Grab your binoculars or your bicycle – we’re going to the Little River Regional Park! Listed on the North Carolina Birding Trail, this park has a half-mile trail devoted to bird watching, starting at the park office and passing through several different habitats. If this trail isn’t enough, check out the seven miles of hiking trails. And if bird watching isn’t your cup of tea, hop on your bicycle and traverse the park on its seven miles of mountain biking trails.

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TLC and the Eno River Association worked with Durham and Orange Counties to make this park a reality through an example of collaboration at its best. The two counties purchased the land in 2000 and 2001, and the 391-acre park opened in December 2004. TLC began negotiations with the property seller, advocated for the protection of the property to the two boards of county commissioners, and raised more than $200,000 in partnership with the Eno River Association toward the property’s $1 million purchase price.

Whether you chose birds or bicycles, you’re bound to be hungry by now! On the way to Durham, there are a couple fine eating establishments you should check out.

If you’re in the area Monday – Friday for breakfast or lunch, make sure to swing by Wimpy’s Grill. Known for their fresh ground hamburgers and Southern breakfasts, this joint is carry-out only, so be prepared to find a place to sit... but boy, is it worth it!

Satisfaction Restaurant and Bar, a family establishment and sports bar in Brightleaf Square, offers great subs, burgers and pizza. Laid back and comfy, Satisfaction has been in business since 1982. Be sure to try the Satisfaction Special Sub!

Whether you choose Wimpy’s or Satisfaction, top off your meal with a stop at Amélia’s Café for a delightful dessert. Amélia’s serves up pastries, chocolates, gourmet coffees, soups and sandwiches. Try the Mango Cheesecake or the Crispy Peanut Butter Mousse for a tasty treat.

What next – blooms or baseball? That may be answered by a quick check of the Bulls home schedule.

If there is a home game, grab some cracker jacks and head to the ball park! The Bulls are a mainstay of Durham, making their home downtown at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. This AAA baseball team is an International League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Be sure to watch for Wool E. Bull and Lucky the Wonder Dog!

If there isn’t a home game, don’t worry! There’s plenty to do in Durham! Make your way to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens to enjoy the beautiful blooms. Duke Gardens are recognized as one of the premier public gardens in the United States, both for landscape design and the quality of horticulture. There are five miles of pathways throughout the gardens. Be sure to swing by the Blomquist Native Plant Garden. Stefan Bloodworth, the curator of this garden, designed and built TLC’s own native plant garden at the Logan J. and Elinor Moore Irvin Nature Preserve.

Best time to visit: Anytime, but you may want to keep flowers and baseball season in mind.

Photo by Sonke Johnsen