<p>We are driving down to Wake in May to pick up DS. DH and DS plan to play golf Saturday afternoon, leaving me to fend for myself. I have never seen Reynolda Village or Reynolda Gardens or the art museum - are these things worthwhile? Are they close together? I think the guys are planning to drop me off somewhere and take the car. Or, would I be better off if they left me at Hanes Mall? Open to suggestions - I'll need to entertain myself for a few hours.</p>
<p>Yes, they’re worthwhile. Another option is Old Salem Museum & Gardens. Check it out here: [Old</a> Salem Museums and Gardens | Home Page](<a href=“http://www.oldsalem.org/]Old”>http://www.oldsalem.org/) </p>
<p>H & I did this last fall – we came a day early for Parents Weekend and had the time. Hanes Mall is just like any other mall.</p>
<p>rockvillemom, we loved the Reyonolda House and Museum. There is a surprising amount of famous art in such a little museum- I remember Andrew Wyeth, Jacob Lawrence and a nice collection of early American Art. The tour of the house itself can be self-guided, it would be especially nice to be able to meander at one’s own pace through such an amazingly grand home! We went as a family, but I would like to return solo! I know I am not much help, as I feel I can go to a mall anytime! (I never do!) There is fun shopping in Reynolda Village, my husband and I walked around for a few hours while our three sons were in the Wake library. If you have not done so, the Village Tavern has great food, the French Onion soup is perfecto! Everything is in easy walking distance, as long as it does not rain. I wish we still had a few more years of such decisions, our oldest son is graduating, and it is bittersweet. If son number three decides on Wake, we will still be “regulars!” Have fun, and congratulations on year one!. Enjoy.</p>
<p>I have to second eating at the Village Tavern. This place came highly recommended to us by my friend who has a senior graduating this May. We went to the one in Reynolda Village during orientation and then there is another location out by the Hanes Mall, that we went to during parents weekend. The wait is long, so if you do, go early, but the food and the service are great. I prefer the Reynolda location as it is a bit more charming and you can sit outside.</p>
<p>just a general question: what does the “D” in DS and DH stand for? I get that it is son and husband, but I am confused on what the “D” is!</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Irishmary- I agree- the outdoor seating is charming, and they continue even into the winter! We were there in February, and people were still eating outside under a clear tent! We have also experienced the wait, but last time we were waiting with a group of very nice people, another couple from NJ, and some native NCers, and the time just flew by in nice conversation. </p>
<p>dd2014- I believe it stands for “darling.”</p>
<p>“We are driving down to Wake in May to pick up DS. DH and DS plan to play golf Saturday afternoon, leaving me to fend for myself. I have never seen Reynolda Village or Reynolda Gardens or the art museum - are these things worthwhile? Are they close together? I think the guys are planning to drop me off somewhere and take the car. Or, would I be better off if they left me at Hanes Mall? Open to suggestions - I’ll need to entertain myself for a few hours.”</p>
<p>All three are really close together, and they’re also pretty close to campus. We walk there sometimes! The museum, I believe, is still housing this REALLY REALLY REALLY COOL photography exhibit. I’ve been in the house once, too, and I thought it was nice. The rooms are still decorated as normal. My friend and I took a map and saw the whole house. There’s this HUGE painting in one of the rooms and it is a must-see. I forget what it’s called. </p>
<p>The gardens might be nicer when you come in May. They’re still nice right now, but a lot of things aren’t grown yet (the grass is just coming back to color, etc). The greenhouse is in bloom and there are lots of flowers in there. One of my friends is obsessed with it. </p>
<p>Reynolda Village is always awesome. Stop by Monkees!! Simply Yummy is a cute lunch place in RV, and there’s a little ice cream place around there too. I agree with Village Tavern for dinner. If you’re looking for a casual night, try The Loop. Best crunchy broccoli salad ever. I actually can’t really complain about anywhere I’ve eaten in W-S. Mellow Mushroom & Elizabeth’s are both good for pizza. I ate at two nice places but I can’t remember their names … Mozelle’s(?) might’ve been one and then there was a brewing place that holds trivia nights and that was super good too.</p>