That's right, I convinced my parents that Chapel Hill was on the way home from college :D . I'm graduating from Full Sail on the 23rd and will be leaving for home on the 26th. We're gonna stop in Chapel Hill on friday night and spend all day saturday in Chapel Hill. Then drive the rest of the way home on Sunday(probably going to be horrible traffic, but its worth it).

So, on my first visit I got into the Dean Dome and Kenan, we also got a basic idea of the campus(Old East, Old Well) and of course went to all the local stores(campus store, johnny t-shirt, shrunken head). And obviously, I'll try to do all that again. But I was wondering if there is anything else that I need to check out while I'm in Chapel Hill. Who knows the next time I'll be able to make it down :frown: . Of course, I would love to move into the area someday, but that's not in my immediate future.

So what do you guys think, what do I need to check out on my next visit to Chapel Hill?

Where are you staying on Friday night? The Best Western University Inn? The Carolina Inn? Or, somewhere else?

I ask that for two reasons. First of all, I just wanted to see what you would be near. Secondly, I wanted to make sure it wasn't the Carolina Inn. If it's not, then I would advise making a trip over there and just walking through the Inn. It's worth seeing in its own right.

I'm not sure if you did anything at the Morehead Planetarium or not last time, but that is always an option for anyone interested in astronomy. Morehead is one of the best planetariums you'll ever find.

If you didn't see the statue of Silent Sam or the Davie Poplar last time, then you should. The folklore that goes along with both of those make them a must-see.

Most everything else worthwhile is on Franklin Street. Some eateries are Chapel Hill traditions: The Rathskellar (although I read it was under new management and not as good as before), Sutton's Drugstore, Hector's, Pepper's Pizza, Top of the Hill (if your parents want something fancy with a great view), etc. If you like home-cookin' and don't mind paying for it, then try Mama Dips on Rosemary St.

That's all I've got off the top of my head. Hopefully some other folks will see this and chime in. I'm sure The Bomber would have some excellent insight.

-JD

I don't know if you're into art, but Ackland Art Museum is nice. I think there's a Tar Heel museum that opened recently. I haven't been there and don't know if it's still running. Hit the student stores for good merchandise in addition to places like Shrunken Head. The Rathskellar still has the atmosphere, to some extent.

Oh, congratulations on your graduation, by the way.

<a href='http://www.blueheavenmuseum.com/' target='_blank'>The Blue Heaven Museum</a> may be what The Bomber is talking about. I actually thought about mentioning this because I know Ben would love it, but I'm not sure if it's still closed down and in the process of relocationg or whatnot. Anybody got any details about that?

-JD

That place looks AWESOME!! It's a shame it's not running anymore.

Looks like we'll be staying at The Best Western University Inn, the Carolina Inn was a bit out of our price range... :eek:


I'm really looking forward to this visit!

Lots of the hotels in that area have really gotten outrageous. I guess they figure they have the market cornered.

Ben,

Like I said, do a quick walk through the Carolina Inn and you'll see why it's out of your price range (along with everyone else's).

At the University Inn, you'll be very close to campus -- just down the street from Kenan and the Bell Tower, along with Carmichael and many of the other sports facilities, Speaking of which, you may want to swing by there and check out Fetzer Field (where the soccer teams play) if you didn't see that before. Also, Boshamer Stadium of Diamond Heels fame is close by.

-JD

I think JD could have a whole new career here: official tour guide of the UNC Tarheels. The list of sights on this thread puts the UNC article on the Traveller's Guide to the ACC to shame!

Cool. Can I quit my current job today?

-JD

Sure. Just tell Dean, Roy & JB I said to put you on the AD payroll starting next pay period.