Raleigh and the Triangle - A Visitor's and Local's Guide Pt. 2

[garnetpalmetto]

Thank you! this is very informative. Not too worried about the RDU flight path, I lived under the JFK and LGA approaches for years so it can't be as bad hahaha

LOL if you were under LGA and JFK's approaches you'll definitely be fine. I know someone else said Holly Springs earlier and that's also a valid option - the only problem is not much in the way of non-chain restaurants out that way and I'm not sure if there's a Publix there offhand (since Publix is only entering the Triangle market in the last few years). Harris-Teeter and Lowe's Foods tend to be roughly equivalent local chains that have more locations in the area (Harris-Teeter especially).

 

[DaveG]

LOL if you were under LGA and JFK's approaches you'll definitely be fine. I know someone else said Holly Springs earlier and that's also a valid option - the only problem is not much in the way of non-chain restaurants out that way and I'm not sure if there's a Publix there offhand (since Publix is only entering the Triangle market in the last few years). Harris-Teeter and Lowe's Foods tend to be roughly equivalent local chains that have more locations in the area (Harris-Teeter especially).

Tbf I honestly prefer Lowe's to Publix. Beer selection tends to be better and more local, the beer den taps usually are a solid B+ tier at worst and can get up to S tier easy with the tap takeover events or if they have a department manager that knows their shit.

But all 3 (HT, Publix, Lowe's) are similar quality places. Having lived near Lake Lynn for a bit that's a great area though traffic off Glenwood can be a mother f***er. Gizmo and Lynnwood (brewpub location) all very close by as well as some good local food places (flying burrito) and our trivia haunt a few years back. Planes also never bothered me in that area

Just watch out for rare venomous snakes brought by some douche kid from Florida to make f***ing TikTok videos.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Harris-Teeter and Lowe's Foods tend to be roughly equivalent local chains that have more locations in the area (Harris-Teeter especially).

But all 3 (HT, Publix, Lowe's) are similar quality places.

Yeah, these three are so similar that I would treat them equally in terms of moving nearby. There are Harris-Teeter locations all over the Triangle and Lowe's/Publix tend to settle into the gaps.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Yeah, these three are so similar that I would treat them equally in terms of moving nearby. There are Harris-Teeter locations all over the Triangle and Lowe's/Publix tend to settle into the gaps.

I've found that Harris-Teeter ends up typically having better prices with their VIC/EVIC stuff, but at regular prices, they are all kinda similar. And the Publix stores I've been to all seem to be right next to a Harris Teeter. They are right across the street off 1010 and Kildare Farm road. The one on Leesville Road right by 540, there's a Publix and HT right next to each other as well. The one on High House and Davis Drive has a HT right across Davis Drive.

I rarely shop at Publix or even Lowes these days. I live near Brier Creek now and we usually shop Walmart, Aldi, or Lidl (if we are up that way, but one is supposedly coming to Brier Creek behind the Harris Teeter), for most stuff. Then the Harris Teeter nearby for stuff I can't get at one of those places.

As for the poster's original question, there are lots of places you can live, but since moving up to the Brier Creek area, I think it's ideal (the general area that @garnetpalmetto described a few posts up). Easy access to nearby stores, restaurants, area breweries, etc.. 15 min. drive (or less) to the airport. Easy access to 40, 85 (north), 147(885), and 540 to get to where you want to go. Can be in downtown Durham in 15 min., but still only about 30 min. to get to downtown Raleigh. Lots of nature areas very close by (Eno river trails, Umstead State Park, Lake Crabtree, Falls Lake), etc..

The drawbacks vs. living down near Holly Springs area (I used to live down that way) are: 1) More traffic in Brier Creek area. 2) More crime vs. down there, but not terrible. 3) The roads / infrastructure is struggling to keep up with all the population growth, but that's happening down towards Holly Springs/Apex as well. 4) If you want more land with your home, there are typically more options down the Holly Springs way. 5) depending which neighborhood, you can be in the flight path as GP stated. Thankfully our house isn't normally in the flight path, but no guarantees that will always be the case.

 

[LostInaLostWorld]

My sister lives in Brier Creek and agree with BBA on most. The BJ's gas prices typically run 10-15+ cents higher there than the one in Cary Cossroads.

