Five favorite Triangle places for family holiday pictures

Tis the season to force those happy smiles on your kids' faces for Christmas card pictures! I checked in with Christy Johnson of Be True Image Design to share her favorite holiday picture destinations.

Posted 1:59 a.m. Nov 11, 2015 — Updated 6:55 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Tis the season to force those happy smiles on your kids' faces for Christmas, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year and other holiday card pictures! Luckily, around the Triangle, we have some gorgeous spots that might just end up putting a smile on their faces regardless of your efforts!

I checked in with Christy Johnson, a mom, photographer and owner of Be True Image Design. She shared her five favorite places for holiday photos across the Triangle.

Here's where to go!

1. Joyner Park, 701 Harris Rd., Wake Forest. This 117-acre park features a pecan grove, paved trails, amphitheater, big porch swings and several old farm buildings. It's also just a fun place to roam, play and explore with big green lawns and lots of trees.

2. Historic Oak View County Park, 4028 Carya Dr., Raleigh. This 19th century historic farmstead features a variety of buildings, including a farm house, barn and more. There's also a pecan grove, goats and some wide open spaces. One of my favorite spots in the Triangle! (There are some rules to know if you are going with a professional photographer).

Plank kitchen at Historic Oak View County Park

3. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. The 174-acre spot is a wildlife refuge and environmental research center and home to an historic, working mill. Capture those smiles near historic buildings or among the fall foliage. Just don't bring Fido. Dogs, except identifiable service animals, and other pets are not allowed. (And be aware of the park's rules for photographers as well).

Yates Mill, a fully restored 1756 grist mill, is the centerpiece of Saturday's Harvest Festival at Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh.

4. Warehouse District, downtown Raleigh. If you're looking for less foliage and more city in the background, head over to Raleigh's warehouse district, which sits on the western edge of downtown Raleigh. You'll find the blocks dotted with red brick buildings, murals and the striking CAM Raleigh, contemporary art museum. The hub is bounded generally by the area that's south of Morgan, west of Dawson and north of Cabarrus streets. Lure those smiles out of the kids with promises to head over to places like The Pit for lunch or Videri for some amazing chocolate once you're done.

Credit: Carolyn Scott Photography
Courtesy: Downtown Raleigh Alliance

5. American Tobacco Campus, Durham, 318 Blackwell St., Durham. The urban campus features lots of urban, red brick buildings, along with a stream running through its center. There's a big lawn with an amphitheater as well. (Just know the rules before you go).