While folks in the Triangle bring the future to life, they also remember their past. There are several historic sites and attractions in the area, several of which cater to groups.
One of Raleigh's true treasures, Mordecai Historic Park (919.857.4364; www.raleighnc.gov/mordecai) is located right in the city's downtown area. The park features several historic buildings, including the birthplace of U.S. President Andrew Johnson and the Mordecai House, which was built around 1785 and is the oldest home still on its original foundation in Raleigh. The house and land have been closely tied to the growth of Raleigh ever since the original owner, Joel Lane, sold 1,000 acres for the purpose of developing the state's capital city. The Mordecai House is available for group events, and the park-based trolley service can also be rented for special events and private tours.
Once a simple farmstead, The Bennett Place Historic Site (919.383.4345; www.nchistoricsites.org/bennett) in Durham was where Confederate and Union generals met in April 1865 to arrange the largest troop surrender of the war. Today the site features the reconstructed farmhouse, a visitors center, trails and outdoor exhibits, and there's also an annual surrender reenactment every April. Guided tours are available by reservation, and the site has picnic facilities.
Another site features more recent history. Durham Athletic Park (919.530.8400; www.durhamathleticpark.com) was the home of the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team from 1926 to 1994. Not even fire or the Great Depression could stop America's favorite pastime, and the legend of the Bulls was recorded for posterity when the Bull Durham movie was filmed at the park in 1988. The city-owned historic site is available for rental, and planners can even arrange a conference baseball game with attendees. Other events like receptions and fundraisers are also permitted on the grounds.
Sports are also celebrated in Chapel Hill at the Carolina Basketball Museum (919.843.9921; www.tarheelblue.cstv.com/museum) on the University of North Carolina (UNC) campus. While the museum is dedicated solely to the UNC basketball program, fans of the sport in general will love the exhibits because of former UNC players like Michael Jordan and Olympic gold-medal winner Phil Ford. Planners can schedule off-site receptions or group tours of the facility.