 

[tarheelhockey]

I've found that Harris-Teeter ends up typically having better prices with their VIC/EVIC stuff, but at regular prices, they are all kinda similar. And the Publix stores I've been to all seem to be right next to a Harris Teeter. They are right across the street off 1010 and Kildare Farm road. The one on Leesville Road right by 540, there's a Publix and HT right next to each other as well. The one on High House and Davis Drive has a HT right across Davis Drive.

I rarely shop at Publix or even Lowes these days. I live near Brier Creek now and we usually shop Walmart, Aldi, or Lidl (if we are up that way, but one is supposedly coming to Brier Creek behind the Harris Teeter), for most stuff. Then the Harris Teeter nearby for stuff I can't get at one of those places.

As for the poster's original question, there are lots of places you can live, but since moving up to the Brier Creek area, I think it's ideal (the general area that @garnetpalmetto described a few posts up). Easy access to nearby stores, restaurants, area breweries, etc.. 15 min. drive (or less) to the airport. Easy access to 40, 85 (north), 147(885), and 540 to get to where you want to go. Can be in downtown Durham in 15 min., but still only about 30 min. to get to downtown Raleigh. Lots of nature areas very close by (Eno river trails, Umstead State Park, Lake Crabtree, Falls Lake), etc..

The drawbacks vs. living down near Holly Springs area (I used to live down that way) are: 1) More traffic in Brier Creek area. 2) More crime vs. down there, but not terrible. 3) The roads / infrastructure is struggling to keep up with all the population growth, but that's happening down towards Holly Springs/Apex as well. 4) If you want more land with your home, there are typically more options down the Holly Springs way. 5) depending which neighborhood, you can be in the flight path as GP stated. Thankfully our house isn't normally in the flight path, but no guarantees that will always be the case.

To me, Brier Creek is a great place for people moving to the Triangle, in the sense that it kind of sums up all the reasons people want to move here.

 

[Navin R Slavin]

Y'all don't act like y'all never go to the Food Dog.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Y'all don't act like y'all never go to the Food Dog.

Oh hell yes. It costs literally half as much for identical products. My weekly order of basics is from Food Lion, and the cost savings easily pays for delivery (and then some). Then it's just a matter of stopping by a nicer store for a cut of steak or a mango or whatever.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Oh hell yes. It costs literally half as much for identical products. My weekly order of basics is from Food Lion, and the cost savings easily pays for delivery (and then some). Then it's just a matter of stopping by a nicer store for a cut of steak or a mango or whatever.

I rarely shop at Food Lion. Not because of any perception of the store (I just stated most of our shopping is Walmart, Aldi or Lidl). It’s just that Walmart, Aldi and Lidl usually have equal to or better prices than Food Lion, and Walmart and HT are very close by. I’ll stop at Food Lion if I’m already out and about, need something and there’s one on the way.

Publix and Lowes are in a similar boat for me.

 

[LakeLivin]

I know there's only a couple of them around, but with all the talk of grocery stores I'm surprised there hasn't been one mention of Wegmans. Isn't that the creme de la creme of "regular" grocery stores? (asking, I don't do grocery shopping)

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

I know there's only a couple of them around, but with all the talk of grocery stores I'm surprised there hasn't been one mention of Wegmans. Isn't that the creme de la creme of "regular" grocery stores? (asking, I don't do grocery shopping)

Wegmans is a great store where you can go for lunch with tons of options, and they have all sorts of stuff, great quality and great selections, but it's very expensive. So if price is no object, then Wegman's is the best.

 

[Francis10]

Has your real estate really shot up in the past few years in Raleigh and area? Prices seem way higher than when I checked a few years ago.

 

[MinJaBen]

Has your real estate really shot up in the past few years in Raleigh and area? Prices seem way higher than when I checked a few years ago.

Yes, they have gotten pretty ridiculous in my area. My house doubled in value in the last 18 months and houses about a mile away that I considered buying as a rental/investment have quadrupled in value.

 

[Francis10]

Ya that was what I thought. I came down for the marathon and a few Canes games BCT (Before Covid Times) and I remember getting back to Canada and looking at real estate and it was very reasonable. Not anymore looks like. How come that is? New business setting up shop?

 

[MinJaBen]

Ya that was what I thought. I came down for the marathon and a few Canes games BCT (Before Covid Times) and I remember getting back to Canada and looking at real estate and it was very reasonable. Not anymore looks like. How come that is? New business setting up shop?

A lot of reasons, but some of the big drivers besides the COVID volume issues is we have a bunch of high profile corporations creating East Coast hubs in the triangle. Apple, Google, Facebook and some EV battery and car groups all announced plans and started work in the last two years.

