Ritter Park

Here is the follow-up post to our report on Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.  I told everyone how great of a park it was, but they didn't have any place to eat lunch or have a picnic.  Well, fortunately, there's a solution to that problem which makes this an even greater place for a day trip.

What it is:  Just under a mile away from Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is Ritter Park.  This park is the perfect stop after a morning of hiking.  It has some baseball fields, a large picnic shelter and several other picnic tables and a great playground.   You can bring a picnic lunch and stop at the picnic tables to eat before a little play, and wrapping up the day.  The playground is a great one too!  It has swings, two nice play structures, the newer version of a merry-go-round, and even a great sand area.  The ice cream man even stopped by while we were there.

What we liked:  The park itself was a lot of fun, and my kids' could have stayed and played for much longer.  Plus, it's location next to Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve makes for a great outing combination.  There are several restaurants within a couple miles of both of these locations so you can even run through a drive through and head back if you forgot to bring your picnic lunch with you.

What we would change:  Of course, we with that Ritter Park and its neighbor Hemlock Bluffs were closer, but it's not too far for a great daily outing.

Website and other important information:  

Website: http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/Parks__Recreation___Cultural_Resources/Parks_and_Greenways/Parks/Harold_D__Ritter_Park.htm

Address: 301 Lochmere Drive West

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