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A good old Southern brunch can transport you back to simpler days, when people outside the Research Trianble weren’t so worried about automobiles and skyscrapers. To that end, these are the five Triangle restaurants you should check out for brunch:

1. Foster’s Market in Durham, where sandwiches and wraps get a gourmet touch. Bakery shelves overflowing with scones, big serving bowls of fresh salads and fruit, creaky wooden floors - it's picture-perfect, country-market charm. Chalkboards tout a menu that's tweaked daily. Step up and place your order, then sink yourself into a sofa, and your teeth into that sandwich.

2. Acme in Carrboro. Chef Kevin Callaghan whips up an inspired menu featuring sinfully Southern combinations, such as fried eggs over Hoppin’ John, topped with bacon-chipotle hollandaise.

3. Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. Look for the big pink pig on the roof. Since the 1950s, the building has served as a taxi stand, a pool hall and a BBQ joint. Since 1982, though, Crook’s has been a purveyor of exemplary Southern cuisine. If weather permits, snag a table on the outdoor patio, where a trickling fountain and folk artist Clyde Jones’ chainsaw-carved “critters” create a magical vibe. Order the famous and oft-copied shrimp and grits - with a side of jalape"e;o hushpuppies.

4. Parker & Otis. Go all-in with the grilled pimento cheese sandwich topped with a few slices of bacon. You don’t stop at a place like this looking for health food; southerners love a good pimiento cheese, and P&O’s doesn’t disappoint.

5. Poole’s in Raleigh. Red leather banquettes and a double horseshoe bar give this spot retro-chic charm. A blackboard menu changes daily.

Though the area doesn’t have a big-city feel, when it comes to food, the Triangle can hold its own against most metropolitan areas. Numerous James Beard award finalists and winners cook for Triangle area restaurants; the farm-to-table movement thrives here, and Durham - one of the three anchors of the Triangle - is a small town that foodies love. Food trucks, barbecue joints and alfresco patios - the Triangle has a little bit of everything, all with that classic southern charm. Just don’t start a debate of what make BBQ great; you’ll hear disagreement, even from different parts of the same state. And because North Carolina has a strong farming tradition, you’re likely to find locally harvested vegetables and meats on menus. Heck, you may even see the name of the farmer on the menu. The bottom line: Wildly diverse tastes will find refuge in the Triangle.

You’ll have a hard time making a trip to the South without having a fabulous food experience, and the Triangle is no exception to the rule. The five best Triangle food experiences are:

1. Locopops, for a sweet pick-me-up. It’s a fave among locals for sweet paletas. An ever-changing menu ranges from the traditional Mexican (hibiscus, Mexican chocolate, mango chile, tamarind) to the internationally delicious (coconut ginger, pistachio, pineapple basil). You’re going to want to order the large size - trust us on this one.

2. Shrimp and grits at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. Since 1982, Crook’s has been slinging the best in Southern cuisine. The shrimp and grits with a side of jalape"e;o hushpuppies will tickle your tastebuds like few meals you’ve ever had.

3. Barbecue. Everyone has their favorite spot for a pork-butt sandwich, but you may want to start with one of the all-star players - Q Shack, or Allen and Son.

4. A pie from Scratch. It’s been called one of the best places for pie; but we just call it irresistible.

5. Food trucks. The Triangle is in the midst of a food truck craze, so some of the best local flavors these days can be found on wheels - such as eclectic pizzas from Pie Pushers, Polish sausage with pimiento cheese from Farmhand Foods Sausage Wagon and gourmet sliders from Slippin’ Sliders.

You’d almost have to have your eyes closed to not figure out where the best places to watch sports in the Triangle are: the sports venues, of course. The Cameron Crazies (of Duke) and the diehard Tarheels clash like few other basketball teams in history, meeting several times a year to battle it out over the ACC and NCAA championships. That’s just the college stuff; don’t forget about the Durham Bulls, a minor league baseball team, or the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, winners of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Short of an actual game, your best bar bet (not an actual wager) is Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in both Durham and Raleigh. Snag an upholstered chair in the bar, where you’ll be surrounded by wall-to-wall television screens. At the Durham location, a patio table will put you just beyond the outfield at the Durham Bulls stadium. You say you don’t care about the Bulls? That’s the thing about minor league baseball: You don’t have to care. Most people in the stands have no idea who most of the players are. The players are either on the way up to the major leagues or drifting their way back down. None of that matters, though, as people come to cheer for the team and soak up the small-town feel and fun you’ll find throughout minor league baseball.

Mid-sized, live-music venues, restaurants and neighborhood bars make most of the noise at night in the Triangle. For live music, Cat’s Cradle, Motorco Music Hall and Lincoln Theatre get high marks. Neighborhood bars include Fullsteam Brewery, Raleigh Times and the Crunkleton. And restaurant bars at Lantern and Acme Food & Beverage Co. - among others - put a whimsical local spin on cocktails.

The Triangle’s dining and entertainment scene has a patchwork quality to it; driving around the area, you’re as likely to glimpse a ramshackle barbecue joint as a fine dining venue. Even as alternative music streams out the doors of hillbilly-hip venues, glittering performance centers in the area host Broadway shows and big-name performers. So, no matter what your druthers, you’ll find something to suit you in the Triangle.

We’d tell you not to limit your visits to the Triangle to only business or college visits to one (or all) of the three major universities in the area; bring your kids along for a short jaunt down to Tobacco Road (no smoking, of course) to get a feel for a place entirely different from most of the rest of the country. Here’s our list of the five best kid-friendly restaurants in the Triangle:

1. Q Shack in both Raleigh and Durham. It’s where the old “who makes the best barbecue” debate gets played out in a menu that features both Texas- and North Carolina-style barbecue. You know what you’re in for as soon as you spot the picnic tables topped with rolls of paper towels. And what kids don’t love eating with their hands?

2. Elmo’s in Durham and Carrboro. It’s the quintessential diner, with breakfast-all-day offerings, as well as the requisite burgers and meat-and-threes (just what it sounds like - meat and three sides).

3. Mellow Mushroom. If it were simply a pizza parlor, that would be enough to delight most any kid. But at this particular pizza parlor, colorful art and a groovy aesthetic create a kid-friendly vibe.

4. Weaver Street Market. Carrboro’s local co-op grocery store is great for fresh sushi and salads. Grab a table out front on the lawn and watch Carrboro’s best hula-hoopers battle it out (and, no, it’s not just for kids).

5. Mad Hatter Bakeshop & Cafe. Don’t count on kids staying in their seats at this casual bakery and cafe. Their noses will likely be pressed against the display case of cakes, cookies and other baked wonders. The good news is that kids’ plates come with a cupcake for them to ice and decorate themselves.

When live acts come to town, the Triangle boasts a variety of venues to play host. For big shows, big venues, such as the lakeside Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary has lawn and deck seating, plus a more “mature” lineup of performances - think the symphony and the Four Tops. Another outdoor venue, the Raleigh Amphitheater, feels more rock ‘n’ roll.

Looking for something more intimate? Beyu Caffe in Durham plays jazz and blues. Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill earns legendary in rock ‘n’ roll status in many circles for its ability to snag the best up-and-coming and well-established acts. College kids from around the area will coo lovingly about the times they saw that now-famous band at Cat’s Cradle - so get there yourself to see the next big thing.

While it may not be the most romantic getaway, the Triangle certainly has a few restaurants that’ll make you walk away with hearts in your eyes. The five best romantic restaurants in the Triangle are:

1. Lantern. Self-taught chef Andrea Reusing has been on our radar for years, serving contemporary pan-Asian-meets-Dixie dishes. The glowing white lights give the Chapel Hill-based Lantern its name, thought the lighting is so dim, in fact, you may want to keep your reading glasses handy to make sure you catch every delightful word on the menu.

2. Herons. At the signature restaurant of the posh Umstead Hotel and Spa, an intimate dining room overlooks a terrace and lake. And it’s only footsteps away from one of the best local spots for a couples massage.

3. Four Square in Durham. From the moment you step past ancient trees and into this old home - a beautiful preserved 1903 Neoclassical Revival mansion - you know you’re in for something special.

4. Fearrington House Restaurant. It’s not uncommon to witness a proposal, wedding dinner or anniversary celebration taking place in the small dining rooms of this country inn’s restaurant - whose reputation for fine dining is known throughout the nation.

