2 Days in Durham

When traveling it is very hard from me to find a tour that John really enjoys. So John mentioned riding a Segway when he saw a police officer on one at the Greek Festival, I remembered I had seen something about one in the triangle area. When I got home and checked, I discover they had one in Raleigh, I promptly booked a tour for us.

Now I have to admit I was a wee bit worried about these things. I was afraid these things were run by the handles, sort of like a motorcycle. Once I tried to drive a motorcycle and well it didn’t work out so well.

John and I arrived promptly at Triangle Segway Tour’s office located in the beautiful and historical City Market area. We signed some waivers agreeing not to sue the place if we fell and hurt out tushies. We are given our own fashionable headgear that we plop on and adjust. Making us as hip and trendy as any fashionista around! Aaron and Todd started to work with us. I hoped up on my Segway and intently listed as Aaron told me the first thing you would naturally do is wobble. Yep, you guess it. I was wobbling like a weeble and just like a weeble…I didn’t fall down! Then I discovered the secret of the Segway. You plant your feet on the base and lean forward and off you go! Just that easy. I leaned forward and inched my way to Aaron. Then I made a little turn and took back across the floor, this time all by myself. Up and down a few more times and felt quite confident. Of course I was still inside with quite a few people around and I still had to get out the door…on a Segway!

One by one myself and my other 9 Segway tour mates (including my life mate) cautiously made our way out the door, hung a right, then a left down past the market, and into a parking lot. We wheeled up and down a few more times and then we moved on a bit further and crossed the road…again still on the Segway. Then we mastered ramps and soon as I was wheeling around, flying up and down, and going in circles around John.

By now we had mastered the Segway and of we took down Fayetteville Street, once one of the cities most fashionable streets, towards the state capitol. The street is undergoing a major revitalization by bringing businesses into these incredibly beautiful historical buildings. We even passed by a restaurant where dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine will set you back about $300! When whipping down the street we were attracting lots of attention with people waving at us and taking our pictures.

Then we crossed the street and tooled around the gorgeous grounds of our State Capitol building. On this day, Raleigh was celebrating Bug Feast (why anyone would celebrate bugs is beyond me). So it was running over with people over the place who apparently had no idea where were new to this Segway thing and we can’t exactly stop on a dime. People tended to dart right and front of us step in front of us to take pictures or ask about the Segway tour.

We zip around the grounds stopped for a history lesson and photo opts including our tour guides who kindly took a picture of us in front of one of the statues. After making our way through the throngs of insane bug loving festival goers, we made our way across to the plaza where several federal buildings are and up a historical street with stunning 19th century mansion. We pull up to the most famous mansion, the governors home. Now you can read my previous journal, getting my Josh Groban Fix, for information on the mansion and how to tour it. Then we scoot on over to Moore Square which is one of the original 4 park squares of the city and easy identified by the big acorn, which is used to ring in the New Year each year. Finally we make our way back to the city market. Here we get a chance to see many chalk artists who are taking part in the festival. This was Raleigh’s first market started in 1914. Today you can still walk down the historical cobble stone streets which is now a shopping and entertainment area.

When we arrive back at the shop and I am regretting the fact that I didn’t take one of the longer tours. Until I step off the Segway and my knees and feet scream at me. If your taking a Segway tour make sure you wear comfortable shoes and I think next time I’ll try gel insoles.

John and I took their 1 hour Segway Tour. They also have 1.5 hour Raleigh West tour which includes Hillsboro St. and Glenwood Ave as well as the Joel Lane House and St. Mary’s School as well as other stops. The 2 hour Capital City East includes our stop as well as the Historic Oakwood area and cemetery as well as the Mordecai Park (where the Ghost Hunters were). All tours include a fully narrated tour and photo ops. Riders get their own headset where you can hear your guide as he brings this city to life for you. You also have a little small pack on your Segway which they have water for you. The other side can hold small purses or cameras.

