O F F I C I A L V I S I T O R I N S P I R AT I O N G U I D E
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PRODUCED PRODUCED BY BY THE THE
DURHAM DURHAM CONVENTION CONVENTION & & VISITORS VISITORS BUREAU BUREAU
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CO NT E NTS
GET TO KNOW DURHAM
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Here’s your introduction to the Bull City. Our community is ready to welcome you!
MAJOR EVENTS ALL YEAR LONG
From music and film to motorcycles and comics, Durham festivals offer something for everyone.
EXPLORE DURHAM’S WILD SIDE Hike alongside the Eno River, or meet a family of lemurs! Durham offers a bevy of outdoor and recreation experiences.
EAT AND DRINK WELL IN THE BULL CITY
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Get to know the current generation of foodie innovators and discover Durham’s vibrant craft beverage scene.
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DURHAM IS
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DURHAM WEEKENDS
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EVENTS
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DISTRICTS
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NIGHTLIFE
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ARTS
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KIDS
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RECREATION & OUTDOORS
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SPORTS
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HISTORY
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SHOP
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DINING
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DRINK
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LODGING
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PLAN YOUR TRIP
Photography by: Bill Russ, Chris Barron, Dan Hacker, Duke Photography, Durham Bulls, GLINT Studios, Jessie Gladdek, Lissa Gotwals, MTF Photography, S. Hughes Imaging, SP Murray Photography, Spencer Lowell, Stewart Waller, and V+T Photography. Additional photos submitted by individual businesses. For more information visit www.durhamncphotos.com.
The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) is Durham’s marketing agency. It is chartered as a Tourism Development Authority by the NC General Assembly and local governments to spearhead the proactive, strategic, visitor-centered economic and cultural development of Durham by reinvesting a portion of the visitor-paid “room occupancy and tourism development tax” in destination promotion and marketing. Read more about the DCVB’s visitor info center on page 88.
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© 2018 Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Official Durham Visitor Inspiration Guide is produced in-house by DCVB staff.
The information contained in this guide was compiled using information provided by the individual businesses and organizations listed. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, DCVB cannot assume responsibility for any errors or omissions. Visitors should confirm pertinent information prior to each visit to determine the suitability of the facilities or services to the intended use. Please report any corrections to DCVB.
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DURH AM IS...
Perhaps you’ve heard about Durham’s celebrated food scene, top-notch universities, or startup culture. Maybe you’ve heard that we’re a southern city with a cosmopolitan streak — cool, cultured, but a little rough around the edges. We are that and more.
We are barbecue and biscuits; locally-sourced small plates and craft cocktails. We’re a gritty tobacco-grown town with international corporations. We’re activists, scholars, artists, and entrepreneurs. We’re always moving, daring to be different — an experience we want to share with you. How did we get here? Durham is a place brimming with opportunity for all. Ideas are met with energy, challenges with ingenuity, and creation with participation. Turn the page to learn more about what Durham is.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Learn more about the different sides of Durham by visiting bullvoyage.com.
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Durham welcomes all. Learn more about what Durham is…
DIVERSE
Durham is a diverse city, whose community celebrates citizens and visitors from all walks of life. With no majority ethnic population, the City of Durham has a greater makeup of minority groups than any of the five largest cities in North Carolina. Durhamites like the late Dr. Pauli Murray (below), an African-American activist, have fought tirelessly to end discrimination on the basis of race, gender, and orientation. You can find murals celebrating Murray’s legacy across the Bull City.
durham is
WELCOMING
You’re sure to meet friendly locals on your visit to the Bull City, so don’t be shy about asking for directions or recommendations. Durham even has a 2,000-member group of volunteers who are dedicated to guest services. The Durham Wayfinders help out at festivals, sporting events, and theater performances, ensuring that visitors have the best experience possible. Come enjoy Durham’s unique brand of hospitality!
ORIGINAL
CREATIVE
From the bright lights of DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, to intimate downtown galleries, Durham celebrates creativity and artists of all kinds. You’ll find the 10-acre Reuse Arts District in Durham’s Lakewood neighborhood, spearheaded by The Scrap Exchange, a nonprofit that promotes creativity and reuse. See Broadway shows and national headliners at DPAC and Carolina Theatre, or catch an indie dance performance at a local venue. What’s the common denominator? A community that supports the arts and values creativity.
ENTREPRENEURIAL
An early hub for innovation, Durham was home to Washington Duke’s tobacco empire; by the early 1900s, black-owned businesses thrived on Parrish Street, which was hailed as Black Wall Street. Also home to Research Triangle Park (RTP) since the 1960s, Durham has spent decades fostering a culture of innovation. Incubators like American Underground (above), one of only 10 Google for Entrepreneurs Tech Hubs in North America, foster a business climate that prioritizes collaboration over competition.
Where else will you find wacky annual events like the Doughman, a costumed eat-run-bike-swim race, or Beaver Queen Pageant (below), a family-oriented charity drag show? Durhamites know that the Bull City doesn’t take itself too seriously; residents embrace Durham’s come-as-you-are vibe and the raw originality it inspires in its denizens and visitors. This is a city that invites you to be yourself. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or putting down roots, come experience Durham’s community and spirit.
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Get to know us by visiting durham-nc.com, or say hello in person. Stop by the Durham Visitor Info Center, located in the heart of Downtown Durham at 212 W. Main St., and get personalized recommendations from our Experience Experts. We hope to see you soon!
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D URHA M WE EKEN DS No matter what brings you to Durham, there’s a lot to stick around for. Maybe you’re coming to cheer on the Durham Bulls baseball team, or to visit friends and family. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see a Broadway musical at DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, or get a taste of the city’s famous food scene. With so much to explore, it’s easy to extend your visit into a full weekend in the Bull City. You’ll discover that a weekend away is best spent noshing at delicious Durham restaurants, browsing locally owned boutiques, and creating your own adventure in the South’s coolest city (hey, we’re only a little biased).
1. PICK YOUR TRAVEL DATES
Visit durhameventcalendar.com to find festivals, games, and performances worth traveling for. Add events to your digital itinerary using the Trip Builder tool to share and map events and activities.
2. FIND TRAVEL IDEAS AT WWW.BULLVOYAGE.COM
Whether you’re looking for a world-class art museum or low-key nightlife, Durham’s got you covered. Explore the options by visiting our blog, where you can read up on Durham activities, restaurants, and attractions.
3. BOOK YOUR TRIP
You can easily search for a hotel by visiting durham-nc.com/hotels-inns. Our lodging page allows you to browse hotels and inns by amenities and location. If you choose to book via our website, you’ll receive a best rate guarantee.
4. BRING IN THE EXPERTS
Get personalized recommendations by contacting the Experience Experts at the Visitor Info Center. They can provide concierge services like checking hotel availability and providing information on transportation options. Just stop by the Visitor Info Center in person, or call 800-446-8604.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Discover your dream Durham weekend at durhamweekends.com.
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Durham’s major annual events bring thousands of people to the Bull City for art, music, food, and more. Discover your next favorite artist, meet attendees from around the world, and find a new reason to return year after year.
FULL FRAME DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL | APRIL 5-8, 2018
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Full Frame (below) is a four-day, international festival featuring nearly 100 documentary films, along with the directors, producers, and subjects who take part in making them. Each year the film lineup includes world and U.S. premieres, Academy Award contenders, as well as films that may have limited distribution. In addition to film screenings, fans can take part in Q&As, an awards barbecue, and discussions about the state of documentary filmmaking.
BIMBÉ CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL | MAY 19, 2018
The national award winning Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival has been a tradition in Durham for 48 years. This familyfriendly event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions.
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MOOGFEST | MAY 17-20, 2018
This annual music, art, and technology festival brings together people from all around the world for a unique weekend-long event. There are pop-up music, art, and technology installations all around Downtown Durham. Choose from dozens of musical acts in a celebration of electronic music, as well as panel discussions, interactive exhibits, and demonstrations involving cutting-edge technologies. Past headliners include Michael Stipe, The Flaming Lips, Dan Deacon, Moby, Passion Pit, and Santigold. Moogfest 2018’s lineup will be led by female, non-binary, and transgender performers.
