I like all that Raleigh, North Carolina has to offer in the way of museums, interesting shopping, State Farmers Market, and a wide variety of restaurants. If you are looking for a bed and breakfast you will be delighted to find Banks Bed and Breakfast, a historic stay just minutes away in Garner, NC. Banks Bed and Breakfast is THE small town stay close to big city attractions. This historic home once housed four generations of the Banks family and Garner’s first doctor (Braxton Banks) and his office. The home is proudly recognized as a Landmark Home by the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission.
Why stay at Banks Bed and Breakfast near Raleigh? Consider enjoying a small town stay without the busy city hotel rush while still being close to all that Raleigh has to offer. Banks Bed and Breakfast is located just across the railroad tracks from the charm of downtown Garner. Think about being able to lounge around a historic home while someone is preparing your fresh homemade breakfast. Picture yourself in the old family library perusing books as far back at the 1840’s. Pick a porch to sit awhile because this historic home has three for your relaxing pleasure. Depending on the season the gardens always have something special to offer. There are traditional blooms such as Daffodils, Irises, Magnolia trees, and Camellias. In the gardens we are also working to increase our native species by planting Butterfly Weed, Milkweed, Beauty Berries, Sweet Pepper Shrub, and Red Buds. Take a walk through the woods to discover vintage trees. Think about the history the trees have experienced during the four generations of the Banks family who walked through the woods. The gardens are a never ending delight season after season and bring beauty to the bed and breakfast.
Next imagine yourself strolling along Main Street without the rush of people pushing past you. Explore local businesses each of which have their own charm where you can find products, foods and drinks that are distinct to Garner. You have your choice of places ready to serve you coffee, tea or baked goods during the day or wine and spirits by the evening. Know that you can often find the owner either behind the register or assisting customers, either way they are your personal connection to their unique business. Several free events take place in Garner. Place yourself on a blanket in the grassy field to enjoy concerts while the sun goes down. Food truck rodeos provide you with almost any dinner choice you can imagine while also lining the street with local craft vendors for your shopping pleasure. Curious about what downtown Garner has to offer in the way of entertainment? Go to https://downtowngarner.com for a complete list of activities and events. Searching the Garner website will help you discover a plethora of fun things to do to make your stay a perfect small town encounter.
When it comes to parking there is no fee in downtown Garner. Leave those parking meters behind. Know that your tires will not be marked with chalk in anticipation of a ticket to come. You just drive right to Main Street and find a place to park…free and clear. Many bed and breakfast customers just decide to take a walk across the street and railroad tracks to begin their small town exploration. Walking provides a way where you can continue to explore Main Street and see some of the homes and churches around the town. Walking at your own pace makes being in Garner feel the way a small hometown should. Walking also gives you a way to burn off some of those calories from your homemade breakfast so you can continue your food tour down Main Street!
If you still want to head into Raleigh, know that you are not far from what attracted you to this great city too. Banks Bed and Breakfast is only about five miles to much of what Raleigh has to offer such as Red Hat Amphitheater and Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek where the variety of concerts offered make sure there is something for everyone. But, make sure you check into smaller venues for music in Garner such as Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music and Downtown Garner’s free concert series .
In addition there are free things to do in Raleigh too such as the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, driving around to see the historic homes in the Oakwood community and several parks. A couple of parks to consider in Raleigh include The Raleigh Rose Garden and Dix Park in addition to many hidden gems throughout the city and neighborhoods. Also,consider a trip to Juniper Level Botanic Garden, a 28 acre research garden that contains over twenty-seven thousand plant varieties. Closer in Garner you can head to White Deer Park or Lake Benson for trails to explore. Adjacent to the parks a visit to Holl & Stone is a must visit for a fresh take on a farm experience.
Garner NC offers a wide variety of experiences, food offerings and entertainment. While we love what Raleigh has to offer, know that Garner has its own special offerings too. There is a certain charm combined with a lack of feeling rushed that brings peace to small town stays. So when you are ready to visit the city of Raleigh but want some relaxation too, consider what a small town stay can do for you. Garner has much to offer to make your visit a great experience. Banks Bed and Breakfast can provide you a place to stay with history, modern amenities and a plentiful breakfast that can help you have the energy you need for whatever your day brings. We look forward to hosting you.
Mary