 

[LakeLivin]

Wegmans is a great store where you can go for lunch with tons of options, and they have all sorts of stuff, great quality and great selections, but it's very expensive. So if price is no object, then Wegman's is the best.

Don't know why this raised my curiosity (I don't do grocery shopping at all, and even if I did the only local options are FoodLion and WalMart), but it did.

I googled price comparison and lo and behold just yesterday the N&O just published a comparison of all of the grocery stores mentioned. Unfortunately it's behind a paywall so I couldn't look at it. (anyone subscribe?)

But there was also a Reddit article where someone did a comparison of a bunch of the same items purchased at 7 local grocery stores and Wegmans was 2nd cheapest to WalMart, cheaper than even FoodLion (Aldis & Lidl weren't included). It was from 2 years ago, so not sure how relevant it is today, but the results were very surprising. I know Wegmans has some expensive, high quality stuff, but is it possible they're that competitive on the day to day stuff? I'll stick the table in a drop down box if anyone is interested so it doesn't take up too much space on the page.

Spoiler: grocery store price comparison (2 years old)

Since people are having trouble reading, see below

Product	Harris Teeter	Wegmans	Food Lion	Walmart	Publix	Lowes	Target
Prego 14oz traditional pasta sauce	$2.69	$1.99	$2.00	$1.88	$2.09	$2.00	$1.99
Aunt Jemima 32oz pancake batter	$2.99	$2.69	$2.99	$2.50	$2.79	$3.09	$2.69
Honey Nut Cheerios 19oz	$5.49	$4.29	$4.98	$3.64	$5.59	$3.50	$4.59
1 bunch fresh cilantro	$1.69	$0.99	$0.99	$0.78	$1.29	$1.29	$0.79
8oz baby bella mushrooms	$2.49	$1.99	$2.50	$1.68	$2.49	$3.49	$2.19
1lb Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread	$4.49	$2.99	$3.49	$2.97	$4.49	$3.49	$3.19
Yellow onions	3lbs $1.29	2lbs $1.19	3lbs $1.39	3lbs $1.28	$4.47	$2.79	$2.59
Store brand 18oz corn flakes cereal	$1.49	$1.49	$1.89 (12oz)	$1.43	$2.79	N/A (Kellogg’s $4.99)	$2.49
Store brand 20oz ketchup	$1.49	$0.79	$1.49	$0.92	$1.69	$1.79	$0.85
Black label thick cut bacon 1lb	$8.99	$4.99	$5.49	$4.98	$8.99	$9.99	$5.19
McCormick 3.12 oz garlic powder	$4.49	$3.99	$3.99	$2.13	$2.99	$4.49	$3.69
Mt. Olive Hamburger Dill Chips Pickles 16floz	$2.99	$2.19	$2.48	$1.98	$2.99	$2.99	2.19
McCormick Gourmet Organic Oregano 0.5oz	$5.99	$5.99	$4.38	$3.85	$3.39	$5.99	$4.99
Eggland's Best 1 dozen eggs	$3.59	$2.99	$3.29	$2.58	$3.09	$3.19	$2.89
Store brand dozen eggs	$1.79	$0.58	$1.29	$0.72	$0.89	$1.29	$0.99
Store brand 1 gallon of whole milk	$2.19	$1.79	$1.99	$1.74	$2.69	$3.39	$1.79
Store brand 4 sticks butter	$3.39	$2.69	$2.99	$2.98	$3.16	$3.29	$2.99
Folger's Ground Coffee 24oz	$6.99	$7.49	$8.99	$7.48	$8.40	$8.99	$7.49
Lay's Wavy Original Party Size 15.4oz	$5.29	$4.19	$4.49	$3.98	$5.29	$4.50	$4.79
Bananas	$0.39/lb	$0.39/lb	$0.45/lb	$0.39/lb	$0.59/lb	$0.59/lb	$0.29 each / .87 cents per pound?
Total	$70.20	$55.69	$61.55	$49.89	$70.16	$75.13	$59.24

Please note that the totals may be off because of the Yellow Onions bulk count, just going off poundage (Publix price per pound appears to be off)

I take no responsibility for any of these numbers, just grabbed what was in this thread.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Don't know why this raised my curiosity (I don't do grocery shopping at all, and even if I did the only local options are FoodLion and WalMart), but it did.

