Going to NC for a conference
Jul 30th, 2006, 08:41 AM
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Going to NC for a conference
I am heading to NC, Chapel Hill for a conference on Oct 25 will be staying a few days. Want to make the best of my visit to the state. Conference at CH runs Thursday all day and half Friday. I arrive early Wednesday and don't leave until late Saturday. So I have some free time to see any sites of interest. Could anyone make suggestions. Here are my interests. I enjoy wineries, museums, concerts, theatre, horseback riding, anything halloween related (it is that time of year after all), restaurants with entertainment. I will be in Raleigh/Durham area by Friday afternoon until I leave. I will have a car so travel within an hour is possible.
Thanks in advance for any ideas.
Dianne
Thanks in advance for any ideas.
Dianne
Jul 30th, 2006, 10:12 AM
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1. Tour the University of North Carolina campus, perhaps stopping in the Ackland Art Museum or the Planetarium. 2. Walk the length of Franklin Street looking at the world's most attractive student body while window shopping. About a mile all told from the campus to the the Carrboro line. The more interesting shops are clustered at the Carrboro end. 3. Drive north 10 or 12 miles to Hillsborough, an 18th century small town with much remaining charm 4. Make a reservation at Crooks Corner in Chapel Hill for dinner; parking is difficult but food is unusual and famous, though prices are low. 5. On the way to Hillsborough, eat lunch at Allen and Son Barbecue, located on 86, just a few miles north of I-40, set back from the road on the left just before a railroad track. Fabulous NC BBQ and hushpuppies. Get the plate with pulled pork and potato salad and cole slaw. I am weeping with jealousy.
Jul 30th, 2006, 06:53 PM
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That time of year will be nice w/ leaves changing colors...
It may be the time during the NC State Fair in Raleigh...a lot of culture, food, music, and fun...
Check out Cat's Cradle to see who is playing (Carrboro)...fun venue to see live music.
It may be the time during the NC State Fair in Raleigh...a lot of culture, food, music, and fun...
Check out Cat's Cradle to see who is playing (Carrboro)...fun venue to see live music.
Jul 31st, 2006, 07:41 AM
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Curious, would you please stop with putting down Durham. Every town has crime issues and I could point out some scary parts of CH if you'd like me too.
Standiann, CH has a HUGE Halloween celebration on 10/31. Right in the middle of Franklin St. if you're still in town.
Ackislander and jspence have given some wonderful ideas.
Durham and Raleigh are separate towns connected by an airport. Do you know which town you'll be in Friday?
In Durham, visit the Sarah Duke Gardens and the Duke Chapel on the Duke campus. Also the Nasher Museum of art on campus. Wander through Duke Forst to look at teh leaves
Standiann, CH has a HUGE Halloween celebration on 10/31. Right in the middle of Franklin St. if you're still in town.
Ackislander and jspence have given some wonderful ideas.
Durham and Raleigh are separate towns connected by an airport. Do you know which town you'll be in Friday?
In Durham, visit the Sarah Duke Gardens and the Duke Chapel on the Duke campus. Also the Nasher Museum of art on campus. Wander through Duke Forst to look at teh leaves
Jul 31st, 2006, 09:10 AM
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Curious is right about Durham, the kind of place that is allright downtown in the middle of the day but you don't dare take a chance getting lost there after dark. Chapel Hill, where I visit my cousin, and Raleigh are not totally crime-free but are multi-times safer than Durham!
I eat at Allen & Sons everytime I visit there in CH. Great and Southern!
I eat at Allen & Sons everytime I visit there in CH. Great and Southern!
Jul 31st, 2006, 09:43 AM
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I don't think I would enjoy getting lost after dark in Raleigh either. I read an article were they had the second highest number of gang members in the state behind Charlotte. Every city has its good and bad areas, but if you think you are multi-times safer based on appearances you are kidding yourself.
Anyway, the suggestions for visiting are good ones. I would recommend visiting the area universities.
Anyway, the suggestions for visiting are good ones. I would recommend visiting the area universities.
Jul 31st, 2006, 10:10 AM
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The latest crime stats, folks ...
http://durham.areaconnect.com/crime/...=Durham+&s2=NC
In general, I do feel safer in Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill, although, of course, bad things can happen anywhere.
I believe the State Fair will have ended before your visit, standiann. I agree with recommendations for Allen & Son ... it's real Carolina!
I find myself at a loss when visitors want to know what to see here. It's a great, and beautiful, place to live and raise kids, but we don't have real tourist attractions, in my mind. Hope you will enjoy your time here ...
http://durham.areaconnect.com/crime/...=Durham+&s2=NC
In general, I do feel safer in Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill, although, of course, bad things can happen anywhere.
I believe the State Fair will have ended before your visit, standiann. I agree with recommendations for Allen & Son ... it's real Carolina!
I find myself at a loss when visitors want to know what to see here. It's a great, and beautiful, place to live and raise kids, but we don't have real tourist attractions, in my mind. Hope you will enjoy your time here ...
Jul 31st, 2006, 10:26 AM
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Cool site, but 2004 statistics.
I'm in Downtown Durham twice a week for my volunteer job and I have no problems. But every time I'm on Franklin St., somebody is asking me for money. And there are some parts of CH I won't go near.
I grew up in CH and would mock Durham when I was a teen/college student. But living here I know the crime statistics better than back then. Check out www.durhampolice.com/crimemapper.cfm for current crime statistics.
I'm in Downtown Durham twice a week for my volunteer job and I have no problems. But every time I'm on Franklin St., somebody is asking me for money. And there are some parts of CH I won't go near.
I grew up in CH and would mock Durham when I was a teen/college student. But living here I know the crime statistics better than back then. Check out www.durhampolice.com/crimemapper.cfm for current crime statistics.
