I love big cities - you really can't beat the amenities and fun things to do of somewhere like Durham or Charlotte. Of course, small towns have their charms as well, and really make up the backbone of the Tar Heel State. There's no shortage of amazing rural little towns in North Carolina, and they're perfect for when you want to go somewhere a little more laid-back and easy-going. Still, it's a fact of life that small towns aren't going to have the multitude of restaurants and shops you'd find in a crowded urban area. If you're looking for something that's a little more of a middle ground, we've got the perfect spot for you today. Morrisville, North Carolina is a mid-sized city of 29,000 that's right in the middle of the bustling Research Triangle region. It's perfect for when you're not looking for the crowds of a huge city but still want to enjoy a little more than what most small towns have to offer.

I'm sure if you're reading this, the Triangle needs no introduction. This is one of the Tar Heel State's most populated regions, nestled between the cities of Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. This nine-county region boasts a population of more than 2,100,000, and so there are more than a few great attractions in the area. Morrisville lies almost directly between Durham and Raleigh at about 15 miles away from each. This makes it an attractive location for anyone seeking fun.

The scenery here is quite beautiful. Morrisville lies right where the North American Piedmont and Atlantic Coastal Plain regions meet, so you'll find plenty of gently rolling hills. Both Crabtree Creek and Lake Crabtree are in town and are perfect for relaxing by the water or enjoying time out on a boat.

Morrisville has eight parks and there are a variety of activities available, whether you're looking for hiking a greenway, enjoying time on a basketball court, or even playing a little sand volleyball. The greenway system is extensive and spans through much of the town, providing an excellent option for those looking to get in a little exercise.

If the weather's not up to par and you're looking for something fun to do indoors, check out RushHour Karting. With indoor go-karts, axe-throwing, and arcade games, there's something for everyone here.

Want to do a little shopping when traveling through the area? Park West Village has an extensive array of shops and restaurants, plus a movie theater and playground. Morrisville Square is another popular shopping destination within the city. We're always a fan of shopping local, and the Town of Morrisville website has a great small business directory that will help you find even more places to keep your dollars within the community.

If you're the type that loves to dine, I'm in the same boat - it's so much fun trying out local restaurants when visiting a new city! Babymoon Cafe serves up authentic Italian cuisine in Morrisville and has a wonderful outdoor dining area. Another superb spot is Carmen's Cuban Cafe, which serves up savory Cuban dishes and also offers fun salsa nights.

Have you ever visited Morrisville, North Carolina? Share your favorite things to do there in the comments!

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Morrisville? We love this cozy centrally-located home that's not too far from the area's many attractions.