Five Oaks Riding Stables

Five Oaks sits right on the Parkway across from Tanger Outlets, which is either super convenient or a total tourist trap depending on how you look at it. We've done their 3.5-mile trail ride twice now and it's honestly worth the $55 price tag — the horses are calm, the guides know their stuff, and you're not crammed in with 30 other riders like some places.

The trail winds through 70 acres of actual forest, not just a dirt circle behind someone's barn. You'll cross streams and hit this cool replica moonshine still about halfway through. Our guide told us stories about the area's bootlegging history that had the kids completely hooked.

One thing though — they're strict about the dress code. Long pants and closed-toe shoes with heels, no exceptions. We watched them turn away a family in flip-flops and shorts, and the dad was NOT happy about driving back to change clothes.

The reservation system is clutch during busy season. While other stables have you standing around for hours hoping for an opening, Five Oaks actually honors your time slot. Plus they've got ziplines on the same property if you want to make it a bigger adventure day — though that combo package runs about $100 per person.

Weight limit is 270 pounds and kids as young as 3 can ride double with an adult for an extra $25. Fair warning: parking can get tight since you're sharing space with the zipline crowd and outlet shoppers.