AMERICAN DANCE FESTIVAL | JUNE & JULY 2018
Join the the world’s foremost dance professionals who make the pilgrimage to Durham each summer for the American Dance Festival (above). This three-week celebration of modern dance features public performances, classes for novices and professionals, and seminars with choreographers, writers, and students. The New York Post has called ADF the “world’s greatest dance festival.”
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FESTIVAL FOR THE ENO | JULY 1 & 4, 2018
Experience Independence Day the Durham way with the Festival for the Eno (below). Situated on the banks of the river at West Point on the Eno, the festival features dozens of musical acts on multiple stages, along with art, hands-on crafts, food and beer, and water activities. The festival benefits the Eno River Association, which is dedicated to protecting the Eno River basin.
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NC GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL | AUGUST 16-19, 2018
Held at the historic Carolina Theatre (above), NCGLFF is the second largest gay, lesbian, and transgender film festival in the Southeast. The films range from features and short films to international documentaries, highlighting directors from around the world. In addition to screenings, the schedule includes a kick-off party, family-friendly events, and food trucks.
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BULL CITY RUMBLE | SEPT. 1-2, 2018
Bull City Rumble (below) is a vintage motorcycle and scooter rally hosted by Ton Up NC on Labor Day Weekend. Downtown Durham fills with the sights and sounds of vintage scooters, motorcycles, and enthusiasts from around the world. The weekend includes a juried bike display, burlesque dancers, live music, and food and drink. If you love the bass-like rumble of a chopper taking off, this event is perfect for you!
BULL DURHAM BLUES FESTIVAL | SEPT. 2018
Every year, Durham celebrates its place in blues history with the Bull Durham Blues Festival (above). The two-day event features both national and local acts, including leading artists in blues, bluegrass, and folk. Past performances include Big Daddy Wilson, Claudette King, Jimmy Haggard, John Dee Holeman, and Buddy Guy. The festival is often celebrated at the Hayti Heritage Center and Historic St. Joseph’s Performance Hall.
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DURHAM ARTS COUNCIL’S CENTERFEST | SEPT. 15-16, 2018
For over 40 years, this art and community-focused street festival brings Downtown Durham to life with arts, crafts, entertainment, food, and fun. Dozens of artists from across the country display their artwork, which ranges from hand-crafted jewelry to pottery and paintings. There are street performers, a kids’ area, and plenty of food options to keep you fueled all weekend long. The event is free, but a suggested donation is accepted.
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BEATS N BARS FESTIVAL | SEPT. 2018
Beats n Bars Festival is North Carolina’s platform dedicated to cultivating the founding influences of hip hop culture. Beats n Bars mission is to build stronger community through the influence of urban culture and music. In order to meet this goal and place NC hip-hop and Durham specifically in national conversations related to hip-hop.
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WORLD BEER FESTIVAL | OCT. 2018
Hosted by All About Beer Magazine, this festival brings together more than 250 world-class beers from breweries around the world, as well as food vendors and great music by local and regional artists. Sample rare and unique beers, learn about ingredients and pairings, and hang out with fellow beer enthusiasts at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Downtown Durham.
NC COMICON: BULL CITY | NOV. 2018
A two-day comic and film festival headquartered at the Durham Convention Center. Meet the illustrators, writers, and creators behind your favorite comics and characters. Events include panel discussions, a costume (cosplay) workshop, the Comiquest Film Festival at The Carolina Theatre, and more.
See more online! Visit durhameventcalendar.com for up-to-date information on the latest Durham events.
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DOWNTO W N DURHAM Visit Downtown Durham on a Friday night and you’ll feel the energy of a city that’s hitting its stride. Behind historic storefronts there’s a new generation of entrepreneurs, foodie innovators, and artisans who are ready to welcome you to the city they love. This is a place that beckons you to hang out, be yourself, and stay awhile. Discover the culinary talent that’s everywhere in Downtown Durham. Just north of Central Park, home to the Durham Farmers’ Market, you’ll find food trucks parked along Rigsbee Avenue. Dig into steaming hot Chinese dumplings or the meltiest grilled cheese sandwich you’ve ever had. In downtown’s city center, lose yourself in revelatory sushi, tapas, and pasta. This stuff has racked up praise from Bon Appétit and The New York Times, but to us, it’s just darn good food.
HANG OUT, BE YOURSELF, AND STAY FOR AWHILE.
Give yourself permission to dawdle as you explore downtown, or you might miss a hidden gem. Pop into the one-of-a-kind boutiques in the Brightleaf Square District, where tobacco warehouses have been transformed into restaurants and retail. Follow the sound of live music to a club on Main Street, where you can enjoy cocktails and toe-tapping rhythms as the evening sets in. Save room for dessert at a local ice cream shop or bakery. Take your treat to the CCB Plaza, home to a massive bronze bull statue. He’s known as Major, by the way. Hang with the crowd — skaters and buskers, young families, and people watchers.
Even with the innovative new tech companies and old tobacco warehouses gussied up into offices and new retail, downtown retains its Southern city charm. Folks still smile and hold doors open; locals recommend their favorite shops and restaurants. Welcome to Durham, they’ll say. Turn the page to discover more Durham districts where you will find life-changing meals, shopping, and activities.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Go to durh.am/durhamdistricts to learn more about Durham’s distinct neighborhoods, including others like Hayti and North Carolina Central University.
ROCKWOOD & SOUTH SQUARE
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Find award-winning dining and antique shopping in Rockwood & South Square. Enjoy German pastries at Guglhupf (below), or find authentic Asian fare at Li Ming’s Global Market – the possibilities are endless. With a cluster of shopping and dining options, this district is a great option for foodies and thrifters.
NINTH STREET & DUKE For a college town vibe, head to Ninth Street, where you’ll find affordable restaurants and funky shops. Stroll around Duke’s campus, where you don’t want to miss must-sees like the Nasher Museum of Art, Duke Chapel (above), and Sarah P. Duke Gardens, one of the largest public gardens in the U.S.
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SOUTHPOINT & SOUTHERN DURHAM
The Southpoint area is anchored by The Streets at Southpoint (above), a shopping district that houses high-end retailers and department stores. Nearby shopping centers also offer a variety of big box and boutique retailers. For outdoor recreation, head to the American Tobacco Trail.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Take our quiz to find your Durham district match at durh.am/ districtquiz.
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DATE NIGHT
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BU L L C I T Y N I G H TLIFE
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Whether you’re ready to hit the town in well-worn jeans or a fancy pair of heels, everyone is on the guest list in Durham. The community’s come-as-youare vibe extends to its nightlife scene, inviting you to create an evening that’s as easygoing or epic as you make it. From allnight dance parties sponsored by the local record shop to low-key beer and conversation on outdoor patios, Durham’s casual-yet-cool scene offers something for everyone.
What’s your nightlife vibe? Discover Durham’s diverse and welcoming nightlife scene.
For a date night or fancier vibe, head to Alley Twenty Six (below) or Bar Virgile, where you can explore a creative cocktail list and pair your beverage with cheese and charcuterie. For amazing views and tasty drinks, visit The Roof at The Durham. Watch the sun set over the Durham skyline, cocktail in hand. Oenophiles will enjoy unique wines at Bar Brunello and West End Wine Bar.
LAID BACK & CASUAL At Fullsteam Brewery, pair your sweet potato lager with casual eats from the tavern’s kitchen, or let the kids frolic in the lawn at Ponysaurus Brewing. Sit outside at Durty Bull, one of Durham’s newest breweries, and enjoy their signature sour beers, or relax on the back patio at Bull City Burger and Brewery. Shoot pool at The Green Room, an iconic dive, and stop by The Atomic Fern (above) for a board game marathon. For casual, family-friendly ambience in South Durham, grab brews and pub grub at Mattie B’s Public House.
SHOW YOUR MOVES
LATE NIGHT BITES
Dance to local bands and touring acts at Motorco Music Hall and The Pinhook, where you’ll hear everything from hip hop and electronica to alt country. You can also enjoy dinner and a show at the Blue Note Grill (below), known for hosting blues artists, and Beyù Caffè, a jazz club and restaurant.