I googled price comparison and lo and behold just yesterday the N&O just published a comparison of all of the grocery stores mentioned. Unfortunately it's behind a paywall so I couldn't look at it. (anyone subscribe?)

But there was also a Reddit article where someone did a comparison of a bunch of the same items purchased at 7 local grocery stores and Wegmans was 2nd cheapest to WalMart, cheaper than even FoodLion (Aldis & Lidl weren't included). It was from 2 years ago, so not sure how relevant it is today, but the results were very surprising. I know Wegmans has some expensive, high quality stuff, but is it possible they're that competitive on the day to day stuff? I'll stick the table in a drop down box if anyone is interested so it doesn't take up too much space on the page.

Spoiler: grocery store price comparison (2 years old)

Since people are having trouble reading, see below

Product	Harris Teeter	Wegmans	Food Lion	Walmart	Publix	Lowes	Target
Prego 14oz traditional pasta sauce	$2.69	$1.99	$2.00	$1.88	$2.09	$2.00	$1.99
Aunt Jemima 32oz pancake batter	$2.99	$2.69	$2.99	$2.50	$2.79	$3.09	$2.69
Honey Nut Cheerios 19oz	$5.49	$4.29	$4.98	$3.64	$5.59	$3.50	$4.59
1 bunch fresh cilantro	$1.69	$0.99	$0.99	$0.78	$1.29	$1.29	$0.79
8oz baby bella mushrooms	$2.49	$1.99	$2.50	$1.68	$2.49	$3.49	$2.19
1lb Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread	$4.49	$2.99	$3.49	$2.97	$4.49	$3.49	$3.19
Yellow onions	3lbs $1.29	2lbs $1.19	3lbs $1.39	3lbs $1.28	$4.47	$2.79	$2.59
Store brand 18oz corn flakes cereal	$1.49	$1.49	$1.89 (12oz)	$1.43	$2.79	N/A (Kellogg’s $4.99)	$2.49
Store brand 20oz ketchup	$1.49	$0.79	$1.49	$0.92	$1.69	$1.79	$0.85
Black label thick cut bacon 1lb	$8.99	$4.99	$5.49	$4.98	$8.99	$9.99	$5.19
McCormick 3.12 oz garlic powder	$4.49	$3.99	$3.99	$2.13	$2.99	$4.49	$3.69
Mt. Olive Hamburger Dill Chips Pickles 16floz	$2.99	$2.19	$2.48	$1.98	$2.99	$2.99	2.19
McCormick Gourmet Organic Oregano 0.5oz	$5.99	$5.99	$4.38	$3.85	$3.39	$5.99	$4.99
Eggland's Best 1 dozen eggs	$3.59	$2.99	$3.29	$2.58	$3.09	$3.19	$2.89
Store brand dozen eggs	$1.79	$0.58	$1.29	$0.72	$0.89	$1.29	$0.99
Store brand 1 gallon of whole milk	$2.19	$1.79	$1.99	$1.74	$2.69	$3.39	$1.79
Store brand 4 sticks butter	$3.39	$2.69	$2.99	$2.98	$3.16	$3.29	$2.99
Folger's Ground Coffee 24oz	$6.99	$7.49	$8.99	$7.48	$8.40	$8.99	$7.49
Lay's Wavy Original Party Size 15.4oz	$5.29	$4.19	$4.49	$3.98	$5.29	$4.50	$4.79
Bananas	$0.39/lb	$0.39/lb	$0.45/lb	$0.39/lb	$0.59/lb	$0.59/lb	$0.29 each / .87 cents per pound?
Total	$70.20	$55.69	$61.55	$49.89	$70.16	$75.13	$59.24

Please note that the totals may be off because of the Yellow Onions bulk count, just going off poundage (Publix price per pound appears to be off)

I take no responsibility for any of these numbers, just grabbed what was in this thread.

Spices being uneconomical for Harris Teeter customers... a lot of cookout side dishes are making more sense to me now.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Actually, I can see Wegmans being cheaper for some things than Harris Teeter, Publix or Lowes, because unless there is a sale, Harris Teeter, Lowes and Publix are also very expensive. So part of it is "how you shop" as well since we mostly get stuff at Harris Teeter that is on Vic/EVIC sale or because it's closest and we need something quickly. If Wegman's was closer, I'd go there for when we need something quickly, especially with these gas prices.

I'm a bit surprised about Food Lion, but as I said, I rarely shop there. While I don't shop at Wegmans much in NC (partially because none are close), I shop at them a lot when we are at our farm up north, because it's in "Wegman's" country.