5. Caffè Luna. Take a historic building in a downtown setting, spruce it up with artwork and elegant lighting, throw in a Tuscan-flavored menu and - viola - instant romance.

When planning a trip to the Triangle, lodging options will clearly play a large part in your stay. Whether you want to stay in Durham, Chapel Hill or on the farm, there’s a place for you. These are the places we think you’ll love to stay:

If you want to venture back a few years to your college days - in the most luxurious way possible - book a room at the Washington Duke Inn, located on the campus of Duke University. This hotel is a favorite of Blue Devil parents and tourists alike; make sure to bring your golf clubs to hit the hotel’s terrific links.

King’s Daughters Inn, located directly across from the sprawling emerald grounds of Duke University. The historic 1920s structure has recently been polished up and turned into a 17-room boutique bed-and-breakfast.

At Chapel Hill’s Carolina Inn, it’s nearly impossible to stroll through the French doors and not have words like “grand” spring to mind. Sure, it’s beautiful, but if you’ve brought your children on the journey, this stately inn has other virtues, as well: First, rooms are large enough to comfortably accommodate two queen beds and a pullout couch. Second, Fridays on the Front Porch, the outdoor concerts on the grounds, offer the best of both worlds - parents can sip on cool drinks while the kids dance under the warm Southern sun.

Fearrington House Inn, a meticulously restored, 1920s farmhouse eight miles south of Chapel Hill in Chatham County, is, quite simply, unmatched. Each of its 35 rooms is breathtakingly appointed with antiques, artwork, fresh flowers and winning touches like the handwritten note awaiting your arrival.

Given that the Triangle boast three terrific universities, each with its own original characters, it’s only fitting that the beautiful Southeastern region offers you a variety of accommodations to make any stay for you feel just right.

A couple of vital things must be in your carry-on for any trip to the Triangle. First of all, don’t close your suitcase without that pair of trusty walking shoes. Whether your tastes run toward urban adventures or natural retreats, you’ll find plenty of on-foot exploring to do; we suggest a hike at the Eno River State Park if you’re an adventure seeker. If you’re looking for a day full of shopping to the point of utter exhaustion, your sneakers will come in handy for your shopping trip to Raleigh’s Cameron Village. And as you stroll on the campus of the University of North Carolina, you might even think back to your halcyon days at your university - though they may not be quite so idyllic as any time you’ll spend at UNC

We should also mention your GPS as an important item to bring along. Whether it’s on your iPhone or a portable Garmin, you’ll certainly need some guidance to navigate through the sprawling collection of towns that make up the Triangle. Though the towns are only a few miles apart, it’s easy to become disoriented, especially if you’re an out-of-towner. The locals will be more than happy to help you out, though, if you’ve left the navigation at home, extending that unquestioned charm and Southern hospitality.

The best way to see the Triangle in two days totally depends on what type of traveler you are. We can help you sort it all out.

If you’re traveling with children, spend the morning at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science and learn all about rocks and robots; then head over to the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments. Your kids will be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning. Make a pit stop at Locopops to reload the little ones on sugar. After you’re sweet tooth is satisfied, venture through the picturesque campus of Duke University and into the Sarah P. Duke Gardens for a beautiful outdoor adventure. On day two, it’s all fun and games at Pullen Park in Raleigh. With paddleboats and a carousel that’s on the National Register of Historic Sites, there’s a little fun for everyone.

If you’re a history buff, you can fill an afternoon walking through the historic campus of the University of Chapel Hill - one of the oldest universities in the country. Stroll across the quad of the first public university in the U.S. to admit students, way back in 1795. Feel the history of centuries-old bricks, then take a sip from the Old Well for good luck. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a roundball player or two - just look for the tall guys decked out in team gear. Leave time for dinner at one of the area’s best restaurants, such as Lantern, Acme Food & Beverage Co. or Crook’s Corner. And on your second day, head to Raleigh to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art, where you can gaze at thousands of years of art, all housed in one comfortable (and free) space. How you divvy up the itinerary is up to you, but rest assured that you’ll not run out of things to fill up several days in the Triangle.

Top-notch universities and buzzing tech companies put the Triangle on the map; but that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of museums to be explored. We’ll give you the three best: The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, the Nasher Museum of Art in Durham and the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

The North Carolina Museum of Art features 30 Auguste Rodin sculptures - the best collection of the artist’s work in the Southeast. And the best part is, admission to this permanent exhibit is totally free, so you can save a few bucks while still getting culture with the whole family.

For an unrivaled collection of contemporary and post-modern art, venture to the Nasher Museum of Art in Durham. We promise you, this museum will certainly make an impression on the right side of your brain. Finally, for kids, nothing beats the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments. All things combined, you’ll have a variety of art and science exhibits to keep you busy while you’re in the Triangle, no matter what time of year you visit.

The best time to visit the Triangle is definitely in the fall and spring, when the humidity isn’t raging and the landscape pops with color. During the warmer spring months, the North Carolina state trees, the dogwood, are in full bloom, covering the land as far as you can see; not to mention, the daffodils spring up all over the place. You can also catch the city’s minor league baseball team, the Durham Bulls, who helped make Kevin Costner famous before Field of Dreams in the film Bull Durham. As long as the weather is nice and the humidity is light, snag a table on one of the city’s various restaurant patios for a delicious Southern meal.

If you’re lucky enough to visit in October, you’ll want to make haste to the North Carolina Fair, which has been delighting pint-sized visitors for nearly 150 years. In the fall, summer-weary locals flock to outdoor attractions such as Umstead State Park and Eno River State Park to enjoy the foliage colors that not even Monet could create - and the Carolina Blue sky makes quite the backdrop.

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the basketball teams that play in the Triangle throughout the winter. Home to Duke, UNC and NC State, the Triangle has more than its fair share of amazing, can’t-miss basketball games. Don’t forget, Duke won the 2010 NCAA Championship and Michael Jordan considers himself a Tarheel for life. There must be something to the hoops down in Carolina.

The best way to see the Triangle in one day is to start with a walk down Chapel Hill’s main strip, Franklin Street. The main thoroughfare is home to most of the city’s restaurants, bars and shops - including the Shrunken Head Boutique, a UNC sportswear store filled to the brim with Carolina Blue Tarheel gear.

In Raleigh, make a stop at the North Carolina Museum of Art to peruse its impressive collection of Rodin sculptures and more than 5,000 years of art. And bring your appetite to Durham, where you can find some of the best sweets at LocoPops and Scratch, neighborhood bars like Fullsteam Brewery and dining at Magnolia Grill, Four Square, Watts Grocery and Piedmont. It’s certainly a lot of ground to cover, but by the time you’ve seen it all (or at least what a day permits), you’ll get a much better feel for why so many students choose the Triangle as the place to spend the best four years of their lives.

The Triangle’s cultural scene has a patchwork quality to it; by day, the area cradles high-tech businesses and top-ranked universities. By night, alternative music streams out the doors of its hillbilly-hip venues, while glittering performance centers host Broadway shows and big-name performers.

In Durham, it’s hard to resist cheering for the unstoppable Duke Blue Devils; until of course, you venture across town to Chapel Hill and find yourself among an ocean of UNC Tarheels. Relive your college days as you soak up the culture at these top-tier universities.

And while the biggest rivalry in college hoops receives all the fanfare, the American Dance Festival, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, two large performing arts centers, and a thriving food scene all round out cultural goings-on in the Triangle. And the area, thankfully, hasn’t lost site of its roots; you’re still as likely to encounter a barbecue joint as a sleek tapas bar.

Even if your kids aren’t old enough to start looking at colleges, the Triangle still flaunts a whole host of activities for your whole family to enjoy. And, hey, it’s never too early to start looking at higher education. The five best things to do with kids in the Triangle are:

1. North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments.

2. Pullen Park in Raleigh. Carved rabbits, tigers, horses and other artistically carved and painted animals spin round the park’s carousel, which is on the National Register of Historic Sites. While on your adventure at this park, you can make use of the paddleboats or let your little ones monkey around on the jungle gym. For a refreshment, stop by the concession stand

3. Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. This hands-on museum includes an IMAX theater that’s all the rage. What’s better than kids learning about all kinds of things such as the Moneypalooza, where kids are encouraged to play smart with their money-a way to teach your kids a life skill without having to drill it into their heads.