You do have to have advanced tickets. You do have to be over 16 to ride your own Segway and the weight limit is 270 lbs. They do not rent these things. You have to be on one of their wonderfully guided tours (and why wouldn’t you want to?) There is limited street parking outside the office or in the city market area. But if you turn left at the first road there is a paid parking space across the road. There are also plenty of places in the market to shop and eat before or afterwards.

For more information on the tours and to order your tickets, just simply go to www.trianglesegway.com.

For absolutely one of the best ways to see Raleigh, you have to try these tours. You will be amazed how much fun it is and how simple it is to learn to drive around.

If you are traveling with wee ones, you certainly need something to keep them entertained while at the same keeping the adults sane. When in Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is the answer to that dilemma.

The museum started in 1946 as a trail-side nature center aimed at children. By the 1970’s the museum had expanded and changed its name to the Museum of Life and Science. The museum added Geology and Aerospace to the museum as well as a rail car for the children’s area. From 1986 to 1991 saw a major growth for the museum. It included the Mercury space room, a large exhibit gallery and space, as well as the science and tech wing for the 70 area campus.

In March 2000 the Magic Wings Butterfly conservatory was implemented. Guests can step inside this amazing 3-story house to more than 200 varieties of plants, birds, and of course the butterflies. With the 5000 foot conservatory and 13,000 foot learning lab, it is one of the largest and comprehensive Butterfly houses in the Southeast.

The most recent additions have included the Into The Wild nature walk which starts at the beautiful wetlands walk and a visit to see bears, red wolves, and lemurs. There is also a farm yard, insectarium (that I can’t say I have seen or have a desire to see as I have insectphobia), outdoor play area, and numerous hands on exhibits for the whole family. And soon to come is a dinasour trail.

There are numerous events held though the day including butterfly release (which we had to miss as it was at 2), insect feeding, meet the keepers, and lab experiments, They do hold numerous events through out the year including Santa Train ride, holiday exhibits, earth day celebrations, and earth science week.

While this is a great place for kids, adults will find plenty to do here. The Mercury room is simply amazing. You can see actual parts of spaceships as well as space suites. The outdoor play area is unfortunately unavoidable and we tore through here VERY quickly for the Butterfly House.

The butterfly house is just spectacular. You can’t help but watch is amazing as these winged beauties fly, flitter, and sore through the airy conservatory occasionally landing to thrill even the staunchest of visitors. You can also marvel at the incredible flora and fauna here. Look up and below and numerous birds can be spotted though out. Now I wish there was an age limit here or parents were required to make their children behave. Numerous times while trying to enjoy God’s redeeming insects, we had to deal with children screaming, yelling, stomping, and chasing the butterflies and birds. The wetlands walk is also just breathtaking. I can only imagine how these trees will look in a few more weeks when they are branishing their fall colors. And I never stopping being in awe of the beautiful animals and even the cute standard barn animals I see in the pastures near my home all the time.

There is a gift shop on the premises but it is geared more towards kiddie stuff. Bring 51 cents with your for the squished penny machine. You can host your next big event here or plan a school or scout trip here. Groups welcome. There is a café on the premises. They are accessible to all people even those with special needs. There are picnic spaces for guests and stroller rentals. And animal lovers,they do work with the AZA and are kept in natural habitats.

Hours/admission/info

Current 2008 information:

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5 Sunday noon-5 closed Monday September 8th through December 15.

Admission: $10.85 (a) $8.85 (s/m) $7.85 (c 3-12) free children under 3.

There are separate admissions for the train ride and several other exhibits.

Website: www.ncmls.org.

For a great day for the whole family take the time to come by the Museum of Life and Science and enjoy one of Durham’s favorites. Just make sure you bring your camera to bring the entire beauty and fun home with you.

Duke University has plenty to be proud of. For one thing it is one of the top universities in the county. They also have the Duke Medical center, the Duke Lemur Center, Duke Chapel, and the Sarah P Duke Garden. Since 2005 they have had the Nasher Museum of Art. And all open to the public to enjoy as well.