We also don't buy a lot of processed foods so I can't comment on some of these, but I'll give my experiences as of today.

1) My wife doesn't eat beef or pork, so we eat a lot of chicken. I can almost always get a family pack of boneless chicken breasts at Walmart or Aldi for $1.99 / lb. Unless there's a sale, it's $2.99 / lb at HT and $2.49-$2.99 at Wegmans. It does go on sale a lot at HT for $1.99 / lb (it currently is a VIC special). No idea what it costs at Lowes, Food Lion or Publix.

2) Eggs and Milk are always cheaper at Aldis. Again, unless there's a sale as HT frequently has E-vic sales that drops the price significantly. Walmart's eggs are about $2.00 / dozen. Wegmans is currently the same. HT is $2.59 so unless there's an VIC/E-vic Sale, it's more expensive.

3) Unless we are making our own, we buy whole wheat pasta. We used to get it for $.79/box (Great value brand) at Walmart and was regular price $.99 at HT (HT's brand). It's now $1 / box at Walmart and $1.25 / box at HT. Wegmans doesn't have their own brand of Whole Wheat pasta (at least have I've seen) and so Barilla is $1.79 / box.

That said, we just bought some Barilla Lasagna noodles at Wegmans up here for $2.19 per box which was cheaper than Walmart.

4) for canned beans, tomatoes, and stuff, Walmart and Wegmans are similar, Aldi's has been a little cheaper if they have what you are looking for, but they don't always. HT is more expensive, but we tend to wait until they have an e-vic sale and stock up at a price that is better than Walmart or Wegmans.

5) Seafood and the occasional beef. I usually wait until Harris Teeter has a sale. For instance, when they do a "buy 2, get 3" for the wild caught pink Argentina shrimp, I stock up. Their B1G1 price for the same product usually is around $10 / lb. I just bought some at wild caught Wegmans shrimp up here and it seemed to be a little higher priced than that as it was closer to $14-$15 / lb.

6) Produce always seems to be the cheapest at Walmart. Although Harris Teeter re-wraps (produce that is going to go bad in a few days) is a great deal. For instance, we get bananas dirt cheap then freeze them and my wife makes banana bread or uses them in smoothies.

So skipping the TLDR. I can see Wegman's being cheaper than HT, Lowes, or Publix when those stores don't have sales, because those stores are very expensive without sales. Food Lion surprises me, but I don't shop there often.

Probably because of the competition up in the Raleigh area, looking online just now, I noticed that Wegman's prices in Raleigh area are quite a bit better than the Wegman's prices up here, where they have no competition. Maybe there are other cost of living factors at play as wel.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

A lot of reasons, but some of the big drivers besides the COVID volume issues is we have a bunch of high profile corporations creating East Coast hubs in the triangle. Apple, Google, Facebook and some EV battery and car groups all announced plans and started work in the last two years.

Yep, and covid had a couple of impacts.
1) people decided because of uncertainty to stay put so inventory dropped. For reference, when the 2008/9 housing bubble burst, my buddy who is a realtor said the area had an inventory of almost 20,000 homes. When Covid hit, the inventory was already low at under 6,000 and it dropped further.
2) Supply chain was (and still is) impacting new housing. Builders are taking much longer to get new houses build because they get held up due to supply.
3) Once prices shot up, many people are staying put because even if they get a great price for their home, they'll have to just pay that much more for the new home they buy.

Add to all that the influx of people like you said, and it's crazy.

 

[LostInaLostWorld]

Wegman's is also a mecca for many transplants from NY/up north. There was that sort of orgasmic reaction from them when it was announced Wegs was opening here. A smaller but similar vibe to Publix from Floridians, et. al.

I kind of get it but jeez, it's a f*cking grocery store.

*Disclaimer. My mother often told how she was so happy to find an A&P in Raleigh and not just Winn-Dixie, Colonial, & Piggly Wiggly when they moved here in late 40s from Cleveland.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Wegman's is also a mecca for many transplants from NY/up north. There was that sort of orgasmic reaction from them when it was announced Wegs was opening here. A smaller but similar vibe to Publix from Floridians, et. al.

I kind of get it but jeez, it's a f*cking grocery store.

*Disclaimer. My mother often told how she was so happy to find an A&P in Raleigh and not just Winn-Dixie, Colonial, & Piggly Wiggly when they moved here in late 40s from Cleveland.

