CHAPEL HILL, NC

A short drive from Durham is a much smaller college town, one well worth a visit. Franklin Street is the main artery through Chapel Hill, and choices for eating are ripe for the picking. The Carolina Brewery, situated towards the west end of Franklin, is the Triangle’s (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) oldest brewery and a superb opportunity to enjoy some of North Carolina’s home-grown beers. (www.visitchapelhill.org)

While enjoying the promenade activity from a sidewalk table, I recommend an order of beer-batter onion rings to go with the Beer Sampler, which allows you to try six of the brewery’s most popular beers. A pint of Copperline brew (rich, carmelized flavor and color) pairs well with an order of nachos or one of the brewery’s award-winning burgers. (www.carolinabrewery.com)

 

THE INN AT BINGHAM SCHOOL

 

www.chapel-hill-inn.com

 

Rates from $150, #919-563-5583

The original structure of this fabulous inn dates back to 1790. More recently, in the 1800s, the property housed a school for boys operated by the Bingham family, followed by a dairy farm much later. While the variety of uses has resulted in several additions and renovations over the centuries, the result is magical. Swing in the hammocks under white lights, the sounds of crickets and a lone barn owl will carry you off…
fireflies in June light up the night.

In the coolness of the morning, birdsongs fill the air. Take a walk along the shady, wooded paths at the back of the property or enjoy a cup of the Bingham special house blend while sitting in the hand-crafted Adirondack chairs shaded by a wisteria-covered pergola.

 

Before continuing on your journey, wander through the foyer filled with artifacts, letters and interesting memorabilia of the Bingham School. It is a fascinating presentation of the area’s educational tradition and philosophy. Consider the Bingham School philosophy, “Bingham is an unmatched demonstration of the spirit which uses all good things that are new, yet holds to all that is best in the past.” The inn does just that; feel the history, unwind with modern amenities and celebrate the culmination of the two.

LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE:

North Carolina is filled with high-adventure activities and outdoor entertainment.

From white-water rafting to zip-lines and canopy tours,

you won't want to miss the fun NC has in store for you!

Hold on to your hats and head on out. Nature calls!!!

Durham, NC

Nestled up to a peaceful, park-like corner of Duke University campus, the King’s Daughters Inn is a restful respite from the road.

Possibly the most elegant and luxurious inn you will ever stay in, the KDI is a charming mix of cool, contemporary decor and historic stature.

Luxuriant linens, lavish decor and quiet sitting rooms provide the perfect place to unwind after a day of traveling. This large inn showcases contemporary lines while still maintaining a restful, cozy feel. Think modern spa meets southern mansion.

The transformation from elderly women’s home to B&B was masterfully performed by young renovation enthusiasts Deanna & Colin Crossman (both graduates of Duke University), who have long shared a passion for the historic homes in Trinity Park. Their youthful, exuberant passion for restoration and a successful business strategy have won the inn a multitude of awards.

Take advantage of the inn’s sitting room—the perfect spot for an evening chat with friends, or a game of cards at one of the intimate tables. A sunny sitting room at the end of the main hall provides a place to lounge, do some afternoon reading, or enjoy your morning coffee. Spa-inspired comfort and modern amenities give the inn a fresh feel, but you will find plenty of the timeless accents you would expect to find in a southern inn.

(The owners’ story:    While working on their master’s degrees at Duke, Deanna and Colin found themselves living across the street from one another. Both were renovating historic homes, and the ensuing love affair produced a marriage, which in turn produced a partnership to renovate and run the King’s Daughters Inn.)

www.thekingsdaughtersinn.com

 

Rates from $190, #877-534-8534

 

 

After checking in, you’ll want to stretch your legs.

A short walk to Brightleaf Square provides several excellent dinner options in the restored Watts & Yuille tobacco warehouses. Completed in 1904 as part of an aggressive building campaign by the American Tobacco Company, the warehouses were used for storing, aging and fermenting tobacco. In its day, this booming tobacco company, built by the Duke family during the late 1800s, controlled 90 percent of the worldwide cigarette business.

www.historicbrightleaf.com

After dinner, tool around the area on the inn's complimentary Flying Pigeon bicycles; it's a great way to explore the Trinity Park neighborhood and adjacent Duke Campus. Finally, relax in the parlor with a nightcap of your choice.

Breakfast at the inn begins with a lavish display of self-serve fresh fruit, scones and other appetizers, followed by a made-to-order entrée ranging from eggs to waffles, as you like. Southern flavor permeates with sides of cheese grits and decadent peach preserves.