The museum was founded by Texas businessman and 1943 graduate Raymond D. Nasher. He was one of the country’s leading art collectors and the museum began from many of his collections. The museum was dedicated October 2005 and was designed by architect Rafael Vinoly. The 65,000 square foot building contains 3 large galleries as well as a community classroom.

The museums permanent collection contains a collection of both modern art as well as ancient antiquities. There are things like a big man’s head that makes you wonder if it is art or a prop in the next biggest Hollywood horror movie. There is a massive thing of black flowers which would have Martha Stewart wincing. Until January 18, 2009 there is an interesting exhibit: Black Mirror. Pedro Lash installed dark glass and faced some of the museums pre-Columbian art facing the glass, allowing visitors to see the sculptures in the reflection of the dark glass. Once I made my way past the modern art, I was in pure museum heaven.

There are more than 60 ancient Mediterranean antiquities that range from 2800 BCE to 30 CE. They include vases, sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. They are grouped into six areas:

1. Bronze Before Greece circa 3300-1100 BCE
2. Bronze Age without end circa 11,000-700 BCE
3. Women, beauty, and adornment
4. Death and the funeral
5. Gods and sacrifice
6. Greek Mixer-symposia and drinking games

Currently the museum is only one of 2 museums in the country chosen to host the prestigious and significant El Greco to Velazquez: Art during the reign of Phillip III . Past exhibits have included Barkley Littendricks: Birth of Cool, States of Mind: Dan and Lisa Perjovschi, and The Rape of Sabine Woman. I can’t wait to see what they have in store next.

Hours/admission/information

Hours: closed Monday
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Thursday 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday noon to 5 pm

Closed July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and day, and New Years.

Admission:
$5 (a) $ 4 (s/Duke alumni), $3 (students), children 16 and under free as well as to Duke students and Durham residents.

Some exhibits such as the El Greco may carry a separate admission.

Parking: There is a parking lot on the grounds and there may be a fee for some events.

Website: www.nasher.duke.edu

There is a gift shop on the premises and some exhibits (such as El Greco) may have their own gift shop. There is a café on the premises and my goodness the menu here belongs in a 4 star restaurant! Not your typical café food. There is indoor and outdoor seating and the outdoor seating overlooks the gorgeous sculpture garden. Throughout the year they hold a number of lectures, classes, and other events which are open to the general public. They do have rental facilities for your next big shin dig. The museum is accessible to all patrons.

As you can see by the photos, you can photograph the permanent collection. You will have to sign a waive stating that it is for your own personal use. I did ask if I could use them on the website and was told yes. They mainly don’t want you selling them to a magazine or something to that effect. They even asked if I could send the link when it was on the website!

No matter if you’re proudly dropping off your baby at their new home for the next 4 years or simply visiting this great city, you have to come and stroll these stunning grounds at Duke. Then take in the marvelous Nasher Museum.

For a few more weeks, the Nasher Museum, will be hosting the incredible and prestigious El Greco to Velazquez: Art during the reign of Phillip III. Many of these painting have been around for more than 400 years, and yet they still look as beautiful as when the artist put paint to the canvas.

Luckily for me a few weeks before our trip I was watching our local PBS show NC Weekend which keeps me informed of all the things happing in NC. It was there that I discovered this one-in-a-lifetime collection. It was quickly added to our itinerary.

This is the first exhibit of this kind that highlights both Spanish masters as well as their less known contemporaries. The exhibit contains 53 paintings and amongst those are 7 by El Greco and 3 by Velázquez. Visitors will also see works by their colleagues that include Jan Sanchez, Cotan, Gregiorio Fernandez, Juan Bautista Maino, and Louis Tristan. In addition to these breathtaking masterpieces, museum goers will discover alter pieces, carved sculptures of Spanish mystics, and 50 pieces of Spanish glass and ceramics.

