The 174-acre Historic Yates Mill County Park is the last remaining water-powered gristmill in Wake County. It's also a nice place to stretch your legs: There are several miles of hiking trails that trace the Mill Pond and extend west of it. And you can also fish from two boardwalks.

Some visitors say that the Historic Yates Mill County Park is the perfect spot to indulge in some fresh air and tranquility. "We found this by 'accident' and it was one of our favorite stops in Raleigh," one TripAdvisor user said. "If you like the outdoors and quiet trails, you should check it out."

The mill is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. If you want to take a tour of the actual mill building, it will cost you a few bucks; otherwise, admittance to the park is free. You'll find the mill approximately 6 miles southwest of Raleigh's city center on Lake Wheeler Road. For more information, visit the website.