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.