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When a night on the town calls for some late night snacking, Durham restaurants have you covered. Enjoy chicken (or vegan) wings at Heavenly Buffalos, a wing shack that offers takeout and delivery, or refuel with a burrito from Cosmic Cantina. You can also pick up pizza at Pie Pushers or munch on sandwiches, tacos, and small bites at Parts & Labor (below) until 2 a.m.
CHEER ON THE TEAM Pull for your favorite team at Tobacco Road Sports Cafe and Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom (above), both just steps away from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Devine’s and Satisfaction, both located in the Brightleaf District, are popular with college sports fans. For dive bar ambience and televised sports, stop by Doyles Sports Bar and Bralie’s Sports Bar & Grill.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Find bars, breweries, and music venues online at durh.am/nightlife45. you can search for amenities (craft cocktails, LGBTQ+-friendly, live music), discover nearby nightlife options, and also read up on Durham’s beer scene!
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LO CA L CULTURE MEE TS WORL D-CLASS EN TERTAIN MEN T Durham is known as a cultural and creative hub, with a scene that embraces local indie artists as well as performers from around the world. The city’s beautiful venues and full calendar of events reflect its commitment to bringing theater and musical performances to the region. With sharp modernist angles and walls of glass, DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, is an architectural marvel. But what’s inside is even more amazing. This 2,700-person theater is one of the most attended venues in the U.S., DPAC draws Broadway shows and big-name artists to Durham for over 200 performances each year. And this year the DPAC is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary in the Bully City. We have perhaps our most exciting lineup yet including the Broadway smash hit Hamilton.
DISCOVER AN ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Your entertainment experience begins with a friendly greeting as you enter the theater and ascend its red staircase. Enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer as you take in panoramic views of downtown and anticipate the start of the show. Ushers will graciously help you locate your plush velvet seat at a theater that puts guest experience first. As show time draws near, sit back and prepare to be amazed.
DPAC isn’t the only high-profile venue in Durham. Head a few blocks north and you’ll find the 1926 Beaux Arts-style The Carolina Theatre, a gorgeously restored theater and movie cinema. Enjoy performances, film festivals, and concerts in the historic 1,048-seat space, which lends an intimate feel to even the most prestigious performances.
For an evening to remember, pair a theater performance with dinner at any of Durham’s nationally recognized restaurants, or enjoy a nightcap at a chic cocktail lounge in Durham’s city center. Whether you choose a special night on the town at a modern performing arts center or opt for a historic experience in the center of downtown, you’ll discover an entertainment experience unlike any other in the Southeast.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Discover an upcoming performance at durh.am/durham-performing-arts. Search by venue, performing group, or neighborhood.
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UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUMS
Explore the Nasher Museum of Art (above) at Duke University and the North Carolina Central University Art Museum. The Nasher is not your standard college art museum: its thought-provoking exhibits include artists like Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, and Ai WeiWei. See everything from modern and international contemporary art to classical antiquities. At the NCCU Art Museum, you’ll discover North Carolina’s leading collection of works by artists of African descent. The museum hosts five exhibitions throughout the year, in addition to a robust permanent collection.
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VIEW CONTEMPORARY ART 24/7 Located in the heart of Downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel’s (below) contemporary art museum is free and open to the public 24/7. You’ll find an array of captivating art, all housed in the historic boutique hotel property. Enjoy dinner or drinks on-site at The Counting House Restaurant before perusing 21c’s latest exhibits. There’s always something new to see, so check 21c’s website frequently for more information on the artwork currently on display.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at Durham’s arts community by visiting artist workspaces. The Mothership, Golden Belt, and Liberty Arts Sculpture Studio & Foundry (below) frequently host open houses and demonstrations, where you’ll witness magic in the making. The Mothership serves as a creative co- working space and retail store, while Liberty Arts is a non-profit arts incubator that offers classes in welding and metal work. Golden Belt, once a textile factory, has been transformed into a LEED-certified studio space, with 15 artist studios that are open to the public on Third Friday.
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EXPLORE LOCAL ART IN DURHAM
Browse Durham’s unique local art galleries for a special find or just to explore the city’s art scene. In the downtown area alone you’ll find the Durham Arts Council, which houses four galleries and rotating exhibits, along with Durham Arts Place, Pleiades Gallery, Through This Lens (above), and more. Every third Friday of the month, local galleries stay open late to host special community events, providing the perfect opportunity for visitors to engage with Durham residents and fellow art lovers.
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WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCES
Duke Performances, a professional performing arts presenting organization at Duke University, brings 60-70 world-class performances to Durham each year, ranging from jazz to theater. Performance venues include Baldwin Auditorium, a historic 685-seat space designed specifically for acoustic music, the iconic Duke Chapel (above), and Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Past artists include jazz drummer Antonio Sanchez and classical ensemble Chanticleer.
INDEPENDENT THEATER
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In addition to the major shows that come to DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, and The Carolina Theatre (left), Durham is home to several local theater troupes. Ward Theatre Company, and Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern perform innovative, original work in an intimate theater environment. Walltown Children’s Theatre empowers children from across the community through performing arts. The theater programs at Duke University and North Carolina Central University produce plays and musicals throughout the academic year.
OUTDOOR MUSIC ALL SUMMER LONG
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Outdoor concerts are a highlight of summertime in Durham. Pair a beautiful Durham park or plaza with live music, food, and community, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect warm weather evening. Several Durham organizations offer summer-long concert series: Rock the Park Movie and Concert Series presented by Durham Parks and Recreation; Warehouse Blues Concert Series at Durham Central Park and Back Porch Music on the Lawn at American Tobacco (right). In addition, the shopping districts at Brightleaf Square, The Streets at Southpoint, and Northgate Mall feature live music during the warmer months.
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FILM FESTIVALS FOR EVERYONE Durham is home to two major annual films festivals, along with a slew of niche festivals and film series. The North Carolina Gay + Lesbian Film Festival and Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (above) take place at the The Carolina Theatre in Downtown Durham and draw thousands of attendees each year. Durham is also home to several niche festivals, including the Comiquest Film Festival during NC Comicon, the NC Latin American Film Festival, and the Nevermore Film Festival, which celebrates horror, science fiction, and fantasy film. SEE MORE ONLINE! For more information on Durham’s vibrant arts scene and upcoming performances, go to DurhamCulture. com. Search for events by date and topic, then take a quiz to discover your ideal arts and entertainment itinerary.
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I M AG INAT ION RUN S W ILD I N THE BULL CIT Y At the Museum of Life + Science, you can be a scientist, train conductor, explorer, tree climber, and zoologist. The only limit? Your imagination. Home to one of the largest butterfly houses on the East Coast, a wildlife habitat, science museum, and one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits, the Museum of Life + Science is a family destination that will spark wonder in visitors of all ages. Start your visit outdoors in Hideaway Woods, a two-acre discovery environment. Splash in the man-made stream bed and explore the eight handcrafted treehouses that are connected by rope bridges and reach heights up to 20 A FAMILY feet off the ground. For an amazing game of hide and seek, duck in and out DESTINATION of fanciful sculptures crafted out of sweetgum and maple saplings by a THAT WILL local artist. Animal lovers can watch lemurs climb trees and chow down SPARK on fruits and veggies, or pet the goats and alpacas during the Farmyard Up-Close program. WONDER IN
VISITORS OF ALL AGES
Escape to a lush, tropical environment in the Magic Wings Butterfly House, a glass conservatory that surrounds visitors with colorful plants and butterflies. Grab a guide and track down butterflies from Central America and the Philippines—one might just land on your shoulder! Young astronauts can climb inside a command module and explore a satellite mapping table at the aerospace exhibit; or, embrace your inner Einstein at The Lab, an interactive experimentation station. After a busy day of activity, grab a healthy meal at Sprout Café, where you can enjoy local ingredients in dishes suitable for both adults and choicy children. And with so much to see and do, there’s always a reason to return to the Museum of Life + Science for another day of exploration and play.
SEE MORE ONLINE! For more information on family activities, visit durh.am/durham-kids.
