Things to Do in Cary

Start by selecting any plate, bowl, vase, mug, jug, or spittoon from Bisque Art's collection of more than 800 finely crafted artifacts (pieces start at $2.50). After you make a sketch and pick out paint colors, carefully direct your brush in tune with your dreams and wishes, letting your creative juices flow wildly onto the dinnerware of your choosing and spill onto the floor that is thoughtfully provided. Once you're finished, leave the mess and masterpiece on the table. Bisque Art will clean up the mess, then glaze and fire your piece in a kiln; it'll be ready for pick-up in a week or less. Bringing some grub and guzzle for artistic motivation is fine; short of bringing in a keg or a fondue pot, you can make this a dinner theater of arts and crafts.

Dead Broke Farm's name derives not only from the cost of owning horses, but also from the terminology for teaching a horse to wear a saddle—known in the industry as “breaking a horse to ride.” Trainers stable “dead broke,” or thoroughly saddle-trained, horses, alongside more spirited animals on the 110-acre farm. They also house steeds saved through their horse-rescue program, with more than 70 of their mounts avoiding fates in slaughterhouses and other undesirable ends since 2004.

Horses show off their trotting chops during farm trail rides, carrying riders on explorations of the rolling hills and whispering creeks scattered across more than 10 miles of bridle trails cut through woods populated by deer, cranes, and other wildlife. Private rides allow for more personalized routes and can incorporate stops at scenic ponds for proposals or more challenging terrain for advanced riders. Instructors also schedule horseback-riding lessons, teaching balance through rides over undulating terrain rather than through exercises such as riding a horse that is riding a seesaw.

Paddle Creek’s picturesque launch settings makes it an ideal jumping-off point for river excursions in single and tandem kayaks and canoes or atop a standup paddleboard. The staff of outdoor enthusiasts helps everyone from novice to advanced paddlers select their ideal vessels―for rental or purchase―and even recommends areas of interest. In addition to equipment rentals, the adventure spot offers lessons as well as self-guided tours.

Both introductory dancing programs include three private dance lessons that cover the most popular social dances you'll need to pull out of your back pocket the next time you find yourself whisked to a ball or accidentally at an ex's wedding. Durham's program also includes a group class to review the basics with fellow lightfooters, and Raleigh's introductory dancing program gives students the option to choose between a group class or practice dance party. Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s Raleigh location is owned by Rick Giles and features a talented staff of dance-cionados. The Durham location is run by the award-winning duo of Yuriy Simakov and Oksana Klyuchnyk and a limber cabal of instructors.

Buffaloe Lanes facilitates retro entertainment by offering open bowling, leagues for all ages, and arcade games. Each lane boasts bumper capabilities, which makes games easier for younger bowlers or those with oval-shaped bowling balls. Bowlers can also host parties at Buffaloe Lanes, during which groups gather in one of the private rooms to unwrap presents and sing to cakes before eating them. The smoke-free and alcohol-free facilities also host snack bars with soft drinks and concessions.

Named the Best Place to go Bowling in Indy Week’s Best of the Triangle 2011 and 2012, The Alley exhibits a genuine retro charm with 24 original hardwood lanes and classic paper scorecards. They also seek to appeal to night owls with a 1 a.m. closing time Friday and Saturday. After spending hours toppling pins, bowlers can divert their attention with flat-screen TVs showing laneside sports and a state-of-the-art sound system blasting toe-tapping didgeridoo drones. They can also purchase lunch and dinner fare from the expanding menu at The Balcony, which replenishes famished bowlers with savory burgers and fries.