4. Eno River State Park. Walk its hiking trails, perch on rocky outcroppings, wade in the knee-high waters, or take a swim in Sennett’s Hole. Let your kids run around in the wild until their hearts are content; trust us, they will sleep much better that night.

5. Durham Bulls baseball game. Take them out to the ball game. This intimate stadium makes for a great atmosphere with the crowd and the goofy entertainment. The best part is, you are close enough to actually watch baseball: You can see what the coaches are doing, how the shortstop holds the runner at second, and what the ball players are like.

Though you may be thinking that nothing about the Triangle sounds romantic, this North Carolina area is filled with all kinds of romantic outings. The five best things to do on a romantic trip to the Triangle are:

1. Reconnect with your special someone while you both drift into a tranquil world of relaxation with a couples massage at the Umstead Spa, one of North Carolina’s most luxurious getaway spots. As your therapists work the kinks out of both of your backs, side-by-side, you’re bound to feel a deeper connection to your loved one.

2. Pack a picnic and head to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. There’s no shortage of nooks and crannies for spreading a blanket. Though you may pass by plenty of coeds as you make your way through Duke University’s picturesque campus, there’s certainly plenty of privacy to be had within these gardens.

3. Walk through the sculpture garden at the North Carolina Museum of Art. After quietly strolling through more than 5,000 years of art, from the primitive to the post-modern, lunch at the museum’s Blue Ridge Restaurant. Choose a seat by a window and you’ll see sculptures scattered like trees in the meadow outside.

4. Stay overnight at the Fearrington House Inn. Nothing’s more romantic than a stroll under towering pecan and oak trees at dusk. As crickets tune up, you’ll amble through the aptly named White Garden, past fountains, an herb garden and crabapple trees. Light-strewn orbs of bundled grapevines hanging from branches magically light up the grounds.

5. Dine at one of the Triangle’s top restaurants. We suggest a romantic dinner at Herons. As you gaze into each other’s eyes, you’ll savor each and every seductively delicious bite at this intimately set restaurant.

The best Triangle shopping is on Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street, Durham’s Streets at Southpoint, and Raleigh’s Cameron Village.

On Chapel Hill’s main strip, shop for a sports jacket at Julian’s, where UNC basketball coach Roy Williams buys his ties. So you may not be a Tarheels fan, but you know it’s a great place when an NCAA basketball coach buys his accessories there. If you are looking to spruce up your closet with fan gear, venture into one of the three universities’ bookstores-Duke University, NC State and UNC are all within spitting distance (almost) of each other. At Durham’s Streets at Southpoint, top-tier chain stores beckon, from Anthropologie to a Crate & Barrel furniture store, you’re bound to find what you’ve been looking for. And at Raleigh’s Cameron Village, sweet boutiques such as Beanie+Cecil, Uniquities, and Scout & Molly’s trot out fashion labels like Trina Turk, Milly and Diane Von Furstenburg.

Although it calls one of the most expensive universities in the country its own, the Triangle still has plenty of low-cost activities to keep you occupied; after all, college students abound. Whether it’s a museum or an outdoor adventure, you’re certain to find something that will fit your interests and your budget. The five best free things to do in the Triangle are:

1. Wander the woods at Eno River State Park. The wildflower-and-tangled-vine-filled woods line numerous paths throughout the state park, which runs alongside the 40-mile Eno River. Standout spots include Coon Foot Island and Buzzard Rock, just a few of the rocky outcroppings that let you become one with nature. Some points on the river, such as Sennett’s Hole, are deep enough for swimming, too.

2. Stroll through more than 5,000 years of art at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, all with no admission fee, then lunch at the museum’s Blue Ridge Restaurant - though you’ll have to pay for the food.

3. The William B. Umstead State Park, situated between Raleigh and Durham, is a 5,577-acre oasis of pines, lakes, trails and quiet. On any given day, people come with dogs, bikes and canoes. Borrow a mountain bike and zip past streams, lakes, Eastern Box Turtles - even the occasional creepy graveyard - on Umstead’s extensive trails

4. Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. As you make your way through the breathtakingly beautiful campus of Duke University, you’ll take in some of the best sights that Durham has to offer. Once you make it to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, be sure to check out the Japanese teahouse and various water features.

5. Venture across town to Duke University’s biggest rival, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While you wander among the Tarheels and your mind drifts back to the good old college days, make sure to take in the history of the campus; UNC is one of the oldest universities in the country.

With three major universities in the area, the Triangle boasts plenty of great things to see and do. Composed of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, the Triangle is anchored by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University. The five best things to see and do in the Triangle are:

1. The North Carolina Museum of Art is home to a surprising collection of Rodin sculptures and more than 5,000 years of art, from the primitive to the post-modern. Free of admission, the museum will let you get your fill of art.

2. Eno River State Park’s hiking trails, flanked by wildflowers and a tangle of vines, run alongside the 40-mile Eno River or disappear into the woods. You’ll pass spots with names like Coon Foot Island and Buzzard Rock; pause to perch on rocky outcroppings and commune Thoreau-like with nature. Some points on the river, such as Sennett’s Hole, are deep enough for swimming.

3. Walk through the historic campus of the University of Chapel Hill - one of the oldest universities in the country. Stroll across the quad of the first public university in the U.S. to admit students back in 1795, brush your fingers across its centuries-old bricks, drink from the Old Well for good luck and hope for a sighting of Tarheels head basketball coach Roy Williams.

4. For kids, nothing beats the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments.

5. For a respite from museum going, take a spin around this gorgeously landscaped 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens; it’s a perennial favorite of both visiting parents of Duke University students and gardening enthusiasts alike.

While it may not be the most romantic getaway, the Triangle certainly has a few restaurants that’ll make you walk away with hearts in your eyes. The five best romantic restaurants in the Triangle are:

1. Lantern. Self-taught chef Andrea Reusing has been on our radar for years, serving contemporary pan-Asian-meets-Dixie dishes. The glowing white lights give the Chapel Hill-based Lantern its name, thought the lighting is so dim, in fact, you may want to keep your reading glasses handy to make sure you catch every delightful word on the menu.

2. Herons. At the signature restaurant of the posh Umstead Hotel and Spa, an intimate dining room overlooks a terrace and lake. And it’s only footsteps away from one of the best local spots for a couples massage.

3. Four Square in Durham. From the moment you step past ancient trees and into this old home - a beautiful preserved 1903 Neoclassical Revival mansion - you know you’re in for something special.

4. Fearrington House Restaurant. It’s not uncommon to witness a proposal, wedding dinner or anniversary celebration taking place in the small dining rooms of this country inn’s restaurant - whose reputation for fine dining is known throughout the nation.

5. Caffè Luna. Take a historic building in a downtown setting, spruce it up with artwork and elegant lighting, throw in a Tuscan-flavored menu and - viola - instant romance.

Though the area doesn’t have a big-city feel, when it comes to food, the Triangle can hold its own against most metropolitan areas. Numerous James Beard award finalists and winners cook for Triangle area restaurants; the farm-to-table movement thrives here, and Durham - one of the three anchors of the Triangle - is a small town that foodies love. Food trucks, barbecue joints and alfresco patios - the Triangle has a little bit of everything, all with that classic southern charm. Just don’t start a debate of what make BBQ great; you’ll hear disagreement, even from different parts of the same state. And because North Carolina has a strong farming tradition, you’re likely to find locally harvested vegetables and meats on menus. Heck, you may even see the name of the farmer on the menu. The bottom line: Wildly diverse tastes will find refuge in the Triangle.

A good old Southern brunch can transport you back to simpler days, when people outside the Research Trianble weren’t so worried about automobiles and skyscrapers. To that end, these are the five Triangle restaurants you should check out for brunch:

1. Foster’s Market in Durham, where sandwiches and wraps get a gourmet touch. Bakery shelves overflowing with scones, big serving bowls of fresh salads and fruit, creaky wooden floors - it's picture-perfect, country-market charm. Chalkboards tout a menu that's tweaked daily. Step up and place your order, then sink yourself into a sofa, and your teeth into that sandwich.

2. Acme in Carrboro. Chef Kevin Callaghan whips up an inspired menu featuring sinfully Southern combinations, such as fried eggs over Hoppin’ John, topped with bacon-chipotle hollandaise.

3. Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. Look for the big pink pig on the roof. Since the 1950s, the building has served as a taxi stand, a pool hall and a BBQ joint. Since 1982, though, Crook’s has been a purveyor of exemplary Southern cuisine. If weather permits, snag a table on the outdoor patio, where a trickling fountain and folk artist Clyde Jones’ chainsaw-carved “critters” create a magical vibe. Order the famous and oft-copied shrimp and grits - with a side of jalape"e;o hushpuppies.

4. Parker & Otis. Go all-in with the grilled pimento cheese sandwich topped with a few slices of bacon. You don’t stop at a place like this looking for health food; southerners love a good pimiento cheese, and P&O’s doesn’t disappoint.

5. Poole’s in Raleigh. Red leather banquettes and a double horseshoe bar give this spot retro-chic charm. A blackboard menu changes daily.

You’ll have a hard time making a trip to the South without having a fabulous food experience, and the Triangle is no exception to the rule. The five best Triangle food experiences are:

1. Locopops, for a sweet pick-me-up. It’s a fave among locals for sweet paletas. An ever-changing menu ranges from the traditional Mexican (hibiscus, Mexican chocolate, mango chile, tamarind) to the internationally delicious (coconut ginger, pistachio, pineapple basil). You’re going to want to order the large size - trust us on this one.

2. Shrimp and grits at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. Since 1982, Crook’s has been slinging the best in Southern cuisine. The shrimp and grits with a side of jalape"e;o hushpuppies will tickle your tastebuds like few meals you’ve ever had.

3. Barbecue. Everyone has their favorite spot for a pork-butt sandwich, but you may want to start with one of the all-star players - Q Shack, or Allen and Son.

4. A pie from Scratch. It’s been called one of the best places for pie; but we just call it irresistible.

5. Food trucks. The Triangle is in the midst of a food truck craze, so some of the best local flavors these days can be found on wheels - such as eclectic pizzas from Pie Pushers, Polish sausage with pimiento cheese from Farmhand Foods Sausage Wagon and gourmet sliders from Slippin’ Sliders.

You’d almost have to have your eyes closed to not figure out where the best places to watch sports in the Triangle are: the sports venues, of course. The Cameron Crazies (of Duke) and the diehard Tarheels clash like few other basketball teams in history, meeting several times a year to battle it out over the ACC and NCAA championships. That’s just the college stuff; don’t forget about the Durham Bulls, a minor league baseball team, or the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, winners of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Short of an actual game, your best bar bet (not an actual wager) is Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in both Durham and Raleigh. Snag an upholstered chair in the bar, where you’ll be surrounded by wall-to-wall television screens. At the Durham location, a patio table will put you just beyond the outfield at the Durham Bulls stadium. You say you don’t care about the Bulls? That’s the thing about minor league baseball: You don’t have to care. Most people in the stands have no idea who most of the players are. The players are either on the way up to the major leagues or drifting their way back down. None of that matters, though, as people come to cheer for the team and soak up the small-town feel and fun you’ll find throughout minor league baseball.

Top-notch universities and buzzing tech companies put the Triangle on the map; but that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of museums to be explored. We’ll give you the three best: The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, the Nasher Museum of Art in Durham and the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

The North Carolina Museum of Art features 30 Auguste Rodin sculptures - the best collection of the artist’s work in the Southeast. And the best part is, admission to this permanent exhibit is totally free, so you can save a few bucks while still getting culture with the whole family.

For an unrivaled collection of contemporary and post-modern art, venture to the Nasher Museum of Art in Durham. We promise you, this museum will certainly make an impression on the right side of your brain. Finally, for kids, nothing beats the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments. All things combined, you’ll have a variety of art and science exhibits to keep you busy while you’re in the Triangle, no matter what time of year you visit.

When planning a trip to the Triangle, lodging options will clearly play a large part in your stay. Whether you want to stay in Durham, Chapel Hill or on the farm, there’s a place for you. These are the places we think you’ll love to stay:

If you want to venture back a few years to your college days - in the most luxurious way possible - book a room at the Washington Duke Inn, located on the campus of Duke University. This hotel is a favorite of Blue Devil parents and tourists alike; make sure to bring your golf clubs to hit the hotel’s terrific links.

King’s Daughters Inn, located directly across from the sprawling emerald grounds of Duke University. The historic 1920s structure has recently been polished up and turned into a 17-room boutique bed-and-breakfast.

At Chapel Hill’s Carolina Inn, it’s nearly impossible to stroll through the French doors and not have words like “grand” spring to mind. Sure, it’s beautiful, but if you’ve brought your children on the journey, this stately inn has other virtues, as well: First, rooms are large enough to comfortably accommodate two queen beds and a pullout couch. Second, Fridays on the Front Porch, the outdoor concerts on the grounds, offer the best of both worlds - parents can sip on cool drinks while the kids dance under the warm Southern sun.

Fearrington House Inn, a meticulously restored, 1920s farmhouse eight miles south of Chapel Hill in Chatham County, is, quite simply, unmatched. Each of its 35 rooms is breathtakingly appointed with antiques, artwork, fresh flowers and winning touches like the handwritten note awaiting your arrival.

Given that the Triangle boast three terrific universities, each with its own original characters, it’s only fitting that the beautiful Southeastern region offers you a variety of accommodations to make any stay for you feel just right.

We’d tell you not to limit your visits to the Triangle to only business or college visits to one (or all) of the three major universities in the area; bring your kids along for a short jaunt down to Tobacco Road (no smoking, of course) to get a feel for a place entirely different from most of the rest of the country. Here’s our list of the five best kid-friendly restaurants in the Triangle:

1. Q Shack in both Raleigh and Durham. It’s where the old “who makes the best barbecue” debate gets played out in a menu that features both Texas- and North Carolina-style barbecue. You know what you’re in for as soon as you spot the picnic tables topped with rolls of paper towels. And what kids don’t love eating with their hands?

2. Elmo’s in Durham and Carrboro. It’s the quintessential diner, with breakfast-all-day offerings, as well as the requisite burgers and meat-and-threes (just what it sounds like - meat and three sides).

3. Mellow Mushroom. If it were simply a pizza parlor, that would be enough to delight most any kid. But at this particular pizza parlor, colorful art and a groovy aesthetic create a kid-friendly vibe.

4. Weaver Street Market. Carrboro’s local co-op grocery store is great for fresh sushi and salads. Grab a table out front on the lawn and watch Carrboro’s best hula-hoopers battle it out (and, no, it’s not just for kids).

5. Mad Hatter Bakeshop & Cafe. Don’t count on kids staying in their seats at this casual bakery and cafe. Their noses will likely be pressed against the display case of cakes, cookies and other baked wonders. The good news is that kids’ plates come with a cupcake for them to ice and decorate themselves.

Mid-sized, live-music venues, restaurants and neighborhood bars make most of the noise at night in the Triangle. For live music, Cat’s Cradle, Motorco Music Hall and Lincoln Theatre get high marks. Neighborhood bars include Fullsteam Brewery, Raleigh Times and the Crunkleton. And restaurant bars at Lantern and Acme Food & Beverage Co. - among others - put a whimsical local spin on cocktails.

The Triangle’s dining and entertainment scene has a patchwork quality to it; driving around the area, you’re as likely to glimpse a ramshackle barbecue joint as a fine dining venue. Even as alternative music streams out the doors of hillbilly-hip venues, glittering performance centers in the area host Broadway shows and big-name performers. So, no matter what your druthers, you’ll find something to suit you in the Triangle.

When live acts come to town, the Triangle boasts a variety of venues to play host. For big shows, big venues, such as the lakeside Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary has lawn and deck seating, plus a more “mature” lineup of performances - think the symphony and the Four Tops. Another outdoor venue, the Raleigh Amphitheater, feels more rock ‘n’ roll.

Looking for something more intimate? Beyu Caffe in Durham plays jazz and blues. Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill earns legendary in rock ‘n’ roll status in many circles for its ability to snag the best up-and-coming and well-established acts. College kids from around the area will coo lovingly about the times they saw that now-famous band at Cat’s Cradle - so get there yourself to see the next big thing.

The best time to visit the Triangle is definitely in the fall and spring, when the humidity isn’t raging and the landscape pops with color. During the warmer spring months, the North Carolina state trees, the dogwood, are in full bloom, covering the land as far as you can see; not to mention, the daffodils spring up all over the place. You can also catch the city’s minor league baseball team, the Durham Bulls, who helped make Kevin Costner famous before Field of Dreams in the film Bull Durham. As long as the weather is nice and the humidity is light, snag a table on one of the city’s various restaurant patios for a delicious Southern meal.

