JuliaKM.com

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.