outfitters/" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vacreepertrail.org/plan-your-visit/bike-shops-outfitters/" target="_blank">here</a>.</li><li>Stop for a picnic. The trail has a couple of concessions along the way, but we always pack our food so we can pull over in less crowded spots.</li></ul>Eat:<ul><li>Grab a drink and sit outside at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wicked Chicken" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wickedchickenwinghouse.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Z7QeoScN-eGsXoI9WC-bPBWcy4qc4Mk1GyOmRQN3sBgtKlP-ztXFplYg" data-vars-content-id="f613ac35-1e28-4e0e-9ca2-5dda8fc054da" data-vars-headline="3 must-do weekend trips within 4 hours of Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wickedchickenwinghouse.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Z7QeoScN-eGsXoI9WC-bPBWcy4qc4Mk1GyOmRQN3sBgtKlP-ztXFplYg" target="_blank">Wicked Chicken</a>. They have 40+ flavors of wings to choose from if you work up an appetite.</li></ul>

Brianna Crane

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