Things to Do In Durham/Chapel Hill

Julia — Mon, 14 May 2007 08:33:42 -0700

I graduated from SILS yesterday with a Master's of Science in Information Science. In addition to learning a ton about user interface design and web development over the past two years, I have learned a lot about things to do with out-of-town guests in the Durham/Chapel Hill area. All of the activities listed are affordable on a student budget.

Places to Eat:

Hog Heaven BBQ: Hog Heaven is more fun and way tastier that Bullock's, which is a tourist trap.
Maple View Farm: Sitting in rocking chairs in the middle of the country eating homemade ice-cream is a unique experience that every visitor should enjoy.
Elmo's: Elmos doesn't necessarily have the best food in Durham, but it has a great atmosphere and very comforting grub.
Locopops: A Mexican popsicle stand that is one of a kind. Where else can you get a mango chile popsicle? I have had friends visit and try to find similar places in Los Angeles and San Francisco without any luck.
Foster's: Foster's has great food and is the most trusting dining establishment I've ever been in. Visit to find out why.
George's Garage: George's lunch market is fantastic. The food is great and affordable.
Eat at the Sutton's Lunch Counter: Located in the middle of Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, Sutton's Drugstore is a step back in time.

Things to To:

Make Your Own Duke Tour: Walk through Duke and check out Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Chapel. If you have extra time, you might want to also go to the Nasher Museum.
Make Your Own UNC Tour: Walk through Carolina and visit the Bell Tower, the quad, the Old Well, Carmichael Auditorium(where Jordan played).
Walk the Duke Loop: The Al Buehler Cross Country Trail is a great glimpse of Duke Forest.
Durham Bulls Game: Tickets are cheap and you will get to hang out in one of the nicest minor league stadiums in the country.
Grab a beer or pizza at Satisfaction Restaurant and Bar: A Duke hangout in Brightleaf Square, Satisfaction is a fun place to hang out for a few hours, especially if there's a game on.
Rent a bike and ride down the American Tobacco Trail: The ATT is an easy 6.5 mile ride through Durham. You can rent bikes on the weekends at Triangle Trail Bicycle Rentals. Nantucket Grill is a nice place to stop and eat along the route.
Go to a Farmer's Market. Durham and Carrboro both have great farmer's markets.
Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around Lake Crabtree: Lake Crabtree, located very close to the RTP airport is a great place to have a picnic and to relax before a flight home.