ljv

I and my daughter plan to overniight in the Chapel Hill/Durham area on a return trip to NJ from Orlando, Fla.,via I-95.

Apart from breaking up the long drive,my daughter would like to check out UNC and Duke campuses.

Can anyone recommend a good hotel or B&B which gives good access to both schools?

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Ackislander

Most of the highway hotel chains have properties along US 15-501 which is between Durham and Chapel Hill and would be most convenient if you plan to visit both, though utterly lacking in charm.

cmcfong

You might enjoy the Sienna.

Gretchen

For a real taste of Chapel Thrill, stay at the Carolina Inn!! And, as cmcfong suggests, the Siena. Have fun.

jent103

If you can afford it and don't mind having a bit further drive to Duke (but being able to walk around the UNC campus), the Carolina Inn would be great. Same for Duke at the Washington Duke Inn. Otherwise, as Ackislander said, anywhere along 15-501 near I-40 would be about equidistant to the campuses. Looks like there's a Homewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, Springhill Suites and Comfort Inn right there. My mom and I once had a thoroughly unmemorable but fine stay at the Red Roof Inn as well, though that's been nearly ten years.

Ackislander

No, it was not my comment that was removed, but I am certainly being restrained here by not having said:

"Forget Duke. If God was not a Tarheel, why is the sky Carolina Blue?"

As an alum and as father of two other alums, there is only one university in North Carolina to which I would send my children, and it is best viewed -- better than the Siennna -- from the Carolina Inn.

But I was trying to be restrained. Should you visit Nantucket, my house is the one with the big Carolina banner! My jeep is the one with the Carolina window decal.

This is restraint.

Gretchen

Don't forget to eat along Franklin Street--and Crook's Corner where shrimp and grits first went mainstream. Good food in the area.

Birdie

Ditto Crooks Corner. I love the Washington Duke Inn and the bar is a fabulous place to have dinner but I would recommend the Carolina Inn. Chapel Hill is such a fun town to walk around in.

Ackislander

I knew my future daughter in law was the right sort when she helped herself to one of my fried oysters at Crook's Corner. I have since returned the favor.