The state board members and branch presidents have scheduled events on Friday afternoon, but those traveling with them can take advantage of what Chapel Hill and Durham have to offer not far from the hotel, and may want to take advantage of the hotel shuttle for trips under five miles.
A recommended destination for shopping and lunch is University Place (formerly University Mall) is not far from the hotel. There are several restaurants there including The Weathervane Restaurant (919 929-9466; reservations recommended) and City Kitchen (919 928-8200) as well as Alfredo’s Pizza Villa, K & W Cafeteria (in a separate building), Chick-fil-A. The mall also offers shops such as in Southern Seasons all under one roof, so the weather will not be an issue.
Other nearby attractions:
- The NC Botanical Garden (outdoors).
Free and quite interesting for plant buffs and the botanically inclined.
100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
- The Ackland Art Museum –
Free, open 10-5, and close to Franklin St. and the Frank Gallery on Franklin St.
101 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 (directions and parking)
- The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke is listed at 6.4 mi. from the Sheraton so the shuttle may not be available. Admission is $5, $4 for seniors 65 and over, and you will have to pay for parking (with a credit card or cash). You can walk to Duke Gardens which should be in full spring splendor. There is a café at the Museum.
2001 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27705
Thanks to Bea Keller, Donna Wilson, and the Chapel Hill Branch for these suggestions!