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Kids (and parents) will love Durham’s selection of attractions – from lemurs to trampoline parks. Plan your kid-friendly itinerary today:
DUKE LEMUR CENTER
Home to the world’s largest and most diverse collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar, Duke Lemur Center (right) will amaze visitors of all ages. Sign up for a group tour to see the animals in their wooded habitat and learn about different lemur species. Kids ages 10 and up can enter the lemurs’ habitat during the Walking with Lemurs tour, which allows participants to get up close and personal. For an even more interactive experience, kids ages 13 and up can be a lemur keeper for the day in a program that provides a look at the daily care of the lemurs. Check out a 360-degree video tour of the Duke Lemur Center at https://youtu.be/X2Jt1uIwxyg
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
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There’s no need to stay cooped up in the hotel on rainy days. Get active at Wheels Fun Park, where you’ll find a roller skating rink and arcade games. Run wild at Sky Zone (left) and Defy Gravity, indoor trampoline parks with wall-to-wall trampolines and foam pits. Music meets a playground at Notasium, a music-based playscape where kids can make music with interactive structures, like the Double Drum Bounce House.
KID-FRIENDLY DINING
CREATIVE KIDS
Durham is a family-friendly destination, so it’s no surprise that plenty of Durham restaurants cater to both parents and young diners. With play spaces and kid menus, little foodies will have a blast at Bull City Burger and Brewery and Pompieri Pizza (below). Enjoy American classics at Elmo’s Diner, which provides coloring sheets and crayons. Dig into pint-sized chicken and waffles at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, or play foosball and corn hole at Tyler’s Restaurant and Taproom.
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For hands-on arts and craft activities, visit The Scrap Exchange (below), Durham’s creative reuse center. Enjoy self-directed creativity in the Make N Take Room, where artists of all ages can use unique recycled materials, or sign up your future fashion designer for a children’s sewing class. Claymakers, Bull City Craft, the Durham Arts Council, and other Durham art galleries offer kids’ programming throughout the year. Explore the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University on Family Days, which take place on select Sundays and feature live entertainment and hands-on projects.
FREE THINGS TO DO
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun in Durham. Kids will love running around American Tobacco Campus, a revitalized tobacco factory that now features a grassy lawn, man-made river, and hammocks. Grab your board and head to the skate park at Durham Central Park, where you’ll also find an ADA-accessible playground. Pack a picnic and explore a rebuilt mill and the scenic Eno River at West Point on the Eno (above).
Visit durh.am/durham-kids for more ideas for visiting Durham with your family. With unique activities and kid-friendly dining options, Durham is a family destination that offers something for every generation.
For more information on family activities, visit durh.am/durham-kids.
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NAT URA LLY BEAUTIFUL Nationally, Sarah P. Duke Gardens is ranked as one of the top 10 public gardens in the U.S., but locals know it as a place where you can get away from it all. Even though you’re on Duke University’s Central Campus and less than three miles from the heart of downtown, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a serene oasis. Miles of pathways crisscross the 55-acre garden, which is free and open to the public year-round. Start your visit with a walk through the Japanese-style Asiatic garden, known for rock gardens and an assortment of exotic plantings. The Asiatic Arboretum is especially glorious in autumn, when Japanese maples brighten the landscape with golden and flame-red foliage.
SPREAD OUT YOUR BLANKET, UNPACK A PICNIC, AND STAY FOR A WHILE
Find a place to unwind near one of several manicured ponds — spread out your blanket, unpack a picnic, and stay for a while. For show-stopping flowers, visit the Italianate terraces in the springtime. Linger under a wisteria-covered pergola while admiring the vibrant collection of tulips and daffodils. Walk the peaceful trails in the Blomquist Garden, a wooded enclave with native and rare plant species, including the uniquely named Hairy Rattleweed and Dissected Beardtongue. Discover a streamside bench, tucked among native perennials, and enjoy the serenity of your own secret garden.
Duke Gardens is just one of many close-to-town outdoor escapes. Thanks to Durham County’s compact size, you’re never far away from a woodland retreat or city park. Turn the page to discover your next outdoor adventures.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Find more outdoor activities by visiting durh.am/recreation57.
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Durham’s outdoor areas offer a little bit of everything. There are hiking trails and rivers suitable for canoeing and kayaking; an urban park that’s perfect for an afternoon stroll; and lakes where you can pitch a tent and watch constellations illuminate the night sky. Where will your next Durham adventure take you?
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ENO RIVER STATE PARK
Eno River State Park (below) offers 4,200 acres of park land, along with bluff-top views of the Eno River, several swimming holes, and five park access points. On-site camping is also available, so you can spend a night under the stars only 10 miles from downtown.
WEST POINT ON THE ENO CITY PARK
With historic buildings, 404 acres of forests and trails, and a prime location on the Eno River, West Point on the Eno (above) is your close-to-town getaway. Only six miles from downtown, this park is the ideal spot for hiking, fishing, or a river-side picnic. Check the park’s calendar for regularly scheduled events.
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DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
Home to the Durham Farmers’ Market and numerous downtown festivals throughout the year, five-acre Durham Central Park is the unofficial backyard of Durham. With a skate park, ADA-accessible play area, and grassy lawn, Central Park is an irreplaceable downtown attraction.
LITTLE RIVER LAKE, LAKE MICHIE, FALLS LAKE
There are three Durham lakes where you can enjoy a day on —or next to—the water. Both Little River Lake and Lake Michie (above) in northern Durham County offer boat rentals and a fishing pier. You can also camp, swim, and hike at Falls Lake, located in eastern Durham County.
SEE MORE ONLINE! For more information on outdoor activities and recreation in Durham, visit durh.am/ recreation57. There you’ll find useful infomation on biking, playing golf, and other local parks.
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TA K E M E OUT TO THE B ULLS G AME Whether you’re a big sports fan or a fan of hot dogs and beer, a Durham Bulls baseball game is a can’t-miss experience. With a season spanning April through early September, there are plenty of opportunities to put on your ball cap and root for the world’s most famous minor league team. Let’s just say it—there is nothing minor about the 10,000-seat Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Take in great views of the field from every seat, complete with a picture perfect downtown backdrop. Look out to left field and you’ll notice the ballpark’s iconic sign—a giant snorting bull modeled after the sign in the 1988 film Bull Durham. When a player knocks a ball out of the park, watch it light up and smoke.
THERE’S NOTHING MINOR ABOUT THE DURHAM BULLS
As the innings unfold, listen for the sound of Wool E. Bull revving his go cart and peeling onto the field to entertain fans of all ages with his antics. Don’t feel shy about asking for a photo with the friendly bovine mascot as he makes appearances throughout the park. The Bulls experience extends to concessions, which some might consider as important as the game. Treat yourself to classics like a Bright Leaf hot dog and peanuts, or check out local options like Makus Empanadas, Locopops, and Gonza Tacos y Tequila. Grab a refreshing craft beer from the Bull Durham Beer Company. The Durham Bulls are the only team that brews their own beer inside their stadium.
Bulls games are a summertime tradition in Durham, with every game drawing a crowd, especially on theme nights like Bark in the Park (is your dog a baseball fan?) and Star Wars Night (you haven’t lived until you’ve watched Chewbacca round the bases). So what are you waiting for? Just pack your shades, ball cap, and team spirit – we’ll see you in the stands.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Learn more about Durham sports teams at durh.am/recreation57.
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With two Division I universities and a cohort of local sports enthusiasts, Durham is home to a diverse selection of athletic events throughout the year.
DUKE UNIVERSITY
Experience the electric atmosphere cheering on the Duke University Blue Devils. The men’s basketball team is legendary, with multiple NCAA championship titles to their name, but other Blue Devil teams offer equally exciting competitions. See the Blue Devils dominate the football field (below) in the fall, or catch a women’s basketball game in the spring semester. Duke fans also shouldn’t miss the Duke Basketball Museum and Sports Hall of Fame, which is free and open to the public year-round.
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NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
The NCCU Eagles’ 14 sports teams compete in the Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Catch a baseball game at the Historic Durham Athletic Park in the spring, or cheer on the volleyball team in the fall. Don your maroon and gray, and head to O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium for Eagles football games and tailgating—mark your calendar now for NCCU rivalry games against the North Carolina A&T Aggies!