Jul 31st, 2006, 02:05 PM
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I would suggest going to see the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team but they play on Oct. 25 and Saturday Oct. 28.
Where are you staying? I always suggest staying in DT Raleigh and at the Clarion Inn. Not the nicest hotel, but very walkable to restaurants, bars and upscale bars, etc. Very safe from that hotel. Hotels are limited in DT but improving. Also, the museums are within walking distance for Saturday or Friday afternoon/night (if opened).
Not sure of your concert tastes, but too bad you will not be here on Oct. 15 when Eric Clapton is playing or Oct. 23 when Aerosmith plays. Oh well.
For theater, "The Music Man" starts on Nov. 4 DT at so you will just missed that one.
Go to http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/
to see what is happening that weekend as the time gets closer.
And Durham is fine. If people have a problem going out in Durham or eating dinner there, they probably should not be leaving the house anyway.
Where are you staying? I always suggest staying in DT Raleigh and at the Clarion Inn. Not the nicest hotel, but very walkable to restaurants, bars and upscale bars, etc. Very safe from that hotel. Hotels are limited in DT but improving. Also, the museums are within walking distance for Saturday or Friday afternoon/night (if opened).
Not sure of your concert tastes, but too bad you will not be here on Oct. 15 when Eric Clapton is playing or Oct. 23 when Aerosmith plays. Oh well.
For theater, "The Music Man" starts on Nov. 4 DT at so you will just missed that one.
Go to http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/
to see what is happening that weekend as the time gets closer.
And Durham is fine. If people have a problem going out in Durham or eating dinner there, they probably should not be leaving the house anyway.
Jul 31st, 2006, 03:13 PM
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I wouldn't recommend the Halloween party for you, unless you're under the age of 25. It was a lot of fun in college, but it is really just a huge street party with a bunch of drunk college students. (Though it sure was fun...)
Don't be fooled - there are parts of Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill (though arguably, it's Carrboro) that you don't want to be lost in at night. But, there are parts of EVERY town that you wouldn't want to get lost in. Don't sweat it.
I also would not go to the State Fair, either, unless you went early in the day. The crowds are horrendous, and it's primarily carnival rides. You could go look at the exhibits and livestock shows, but I think the hassle of the crowds would really outweigh the plusses of the State Fair. That said, I haven't been in YEARS.
Don't be fooled - there are parts of Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill (though arguably, it's Carrboro) that you don't want to be lost in at night. But, there are parts of EVERY town that you wouldn't want to get lost in. Don't sweat it.
I also would not go to the State Fair, either, unless you went early in the day. The crowds are horrendous, and it's primarily carnival rides. You could go look at the exhibits and livestock shows, but I think the hassle of the crowds would really outweigh the plusses of the State Fair. That said, I haven't been in YEARS.
Aug 1st, 2006, 12:57 PM
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Thanks everyone for such insight into the area. Bummer on Halloween since I leave the 28th. Yes I am over 25, but not sure 43 would meld well with drunk college students either, but it could be good for a laugh! I will not be in town when the state fair is going on either but not a big deal we have one too and I never go to that one either. As for concerts I did see Three Dog Night (I didn't know they were still alive) were playing in Smithfield but I think it was the 28th, I will be heading home by than. Now Areosmith on the other hand I saw them play when I was in college, I have to wonder would that be the same tragic display of music as the Stones during the Superbowl.. best to leave good memories in the past. Hockey could also be fun..HUMM I do like watching the Maine Black Bears in action.
On Friday I am at the Wyndham I think on the Durham side of the airport and the rest of the time the Carolina Inn.
Keep the suggestions coming can anyone tell me about the local wineries, One thing Maine doesn't have
How about horseback riding stables?
On Friday I am at the Wyndham I think on the Durham side of the airport and the rest of the time the Carolina Inn.
Keep the suggestions coming can anyone tell me about the local wineries, One thing Maine doesn't have
How about horseback riding stables?
Aug 1st, 2006, 01:31 PM
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www.yadkin-valley.com
It will be a bit of a drive but the Yadkin Valley is going great guns with wineries. My personal favorite is Shelton, but perhaps the best wine is at Round Peak. Also check out Childress on US 52, very accessible.
It will be a bit of a drive but the Yadkin Valley is going great guns with wineries. My personal favorite is Shelton, but perhaps the best wine is at Round Peak. Also check out Childress on US 52, very accessible.
Aug 2nd, 2006, 07:27 AM
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I was over 25 when I went to the Halloween celebration. Since I'm over 25, I was asleep when most of the wild ones were there. Earlier in the evening there were some families and people like me. We were sober and having a good time. The worst part was maybe only 25% of the people dressed in costumes.
I don't ride horses anymore, but maybe the Carolina Inn can make a recommendation for you. By the way, the CI just went smoke free. The CI is at the UNC campus, so it should be easy to see UNC sites during the conference. Franklin St is close by and it does have some better restaurants along with the college bar scene.
For wineries, use the link provided. But they are more than an hour from CH. Along I-40 near the airport is a exit marker for a winery. I think it's for the production facility, not the vineyard. I've never been there so I don't know how good a touristy location it is.
I think the Wyndham is RTP/airport area. Not much to do at night in the area. I hope you will have a car.
I don't ride horses anymore, but maybe the Carolina Inn can make a recommendation for you. By the way, the CI just went smoke free. The CI is at the UNC campus, so it should be easy to see UNC sites during the conference. Franklin St is close by and it does have some better restaurants along with the college bar scene.
For wineries, use the link provided. But they are more than an hour from CH. Along I-40 near the airport is a exit marker for a winery. I think it's for the production facility, not the vineyard. I've never been there so I don't know how good a touristy location it is.
I think the Wyndham is RTP/airport area. Not much to do at night in the area. I hope you will have a car.
