Durham, North Carolina may be best known for its top universities and technology companies, but that doesn't mean the people here don't know how to have a good time. The area is rich with natural beauty and there are many hiking trails to enjoy. For better or worse, the state of North Carolina was a major player in the tobacco industry and there are several places to visit that are related to the addictive nicotine derivative. There are also some fun family entertainment centers in town.

If you are limited in the time you have to visit, there are a few highlights that you will not want to miss.

Duke Lemur Center 

3705 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27705

This 85-acre sanctuary hosts rare and endangered strepsirrhine primates known as lemurs. Here you will get to meet the lemurs; you will learn about their history by looking at fossils and talking to experts from the university. If you visit in May, you will be able to attend lemurpalooza, a three-week event celebrating everything about these fascinating and adorable creatures. You can also find out how to adopt a lemur.

Amaze Room Escape

3209 Gresham Lake Rd Raleigh, NC  27615

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to participate in a jewelry heist? Do you think you could figure out a way to get away if you were a POW to be executed at dawn? You may not be able to do those things alone, but you might be able to do it if you and your friends, coworkers or family members worked together. 

Amaze Room Escape gives you and your group the opportunity to work as a team to liberate yourselves from some carefully constructed and imaginative escape rooms. Escape rooms are great for corporate team building and family bonding. 

Tobacco Trail 

Trailheads: across Morehead Avenue from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to Ragan Rd., Wake County.

This 22.6 mile trail runs along an abandoned railroad bed. The trains once transported nicotine for the America Tobacco Company. You can hike, bike, or take horses on the trail, which is comprised primarily of asphalt. Filled with many pine trees and other vegetation, the trail is home to badgers, vultures, turtles, and deer. 

Museum of Life and Science 

433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704

If you are traveling with children, this museum is a great place to let them learn and blow off a little steam. There are many interactive science exhibits here and you will see red wolves and black bears in their sanctuary. The museum also has a large butterfly conservatory where you can interact with these beautiful and endangered insects. 

Duke University Chapel

 401 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27708

Alma mater to such famous Americans as William Styron Ken Starr and Judy Woodruff, Duke University originally had ties to the Methodist Church. This ornate chapel sits in the center of campus. They still have services and Bible studies at the chapel, and it is a great place to catch a jazz concert or a lecture. The religious services are now interdenominational. The church was built in 1930 by Julian Abele, one of the first black architects of note in the United States.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to plan ahead. Durham is a popular vacation spot and tourist attractions fill up fast.