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UNIQUE SPORTS
Have you ever watched a curling game, or tried your hand at fencing? Durham is the place to expand your athletic horizons. Get involved with Durham organizations such as the Triangle Curling Club (above), Bull City Roller Derby, Mid-South Fencers’ Club, and the Eno River Rugby Club, who often host scrimmages and matches around town. Also check out unique sports events such as King of the Canopy (above), a fast paced head-to-head tree climbing competition. Whether you want to cheer from the sidelines or join the action, Durham’s athletic community is ready to welcome you!
SEE MORE ONLINE! Find upcoming games by visiting durh.am/recreation57. And visit the Durham Sports Commission website to find out about all of the unique events coming to Durham! durhamncsports.com/
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F RO M TOBACCO TO W N TO INNOVAT IO N HUB Durham’s history surrounds you: It’s in red-brick warehouses and rustic tobacco factories, now repurposed to house cutting-edge tech companies, restaurants, and boutiques. This old tobacco town’s past merges seamlessly with its forward looking future. The American Tobacco Company was founded in Durham in 1890, and soon became the largest tobacco company in the world during the early 1900s. Billowing smoke once rolled out of its factory smokestacks and the smell of tobacco emanated through Downtown Durham.
DURHAM’S ETHOS OF ADAPTIVE REUSE EXTENDS ACROSS THE CITY
Today, the historic American Tobacco Campus is a live-work-play destination, with a grassy lawn and man-made river. In the spring and summer, people gather around the water tower for outdoor concerts and festivals. During the holidays, the campus glitters with lights and decorations.
Explore the Brightleaf Square and Warehouse Districts along Main Street — where tobacco warehouses once filled the streets, now discover shops, restaurants, and apartments. See The Chesterfield, a towering historic building built in 1948 as a cigarette manufacturing plant, and recently vacant for more than 15 years. This newly transformed space features more than 280,000 square feet of life sciences and technology office space with a lightfilled center atrium. In the downtown Innovation District, researchers from Duke University and life science companies collaborate in renovated warehouses. The buildings that tell the story of Durham’s past now represent its future, providing space for growth, creativity, and community. As you explore Downtown Durham, look out for the red-brick warehouses, which are as much a part of the city’s identity today as they were 100 years ago.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Explore Durham’s past by visiting durh.am/durham-history.
Durham’s story is defined by innovators, activists, and scholars. Get an inside look into the city’s past by taking a guided tour, experiencing a commemorative event, or venturing on a solo pilgrimage – wherever you go, Durham’s historic sites are free and
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AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE In the early 1900s, black-owned businesses prospered on Parrish Street, later earning the name Black Wall Street. Visit today and you’ll find six bronze sculptures commemorating the street’s important place in Durham’s history. Visitors can also explore the Hayti Heritage Center (below), a cultural venue that preserves Durham’s AfricanAmerican heritage through major events. The center is located in the historic St. Joseph’s Church, which was established in 1891 by a former slave. See the childhood home of Pauli Murray, an African-American woman, Episcopal priest, and civil rights activist.
HISTORIC SITES
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Former plantation, Historic Stagville (above), is now devoted to the preservation and study of African-American culture. Free tours are available daily. Duke Homestead State Historic Site, home of the self-made tobacco tycoon Washington Duke, features a restored mid-1800s home, tobacco barns, original tobacco factory, and a museum. Visit Bennett Place, the site of the largest troop surrender and effective end of the Civil War, to see the farm’s restored historic structures and living history events.
PATTERSON’S MILL For antiques, old fashioned tchotchkes, and a dose of regional history, visit Patterson’s Mill Country Store (right) in South Durham. You’ll find a turn-of-thecentury doctor’s office, historic pharmaceuticals, and tobacco advertisements, as well as crafts and collectibles available for purchase. Uncover trinkets at this gem, and leave with homemade soap, first edition books, locally made jam, and antique teacups.
MUSEUM OF DURHAM HISTORY
View interactive displays and timely exhibits at the Museum of Durham History (right). Past exhibits have explored topics like the story of Durham’s LGBTQ+ population and the historically black Hayti neighborhood.The museum emphasizes community involvement with resources like the Story Room, a recording booth where Durhamites can record their own memories and experiences.
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ONE -OF -A-KIN D DURHA M FIN DS Durham’s artisans build businesses that drive the city’s creative and entrepreneurial community. From leather goods maker Mill & Bird to Big Spoon Roasters’ nut butter, small startups grow with the help of local followings that are eager to see local businesses, and Durham, succeed.
DISPLAY YOUR DURHAM PRIDE AND CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Runaway (left) specializes in DURM™ apparel. They are a homegrown business whose work both fuels and reflects the city it calls home. The company founder, artist Gabe Eng-Goetz, grew up in Durham and creates designs that resonate with the city’s many fans. The Ngozi Design Collective Group is a growing group of inspired local and national designers and artists who showcase and sell their art in the heart of Downtown Durham. Offerings include clothing, jewelry, fine art, sculptures, personal care therapies, books, cards, photography, music and more.
Don’t forget to grab a gift for the fur kids! Independently owned by longtime Durham residents Diane Groff and LeAnn Hinson, Other End of the Leash Pet Boutique & Bakery is Durham’s source for the highest quality, fairly traded pet supplies and holistic nutrition and wellness product expertise. Offerings include food, toys, leashes, and collars, as well as pet-themed jewelry and merchandise for your home. Treats are baked daily in the on-site gluten-free kitchen, and they have in-store informational workshops, speakers, and special events on a regular basis. If your pooch is traveling with you, bring them along! Pets welcome.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Discover Durham-made items and local boutiques at durhammade.com.
SHOPPER’S PARADISE
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Durham is home to The Streets at Southpoint (left), a shopping and dining destination. Shop your favorite national brands like Apple, Crate + Barrel, and West Elm, or explore department stores including Nordstrom and Belk. Take a break in the outdoor plaza to enjoy live music, then catch the latest blockbuster in the IMAX theater. With a range of sit down and fast food options, you can truly make a day of it. Indulge at the Cheesecake Factory or head to the food court to try local sandwich shop American Meltdown. With more than 175 stores and over 30 dining options, it really is one-stop shopping.
LOCAL SHOPPING DISTRICTS
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Shop local in Durham’s Brightleaf and Ninth Street districts. Packed with cute boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and gift shops, these areas are a great place to search for a special find and explore Durham’s local flavor. Visit gift emporiums like Morgan Imports, Parker & Otis, and Indio (right) in Brightleaf Square. On Ninth Street, must-stop shops include The Regulator Bookshop and boutiques like Vaguely Reminiscent and Cozy.
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BETTER WITH TIME
TAKE HOME A TASTE
Discover rare and previously loved finds at Durham’s vintage, thrift, and antique stores. Browse the racks at Dolly’s Vintage, The Mothership (below), and Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel. For unique home goods, stop by Patina, Once & Again, or Vintage Home South. Shop Everything But Grannie’s Panties, Recyclique, and TROSA Thrift Store if you enjoy digging for a special find. You can discover more vintage goods at local pop-up markets, including The Patchwork Market.
You don’t have to leave behind Durham’s foodie culture when you go home. Bring back locally made food products like Big Spoon Roaster’s peanut butter, Durham Toffee, and NumNum Sauce, so you can enjoy a taste of Durham from the comfort of your own kitchen. Find Durham-made goodies at the Bull City’s three farmers’ markets, or grab lunch and local food items at Foster’s Market, Parker & Otis, and Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings and Sweets (below). Wander the aisles at Durham’s local grocery stores, like Bulldega and the Durham Co-Op Market, which feature many North Carolina-made products.
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FASHION FORWARD With a selection of boutiques, Durham has its pulse on the latest trends coming out of places like New York, Los Angeles, and abroad. For luxe labels, shop Vert & Vogue (above). Find unique patterns and hand-made items at Exotique and Ngozi Design Collective. Treat yourself or a special someone to a piece of jewelry from Hamilton Hill and Jewelsmith. For affordable, fashionable finds, shop Smitten Boutique.