Deanna's made-to-order breakfasts are based on her mother's tried-and-true recipes; try the house blend of toasted oatmeal over yogurt! You'll feel as pampered as Miss Daisy, just short of a chauffeur to accompany you on your roadtrip!

 

After enjoying a full breakfast, walk the shady Trinity Park neighborhood behind the inn and admire the handsome examples of turn-of-the-century architecture, ranging from craftsman bungalow to neo-classic.

 

Dente molding and wide porches grace the front of the stately, well-maintained homes that once housed Duke’s fine faculty families.

Though the Craftsman details will certainly impress you, be sure to take note of the oak canopy overhead. The shade you enjoy today was provided by a 1930s Works Progress Administration planting project.

www.durham-nc.com

The city of Durham was founded in the 1850s, flourishing as a tobacco and textile town.

It's red brick buildings sprawl along the North Carolina railroad tracks that still traverse the city's center.

Though the downtown suffered a long period of decline, visitors today will enjoy the clean, modern historic center of this southern town. With the youthful energy of Duke University nearby, Durham’s downtown is celebrating a new start with swanky markets, restaurants and cafes inhabiting its architecturally stunning old brick factories and warehouses. Brightleaf Square and the Peabody Place shopping district (take a quick stroll through Morgan Imports) are only a short walk from the KDI.

www.morganimports.com

 

From there, it’s only a couple of steps to Parker & Otis --an eclectic urban market with a sharp nod to the industrial heritage that shaped downtown Durham. The market place sports an inspired use of old steam-piping and boiler fixtures.

The fresh, colorful marketplace inside showcases local wares and imported goods from a sprawling children’s section to an international wine selection, soaps, pottery and gourmet goodies.

 

Great music, book-signing events and live music every Friday (6-8pm) set the mood; regardless of when you come, you'll enjoy getting lost in here.

Spend hours exploring the fun selection of goods; take a break to eat the turkey club and one of the fresh salad sides, or just enjoy a cup of coffee with a healthy serving of ambiance.

www.parkerandotis.com

 

Walking along Main Street, you will find that Durham’s downtown is alive and well—a beautiful blend of modern high-rise and reclaimed brick buildings.

 

Grab a Chai Tea, frapped (or other specialty coffee) at the happenin’ hotspot Beyú Caffé. Come back for the evening jazz if it fits your schedule.  www.beyucaffe.com

 

A short walk down Corcorani Street will lead you to the American Tobacco Campus, a fabulous renovation and repurposing of century-old tobacco warehouses.

www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com

 

At anytime, catch the free “Bull City Connector” bus and enjoy the downtown route which loops back around to Duke Campus.  

www.bullcityconnector.org

 

 

SARAH P. DUKE GARDENS
 

(on the West Campus of Duke University)
 

The gardens, 55 acres of well landscaped and maintained flower beds, terraces and lawns, provide the perfect setting for a picnic.

Walk the paths and enjoy fountains, bridges, pergolas and a wide variety of flowers and plants.


Experience a special part of Duke family history and a grand celebration of nature.
 

www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens

 

 

While in Wilmington

Cape Fear Riverwalk:

Start your visit with a walk along Wilmington’s historic Riverwalk District. A short walk from the inn, the Cape Fear Riverwalk (about a mile long, runs from bridge to bridge along the scenic downtown) will take you along the river, with breathtaking views of the natural setting Wilmington boasts.

www.capefearcoast.com

(Wilmington's Riverwalk, as seen from either end.
Above Right:  walk from Hoge-Wood House Inn to the riverwalk and continue along until you reach the end,
below, directly across from the USS North Carolina)

An evening stroll provides plenty of options for dining, and lanterns keep the boardwalk well lit into the night. Stores and restaurants line the walk and boats and cruise ships line the dock, ready to take you out for a water adventure!

www.wilmingtondowntown.com

USS NORTH CAROLINA:

After dinner, enjoy a coffee or cigar while watching the sun set behind the USS North Carolina, just across the river. The impressive battleship earned 15 stars during WWII.         

