To answer your questions:

1) Yes, the Washington Duke is a VERY nice place, and a good choice if you are actually visiting Duke. It is on the golf course and on the southern edge of campus. There are some very nice hotels in Chapel Hill, but if golfing is part of your plan then you should definitely stay at the Washington Duke.

2) You can easily visit UNC Chapel Hill, as it's just a few miles down the road. Elon is a bit of a drive, but doable. Just visiting the 3 college campuses will probably fill up your weekend without leaving much extra time.

3) Gosh, oodles of restaurants to choose from. Pops is a good choice, though I wouldn't necessarily call it "southern", but it would give you a chance to see Brightleaf scene (a renovated tobacco warehouse full of restaurants and shops). Pops is actually across the street, but it's my personal favorite of the restaurants in that area. If you're looking for something a little on the fancy side I'm partial to Nana's. You can't beat breakfast at Elmo's Diner on 9th street.

Have fun!

The Washington Duke is a perfect choice. For restaurants, the Magnolia Grill in Durham and Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill are good choices for Southern cuisine with a contemporary, gourmet twist. For down-home Southern food, try Bullock's in Durham or Dip's in Chapel Hill. The restaurant at the Washington Duke is excellent as well.

Thanks for the fast answers. It sounds like we are in for a treat staying at the Washington Duke Inn! I suppose you are correct that there won't be much time to do anything beyond seeing UNC and Elon. I can be tempted into skipping Elon in favor of something else.

Keep the restaurant suggestions coming! I think breakfast is included in our rate at the Duke Inn. I live in a northeast suburb and rarely get to eat southern food, so I'm eager to try things. Is there a place famous for ribs or fried chicken in the area? I'm going to look up the restaurants you suggested. Thanks again.

The Q Shack is a more casual (order at the counter) lunch place, but their BBQ and ribs are fantastic.

And ditto what the previous poster said - Mama Dips in Chapel Hill is a must for a true Southern cuisine experience.

Also, try Smithfield's BBQ on the way from Durham to Elon. There is one right off I-40 in Mebane.

Thanks for all your restaurant tips. I looked them up on the internet and it sounds like great recommendations! In fact, I have to go eat dinner now because I felt hungry reading the menus.