It’s been said that “amusement should be used to do us good like a medicine.”[1] If that’s the case, then I had a healthy dose during a recent visit to Pullen Park in Raleigh, NC. I partially recounted the day in my earlier Pullen Park — Part 1 post. (If you took the time to read it, thank you!) …Now here is the rest of the story.
Pullen Park was founded in 1887 and is North Carolina’s first public park. While I would argue that all the offerings at Pullen Park are amusements of some sort or another, the park consists of these distinct amenities: Aquatics Center, Community Center, Arts Center, Cafe, Playground, and Amusements.
Not to sound like a broken Wurlitzer 125 Military Band Organ, but my favorite attraction was the historic carousel (which I highlighted in my first post). Nevertheless, Pullen Park boasts several other quaint and unique sights and activities. Here are just a few that I enjoyed with my nephew and my older sister during our visit:
Pullen Park (Raleigh, NC) is beautifully landscaped.
Rides are affordable at Pullen Park. These kiddie boats, for example, cost $1 or one token.
At Pullen Park, the North Carolina and United States flags fly on this C.P. Huntington Train, which is a miniature replica (one-third the size) of the original locomotive built in 1863 and purchased by the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Be prepared to wave and be waved at while visiting Pullen Park. Here, a cheery couple paddle boating on Lake Howell wave to us as we pass by on the C.P. Huntington Train.
Children wave from their perch on the Norfolk Southern 380 Caboose. Folks large and small can explore this full-size, bay window caboose at Pullen Park.
The Pullen Park Playground has three central themes–history, art, and nature–and is divided into four areas based on age and activities.
Paddle boats can be rented for 6 tickets ($6) per boat (seats 4) for 30 minutes. Life jackets are provided. Here’s a view of Pullen Park’s Lake Howell from our paddle boat.
Pullen Park’s concession stand offers fresh, seasonal, and local foods and beverages.
Just how local is the Pullen Park Cafe? Pretty.
And last but not least, here is my second favorite Pullen Park attraction:
This Andy and Opie bronze sculpture was commissioned by TV Land and erected in Pullen Park in October 2003. It depicts the fictional North Carolina father and son of the 1960s Andy Griffith Show. (Unfortunately, Andy’s fishing pole is partially missing or broken.)
If you are in the Raleigh area, consider a visit to Pullen Park. There’s a little something for everyone there!
[1] Charles Spurgeon