The exhibit covers the Spanish Golden Age which ran from 1598-1621 when Philip III ruled Spain. During his reign the Duke of Lerma massed a large collection of art. The Duke built or restored 5 palaces and added monasteries, convents, and churches and then set about to decorate them with his collection. The Duke and Phillip utilized local artists and formed a local school that would provide the beginnings of the Golden Age.

The collected works includes portraits as well as still life, but the majority of the art is devoted to religious pieces. This show was just wonderful. These artists pull the visitors into their world. In the religious art we feel the pain depicted, as many of these works focus on the death and resurrection of Christ. The statues awe and inspire and cross all religious boundaries to include those who claim no religious belief. One can take in the masters strokes as they still look and fresh and beautiful as they day the artist sat down to work on his masterpiece. They give as a glimpse into the often hard life during the turn of the 17th century. One painting which is of Philip's children, Alfonso and Ana Margarita reminds art fans of the reality of life during this period. The picture is a death painting of Alonso as he did before the painting and young Ana only lived 7 years. You can’t help but to be haunted by their fate and that of their mother who died during childbirth. Amongst my favorites were the intricate and lovely glass works and ceramics. These pieces would look at home in any contemporary home. For those such as myself who were unfamiliar with these works (my knowledge is more of the French masters such as Monet and Degas) it is a great introduction to this often overlooked period.

This exhibit was collaboration between the Boston Fine Arts Museum and the Nasher Museum. Many of these items have never left Spain before and a number of them are on loan from the churches that commissioned the work. Can you imagine sitting every Sunday and getting to gaze on such works? The display was first presented in Boston from April and July and now Nasher has it until November 9th.

For more information you can go to http://nasher.duke.edu/elgreco/learn.php.

Thanks to the tremendous work of a lot of people an up to now often ignored period in art history has now been discovered by many. The chance to just stand inches away from such beauty and history is one I will never forget.

Let me tell you about this quintessential city…Durham.



The more than a quarter of a million people who call this city home, live within the area of NC known as the Research Triangle. It also encompasses the capitol city of Raleigh as well as Chapel Hill. Here some of the brightest minds in the country and world are working on state of the art advances in medicine. It is also the place where some of the brightest students come to study each year. Durham is home to the prestigious Duke University which boasts a world renowned medical hospital and where some of the top future doctors are studying even as I write this. Raleigh has NC State and Chapel Hill has UNCC, where a certain basketball sensation named Michael Jordan (maybe a few of you have heard of him) played. So all are known for their athletic endeavors and have a slew of championships.

Much like it’s sister city, Raleigh, Durham is a high tech city, yet it is steeped in history. Along side of high rise buildings, you will find historical buildings that have been given new life. Unlike Charlotte, Durham has taken many of their old buildings and just used them for something new rather than tearing them down. This town used to make its living from tobacco. Today several of the tobacco mills have been turned into entertainment districts. Both the American Tobacco Campus and Brightleaf station now house restaurants and shopping. Oh and those colleges I mentioned earlier. Well those campus are not only beautiful, they have been around for a few years as well. All of the them are open to the public to enjoy through campus tours, museums, and gardens.

This is the place for foodies. Of course you can still find down home southern cooking and good ole’ Q. But you can also find tastes from all over the world including Thai, Vietnamese, French, Latin-American, Greek, Caribbean, German, and so forth. Southern Living, Bon Appetite, Meridian Magazine, Food and Wine, The NY Times, Wine Spectator, and Country Home have all heaped praises on this city’s restaurants. There is a Wine Spectator award winner and a 4-Diamond award winner in the mix. Since this is a town of students you know you can find plenty of wallet friendly places as well. When Rachael Ray brought her $40 A Day she stopped by Elmo’s Dinner, and so did we. She also sang praises of Dillards BBQ. Pop’s Trattoria was a favorite of perennially gorgeous star, Tom Selleck , who ate here quite often when he was in town performing in the play A Thousand Clowns .