If you’re lucky enough to visit in October, you’ll want to make haste to the North Carolina Fair, which has been delighting pint-sized visitors for nearly 150 years. In the fall, summer-weary locals flock to outdoor attractions such as Umstead State Park and Eno River State Park to enjoy the foliage colors that not even Monet could create - and the Carolina Blue sky makes quite the backdrop.

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the basketball teams that play in the Triangle throughout the winter. Home to Duke, UNC and NC State, the Triangle has more than its fair share of amazing, can’t-miss basketball games. Don’t forget, Duke won the 2010 NCAA Championship and Michael Jordan considers himself a Tarheel for life. There must be something to the hoops down in Carolina.

The best way to see the Triangle in two days totally depends on what type of traveler you are. We can help you sort it all out.

If you’re traveling with children, spend the morning at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science and learn all about rocks and robots; then head over to the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments. Your kids will be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning. Make a pit stop at Locopops to reload the little ones on sugar. After you’re sweet tooth is satisfied, venture through the picturesque campus of Duke University and into the Sarah P. Duke Gardens for a beautiful outdoor adventure. On day two, it’s all fun and games at Pullen Park in Raleigh. With paddleboats and a carousel that’s on the National Register of Historic Sites, there’s a little fun for everyone.

If you’re a history buff, you can fill an afternoon walking through the historic campus of the University of Chapel Hill - one of the oldest universities in the country. Stroll across the quad of the first public university in the U.S. to admit students, way back in 1795. Feel the history of centuries-old bricks, then take a sip from the Old Well for good luck. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a roundball player or two - just look for the tall guys decked out in team gear. Leave time for dinner at one of the area’s best restaurants, such as Lantern, Acme Food & Beverage Co. or Crook’s Corner. And on your second day, head to Raleigh to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art, where you can gaze at thousands of years of art, all housed in one comfortable (and free) space. How you divvy up the itinerary is up to you, but rest assured that you’ll not run out of things to fill up several days in the Triangle.

The best way to see the Triangle in one day is to start with a walk down Chapel Hill’s main strip, Franklin Street. The main thoroughfare is home to most of the city’s restaurants, bars and shops - including the Shrunken Head Boutique, a UNC sportswear store filled to the brim with Carolina Blue Tarheel gear.

In Raleigh, make a stop at the North Carolina Museum of Art to peruse its impressive collection of Rodin sculptures and more than 5,000 years of art. And bring your appetite to Durham, where you can find some of the best sweets at LocoPops and Scratch, neighborhood bars like Fullsteam Brewery and dining at Magnolia Grill, Four Square, Watts Grocery and Piedmont. It’s certainly a lot of ground to cover, but by the time you’ve seen it all (or at least what a day permits), you’ll get a much better feel for why so many students choose the Triangle as the place to spend the best four years of their lives.

The Triangle’s cultural scene has a patchwork quality to it; by day, the area cradles high-tech businesses and top-ranked universities. By night, alternative music streams out the doors of its hillbilly-hip venues, while glittering performance centers host Broadway shows and big-name performers.

In Durham, it’s hard to resist cheering for the unstoppable Duke Blue Devils; until of course, you venture across town to Chapel Hill and find yourself among an ocean of UNC Tarheels. Relive your college days as you soak up the culture at these top-tier universities.

And while the biggest rivalry in college hoops receives all the fanfare, the American Dance Festival, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, two large performing arts centers, and a thriving food scene all round out cultural goings-on in the Triangle. And the area, thankfully, hasn’t lost site of its roots; you’re still as likely to encounter a barbecue joint as a sleek tapas bar.

A couple of vital things must be in your carry-on for any trip to the Triangle. First of all, don’t close your suitcase without that pair of trusty walking shoes. Whether your tastes run toward urban adventures or natural retreats, you’ll find plenty of on-foot exploring to do; we suggest a hike at the Eno River State Park if you’re an adventure seeker. If you’re looking for a day full of shopping to the point of utter exhaustion, your sneakers will come in handy for your shopping trip to Raleigh’s Cameron Village. And as you stroll on the campus of the University of North Carolina, you might even think back to your halcyon days at your university - though they may not be quite so idyllic as any time you’ll spend at UNC

We should also mention your GPS as an important item to bring along. Whether it’s on your iPhone or a portable Garmin, you’ll certainly need some guidance to navigate through the sprawling collection of towns that make up the Triangle. Though the towns are only a few miles apart, it’s easy to become disoriented, especially if you’re an out-of-towner. The locals will be more than happy to help you out, though, if you’ve left the navigation at home, extending that unquestioned charm and Southern hospitality.

The best Triangle shopping is on Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street, Durham’s Streets at Southpoint, and Raleigh’s Cameron Village.

On Chapel Hill’s main strip, shop for a sports jacket at Julian’s, where UNC basketball coach Roy Williams buys his ties. So you may not be a Tarheels fan, but you know it’s a great place when an NCAA basketball coach buys his accessories there. If you are looking to spruce up your closet with fan gear, venture into one of the three universities’ bookstores-Duke University, NC State and UNC are all within spitting distance (almost) of each other. At Durham’s Streets at Southpoint, top-tier chain stores beckon, from Anthropologie to a Crate & Barrel furniture store, you’re bound to find what you’ve been looking for. And at Raleigh’s Cameron Village, sweet boutiques such as Beanie+Cecil, Uniquities, and Scout & Molly’s trot out fashion labels like Trina Turk, Milly and Diane Von Furstenburg.

Although it calls one of the most expensive universities in the country its own, the Triangle still has plenty of low-cost activities to keep you occupied; after all, college students abound. Whether it’s a museum or an outdoor adventure, you’re certain to find something that will fit your interests and your budget. The five best free things to do in the Triangle are:

1. Wander the woods at Eno River State Park. The wildflower-and-tangled-vine-filled woods line numerous paths throughout the state park, which runs alongside the 40-mile Eno River. Standout spots include Coon Foot Island and Buzzard Rock, just a few of the rocky outcroppings that let you become one with nature. Some points on the river, such as Sennett’s Hole, are deep enough for swimming, too.

2. Stroll through more than 5,000 years of art at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, all with no admission fee, then lunch at the museum’s Blue Ridge Restaurant - though you’ll have to pay for the food.

3. The William B. Umstead State Park, situated between Raleigh and Durham, is a 5,577-acre oasis of pines, lakes, trails and quiet. On any given day, people come with dogs, bikes and canoes. Borrow a mountain bike and zip past streams, lakes, Eastern Box Turtles - even the occasional creepy graveyard - on Umstead’s extensive trails

4. Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. As you make your way through the breathtakingly beautiful campus of Duke University, you’ll take in some of the best sights that Durham has to offer. Once you make it to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, be sure to check out the Japanese teahouse and various water features.

5. Venture across town to Duke University’s biggest rival, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While you wander among the Tarheels and your mind drifts back to the good old college days, make sure to take in the history of the campus; UNC is one of the oldest universities in the country.

With three major universities in the area, the Triangle boasts plenty of great things to see and do. Composed of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, the Triangle is anchored by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University. The five best things to see and do in the Triangle are:

1. The North Carolina Museum of Art is home to a surprising collection of Rodin sculptures and more than 5,000 years of art, from the primitive to the post-modern. Free of admission, the museum will let you get your fill of art.

2. Eno River State Park’s hiking trails, flanked by wildflowers and a tangle of vines, run alongside the 40-mile Eno River or disappear into the woods. You’ll pass spots with names like Coon Foot Island and Buzzard Rock; pause to perch on rocky outcroppings and commune Thoreau-like with nature. Some points on the river, such as Sennett’s Hole, are deep enough for swimming.

3. Walk through the historic campus of the University of Chapel Hill - one of the oldest universities in the country. Stroll across the quad of the first public university in the U.S. to admit students back in 1795, brush your fingers across its centuries-old bricks, drink from the Old Well for good luck and hope for a sighting of Tarheels head basketball coach Roy Williams.

4. For kids, nothing beats the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments.

5. For a respite from museum going, take a spin around this gorgeously landscaped 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens; it’s a perennial favorite of both visiting parents of Duke University students and gardening enthusiasts alike.

