How to spend one day near Durham?
 

Need to be at Duke University in Durham by 10 am on Saturday and back by 5 pm on Sunday. Where do you suggest we spend the interim? Looking for a fun, interesting and romantic mini-getaway. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Arabella, <BR>If the weather is nice, have a stroll in Duke Gardens. Magnolia Grill is a fabulous restaurant for dinner: pricey, but worth it for a special occasion. Pop's is also very good, more casual, less expensive, and with a cozy atmosphere. Go to Chapel Hill, about a 15-minute drive, and walk around Franklin Street. There are lots of good restaurants in Chapel Hill, including Crook's Corner, Vespa, and 411 Franklin, which are all on the main drag. Sunday morning go to the service at Duke Chapel. It is a gorgeous place and the music is always beautiful. If you're not into services, just stop by on Saturday. <BR>It's a lovely campus to walk around. <BR> <BR>Don't know where you're coming from or what you like to do, but there's hiking in Duke Forest, concerts and theatre at Duke and UNC, and art movie houses, museums, and clubs in both towns. <BR> <BR>Check out Spectator Magazine or the Independent for local happenings. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Thanks so much, Ann. <BR> <BR>I should have added that we've spent quite a bit of time in Chapel Hill. Which would you suggest, Raleigh or Durham or maybe somewhere we haven't heard of? Anything nearby in Southern Virginia?

Have you ever stayed at the Fearrington House B&B in Pittsboro, below Chapel Hill? This might be a good place for a respite; some good antiquing there-www.virtualcities.com/ons/nc/j/ncjb501.htm <BR>While there, head toward Seagrove and visit the North Carolina Pottery Center- www.ncpotterycenter.com <BR>to get an overview of the pottery from this region. Try to use Hwy 64 to avoid PITB traffic on I-40. There is construction on Hwy 64, but doubt it's going on during the weekend. Haven't had a chance to check out these two possibilities since we have family obligations in that area, but I've tucked this idea back as a fun getaway. Hope this is helpful.

Try some of the best NC barbeque you can get -- Bullock's, off Hillsboro Road in Durham. A culinary landmark.