Durham is also the place for the arts lovers. There are a number of museums and galleries throughout the area including the renowned Nasher Museum on the Duke University campus. Durham has their own Durham Symphony Orchestra. There is also the Manbites Dog Theater Company, the African American Dance Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle. In the summer the prestigious American Dance Festival which celebrates modern dance and has included performances from the like of groups such as The Alvin Ailey can be enjoyed by dance fans. Oh and as I mentioned in December of this year, Durham will premier it's first Broadway season at the new 2800 seat Durham Arts center. This year’s shows include RENT, Legally Blonde.The Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Color Purple . And next years line up will include Wicked . So yeah for me. This state of the art center on the American Tobacco Campus will be the largest performing arts center in the Carolinas. Giving them to ability to attracting first run touring companies and major artists. It has been mentioned they hope to have Josh Grobin perform, but Josh tends to sell out 20,000 seat arenas so I don’t know about a 2800 seat venue. But hopefully it will mean that classical performers such as El Divo. Andrea Bocilli, Paul Potts, Renee Fleming, and Sarah Brightman will stop by. Again yeah for me. So yes you can expect to find out more about this amazing city in future journals to come including one in April ’09 as I just purchased my mom and myself tickets to Legally Blond this morning and we are having a girls weekend away. And again in ’09 or ’10 when Wicked hits. Again BIG yeah!!

Durham is also a great place for families. Places such as the Life and Science museum inspire young minds. There are also plenty of parks and nature trails for the whole family.. And don’t forget the Durham Bulls. One of the most famous minor leagues around thanks to hunky Kevin Costner and Bull Durham , (which yes was filmed in town) and you don’t need a mini loan to see these guys. In fact Durham is a great place for all kinds of people The city is home to a large gay and lesbian population and Out Magazine has named it one of the Top Ton best cities for gays and lesbians to live.

In fact Durham has received lots of accolades. Wired magazine has named them a top 10 tech town. Forbes named them #7 for business and careers. Bert Sperlings City ranked and rated them #15 for best places to live in the USA. World ERC and Primacy Relations said they were the #3 best small cities for relocating families. Preventions say #37 for best walking city. Catalytix has voted tem #1 MSA for percentage of creative class workforce. Country Homes claims they are the #2 best green cities. And the list just goes on.

Meaning this is a great place to live or just visit. Need meeting or convention space? There is plenty of it here. As well as some pretty unique places to host your event. Looking for a place to getaway for the weekend? Couldn’t think of a better place to do it. We had a great weekend here. Durham is also only a couple of hours to our breathtaking outer banks. So why not stop and spend the night before heading out to see just how gorgeous our coast here in NC can be. Just one stop here you have you knowing why the locals love it as well as the rest of the country.

After trying twice before to get vacation, I finally got a weekend off so we took to enjoy a weekend of fun in this historical and yet modern collegiate city.

We started our weekend at the impressive Nasher Museum located on the landscaped grounds of Duke University. The museum houses an eclectic blend of ancient treasures and a few things that will make you ask "is this really art?". But no one could doubt the unprecedented works of art amassed for the El Greco to Velázquez: Art during the rain of Phillip III . Only 2 museums have had the honor of hosting this important collection that dates back least 400 years.

We started out Saturday by visiting the Life and Science Museum . This is a great place for the whole family. Children will enjoy the many hands on science exhibits and the whole family will enjoy the animals and butterfly house. The butterfly is one of the largest in the Southeast and will simply leave you speechless.

Later on that afternoon we had a ball touring the historical capitol of nearby Raleigh on a Segway. Triangle Segway tour offers three fun and historical tours. You will be amazed at how simple it is to pick up this nifty 2-wheeler.

We spent our nights in the luxury of the exquisite 1910 Morehead Manor . Innkeepers Monica and Daniel Edwards have created a gorgeous home for you to get away while in town. We stayed in the Magnolia Suite and drifted off every night in a luscious 4-poster bed. Its close location to the downtown area makes it the perfect place to getaway to.