Even if your kids aren’t old enough to start looking at colleges, the Triangle still flaunts a whole host of activities for your whole family to enjoy. And, hey, it’s never too early to start looking at higher education. The five best things to do with kids in the Triangle are:

1. North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments.

2. Pullen Park in Raleigh. Carved rabbits, tigers, horses and other artistically carved and painted animals spin round the park’s carousel, which is on the National Register of Historic Sites. While on your adventure at this park, you can make use of the paddleboats or let your little ones monkey around on the jungle gym. For a refreshment, stop by the concession stand

3. Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. This hands-on museum includes an IMAX theater that’s all the rage. What’s better than kids learning about all kinds of things such as the Moneypalooza, where kids are encouraged to play smart with their money-a way to teach your kids a life skill without having to drill it into their heads.

4. Eno River State Park. Walk its hiking trails, perch on rocky outcroppings, wade in the knee-high waters, or take a swim in Sennett’s Hole. Let your kids run around in the wild until their hearts are content; trust us, they will sleep much better that night.

5. Durham Bulls baseball game. Take them out to the ball game. This intimate stadium makes for a great atmosphere with the crowd and the goofy entertainment. The best part is, you are close enough to actually watch baseball: You can see what the coaches are doing, how the shortstop holds the runner at second, and what the ball players are like.

Though you may be thinking that nothing about the Triangle sounds romantic, this North Carolina area is filled with all kinds of romantic outings. The five best things to do on a romantic trip to the Triangle are:

1. Reconnect with your special someone while you both drift into a tranquil world of relaxation with a couples massage at the Umstead Spa, one of North Carolina’s most luxurious getaway spots. As your therapists work the kinks out of both of your backs, side-by-side, you’re bound to feel a deeper connection to your loved one.

2. Pack a picnic and head to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. There’s no shortage of nooks and crannies for spreading a blanket. Though you may pass by plenty of coeds as you make your way through Duke University’s picturesque campus, there’s certainly plenty of privacy to be had within these gardens.

3. Walk through the sculpture garden at the North Carolina Museum of Art. After quietly strolling through more than 5,000 years of art, from the primitive to the post-modern, lunch at the museum’s Blue Ridge Restaurant. Choose a seat by a window and you’ll see sculptures scattered like trees in the meadow outside.

4. Stay overnight at the Fearrington House Inn. Nothing’s more romantic than a stroll under towering pecan and oak trees at dusk. As crickets tune up, you’ll amble through the aptly named White Garden, past fountains, an herb garden and crabapple trees. Light-strewn orbs of bundled grapevines hanging from branches magically light up the grounds.

5. Dine at one of the Triangle’s top restaurants. We suggest a romantic dinner at Herons. As you gaze into each other’s eyes, you’ll savor each and every seductively delicious bite at this intimately set restaurant.

You’ll have a hard time making a trip to the South without having a fabulous food experience, and the Triangle is no exception to the rule. The five best Triangle food experiences are:

1. Locopops, for a sweet pick-me-up. It’s a fave among locals for sweet paletas. An ever-changing menu ranges from the traditional Mexican (hibiscus, Mexican chocolate, mango chile, tamarind) to the internationally delicious (coconut ginger, pistachio, pineapple basil). You’re going to want to order the large size - trust us on this one.

2. Shrimp and grits at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. Since 1982, Crook’s has been slinging the best in Southern cuisine. The shrimp and grits with a side of jalape"e;o hushpuppies will tickle your tastebuds like few meals you’ve ever had.

3. Barbecue. Everyone has their favorite spot for a pork-butt sandwich, but you may want to start with one of the all-star players - Q Shack, or Allen and Son.

4. A pie from Scratch. It’s been called one of the best places for pie; but we just call it irresistible.

5. Food trucks. The Triangle is in the midst of a food truck craze, so some of the best local flavors these days can be found on wheels - such as eclectic pizzas from Pie Pushers, Polish sausage with pimiento cheese from Farmhand Foods Sausage Wagon and gourmet sliders from Slippin’ Sliders.

Though the area doesn’t have a big-city feel, when it comes to food, the Triangle can hold its own against most metropolitan areas. Numerous James Beard award finalists and winners cook for Triangle area restaurants; the farm-to-table movement thrives here, and Durham - one of the three anchors of the Triangle - is a small town that foodies love. Food trucks, barbecue joints and alfresco patios - the Triangle has a little bit of everything, all with that classic southern charm. Just don’t start a debate of what make BBQ great; you’ll hear disagreement, even from different parts of the same state. And because North Carolina has a strong farming tradition, you’re likely to find locally harvested vegetables and meats on menus. Heck, you may even see the name of the farmer on the menu. The bottom line: Wildly diverse tastes will find refuge in the Triangle.

While it may not be the most romantic getaway, the Triangle certainly has a few restaurants that’ll make you walk away with hearts in your eyes. The five best romantic restaurants in the Triangle are:

1. Lantern. Self-taught chef Andrea Reusing has been on our radar for years, serving contemporary pan-Asian-meets-Dixie dishes. The glowing white lights give the Chapel Hill-based Lantern its name, thought the lighting is so dim, in fact, you may want to keep your reading glasses handy to make sure you catch every delightful word on the menu.

2. Herons. At the signature restaurant of the posh Umstead Hotel and Spa, an intimate dining room overlooks a terrace and lake. And it’s only footsteps away from one of the best local spots for a couples massage.

3. Four Square in Durham. From the moment you step past ancient trees and into this old home - a beautiful preserved 1903 Neoclassical Revival mansion - you know you’re in for something special.

4. Fearrington House Restaurant. It’s not uncommon to witness a proposal, wedding dinner or anniversary celebration taking place in the small dining rooms of this country inn’s restaurant - whose reputation for fine dining is known throughout the nation.

5. Caffè Luna. Take a historic building in a downtown setting, spruce it up with artwork and elegant lighting, throw in a Tuscan-flavored menu and - viola - instant romance.

A good old Southern brunch can transport you back to simpler days, when people outside the Research Trianble weren’t so worried about automobiles and skyscrapers. To that end, these are the five Triangle restaurants you should check out for brunch:

1. Foster’s Market in Durham, where sandwiches and wraps get a gourmet touch. Bakery shelves overflowing with scones, big serving bowls of fresh salads and fruit, creaky wooden floors - it's picture-perfect, country-market charm. Chalkboards tout a menu that's tweaked daily. Step up and place your order, then sink yourself into a sofa, and your teeth into that sandwich.

2. Acme in Carrboro. Chef Kevin Callaghan whips up an inspired menu featuring sinfully Southern combinations, such as fried eggs over Hoppin’ John, topped with bacon-chipotle hollandaise.

3. Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. Look for the big pink pig on the roof. Since the 1950s, the building has served as a taxi stand, a pool hall and a BBQ joint. Since 1982, though, Crook’s has been a purveyor of exemplary Southern cuisine. If weather permits, snag a table on the outdoor patio, where a trickling fountain and folk artist Clyde Jones’ chainsaw-carved “critters” create a magical vibe. Order the famous and oft-copied shrimp and grits - with a side of jalape"e;o hushpuppies.

4. Parker & Otis. Go all-in with the grilled pimento cheese sandwich topped with a few slices of bacon. You don’t stop at a place like this looking for health food; southerners love a good pimiento cheese, and P&O’s doesn’t disappoint.

5. Poole’s in Raleigh. Red leather banquettes and a double horseshoe bar give this spot retro-chic charm. A blackboard menu changes daily.

We’d tell you not to limit your visits to the Triangle to only business or college visits to one (or all) of the three major universities in the area; bring your kids along for a short jaunt down to Tobacco Road (no smoking, of course) to get a feel for a place entirely different from most of the rest of the country. Here’s our list of the five best kid-friendly restaurants in the Triangle:

1. Q Shack in both Raleigh and Durham. It’s where the old “who makes the best barbecue” debate gets played out in a menu that features both Texas- and North Carolina-style barbecue. You know what you’re in for as soon as you spot the picnic tables topped with rolls of paper towels. And what kids don’t love eating with their hands?

2. Elmo’s in Durham and Carrboro. It’s the quintessential diner, with breakfast-all-day offerings, as well as the requisite burgers and meat-and-threes (just what it sounds like - meat and three sides).

3. Mellow Mushroom. If it were simply a pizza parlor, that would be enough to delight most any kid. But at this particular pizza parlor, colorful art and a groovy aesthetic create a kid-friendly vibe.

