If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the new outdoor ice skating rink located in downtown Raleigh’s New City Plaza before it closes for the season on February 15th. The rink is situated directly across the street from the new Marriot hotel at the southern end of Fayetteville Street. It opened back on December 4th and will remain open through February 15th due to popular demand. The rink itself is 45’ x 85’ in size and has maximum capacity of 140 skaters. The cost of admission is $6 and includes the skate rental. I spent some time in City plaza over the Holidays and was happy to see the rink getting a lot of use. It seems to be very popular with families and kids.
You can check out the Winterfest Website for special events. During the holidays they had “skate with Santa” night and also provided live music entertainment and outdoor movies some nights. They also have regular “date night specials” when Couples can show their receipt from local participating restaurants to receive a $4 discount for admission for two to the ice rink. They also offer free carriage rides e from 6 pm-9 pm on date nights for anyone wearing their ice rink admission wristband.
On Valentine’s Day Sunday, February 14 complimentary rickshaw and carriage rides will be offered from 5 pm-9 pm to anyone who has paid for admission to the rink. These rickshaw rides will begin in the 400 block of Fayetteville Street and will circle around the Capitol. According to the Winterfest website, the rickshaws will provide romantic music, a rose, and a blanket to keep you warm.
The Triangle Explorer 