View of the USS NC at sunset:

The USS NC is well worth a tour; you’ll feel like you’ve experienced life on the ship after spending a couple of hours viewing the many levels and quarters aboard this mighty war craft. www.battleshipnc.com

 



 

WILMINGTON WATER TOURS:    The Black Water Adventure tour will introduce you to the fascinating history of Wilmington’s waterways. From its plantations to blockade runners and battleships, you will love every minute of this water ride!   www.wilmingtonwatertours.com

 

 

WILMINGTON TROLLEY TOUR:  A 45-minute narrated tour will introduce you to the sites of Wilmington. Slightly more costly, but all the more fun, is a horse-drawn trolley tour! Whether by trolley, boat or bike, opportunities to see Wilmington and its historic downtown and waterways abound!  www.wilmingtontrolley.com, www.horsedrawntours.com

FOR FOOD:  

 
Dock St. Oyster Bar:    this seafood spot sports a fun, casual island feel. The eclectic, bold color and Caribbean/Key West inspired style flavor the laid-back, vacation destination eatery.

Butcher brown paper casually adorns the colorful, hand-painted tables; themed chairs inspire with titles like Rock Star, About to be arrested, Jock, On Fire; which will you be? Doug Campbell, a local artist, graced the walls with colorful, Caribbean murals.

Start your meal with a plate of Oyster Rockefeller (or shrimp if you prefer) and a "BIKINI-tini".

Best known for their Steam Platters, you’ll want to partake of the heaping portions of oysters, crab legs, and shrimp, oh my!

www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

Circa 1922: great atmosphere for gathering with friends to sample a variety of drinks and tapas.  www.circa1922.com

The Copper Penny:  for lively crowds, head to this local pub.  www.copperpennync.com

The Cigar Exchange:   enjoy a cigar while strolling along the riverfront boardwalk (at the intersection of Front & Market, the core of Wilmington's downtown).  www.thecigarexchange.com

Port City Java:   you'll find it along Front Street. Get your coffee to go and enjoy on a riverside bench with views of the river traffic at sunset.   www.portcityjava.com

The Pilot House:   eat out on the deck and enjoy the views. Their Carolina Bisque is teaming with shrimp and scallops swimming in a creamy, sherry-infused stock. The Fried Green Tomato and Goat Cheese Salad is so creatively Southern, you’ll feel like a Confederate for sure!   www.pilothouserest.com

 

Before leaving Wilmington, be sure to mingle with co-travelers over a breakfast of Larry’s special pecan waffles and a bowl of seasonal fruit at the Hoge-Wood House. Kuna coffee and island music set the mood and give a shout out to Larry’s Samoan heritage.

OTHER WILMINGTON SITES:  

Chandler's Wharf: upscale shopping in a cool warehouse setting. www.chandlerswharfshops.com

Screen Gems Studios tours:   see where the movie-screen magic happens!   www.euescreengems.com

 

 Leaving Wilmington, the interstate is bordered by a tight greenbelt of tall pines and underbrush, broken only by colorful splotches of carefully planted wildflowers and daylilies.

Watch for the sign that states:

      "Begin I-40 West"

               and shortly after,

                   "Barstow, CA 2554"




Along the interstate, tall pines and palmetto spikes cover the sandy forest floor. As you reflect on your time in Wilmington, imagine how the early settlers bravely crept into the dense flora. While the coast was beautiful and inviting, moving inland was a challenge even for an experienced explorer.

As I-40 snakes through the southland, winding its way northwest from the Atlantic coast, embrace the journey ahead seasoned with scenic views, spicy adventures and unique inns peppering the path.

 

Keep an eye out for ROSE HILL  & Duplin Wine Cellars

 

--home of the world's largest frying pan

(you know you're in the south now!)

 

DUPLIN WINE CELLARS:   Exit 380

for free wine production tours and tastings.

Ready for lunch? Enjoy a bistro-style meal and wine-tasting in the courtyard.

Try a glass of “Carolina Red” or “Magnolia” and savor the sweet flavors of the South. www.duplinwinery.com

Hoge-Wood House

While visiting Wilmington, you’ll want to stay at Hoge-Wood House,

 located in the heart of the historic downtown on Front Street.

Built in 1891, this beautiful Queen-Anne-style home has been lovingly restored and renovated
 to house the bed & breakfast run by Page and Larry, who pursued their dream
 to run an inn and share their home and community with travelers from around the world.

 

 The relaxed style and clean lines of this beautiful old home,
 as well as Larry and Page’s warm hospitality, will put you at ease.

 

 Enjoy your stay!

www.hogewoodhouse.com

 

Rates from $150

 

# 910-762-5299

 

* Hoge-Wood House amenities include a fabulous Southern breakfast, an outdoor hot tub, and use of mountain bikes. For a ride to remember, follow the "River to the Sea" route between downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach (10.3 miles).

 

Comfortable seating on the front porch beckons a "set-a-while" stop, but as the evening sea breezes cool the town down, the nightlife of Front Street's core heats up!