Wendy’s Travel Picks – Chapel Hill-Durham, NC Bound

Visit Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina and enjoy what these two college towns have to offer: upscale hotels, gourmet dining, golf, museums, shopping, and more. It’s home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University. And it’s only a 5.5 hour drive from Atlanta. Here are my personal favorites:

Favorite Hotel

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, 3001 Cameron Blvd., Durham, NC 919.490.0999

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is located on the campus of Duke University, only twenty minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and ten minutes from Research Triangle Park, and is the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in Durham. Nestled on 300 acres filled with tall pines and hardwoods, the Inn is known for its beautiful facility and grounds, 271 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, state-of-the-art Executive Conference Center, marvelous cuisine in the Four Diamond Award-winning Fairview Dining Room, the Bull Durham Bar, a Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole championship golf course, and convenience to local points of interest. Unparalleled service, gracious staff, luxurious interiors and attention to detail.

Favorite Bar

Bull Durham Bar, 3001 Cameron Blvd., Durham, NC 919.490.0999

The Bull Durham Bar is located in the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club just off the main lobby foyer. The décor is much like a country estate with mahogany paneling, fireplace and views of the putting green and Duke University Golf Course from inside the bar as well as the terrace. It’s a full-service bar with an extensive wine collection from around the world with the hotel’s selection of French, Italian and American wines; over 40 of these outstanding wines are available by the glass. Like most high-end hotels they have impeccable service and a bartender that will more than like remember your name as well as what you like to drink from your previous visits to the Inn.

Favorite Restaurants

Crook’s Corner, (Southern), 610 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 919.929.7643

Elaine’s on Franklin, (Contemporary American), 454 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 919.960.2770

Lantern, (Asian), 423 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 919.969.8846

Magnolia Grill, (Southern), 1002 Ninth St., Durham, NC, 919.286.3609

Nana’s, (American), 2514 University Drive, Durham, NC, 919.493.8545

Pop’s , (Italian), 810 W Peabody St., Durham, NC, 919.956.7677

Favorite Shopping

A Southern Seasons (gourmet food and accessories) -201 S. Estes Drive, University Mall, Chapel Hill, NC, 919.929.7113

Hamilton Hill Jewelry (international designer jewelry) – 905 W Main St (Bright Leaf Square), Durham, NC, 919.683.1474

Monkee’s (ladies shoes) - 108 Meadowmont Village Cir, Chapel Hill, NC, 919.967.6830

Morgan Imports(home accessories, gifts, toys, and more) – 113 S Gregson St, Durham, NC, 919.688.1150

Salutations Fine Stationery & Gifts, 106 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC, 919.918.1008

Personal Note: If you’re a runner there’s a wonderful scenic trail around the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club that many of the Duke athletes use. The Triangle has wonderful museums and parks so check with your hotel concierge on local events and activities occurring during your visit.  

Traveling to Chapel Hill and Durham, NC and have more questions, then e-mail me at wendy@withasoutherntwist.com.