The 1890’s area former tobacco building has been transformed into the amazing entertainment area of the American Tobacco Campus . The campus now houses restaurant, business, hosts concerts, plays hosts to the Durham Bulls, and will soon have the new 2800 seat performing arts center

And the campus is where we dined at Tyler’s Tap Room on our first night. The food was yummy, the interior of the restaurant is incredible, and the outdoor dining is located right beside of a waterfall. What a romantic night.

Our first meal in Durham was one of Rachael Ray’s $40 a Day picks. As always Rachel is right on the money. So when your in town check out Elmo’s Dinner , which has the added bonus of also being housed in a historical building.

After John and I had to end our Segway tour, we gave our rumbling tummies what they were screaming for…food. We had some good ‘Q at the local in Raleigh’s favorite, Cooper’s BBQ .

Our last night in town had us trying something new culinary wise. We tried some bison at Ted’s Montana Grill which is owned by of course Ted Turner. The meat which tastes just like beef and yet has fewer calories and is heart friendly. Just don’t sit where the big bison head stares at you!

Suggestions.


This one you know guys. I always start out by getting a visitors guide. And you can get your own Durham guide by going to www.durham-nc.com. It has all the information that you need to plan your own great weekend getaway.

Durham is part of the area known as the Research Triangle and includes the cities of Raleigh and Chapel Hill. The area is home to some of the top notch medical research labs and colleges in the county. They also contain lots of history and plenty of things to keep you going for many weekends away.

The states capitol city of Raleigh is only about 20 miles away. For plenty to do there you can view several of my past journals dedicated to this magnificent city.

Again think outside of the box. NC has plenty to offer visits to our Piedmont areas. There’s plenty of history here as well as upscale and hip places to be seen as well.

Wanna see a HUGE movie set as well as catch a good game? Then head on over to Bulls Stadium and catch the Bulls in action. The Bulls are of course the team hunky Kevin Costner played for in Bull Durham . And yes the movie was shot on location. For tickets go to www.dbulls.com.

Like I said this area is home to some of the best colleges in the county. Durham is home to the prestigious Duke University, Chapel Hill to UNCC-Chapel Hill, and Raleigh to NC State. This means that every year tens of thousand of college students and their parents descend on these hallowed and spectacular campuses. Which means at the beginning of the school year and events such as homecoming and parents will require advanced planning. You might also like to know these lovely campuses are open to the public to enjoy and tour as well.

As I mentioned earlier come January 2009, NC will have a new home for Broadway fans. This 2800 seat venue will be the largest performing arts venue in NC, even eclipsing both Blumenthal and Ovens here in Charlotte. And the 2009-2010 season will include Wicked! So yeah for me! And of course yeah for Durham Broadway fans as well. So except more Broadway reviews to come. Including a mother daughter weekend for my mom and myself for Wicked. Again yeah for us!
Getting around.

The nearest airport will be Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) which is about 20 minutes from downtown Durham. Every year millions of passengers pass though the terminals here on their way 36 destinations all over the world and closer to home from 10 carriers. One of the most popular carriers? Low cost carrier Southwest.

If you are flying in then you will certainly need to rent a car to get around. You can pick one up right there at the airport.

If you’re driving in then Durham is easily accessible from several major highways including 40 and 85.

You can also get here by Amtrak. The trains will soon have a new home at the Durham Amtrak Station. For more information go to www.amtrack.com.

Once you’re here you would be amazed the ways to get around. Walking is cheap and great for you. You can also get around by kayak, canoe, horseback, bike, and you can even see he city by a vintage barnstorming plane!

If you are driving to the NC coast you should know Durham is only about 3 hours from the coast. It is about halfway between Charlotte and the Outer Banks. So stop and stay a day or two and then go on to our stunning coast line.

Durham does have its own bus system. Their website is www.data.durhamnc.gov. For bus services within the triangle area go to www.ridetts.org. The visitor’s website and guide has more information on transportation including limos.