Help! First trip to Durham

[should_be_working]

I'm sure there are threads about this topic somewhere, but I gave up after searching through countless pages using the search tool. My apologies for another thread like this but...

In January I'll be attending my first Duke basketball game at Cameron and I'll be in the area for several days and am wondering what kind of things the area has to offer. I'm an outdoors type, but since it will be in early January, that may leave a lot of activities out. I definitely plan on visiting the campus and accidentally running into coach K of course ;), but other than that, I'm having troubles finding other things to do. I enjoy shopping and general site seeing. I'll be with my mom, so taking hikes in January probably won't work, but scenic tours from my car might something to consider.

Also, besides the Duke bookstore (which I'm assuming is on campus), where are some other places to find Duke apparel? I live in KY, so you can imagine the difficulty in finding Duke gear.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I figured who better to ask than those who know the area best. Thanks so much and go Duke!

[allenmurray]

You may be surprised by the Durham area weather in January. It might be really cold and snowing. It could just as easily be sunny and in the 50s. Don't count out some outdoors activities - there are quite a few lovely walking areas that are doable by folks of all ages (Duke Forest, Duke Gardens, West Point on the Eno park).

Dining: some local favorites
Bullocks BBQ http://durham.citysearch.com/profile/6199596/durham_nc/bullock_s_bar_b_cue_inc.html

The 'Que Shack http://www.theqshackoriginal.com/

Nana's http://www.nanasdurham.com/

Magnolia Grill http://www.magnoliagrill.net/

Nkios http://www.historicbrightleaf.com/dine/tavernanikos/index.htmlSatisfaction

Satisfaction (pizza - Duke hangout) http://www.historicbrightleaf.com/dine/satisfaction/index.html

[Rich]

Do an Advanced Search for threads started by me (Rich) and look for one called "Durham - Where to Stay? Where to Eat?" It has a lot of good information.

[DukieInKansas]

Check out the Duke Lemur Center. I don't remember their rules on tours, but worth asking. It is one of the things I regret that I didn't do while a student. Another was going to the top of the Chapel. (I never thought about that until reading days just before finals and then it was closed.)

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Check out the Duke Lemur Center. I don't remember their rules on tours, but worth asking. It is one of the things I regret that I didn't do while a student. Another was going to the top of the Chapel. (I never thought about that until reading days just before finals and then it was closed.)

Whether you go to the top of the Chapel or not, make a point of being nearby each day (M-F) at 5P to hear the carillon. Sam Hammond has been playing it for many years (since his sophomore year at Duke). If you're there on a Friday afternoon, he usually includes the alma mater, Dear Ole Duke. This custom began as a request from Terry Sanford while he was university president. The selections each day reflect the ecclesiastical calendar, world events, season of the year, etc. It's a beautiful treat!

The Chapel itself is worth taking the time for a tour.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Check out the Duke Lemur Center. I don't remember their rules on tours, but worth asking. It is one of the things I regret that I didn't do while a student.
Be sure to leave your lasers at home :eek::p:D:cool:

[jimsumner]

If the weather is acceptable and you have time for some hiking, check this out.

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/enri/main.php

[DukeUsul]

My understanding is that, sadly, the tours to the top of the chapel are very limited these days.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

My understanding is that, sadly, the tours to the top of the chapel are very limited these days.

I think you are right about that, but the tours of the interior are quite interesting.

About a year ago I had occasion wait inside the Chapel to meet someone for an appointment. Watching the people come and go, seeing their reactions to the magnificent interior was worth the time. The organist was practicing. Tours coming through included international visitors who were with hospital staff, youngsters the right age to be considering where to apply for school and others. A good time to see the interior on a weekday might be during the hour or so before the 5P carillon concert.

[should_be_working]

Thanks to everyone for your responses - you have all been very helpful. I know its going to be a memorable trip, I can't wait until January.