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FOOD IS IN DURHAM’S DNA At a time when food writers hail cities across the globe as “The Next Big Food Town” and trendy dishes live and die in the span of one month, there’s something to be said for consistency. For decades, Durham has been home to great chefs and top-notch restaurants, both corner dives and white-table-cloth establishments. Food is in Durham’s DNA. The result is a culinary community that spans generations. Take James Beard Award-winners Ben and Karen Barker, esteemed Durham chefs who operated Magnolia Grill for 25 years. The Barkers, now retired, nurtured young talent, instilling an appreciation of local, seasonal ingredients in the current generation of Durham chefs. Phoebe Lawless, a James Beard Award semifinalist, rose through the ranks at Magnolia for seven years, eventually becoming head pastry chef. Now she owns The Lakewood and Baby Scratch in the Lakewood neighborhood. Scott Howell, the chef behind Nana’s, Nana Taco, NanaSteak, and Vin Rouge, worked under the Barkers as a sous chef in the 1990s. Even Durham’s plow-to-pint brewery, Fullsteam, has a connection: founder Sean Lilly Wilson was a server at the couple’s restaurant when he first moved to Durham. The Barkers’ commitment to local produce influenced Wilson’s desire to experiment with native, seasonal ingredients in Fullsteam beer. Durham’s food culture emphasizes collaboration; it’s a place where veterans lend a hand to those who are starting out, and iconic establishments thrive with community support. So before you call Durham a trendy foodie destination, just remember: we’ve been serving up the good stuff long before the national media arrived.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Visit
durh.am/durham-restaurants for more information.
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We caught up with four chefs who represent the diversity of Durham’s food scene. See what they have to say about their favorite menu items and what it’s like to be a member of Durham’s culinary community.
JOHN MAY, PIEDMONT
Who are your influences? My time spent with Vivian Howard at Chef & the Farmer has directly formed me as a chef. This community also drives me — there are many brilliant chefs in Durham. If someone could only order one item off of your menu… Our monthly price fixed tasting menu. It’s driven by a seasonal ingredient or seasonal theme, and the menus are always dynamic and affordable.
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Why Durham? I grew up in Durham. It’s amazing to me that I can live downtown and also work here now. I love seeing the constant evolution of our city.
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MIKE LEE, M SUSHI & M KOKKO
Who are your influences? Locally, chefs like Matt Kelly and Scott Howell are running amazing restaurants that concentrate on individual concepts. Yamazushi also gives me great inspiration. They concentrate on traditional Kaiseki cuisine that is executed to perfection. If someone could only order one item off of your menu‌ One piece of nigiri sushi. I’m really proud of the quality of the rice, vinegar, and seafood that we use.
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Why Durham? I really appreciate the guests that listen and appreciate the subtle differences in the quality of the ingredients. All the chefs and restaurateurs are very friendly and always willing to help each other.
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AMY TORNQUIST, WATTS GROCERY
Who are your influences? Over the years, many folks in Durham and other places have shared recipes and stories that have become part of our repertoire. One of our early recipes was from Alfreda Kaplan, an old friend of my mother’s. If someone could only order one item off of your menu… Currently, I would say order the Kinston, North Carolina-inspired fish stew.
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Why Durham? I was born about a block from my restaurant, so I can’t imagine working anywhere else. Durham has a varied culinary culture and a wonderfully vibrant arts scene.
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RICKY MOORE, SALTBOX SEAFOOD JOINT & SALTBOX 2
Who are your influences? Every restaurateur, chef-owner, and food truck operator inspires me by what they are creating for our community, as well as the local beer artists and breweries. If someone could only order one item off of your menu… Crab grits. This dish defines the culinary point of view of Saltbox Seafood Joint — simple, thoughtful, dialed-in flavors, and sure-handed cooking.
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Why Durham? Durham feels like home and you do your best cooking when you’re at home, right? This is a hospitable, inclusive, and vibrant community that we all love.
More online: Read the full versions of the chef interviews online at durh.am/chef-profiles.
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C O M FORT FOO D IS A LL IN T HE FAMILY Tommy Bullock is in his seventies and has never worked a day in his life for anyone other than Bullock’s BBQ. It all began in the 1940s when Tommy’s dad, Glenn Bullock, started selling barbecue door to door. By 1952 he opened Bullock’s BBQ. Tommy grew up helping his family, eventually taking ownership of the restaurant in 1970. Today, Bullock’s BBQ is the longest continuously-running restaurant in Durham and Tommy now works with his son Ty. Folks flock to Bullock’s for mouth-watering Southern favorites like Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue, fried chicken, and banana pudding. But Bullock’s isn’t the only long-running family-owned restaurant in Durham.
BULLOCK’S IS THE LONGEST CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING RESTAURANT IN DURHAM
The Chicken Hut, owned by mother-and-son team Peggy and Claiborne Tapp III, first opened in 1957. Originally named The Chicken Box, the restaurant is known for its crisp fried chicken and savory Southern sides. While family restaurants typically pass from one generation to the next, sometimes they pass from one family to another. In 1942, the High family opened King’s Sandwich Shop, a classic American hamburger joint. It closed in 2007 and the shuttered business lay vacant for several years. But in 2010 the McDermott family had a vision for reviving King’s to its former glory; they reopened the restaurant using the original name and chili recipe.
Today you’ll find a line to the outdoor ordering window stretching 10 deep, with construction workers, business people, and families eagerly awaiting hamburgers, hot dogs, and fried bologna. Sometimes all you need is really good food to bring people together and make them feel like family.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Visit durh.am/durham-restaurants to learn more about Durham’s food scene.
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Durham’s food entrepreneurs build their businesses in a number of ways; no two business models are identical. But one thing’s for sure, in a place like Durham, people love to eat well!
COFFEE MAKING A COMMUNITY IMPACT
Not many food entrepreneurs can say they started their business on the back of a bicycle. But that’s exactly how Leon and Areli Barrera de Grodski got their start. bikeCOFFEE! turned into Cocoa Cinnamon (right) and now this popular coffee shop with three locations is making a large community impact with a living wage guarantee for all staff, and by using local and sustainable ingredients.
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SWEET BUSINESSES RAKE IN THE DOUGH
Several Durham bakeries have moved beyond their humble origins. Ali Rudel started East Durham Pie Company (left) in 2015 as a home-based bakery that offers special order pies. After a successful Kickstarter campaign and outpouring of community support, she will be opening a brick-and-mortar café, East Durham Bake Shop, in East Durham. Chez Moi Bakery serves homemade rum cake and desserts out of a van. But word of this modest traveling bakery has moved far beyond Durham. In 2015, Chez Moi was featured on PBS’ “A Few Great Bakeries.”
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SOUTHERN LOCATION, ASIAN FLAVORS
While you might typically associate North Carolina with biscuits and barbecue, don’t miss Durham food trucks doing exciting things with Asian flavors. Chef David “Flip” Filippini started KoKyu in 2010 as a whimsical Korean barbecue food truck with an eyecatching graffiti exterior. Now the KoKyu brand includes KoKyu Na’Mean, a sit-down restaurant that dishes out globally inspired fare. For mouthwatering Chinese dumplings, track down the Chirba Chirba Dumpling (left) truck, which has been featured on Joey Fatone’s food show “My Family Recipe Rocks” and has earned numerous Best of the Triangle awards.
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BUILDING A RESTAURANT EMPIRE
If you’ve never heard of Matt Kelly, you may have heard of his restaurants. This talented chef and restaurateur started his career in Durham at Vin Rouge. By 2012, he opened the James Beard-nominated Mateo Bar de Tapas, a Spanish restaurant with Southern influences. Since then, Kelly’s fans have had several new restaurants to enjoy: savor hand-rolled pasta at Mothers and Sons; order house-cured meats and deli classics at Lucky’s Delicatessen; and fresh seafood at Saint James.
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RA IS E A GLASS TO LO CAL BREW S Within a one-mile radius of Downtown Durham’s city center, you’ll find five breweries, all with signature beers and distinct personalities. You can easily hit them all on foot, or pick one and stay for a while! Located in a former industrial district, Ponysaurus features a grassy lawn, rentable grills, and its signature Biere de Garde, an easy drinking homage to French farmhouse ales. Grab a bite from one of the food trucks parked in the beer garden. Bull Durham Beer Co. is the only brewery in the country that’s based in a minor league baseball park. From spring to fall, you can sip on a Water Tower Wheat and Lollygagger Kolsch while taking in a Durham Bulls baseball game. A year-round beer garden, The Bullpen, is also open nearby, so you can enjoy these specialty brews outside of the ball park.
