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North Hills Raleigh
September 10, 2026

From Banks in 20: Your Guide to a Perfect Weekend Close to Home

From family adventures and date nights to peaceful mornings by the water, there's always something to discover near BanksTwenty. Here's your guide to making the most of your weekends while staying close to home.

Rivercountry Living Within Reach of Raleigh

A great community is measured by more than what lies within its boundaries. At BanksTwenty, a central Triangle location places residents within a short drive of the region's most-loved attractions—making it easy to get to your destination from Banks in 20. These places are more than spots to check off a list; they're a glimpse into the lifestyle residents will enjoy daily. Life in BanksTwenty opens the door to experiences both familiar and unexpected, creating opportunities to connect, explore, and discover throughout every season.

Families enjoying Marbles Kids Museum

Photo by Visit Raleigh

After-School Adventures and Educational Exploration

Whether you're looking to burn off energy after school or turn a weeknight into a family memory, there are plenty of options for adventure near BanksTwenty.

  • Marbles Kids Museum: Elementary-aged children will love this option, with its hand-on learning experiences, rotating exhibits, and IMAX theatre. With hours' worth of exhibits to explore indoors, this is an ideal rainy-day option.
  • Knightdale Station Park: Perfect for after-school gatherings, Knightdale Station Park features playground spaces, open green space, and a 2,000-square-foot splash pad. Kids can explore nature up close at the pond and pollinator meadow.
  • John Chavis Memorial Park: This expansive park is great for year-round fun with a playground, picnic areas, nature trails, and a community center with programming. There’s even a 103-year-old carousel that still offers rides!

(Left) Photo by WRAL | (Right) Photo by Surface678

Living in BanksTwenty brings chances for weekday adventures—without any complicated planning.

Photo by Raleigh, NC Gov

Fun for All Ages: Family Nights Out and Weekend Traditions

From casual dinners to outdoor discovery, prioritizing family time comes naturally with so many destinations nearby.

  • Downtown Garner: Enjoy historic downtown charm in Garner, from family-owned restaurants and shopping to unique public art installations. Less than 20 minutes from BanksTwenty, Garner makes for an easy, lowkey weekend outing.
  • Pullen Park and Dix Park: Consistently named among the best parks in Raleigh, these two offer a range of features perfect for multi-generational visits. Pullen Park boasts train rides, pedal boats, an aquatic center, playgrounds, sports courts, and more. Dix Park offers 308 acres of fun, including green spaces, a spacious adventure playground, and family-friendly community events.
  • Ting Park Area: With pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, soccer fields, a playground, and trails, Ting Park is packed with opportunities for athletic recreation. Beyond sports, families can enjoy community programming and check out nearby restaurants and gathering spaces in Holly Springs.

Families enjoying downtown Garner. Right: Sports facilities in Ting Park.

BanksTwenty's location is ideal for every season of life. You can enjoy mornings outdoors, afternoons exploring, and dinner downtown—all while making it back home before bedtime.


Date Nights, Happy Hours, and Social Hotspots

The perfect date night sometimes calls for a great, cozy meal. Other evenings call for live music, a local brewery, or the excitement of discovering a new favorite.  

  • Downtown Raleigh: Raleigh’s downtown district has it all—restaurants boasting James Beard-recognized chefs, rooftop, hidden, and underground bars, and live music at Red Hat Amphitheatre. This walkable neighborhood makes it easy to explore some of Raleigh’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment.
  • Fenton District: The Fenton shopping center brings together upscale shopping and dining and a modern social atmosphere, making it a Triangle date night staple. With events and gatherings ranging from line dancing to art festivals, there’s always something new to experience.
  • North Hills: Combining top-notch restaurants, boutique shopping, and vibrant entertainment in one walkable destination, North Hills is a date night favorite for a reason. Couples can enjoy dinner on the patio, catch a live performance, or unwind with drinks at a rooftop bar.

Fenton District Raleigh NC

Photo by Visit Raleigh

Whatever the occasion, you're never far from the fun at BanksTwenty.

Neuse River Greenway

Life at a Laid-Back Pace: Slow Mornings and Easygoing Days

Life's most cherished moments are often the simplest: a morning coffee, a walk in nature, or an afternoon spent exploring somewhere new. The following destinations are ideal for taking time to connect with the Rivercountry rhythm of life:

  • Neuse River Greenway: Offering miles of paved trails perfect for walking, running, and cycling, the Greenway winds through some of the area's most scenic natural landscapes. With river access points, beautiful waterfront views, and abundant wildlife, it's a favorite destination for birdwatching, outdoor recreation, and peaceful escapes into nature.
  • Downtown Wake Forest: Take a leisurely stroll through Wake Forest’s quaint downtown area, complete with local coffee shops, independent boutiques, and lots of historic charm.
  • Lake Benson Park: This 64-acre park is ideal for taking in stunning waterfront scenery and exploring walking trails. With plenty of quiet outdoor spaces, it’s a great spot for getting fresh air or starting a new morning ritual.

Left: Downtown Wake Forest. Right: Lake Benson Park.

(Left) Photo by Wake Forest Downtown Facebook | (Right) Photo by Visit Raleigh

These destinations reflect the balance at the heart of BanksTwenty's design: access to activity when you want it and room to slow down when you don't.

More Local Favorites Worth Exploring

The NC Triangle is home to a plethora of hidden gems, cultural attractions, and seasonal events. Here are more of local favorites worth checking out throughout the area:

Weekends in BanksTwenty: Close to Home, Filled with Adventure

Living in BanksTwenty offers you access to Raleigh conveniences without sacrificing the Rivercountry lifestyle. From riverside adventures and small-town charm to restaurants, parks, family attractions, and date nights, life here places you at the center of experiences that make every weekend feel a little more memorable.

Life, the Rivercountry way means that there's always more to discover. Join the VIP list to explore everything that makes BanksTwenty uniquely connected to the places people love most.

Blog Post Tags
  • Outdoor Living
  • Raleigh Living
  • Raleigh Outdoors