Inside Wade is a neighborhood in West Raleigh, tucked away in the triangle formed by Wade Avenue, I-40 and I-440. I often use “Inside Wade” to describe this whole area in general. I may be the only one, but I think an area with so much value packed in, needs it’s own geographic moniker.
And you’ll see as you scroll through the rest of the post, that there is a TON of stuff packed into a small geographic area.
Inside Wade Neighborhood
Inside Wade the Neighborhood is loved for it’s charming village feel and stunning craftsman architecture. It really feels like a 1920’s residential city block except all the construction is very recent. This friendly neighborhood is full of front porches and sidewalks. It’s close proximity to the PNC center means you won’t need to fight over parking when you want to see a game or show. There are greenways that connect the neighborhood to the venue.
Inside Wade Commercial development includes shops, restaurants and businesses offices.
Inside Wade Shops
Bru’s Public House
Want a local place to pick up (or sit down for) burgers, sandwiches, pizza, appetizers, and cocktails? Or check out what’s on tap? Bru’s Public House is your place to gather before or after the game or show at the PNC Arena across the street. Yes, you can walk there.
Spring Rolls Restaurants
This Asian fusion restaurant offers a modern atmosphere and high quality at value prices.
Paris Nail Bar
At the Paris Nail Bar, you’ll receive the ultimate pampering experience, beautiful ambiance and a great selection of craft brews and wine.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Inside Wade is adjacent to three of the largest green spaces in the Triangle.
Umstead Park
Umstead park is a nearly 6000 acre wooded oasis right in the middle of the Triangle. There are a plethora of outdoor activities to participate in at the park including: boating, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding.
Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding
The park is home to a 13 mile network of multi-use trails, for biking and horseback riding. Additionally there are 20 miles of hiking trails. These trails are dog friendly and you will often see people hiking with their best friend.
Picnics & Gatherings
There are picnic tables, grills and shelters scattered throughout the park. There are multiple shelters for group gatherings, accommodating anywhere from 20 – 125 people. Restrooms, drinking water and parking are convenient to all picnic areas.
Camping
The tent campground is open March 15th through December 1st. Camp sights have picnic tables and grills, drinking water and restrooms with showers, but hookups are not available.
Shenck Memorial Forest
This 245 acre forest is owned and managed by NC State University as a teaching and research forest. This beautiful resource provides birdwatching and wildlife as well as the opportunity to see a managed forest in various stages of growth. The Reedy Creek Trail connects from the forest to additional trails at Umstead Park. There are picnic facilities on the grounds. Shenck Forest is located on Reedy Creek Road, just west of Edwards Mill
Laurel Hills Park
Just a couple miles up Edwards Mill Road is Laurel Hills Park. Laurel Hills has a fantastic pond and boardwalk, walking trails, indoor and outdoor sports courts, ball fields and multipurpose fields, and an amazing 3.5 acre all children accessible playground.
Sassafras Playground at Laurel Hills Park
Prairie Ridge Ecostation
This is such an amazing space! If you think natural play areas are a must for kids, you have to go see this play space! From the website..
The Prairie Ridge Ecostation is an outdoor learning space designed to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the environment. It consists of 45 acres of Piedmont prairie, forest, ponds, a stream and sustainable building features integrated with a wildlife-friendly landscape.
So there is lots to do there. But I just love the natural playground. Make sure to bring your kids in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, because they will definitely be playing in the dirt! I’m going to do a whole ‘nother blog post on this pace because it’s so cool, but for now here are a few pics of the play space…
Prairie Ridge Ecostation Natural Playground
Sand box at Prairie Ridge Ecostation Natural Playground
Sports and Shows…
The PNC Arena is the home to the Carolina Hurricanes and the NC State Wolfpack. When not hosting a hockey or basketball game, the arena is a popular location for music concerts and other specialty events such as Cirque du Soleil and Disney on Ice. The Arena is conveniently located on Edwards Mill Rd and Wade Avenue.
And if you’re a college football fan, Carter Finley Stadium is right next door to the Arena.
State Fairgrounds
Of course the State Fairgrounds hosts the annual state fair. But when the fair isn’t on, there is always something fun and interesting to do at the fairgrounds. You can shop for treasures at the Flea Market, which is open every weekend of the year. And they always have interesting events like horse shows, gem and mineral shows or the Wake County Library’ annual book show. You can find a complete calendar of events here.
Horses & Goats & Sheep…
Nc State has a large veterinary school in Raleigh. And some of their student farms are right Inside Wade! So you get the convenience of living in the city, but the pleasure of bucolic scenes like this one…
View across from the Shenck Forest of the NC State Horse Pasture
NC Museum of Art
This museum is my happy place. It is way more than an art museum. They also have a beautiful ampitheatre where they host summer concerts and movies. And I think the crowning Jewel of the park is the NCMA Art Park. The stunning connection of art and nature always lifts my spirits.
Want to Move Here?
Need a Knowledgeable Realtor?
Schedule a Call Now!
If you’re looking for a home Inside Wade, the current listings are below. If you want to browse homes for sale in other parts of Raleigh we can certainly help with that.
Popular Raleigh, NC Posts
