Explore the Best of Durham, North Carolina
Not unlike the famed university in its midst, Durham is one of North Carolina’s most well-rounded destinations. You’ll find blooming gardens, craft breweries, eclectic restaurants, and loads of entertainment for all ages and budgets. The biggest challenge is simply deciding where to begin.
Learn about the People Who Lived in Bondage at Historic Stagville
Historic Stagville flips the script on typical plantation tours, focusing on the lives of the enslaved men, women, and children who toiled on this vast property north of Durham. Back in 1864, the Bennehan and Cameron plantations stretched over 30,000 acres, with some 1,000 people in bondage working in mills, on farms, and inside workshops.
You can learn about the many hardships they endured on a visit to one of Durham’s most important historic sites. Admission is free; however, it’s worth paying the small nominal fee for a guided tour.
Watch Ring-Tailed Lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center
If you don’t have the chance to visit Madagascar this year, consider a trip to the Duke Lemur Center. Here, you can see the world’s largest collection of these wide-eyed primates outside of their African home. Over 200 lemurs and bush babies, representing more than a dozen species, reside in this wooded 85-acre sanctuary.
The center offers both self-guided tours and small-group specialized tours, such as the ‘walking with lemurs’ experience at mealtime. Be sure to plan ahead, as all tours tend to sell out quickly. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Durham, the Duke Lemur Center should be at the top of your list.
Hike Through the Forests of Eno River State Park
Leafy nature escapes are just a short drive from downtown Durham. Eno River State Park, with its 28 miles of trails, offers a good mix of easy and challenging hikes. One of the best hikes in Durham is the Cox Mountain Trail, a 3.8-mile loop that crosses a suspension bridge, leading you up to a hilltop and back down along the trickling, forest-lined Eno River. It’s about a 15-minute drive northwest of Durham.
Stroll Durham’s Liveliest District on 9th Street
Not unlike New York’s East Village, Durham’s 9th Street is packed with eye-catching restaurants, indie stores, and inviting cafes, perfect for soaking up the local scene. Enjoy artisanal donuts while sipping a mocha latte at Monuts, savor a house-made craft beer at Flying Bull, or browse for vintage vinyl at Hunky Dory Record Store. The easy-to-walk location makes it a great option when exploring nearby attractions.
Spend a Fun-Filled Day at the Museum of Life and Science
One of the best attractions for kids in Durham is the sprawling Museum of Life & Science, located three miles north of downtown. Be forewarned; you could spend hours exploring the interactive exhibits scattered across 84 acres.
Highlights include the butterfly house, sound garden, insectarium, outdoor play areas, a budding builder’s lab, and a barnyard full of farm animals. Don’t miss a ride on the open-sided narrow-gauge railroad or a stroll through woods featuring life-sized dinosaurs.
Watch Performances at the Carolina Theatre
While Duke University often steals the spotlight, Durham has much more to offer. The 1,000-seat Carolina Theatre, a restored 1920s beauty, stages a diverse range of performances.
You might catch a whimsical dance performance, a raucous gospel choir, or a comedy show. Additionally, independent film screenings and occasional big-name concerts enhance the vibrant arts scene.
Savor a Dinner at Vin Rouge
When it comes to intimate dining, Durham doesn’t fall short. With its French country ambiance, Vin Rouge earns high marks for beautifully crafted French bistro classics (like onion soup and duck confit). Top-notch seafood is another highlight, particularly the bouillabaisse, often considered an aphrodisiac by some chefs from Marseille—the dish’s birthplace.
The excellent wine list enhances the dining experience. Alternatively, consider visiting for a decadent Sunday brunch—a perfect choice for couples.
Sip Craft Cocktails at Kingfisher
With a vibrant bar scene, Durham offers plenty of options for night-time adventures. Frequently recognized as one of the city’s top bars, Kingfisher serves up innovative cocktails made from locally sourced spirits and seasonal ingredients.
The attractively designed downstairs space showcases artwork by resident artists and creates a welcoming backdrop for enjoying unique libations such as the Shire Folk (vodka, nasturtium leaf, dry vermouth, and lime).
Enjoy Entertainment at the American Tobacco Campus
The former home of the world’s largest tobacco company is now a vibrant entertainment district. The historic red brick buildings form a picturesque backdrop for locally owned shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. At the DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center), you can enjoy musicals, comedy shows, and concerts.
Additionally, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park hosts the city’s minor league baseball team, famously featured in the 1988 film Bull Durham. Catching a game during the season, which runs from mid-April to early September, is a fun local experience.
Enjoy the Beauty of Sarah P Duke Gardens
Durham is home to many free attractions, perfect for leisurely outings. One highlight is the Sarah P Duke Gardens, a botanical oasis featuring forested paths, lily-covered ponds, and over 2,500 plant species. Walking paths wind through the various sections, offering countless photo opportunities.
Warm Up with Craft Beers at Ponysaurus Brewing
Even in winter, Durham offers appealing activities. At Ponysaurus Brewing, enjoy the cozy beer garden with fire pits while sampling their signature ales or barrel-aged sours. The local craft brewery also offers hot non-alcoholic apple cider, s’mores, and excellent thin-crust pizzas available year-round.
Explore Art at the 21c Museum Hotel
One of Durham’s best boutique hotels serves as a vibrant showcase for innovative artwork. Spanning two stories of gallery space, the 21c Museum Hotel hosts changing exhibitions and site-specific installations, with no admission charge. Afterward, take a peek inside the former bank vault (now a lounge) or enjoy a modern take on regional flavors at the stylish Counting House restaurant. Consider participating in one of the hotel’s DIY scavenger hunts for added fun.
The 21c is set in the 17-story art deco Hill Building, designed by the same NYC architecture firm in the 1930s as the Empire State Building.