4. Weaver Street Market. Carrboro’s local co-op grocery store is great for fresh sushi and salads. Grab a table out front on the lawn and watch Carrboro’s best hula-hoopers battle it out (and, no, it’s not just for kids).

5. Mad Hatter Bakeshop & Cafe. Don’t count on kids staying in their seats at this casual bakery and cafe. Their noses will likely be pressed against the display case of cakes, cookies and other baked wonders. The good news is that kids’ plates come with a cupcake for them to ice and decorate themselves.

When live acts come to town, the Triangle boasts a variety of venues to play host. For big shows, big venues, such as the lakeside Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary has lawn and deck seating, plus a more “mature” lineup of performances - think the symphony and the Four Tops. Another outdoor venue, the Raleigh Amphitheater, feels more rock ‘n’ roll.

Looking for something more intimate? Beyu Caffe in Durham plays jazz and blues. Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill earns legendary in rock ‘n’ roll status in many circles for its ability to snag the best up-and-coming and well-established acts. College kids from around the area will coo lovingly about the times they saw that now-famous band at Cat’s Cradle - so get there yourself to see the next big thing.

You’d almost have to have your eyes closed to not figure out where the best places to watch sports in the Triangle are: the sports venues, of course. The Cameron Crazies (of Duke) and the diehard Tarheels clash like few other basketball teams in history, meeting several times a year to battle it out over the ACC and NCAA championships. That’s just the college stuff; don’t forget about the Durham Bulls, a minor league baseball team, or the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, winners of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Short of an actual game, your best bar bet (not an actual wager) is Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in both Durham and Raleigh. Snag an upholstered chair in the bar, where you’ll be surrounded by wall-to-wall television screens. At the Durham location, a patio table will put you just beyond the outfield at the Durham Bulls stadium. You say you don’t care about the Bulls? That’s the thing about minor league baseball: You don’t have to care. Most people in the stands have no idea who most of the players are. The players are either on the way up to the major leagues or drifting their way back down. None of that matters, though, as people come to cheer for the team and soak up the small-town feel and fun you’ll find throughout minor league baseball.

When planning a trip to the Triangle, lodging options will clearly play a large part in your stay. Whether you want to stay in Durham, Chapel Hill or on the farm, there’s a place for you. These are the places we think you’ll love to stay:

If you want to venture back a few years to your college days - in the most luxurious way possible - book a room at the Washington Duke Inn, located on the campus of Duke University. This hotel is a favorite of Blue Devil parents and tourists alike; make sure to bring your golf clubs to hit the hotel’s terrific links.

King’s Daughters Inn, located directly across from the sprawling emerald grounds of Duke University. The historic 1920s structure has recently been polished up and turned into a 17-room boutique bed-and-breakfast.

At Chapel Hill’s Carolina Inn, it’s nearly impossible to stroll through the French doors and not have words like “grand” spring to mind. Sure, it’s beautiful, but if you’ve brought your children on the journey, this stately inn has other virtues, as well: First, rooms are large enough to comfortably accommodate two queen beds and a pullout couch. Second, Fridays on the Front Porch, the outdoor concerts on the grounds, offer the best of both worlds - parents can sip on cool drinks while the kids dance under the warm Southern sun.

Fearrington House Inn, a meticulously restored, 1920s farmhouse eight miles south of Chapel Hill in Chatham County, is, quite simply, unmatched. Each of its 35 rooms is breathtakingly appointed with antiques, artwork, fresh flowers and winning touches like the handwritten note awaiting your arrival.

Given that the Triangle boast three terrific universities, each with its own original characters, it’s only fitting that the beautiful Southeastern region offers you a variety of accommodations to make any stay for you feel just right.

Mid-sized, live-music venues, restaurants and neighborhood bars make most of the noise at night in the Triangle. For live music, Cat’s Cradle, Motorco Music Hall and Lincoln Theatre get high marks. Neighborhood bars include Fullsteam Brewery, Raleigh Times and the Crunkleton. And restaurant bars at Lantern and Acme Food & Beverage Co. - among others - put a whimsical local spin on cocktails.

The Triangle’s dining and entertainment scene has a patchwork quality to it; driving around the area, you’re as likely to glimpse a ramshackle barbecue joint as a fine dining venue. Even as alternative music streams out the doors of hillbilly-hip venues, glittering performance centers in the area host Broadway shows and big-name performers. So, no matter what your druthers, you’ll find something to suit you in the Triangle.

A couple of vital things must be in your carry-on for any trip to the Triangle. First of all, don’t close your suitcase without that pair of trusty walking shoes. Whether your tastes run toward urban adventures or natural retreats, you’ll find plenty of on-foot exploring to do; we suggest a hike at the Eno River State Park if you’re an adventure seeker. If you’re looking for a day full of shopping to the point of utter exhaustion, your sneakers will come in handy for your shopping trip to Raleigh’s Cameron Village. And as you stroll on the campus of the University of North Carolina, you might even think back to your halcyon days at your university - though they may not be quite so idyllic as any time you’ll spend at UNC

We should also mention your GPS as an important item to bring along. Whether it’s on your iPhone or a portable Garmin, you’ll certainly need some guidance to navigate through the sprawling collection of towns that make up the Triangle. Though the towns are only a few miles apart, it’s easy to become disoriented, especially if you’re an out-of-towner. The locals will be more than happy to help you out, though, if you’ve left the navigation at home, extending that unquestioned charm and Southern hospitality.

Top-notch universities and buzzing tech companies put the Triangle on the map; but that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of museums to be explored. We’ll give you the three best: The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, the Nasher Museum of Art in Durham and the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

The North Carolina Museum of Art features 30 Auguste Rodin sculptures - the best collection of the artist’s work in the Southeast. And the best part is, admission to this permanent exhibit is totally free, so you can save a few bucks while still getting culture with the whole family.

For an unrivaled collection of contemporary and post-modern art, venture to the Nasher Museum of Art in Durham. We promise you, this museum will certainly make an impression on the right side of your brain. Finally, for kids, nothing beats the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments. All things combined, you’ll have a variety of art and science exhibits to keep you busy while you’re in the Triangle, no matter what time of year you visit.

The Triangle’s cultural scene has a patchwork quality to it; by day, the area cradles high-tech businesses and top-ranked universities. By night, alternative music streams out the doors of its hillbilly-hip venues, while glittering performance centers host Broadway shows and big-name performers.

In Durham, it’s hard to resist cheering for the unstoppable Duke Blue Devils; until of course, you venture across town to Chapel Hill and find yourself among an ocean of UNC Tarheels. Relive your college days as you soak up the culture at these top-tier universities.

And while the biggest rivalry in college hoops receives all the fanfare, the American Dance Festival, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, two large performing arts centers, and a thriving food scene all round out cultural goings-on in the Triangle. And the area, thankfully, hasn’t lost site of its roots; you’re still as likely to encounter a barbecue joint as a sleek tapas bar.

The best way to see the Triangle in two days totally depends on what type of traveler you are. We can help you sort it all out.

If you’re traveling with children, spend the morning at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science and learn all about rocks and robots; then head over to the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments. Your kids will be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning. Make a pit stop at Locopops to reload the little ones on sugar. After you’re sweet tooth is satisfied, venture through the picturesque campus of Duke University and into the Sarah P. Duke Gardens for a beautiful outdoor adventure. On day two, it’s all fun and games at Pullen Park in Raleigh. With paddleboats and a carousel that’s on the National Register of Historic Sites, there’s a little fun for everyone.

If you’re a history buff, you can fill an afternoon walking through the historic campus of the University of Chapel Hill - one of the oldest universities in the country. Stroll across the quad of the first public university in the U.S. to admit students, way back in 1795. Feel the history of centuries-old bricks, then take a sip from the Old Well for good luck. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a roundball player or two - just look for the tall guys decked out in team gear. Leave time for dinner at one of the area’s best restaurants, such as Lantern, Acme Food & Beverage Co. or Crook’s Corner. And on your second day, head to Raleigh to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art, where you can gaze at thousands of years of art, all housed in one comfortable (and free) space. How you divvy up the itinerary is up to you, but rest assured that you’ll not run out of things to fill up several days in the Triangle.

