Pullen Park

Pullen Park [ Raleigh, NC ]

When I first arrived in Raleigh, Pullen Park was undergoing a massive renovation. It was a big ol’ pile of dirt, fenced in, boarded up, and bulldozers were the only sign of life. It reopened in November 2011. It wasn’t until the following spring on April 26, 2012 that I finally drove into the parking lot to explore by foot.

What a sweet place (the first public park in North Carolina). Frankly, I think parents use their children as an excuse to visit. There are winding paved trails and a playground, but it has so much more. A working miniature train carries ticketed passengers of all ages around the park, whistle tooting along the way; a vintage, indoor carousel (relocated from a park in the Five-Points section of Raleigh) with 52 hand-carved animals spins at the sound of a Wurlitzer organ; a bright red, Norfolk Southern Railway caboose stands proudly as folks climb in and out; and a lake beckons boats which can be rented.

There’s a statue of Andy and Opie, from the Andy Griffith Show, in the park. But shhhh, don’t tell the folks of Mount Airy, NC, the fictional town that Mayberry was based upon. Apparently, the residents aren’t happy this statue found its home in Raleigh instead. 

I visited the park early in the morning, so I did not have a chance to check out the Café. I went online later to discover the gem that is was, offering the basics (hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn) that you would find at any amusement park, but also a few unexpected treats. It’s not everyday you find hummus, baked sweet potato topped with cinnamon spice butter, chai tea, s’mores and carrot muffins on a menu…in the middle of the woods! Citing the café’s website, ““At Pullen Place, we believe everyone should have access to affordable, local, healthy, and most importantly, delicious food”. The prices are more than reasonable. Picnic tables or the shade of a nice oak tree provide great places to chow down. I look forward to returning, bringing with me an appetite.