FOR A TASTY SOUVENIR, TAKE HOME A GROWLER.
Order a burger and a Durham-themed beer from Bull City Burger and Brewery, an environmentally conscious brewpub. How about the Durhamer Ale or the DPAC Dunkelweizen? For a tasty souvenir, take home a growler filled with the good stuff. Durty Bull Brewing Company operates out of a modest brick building that houses 15 barrels and a tasting room. Your options range from classic—try a moderate Lager— to adventurous —go for the sour Rhubarb Berliner Weisse. Fullsteam makes plow-to-pint beer with North Carolina crops – think seasonal specialties like First Frost Winter Persimmon Ale, made with locally foraged persimmons. When you’re there, ask about special edition brews on tap, like Return to Lemuria, a stout brewed in honor of the Duke Lemur Center.
If there’s anything Durhamites love more than their craft beer, it’s the community that that makes this kind of home-grown industry possible.
SEE MORE ONLINE! Learn more about Durham’s breweries by visiting durh.am/beer-scene.
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In addition to Durham-made beer, you’ll find a host of other craft beverages around town. Tour distilleries, sample unique meads, and bring home one-of-a-kind sodas.
LOCAL LIQUORS
Tour and taste at The Brothers Vilgalys, Durham Distillery (below), and Two Doors Distilling Company. Brothers Vilgalys is known for a spiced Lithuanian honey liqueur, Krupnikas, and other interesting liqueurs that are made with botanicals and spices. At the awardwinning Durham Distillery, you can sample two types of gin and specialty chocolate and coffee liqueurs. Two Doors Distilling is in the process of opening a grain-to-glass distillery, with a focus on whiskey and rum.
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DURHAM-MADE MEAD
Honeygirl Meadery (above) produces hand-crafted mead made with North Carolina honey, herbs, and flowers. Visit Honeygirl to experience seasonal, small-batch meads like Hibiscus Lemonthyme, Blueberry, Fig Orange, and Spiced Apple Cyser. Tour the mead production facility, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the mead making process and sample the current beverage lineup. While there, you can pick up a bottle to take home, or find Honeygirl meads at local bottle shops and the Durham Farmers’ Market.
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CIDER REIMAGINED
For hard cider with pizzazz, try Bull City Ciderworks’ offerings, all made without artificial flavorings or high fructose corn syrup. Signature ciders include Off Main, a crisp blend of local apples, and Sweet Carolina, cider infused with honey. Cider six packs can be purchased at their taproom or at local bottle shops and wine stores. Also check out Black Twig Cider House, a cider-focused restaurant with more than 80 ciders on tap or in bottles.
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BULL CITY BEANS
Founded in 1995, Counter Culture Coffee is an award-winning coffee company and national brand that sources coffee directly from farmers and cooperatives. They offer a wide selection of single-origin and limited-release coffees, available for purchase on the company’s website and in stores around the country. You can also purchase beans and special blends from Bean Traders (below), a local coffee house. In three locations around Durham, you’ll find Cocoa Cinnamon, each one offering different beverages, food, and vibes. Downtown Durham’s newest coffee shop is Kaffeinate, which you’ll find close to the Brightleaf District.
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A NATURAL BUZZ
Forget Coca-Cola and Red Bull – Durham has its own soda and energy drink! Enjoy smoky, sweet, and sour beverages with Brood Soda, a carbonated drink with seven core flavors. Using real fruit juices, cane sugar, and other natural ingredients, Brood will overturn your soda stereotypes. For a healthy dose of caffeine, try Mati Energy (above), an energy drink that was invented in a Duke University dorm room. Mati is made with fresh juice and Guayusa, a plant packed with caffeine that’s found in the Amazon rainforest.
More Online: Read more about Durham’s celebrated beverage scene by visiting durh.am/beer-scene and durh.am/craft-bev.
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FARM-TO-FLASK FUN Have you ever wanted to get a behind-the-scenes look at the whiskey distillation process? Now you can make your own barrel of bourbon over a two-day period at Mystic Bourbon’s (above) farm-to-flask distillery. Tour the farm, where Mystic grows the crops used to make bourbon, then participate in the grain milling and barreling process. At the end of your two-day experience, you’ll take home a bottle of un-aged spirit. Later you’ll receive a bottle of the finished product.
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REST YOUR HEAD There are plenty of ways to spend a day in Durham, but it's also a great place to spend the night — or several nights. Durham has over 70 lodging options (with nearly 8,000 guest rooms), ranging from charming bed and breakfast inns to full-service conference centers, from luxury hotels to rustic FROM campgrounds.
CHARMING BED & BREAKFAST INNS TO LUXURY HOTELS.
With all these options to choose from, visitors coming to Durham for a weekend getaway; longerterm stays for work, education, and medical care; or anything in between are all sure to find a warm and welcoming place to stay that will allow them to explore Durham.
SEE MORE ONLINE! To search by location or make reservations, visit durh.am/lodging87.
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DOWNTOWN 21C MUSEUM HOTEL 919-956-6700; 844-301-4629 www.21cmuseumhotels.com/ durham Full Service see a d on page 3
aloft durham downtown 919-402-5656 www.aloftdurhamdowntown. com Limited Service s ee a d on page 83
blooming garden inn
919-687-0801 www.bloominggardeninn.com Bed & Breakfast
lodging
durham marriott city center
919-768-6000; 800-909-8375 www.marriott.com/rducv Full Service
morehead manor bed and breakfast
919-687-4366 www.moreheadmanor.com Bed & Breakfast
old north durham inn
919-683-1885 www.bbonline.com/nc/oldnorth Bed & Breakfast
residence inn durham
McPherson/Duke University Medical Center 919-680-4440 www.marriott.com/rdudd Extended Stay
the durham hotel
919-768-8830 www.thedurham.com Full Service
the holly house
919-687-0801 www.bloominggardeninn.com Extended Stay
pet friendly on-site dining
984-329-9500 www.unscriptedhotels.com s e e a d o n pag e 4
the king’s daughter's inn
919-354-7000; 877-534-8534 www.thekingsdaughtersinn.com Bed & Breakfast s e e a d o n pag e 8 5
EAST DURHAM budget inn
919-682-5100 Limited Service
NORTH DURHAM arrowhead inn
919-477-8430 www.arrowheadinn.com Bed & Breakfast
SOUTHEAST DURHAM candlewood suites
durham/rtp 919-484-9922; 877-226-3539 www.candlewoodsuites.com/ durhamrtpnc Extended Stay
comfort inn rtp
919-361-2656; 800-592-3137 www.choicehotels.com Limited Service
comfort suites
raleigh durham airport/rtp 919-314-1200; 877-424-6423 www.choicehotels.com Limited Service
courtyard durham research triangle park 919-484-2900; 800-321-2211 www.marriott.com/RDURT Limited Service
crossland economy studios
see a d on page 81
key:
the unscripted hotel durham
free breakfast room service
919-484-1878; 800-276-7752 www.crosslandstudios.com Extended Stay
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doubletree by hilton hotel raleigh-durham airport at rtp 919-941-6000; 800-445-8667 www.raleighdurhamairportrtp. doubletree.com Full Service
doubletree suites by hilton raleigh-durham 919-361-4660; 800-365-9876 www.raleighdurhamsuites. doubletree.com Full Service
econo lodge rtp
919-544-4579; 888-315-2378 www.choicehotels.com Limited Service
extended stay america
durham-research triangle park-hwy 54 919-687-0801 www.extendedstayamerica.com Extended Stay
lodging
extended stay america
durham-research triangle park-hwy 55 919-544-9991; 888-804-3724 www.extendedstayamerica.com Extended Stay
extended stay america
durham - rtp - miami blvd. – north 919-941-2878; 800-804-3724 www.extendedstayamerica.com Extended Stay
extended stay america
durham - rtp - miami blvd. – south 919-998-0400; 800-804-3724 www.extendedstayamerica.com Extended Stay