The best way to see the Triangle in one day is to start with a walk down Chapel Hill’s main strip, Franklin Street. The main thoroughfare is home to most of the city’s restaurants, bars and shops - including the Shrunken Head Boutique, a UNC sportswear store filled to the brim with Carolina Blue Tarheel gear.

In Raleigh, make a stop at the North Carolina Museum of Art to peruse its impressive collection of Rodin sculptures and more than 5,000 years of art. And bring your appetite to Durham, where you can find some of the best sweets at LocoPops and Scratch, neighborhood bars like Fullsteam Brewery and dining at Magnolia Grill, Four Square, Watts Grocery and Piedmont. It’s certainly a lot of ground to cover, but by the time you’ve seen it all (or at least what a day permits), you’ll get a much better feel for why so many students choose the Triangle as the place to spend the best four years of their lives.

The best time to visit the Triangle is definitely in the fall and spring, when the humidity isn’t raging and the landscape pops with color. During the warmer spring months, the North Carolina state trees, the dogwood, are in full bloom, covering the land as far as you can see; not to mention, the daffodils spring up all over the place. You can also catch the city’s minor league baseball team, the Durham Bulls, who helped make Kevin Costner famous before Field of Dreams in the film Bull Durham. As long as the weather is nice and the humidity is light, snag a table on one of the city’s various restaurant patios for a delicious Southern meal.

If you’re lucky enough to visit in October, you’ll want to make haste to the North Carolina Fair, which has been delighting pint-sized visitors for nearly 150 years. In the fall, summer-weary locals flock to outdoor attractions such as Umstead State Park and Eno River State Park to enjoy the foliage colors that not even Monet could create - and the Carolina Blue sky makes quite the backdrop.

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the basketball teams that play in the Triangle throughout the winter. Home to Duke, UNC and NC State, the Triangle has more than its fair share of amazing, can’t-miss basketball games. Don’t forget, Duke won the 2010 NCAA Championship and Michael Jordan considers himself a Tarheel for life. There must be something to the hoops down in Carolina.

Even if your kids aren’t old enough to start looking at colleges, the Triangle still flaunts a whole host of activities for your whole family to enjoy. And, hey, it’s never too early to start looking at higher education. The five best things to do with kids in the Triangle are:

1. North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments.

2. Pullen Park in Raleigh. Carved rabbits, tigers, horses and other artistically carved and painted animals spin round the park’s carousel, which is on the National Register of Historic Sites. While on your adventure at this park, you can make use of the paddleboats or let your little ones monkey around on the jungle gym. For a refreshment, stop by the concession stand

3. Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. This hands-on museum includes an IMAX theater that’s all the rage. What’s better than kids learning about all kinds of things such as the Moneypalooza, where kids are encouraged to play smart with their money-a way to teach your kids a life skill without having to drill it into their heads.

4. Eno River State Park. Walk its hiking trails, perch on rocky outcroppings, wade in the knee-high waters, or take a swim in Sennett’s Hole. Let your kids run around in the wild until their hearts are content; trust us, they will sleep much better that night.

5. Durham Bulls baseball game. Take them out to the ball game. This intimate stadium makes for a great atmosphere with the crowd and the goofy entertainment. The best part is, you are close enough to actually watch baseball: You can see what the coaches are doing, how the shortstop holds the runner at second, and what the ball players are like.

Although it calls one of the most expensive universities in the country its own, the Triangle still has plenty of low-cost activities to keep you occupied; after all, college students abound. Whether it’s a museum or an outdoor adventure, you’re certain to find something that will fit your interests and your budget. The five best free things to do in the Triangle are:

1. Wander the woods at Eno River State Park. The wildflower-and-tangled-vine-filled woods line numerous paths throughout the state park, which runs alongside the 40-mile Eno River. Standout spots include Coon Foot Island and Buzzard Rock, just a few of the rocky outcroppings that let you become one with nature. Some points on the river, such as Sennett’s Hole, are deep enough for swimming, too.

2. Stroll through more than 5,000 years of art at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, all with no admission fee, then lunch at the museum’s Blue Ridge Restaurant - though you’ll have to pay for the food.

3. The William B. Umstead State Park, situated between Raleigh and Durham, is a 5,577-acre oasis of pines, lakes, trails and quiet. On any given day, people come with dogs, bikes and canoes. Borrow a mountain bike and zip past streams, lakes, Eastern Box Turtles - even the occasional creepy graveyard - on Umstead’s extensive trails

4. Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. As you make your way through the breathtakingly beautiful campus of Duke University, you’ll take in some of the best sights that Durham has to offer. Once you make it to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, be sure to check out the Japanese teahouse and various water features.

5. Venture across town to Duke University’s biggest rival, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While you wander among the Tarheels and your mind drifts back to the good old college days, make sure to take in the history of the campus; UNC is one of the oldest universities in the country.

The best Triangle shopping is on Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street, Durham’s Streets at Southpoint, and Raleigh’s Cameron Village.

On Chapel Hill’s main strip, shop for a sports jacket at Julian’s, where UNC basketball coach Roy Williams buys his ties. So you may not be a Tarheels fan, but you know it’s a great place when an NCAA basketball coach buys his accessories there. If you are looking to spruce up your closet with fan gear, venture into one of the three universities’ bookstores-Duke University, NC State and UNC are all within spitting distance (almost) of each other. At Durham’s Streets at Southpoint, top-tier chain stores beckon, from Anthropologie to a Crate & Barrel furniture store, you’re bound to find what you’ve been looking for. And at Raleigh’s Cameron Village, sweet boutiques such as Beanie+Cecil, Uniquities, and Scout & Molly’s trot out fashion labels like Trina Turk, Milly and Diane Von Furstenburg.

Though you may be thinking that nothing about the Triangle sounds romantic, this North Carolina area is filled with all kinds of romantic outings. The five best things to do on a romantic trip to the Triangle are:

1. Reconnect with your special someone while you both drift into a tranquil world of relaxation with a couples massage at the Umstead Spa, one of North Carolina’s most luxurious getaway spots. As your therapists work the kinks out of both of your backs, side-by-side, you’re bound to feel a deeper connection to your loved one.

2. Pack a picnic and head to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. There’s no shortage of nooks and crannies for spreading a blanket. Though you may pass by plenty of coeds as you make your way through Duke University’s picturesque campus, there’s certainly plenty of privacy to be had within these gardens.

3. Walk through the sculpture garden at the North Carolina Museum of Art. After quietly strolling through more than 5,000 years of art, from the primitive to the post-modern, lunch at the museum’s Blue Ridge Restaurant. Choose a seat by a window and you’ll see sculptures scattered like trees in the meadow outside.

4. Stay overnight at the Fearrington House Inn. Nothing’s more romantic than a stroll under towering pecan and oak trees at dusk. As crickets tune up, you’ll amble through the aptly named White Garden, past fountains, an herb garden and crabapple trees. Light-strewn orbs of bundled grapevines hanging from branches magically light up the grounds.

5. Dine at one of the Triangle’s top restaurants. We suggest a romantic dinner at Herons. As you gaze into each other’s eyes, you’ll savor each and every seductively delicious bite at this intimately set restaurant.

With three major universities in the area, the Triangle boasts plenty of great things to see and do. Composed of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, the Triangle is anchored by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University. The five best things to see and do in the Triangle are:

1. The North Carolina Museum of Art is home to a surprising collection of Rodin sculptures and more than 5,000 years of art, from the primitive to the post-modern. Free of admission, the museum will let you get your fill of art.

2. Eno River State Park’s hiking trails, flanked by wildflowers and a tangle of vines, run alongside the 40-mile Eno River or disappear into the woods. You’ll pass spots with names like Coon Foot Island and Buzzard Rock; pause to perch on rocky outcroppings and commune Thoreau-like with nature. Some points on the river, such as Sennett’s Hole, are deep enough for swimming.

3. Walk through the historic campus of the University of Chapel Hill - one of the oldest universities in the country. Stroll across the quad of the first public university in the U.S. to admit students back in 1795, brush your fingers across its centuries-old bricks, drink from the Old Well for good luck and hope for a sighting of Tarheels head basketball coach Roy Williams.

4. For kids, nothing beats the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Exhibits about rocks and robots will vie for your attention, along with the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a farmyard full of animals and hands-on wind experiments.

5. For a respite from museum going, take a spin around this gorgeously landscaped 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens; it’s a perennial favorite of both visiting parents of Duke University students and gardening enthusiasts alike.