Yeah, the loyalty to grocery stores (and even gas stations....with Philly and Wawa), has always fascinated me. My wife was born in Buffalo and her family all lives in "Wegman's country" and while they like the store, it's just a store to them.

I'm sure there's a pride component in that "this came from where we live", which makes sense. Kind of like a bunch of NC residents really are loyal to Cheerwine, Krispy Kreme, and Bojangles.

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

How's parking for your guys arena ? I'm a Devils fan down here visiting family and going to the game today. Will be nice to see another arena on the road and see 2 top teams go at it. Was curious if there is any parking away from the arena where it's alot cheaper or even free. Willing to walk a mile or so if need be.

 

[tarheelhockey]

How's parking for your guys arena ? I'm a Devils fan down here visiting family and going to the game today. Will be nice to see another arena on the road and see 2 top teams go at it. Was curious if there is any parking away from the arena where it's alot cheaper or even free. Willing to walk a mile or so if need be.

Parking is $30 at the gate. With nearly all the games being full houses lately, parking delays are getting pretty significant. Recommend one of three options:

1) Prepay parking if at all possible (it’s cheaper as well as faster) and show up at least 20 minutes early in order early in order to get inside before puck drop.

2) Try parking at one of the private pay lots along Trinity Rd. The one that I know of is Backyard Bistro, cannot vouch for that experience as I’ve never done it before. I want to say it’s $10 $20 there and roughly a .5-.75 mile walk.

3) Park for free in the Fairgrounds parking lot on Trinity Rd (dirt lot directly across the street from the main arena parking entrance). Lately there have been “no parking” signs around that lot, but they don’t seem to be enforced given that a large number of people continue to park there. Roughly a .5 mile walk.

There is also free parking at Wade Park, but I’m not sure I’d recommend that to someone who isn’t familiar with the area. It’s 100% safe, but a bit of a weird indirect way to get to the arena, and a good bit of it is through an unlit area that doesn’t feel like it could be taking you in the right direction. That said, park anywhere along Wade Park Blvd (including the corporate parking deck, which is unmonitored) and follow other jersey-wearing hockey fans (they know where they’re going) until you go through a pedestrian tunnel which drops you at the edge of the arena lot. BE SURE to memorize the location of that tunnel so you can retrace your route. Roughly 1.0 mile walk.

 

[the halleJOKEL]

Parking is $30 at the gate. With nearly all the games being full houses lately, parking delays are getting pretty significant. Recommend one of three options:

1) Prepay parking if at all possible (it’s cheaper as well as faster) and show up at least 20 minutes early in order early in order to get inside before puck drop.

2) Try parking at one of the private pay lots along Trinity Rd. The one that I know of is Backyard Bistro, cannot vouch for that experience as I’ve never done it before. I want to say it’s $10 there and roughly a .5-.75 mile walk.

3) Park for free in the Fairgrounds parking lot on Trinity Rd (dirt lot directly across the street from the main arena parking entrance). Lately there have been “no parking” signs around that lot, but they don’t seem to be enforced given that a large number of people continue to park there. Roughly a .5 mile walk.

There is also free parking at Wade Park, but I’m not sure I’d recommend that to someone who isn’t familiar with the area. It’s 100% safe, but a bit of a weird indirect way to get to the arena, and a good bit of it is through an unlit area that doesn’t feel like it could be taking you in the right direction. That said, park anywhere along Wade Park Blvd (including the corporate parking deck, which is unmonitored) and follow other jersey-wearing hockey fans (they know where they’re going) until you go through a pedestrian tunnel which drops you at the edge of the arena lot. BE SURE to memorize the location of that tunnel so you can retrace your route. Roughly 1.0 mile walk.

backyard bistro parking is $20 now and can get pretty full pretty quickly from what i've seen

another couple free options are along kingdom way and in the business park down westchase blvd. i made this ms paint map for someone last year before a game we were doing a decent size tailgate, so ignore the random star and the prices (blue should be $30 now and the red by backyard bistro is $20):

 

[tarheelhockey]

backyard bistro parking is $20 now and can get pretty full pretty quickly from what i've seen

another couple free options are along kingdom way and in the business park down westchase blvd. i made this ms paint map for someone last year before a game we were doing a decent size tailgate, so ignore the random star and the prices (blue should be $30 now and the red by backyard bistro is $20):

View attachment 624340

edit: Never mind, I just realized Westchase Blvd is what's beyond the Practice Complex