hilton garden inn
raleigh-durham/research triangle park 919-941-6066; 888-370-0984 www.researchtrianglepark.hgi. com Full Service
holiday inn express & suites rtp
919-474-9800; 888-465-4329 www.hiexpress.com/rtp Limited Service
homewood suites by hilton rdu/rtp
919-474-9900; 800-225-5466 homewoodsuites3.hilton.com Extended Stay
hotel indigo
rdu airport @ rtp 919-474-3000; 877-846-3446 www.hotelindigo.com/ durhamrtp Full Service
la quinta inn & suites
durham research triangle park 919-484-1422; 800-531-5900 www.lq.com Limited Service
marriott at Research triangle park
919-941-6200; 800-228-9290 www.marriott.com/property/ propertyPage/RDUCP Full Service
red roof inn, rtp
durham research triangle park 919-361-1950; 800-733-7663 www.redroof.com Limited Service
residence inn durham
research triangle park 919-361-1266; 800-331-3131 www.marriott.com/RDUDR Extended Stay
sheraton imperial hotel & convention center 919-941-5050; 800-325-3535 www.sheratonrtp.com Full Service
sleep inn durham
919-993-3393; 800-424-6423 www.choicehotels.com Limited Service
springhill suites by marriott, rdu/rtp
919-998-9500; 888-287-9400 www.marriott.com/rdush Extended Stay
wingate by wyndham rdu/rtp 919-941-2854 www.the.wingateinns.com Limited Service
SOUTHWEST DURHAM comfort inn university
919-490-4949; 877-424-6423 www.comfortinn.com/hoteldurham-north_carolina-NC132 Limited Service
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extended stay america
durham - university 919-489-8444; 800-398-7829 www.extendedstayamerica.com Extended Stay
extended stay america
durham - university - ivy creek blvd 919-402-1700; 800-804-3724 www.extendedstayamerica.com Extended Stay
fairfield inn & suites
southpoint durham 919-806-8200 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rdurffairfield-inn-and-suites-durham-southpoint Full Service
hampton inn & suites
919-403-8700; 800-426-7866 www.chapelhillsuites.hamptoninn.com Limited Service
hilton garden inn
durham southpoint 919-544-6000; 877-782-9444 www.durhamsouthpoint.stayhgi.com Full Service
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holiday inn express
farrington road 919-489-7555; 800-465-4329 www.hiexpress.com/ chapelhillnc Limited Service
home 2 suites by hilton durham/chapel hill 919-680-9000 home2suites3.hilton.com Extended Stay
homewood suites by hilton durham/chapel hill
carolina duke inn
rizzo conference center
comfort inn medical park
durham-chapel hill blvd 919-489-9421; 800-843-7663 www.redroof.com Limited Service 919-913-2098 www.rizzoconferencecenter. com Conference Centers
springhill suites by marriott
919-401-0610; 800-225-5466 www.durhamchapelhill. homewoodsuites.com Extended Stay
durham chapel hill 919-403-1111 www.marriott.com/rdurl Extended Stay
hyatt place
staybridge suites durham/ chapel hill
919- 688-7800 www.durhamsouthpoint.place. hyatt.com Full Service
la quinta inn & suites
lodging
red roof inn
919-401-9660; 800-531-5900 www.lq.com Limited Service
919-401-9800; 877-238-8889 www.staybridge.com/durhamnc Extended Stay
WEST DURHAM cambria hotel & suites durham-duke university medical center area 919-286-3111 www.cambriadurham.com Limited Service
919-286-0771 www.carolinadukeinndurham. com Limited Service 919-471-6100; 877-424-6423 www.choicehotels.com Limited Service
courtyard by marriott durham 919-309-1500; 800-321-2211 www.marriott.com/rdufs Limited Service
days inn
919-383-1551; 800-225-3297 www.daysinn.com Limited Service
hampton inn & suites
durham north i-85 919-688-8880; 800-426-7866 www.durhamnorthi85suites. hamptoninn.com Limited Service
hilton durham near duke university 919-564-2900; 800-445-8667 www.durham.hilton.com Full Service
hilton garden inn
durham/university medical center 919-286-0774 www.durhamuniversity medicalcenter.hgi.com Full Service
holiday inn express durham
919-313-3244; 800-465-4329 www.hiexpress.com/durhamnc Limited Service
jb duke hotel
919-660-6400 www.jbdukehotel.com Conference Center
s e e a d o n th e b ack cov er
millennium hotel durham
919-383-8575; 800-633-5379 www.millenniumhotels.com/usa/ millenniumdurham Full Service s e e a d o n page 8 7
motel 6
919-309-0037; 800-466-8356 www.motel6.com Limited Service
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quality inn & suites durham 919-382-3388 www.choicehotels.com Limited Service
red roof inn
duke university medical center 919-471-9882; 800-733-7663 www.redroof.com Limited Service
super 8 motel durham/ university area nc
919-286-7746; 800-800-8000 www.super8.com Limited Service
the university inn
919-286-4421; 800-313-3585 www.universityinnduke.com Limited Service
lodging
washington duke inn & golf club
919-490-0999; 800-443-3853 www.washingtondukeinn.com Full Service see a d on t he bac k c over
CAMPING
AGENCIES
eno river state park
bridgestreet corporate housing
919-383-1686 www.ncparks.gov
rolling view state recreation area at falls lake 919-676-1027 www.ncparks.gov
571-481-2700; 800-278-7338 www.bridgestreet.com Referral Agencies
execustay
919-544-1839; 800-789-7829 www.execustay.com Referral Agencies
interim housing solutions 703-893-1901; 866-279-4471 www.interimhousingsolutions. com Referral Agencies
medstay
919-321-4958; 877-633-7829 www.medstay.com Referral Agencies
national corporate housing
704-364-6114 www.nationalcorporatehousing. com Referral Agencies
oakwood corporate housing 919-460-4550; 877-902-0832 www.oakwood.com Referral Agencies
pc housing
858-622-1881; 866-763-4564 www.pchousing.com Referral Agencies
temporary living company 919-881-2364; 888-848-6213 www.temporarylivingcompany. com Referral Agencies
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C O ME SAY HELLO ! Come visit us at the Durham Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main St. in the heart of Downtown Durham. GET PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM A DURHAM EXPERIENCE EXPERT Whether you need help finding something to do or discovering how to get there, the folks at the Durham Visitor Info Center will set you on the right path. PLAN YOUR VISIT WITH INTERACTIVE TOOLS Orient yourself with our digital displays and use tablets to see what’s happening in Durham. You can also pick up complimentary printed maps and guides. RELAX AND RECHARGE WITH FREE WI-FI AND OUTLETS Enjoy free wireless internet and a recharging station for guests. REMEMBER YOUR TRIP WITH DURHAM POSTCARDS AND GIFTS Mail a postcard to Aunt Edna in Peoria and tell her about a wonderful trip to Durham, or bring home a Bull City magnet. DURHAM VISITOR INFO CENTER
plan
212 W MAIN ST #101 • DURHAM NC 27701 (800) 446-8604
Open 7 days a week April through October and 6 days a week November through March (except for major holidays). See durh.am/visitor-info for more information.
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READY TO VISIT DURHAM? See more planning tools online!
EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE Visit www.durham-nc.com to search for hotels and restaurants, things to do, Durham events, and to access maps and guides. You can also sign up for our email newsletters, take quizzes, and request printed materials. GET A LOCAL'S PERSPECTIVE For up-to-date stories told with a local’s perspective, visit www. bullvoyage.com. Find videos, events roundups, and more. TAKE A VIRTUAL ONLINE INTERACTIVE TOUR Visit 360.durham-nc.com to immerse yourself in an online interactive tour of Downtown Durham. Experience 360°sky and street level views, pictures and videos of local hotspots, day and nighttime views, and more. No special app or device needed.
website
VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS Plan your trip with our community events calendar, featuring everything from Broadway shows at DPAC to holiday celebrations and musical performances. Search by type of event, date, and other helpful filters at www.durham-nc.com/events . CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA See what’s happening now by checking out our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Share your photos or Durham experiences by using the hashtag #DurhamNC.
@mydurham
@durhamnc
@durhamnc
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