Sidekick Guidebook
Coffee Shops
With its three hopping Durham locations, each with their own discrete theme, you’d think Cocoa Cinnamon had cornered the market on coffee culture around these parts. They haven’t, there are still plenty of other coffee spots to choose from, but I just so happen to like Cocoa Cinnamon best. The one closest to us is the Chapel Hill Road location. Lots of space to spread out with your work over warm churros, made to order!
36 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cocoa Cinnamon Lakewood
2013 Chapel Hill RdWith its three hopping Durham locations, each with their own discrete theme, you’d think Cocoa Cinnamon had cornered the market on coffee culture around these parts. They haven’t, there are still plenty of other coffee spots to choose from, but I just so happen to like Cocoa Cinnamon best. The one closest to us is the Chapel Hill Road location. Lots of space to spread out with your work over warm churros, made to order!
Another coffee shop with several locations around town. The closest one is in the nearby Woodcroft Shopping Center, which is fine for pop-ins, but I don’t like hanging out long term in strip malls. Maybe you’re OK with it, and if that’s the case, it doesn’t get more convenient than the Woodcroft JVG for a great espresso drink.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Joe Van Gogh Woodcroft
4711 Hope Valley RdAnother coffee shop with several locations around town. The closest one is in the nearby Woodcroft Shopping Center, which is fine for pop-ins, but I don’t like hanging out long term in strip malls. Maybe you’re OK with it, and if that’s the case, it doesn’t get more convenient than the Woodcroft JVG for a great espresso drink.
If you’re going to be in Chapel Hill, make this your coffee stop. We get our beans for all our properties here and think this - plus the ambiance - is our favorite local coffee spot.
52 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Caffè Driade
1215 E Franklin StIf you’re going to be in Chapel Hill, make this your coffee stop. We get our beans for all our properties here and think this - plus the ambiance - is our favorite local coffee spot.
Food scene
If you’re craving a burger, this is a popular counter service option that will not disappoint. Burgers -veggie and otherwise-, beer, dogs, and good company. If you don’t feel like trekking downtown, our local-er favorite is Town Hall Burgers over near Southpoint, about 5 minutes away.
88 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bull City Burger and Brewery
107 E Parrish StIf you’re craving a burger, this is a popular counter service option that will not disappoint. Burgers -veggie and otherwise-, beer, dogs, and good company. If you don’t feel like trekking downtown, our local-er favorite is Town Hall Burgers over near Southpoint, about 5 minutes away.
Just a couple of miles away in the Woodcroft Shopping Center is Chubby’s, which is our favorite Mexican joint in town. They can’t roll a burrito to save their lives, but those aren’t really big in Mexico anyway. Try the tacos and every single one of the fresh salsas from the salsa bar.
17 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Chubby's Tacos
748 9th StJust a couple of miles away in the Woodcroft Shopping Center is Chubby’s, which is our favorite Mexican joint in town. They can’t roll a burrito to save their lives, but those aren’t really big in Mexico anyway. Try the tacos and every single one of the fresh salsas from the salsa bar.
I rarely go here, even though it’s super convenient to the house and super good. You can eat in, or get carry out, or dine on their big back patio. Lots of standards, but also loads of interesting innovation in sandwichery happening here. Hm, I really should go here more often.
13 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Eastcut Sandwich Bar
3211 Old Chapel Hill RdI rarely go here, even though it’s super convenient to the house and super good. You can eat in, or get carry out, or dine on their big back patio. Lots of standards, but also loads of interesting innovation in sandwichery happening here. Hm, I really should go here more often.
A mainstay for baked goods (pies!), brunch, coffee, local groceries and vintage penny candy. Upscale-yet-casual country cooking at it’s finest, most hospitable and most charming. Groups large and small can grab a picnic table outside. Counter service only.
93 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Foster's Market
2694 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdA mainstay for baked goods (pies!), brunch, coffee, local groceries and vintage penny candy. Upscale-yet-casual country cooking at it’s finest, most hospitable and most charming. Groups large and small can grab a picnic table outside. Counter service only.
I have not lived here long enough to have an informed opinion on the best NC BBQ around, but our neighbors, who have lived here since 1966, say Hog Heaven in North Durham is the way to go, and darn it, I believe whatever they tell me.
Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q
2419 Guess RdI have not lived here long enough to have an informed opinion on the best NC BBQ around, but our neighbors, who have lived here since 1966, say Hog Heaven in North Durham is the way to go, and darn it, I believe whatever they tell me.
A hipster haven for coffee, brunch, and fresh doughnuts. Get the bloody; it comes with a tiny bottle of Miller High Life on the side.
102 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Monuts
1002 9th StA hipster haven for coffee, brunch, and fresh doughnuts. Get the bloody; it comes with a tiny bottle of Miller High Life on the side.
If you want bougie Mexican food, (nuttin’ wrong with that) check out NuvoTaco in the Rockwood Shopping Center. Good margaritas and good classics, plus, you can get some items with specialty meat items from Durham Dirty Meats - that is, if you like specialty meats like tongue, etc. Always busy.
67 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
NUVOTACO
2512 University DrIf you want bougie Mexican food, (nuttin’ wrong with that) check out NuvoTaco in the Rockwood Shopping Center. Good margaritas and good classics, plus, you can get some items with specialty meat items from Durham Dirty Meats - that is, if you like specialty meats like tongue, etc. Always busy.
Seafood - this time, the emphasis is on the fried kind. People swear by this super casual, counter service operation. The picnic tables outside their two Durham locations are always bumping in good weather. Cute, cute, cute. Makes me wish I liked seafood.
37 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Saltbox Seafood Joint
608 N Mangum StSeafood - this time, the emphasis is on the fried kind. People swear by this super casual, counter service operation. The picnic tables outside their two Durham locations are always bumping in good weather. Cute, cute, cute. Makes me wish I liked seafood.
Warm your bones over steaming bowls of ramen in a sleek Japanese dining room. Visit the upstairs izekaya for sake or cocktails. A winter favorite.
56 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Dashi
415 E Chapel Hill StWarm your bones over steaming bowls of ramen in a sleek Japanese dining room. Visit the upstairs izekaya for sake or cocktails. A winter favorite.
Pronounce it Google-Huff, or else. Full service German fare, indoor and outdoor seating, with an attached bakery that sells the most beautiful bread in the whole wide world. Come here day or night.
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Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
2706 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdPronounce it Google-Huff, or else. Full service German fare, indoor and outdoor seating, with an attached bakery that sells the most beautiful bread in the whole wide world. Come here day or night.
The name says it all. A tiny, hip space with innovative food. Great for a date night. Sometimes they have a DJ lightly spinning records. A favorite.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Littler
110 E Parrish StThe name says it all. A tiny, hip space with innovative food. Great for a date night. Sometimes they have a DJ lightly spinning records. A favorite.
An ever-growing collection of chef Michael Lee’s restaurants are taking over the Triangle. When asked about the philosophy behind his wildly popular cuisine, Korean native Lee says “The best way to describe it is ‘food we like to eat when we get drunk.’ Whether the food itself is Asian or Hispanic or something else is sort of beside the point.” Drunk or not, we can whole-heartedly recommend what’s coming out of the kitchens at M Sushi, M Kokko (ramen), and M Pocha (Korean street food) in Downtown Durham.
61 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
M Sushi
311 Holland StAn ever-growing collection of chef Michael Lee’s restaurants are taking over the Triangle. When asked about the philosophy behind his wildly popular cuisine, Korean native Lee says “The best way to describe it is ‘food we like to eat when we get drunk.’ Whether the food itself is Asian or Hispanic or something else is sort of beside the point.” Drunk or not, we can whole-heartedly recommend what’s coming out of the kitchens at M Sushi, M Kokko (ramen), and M Pocha (Korean street food) in Downtown Durham.
Authentic, beautifully prepared, adventurous Spanish tapas. Always a hit, great for groups, or just a couple at the bar. This is the place we bring visiting friends so we can show them how fun Durham is.
103 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mateo Bar de Tapas
109 W Chapel Hill StAuthentic, beautifully prepared, adventurous Spanish tapas. Always a hit, great for groups, or just a couple at the bar. This is the place we bring visiting friends so we can show them how fun Durham is.
This was the first restaurant I went to in Durham and it convinced me that I could indeed leave my former food mecca of a town to move here. Authentic, authentic, authentic regional Italian cuisine with a seasonal menu and handmade pasta. The chef is nicknamed “skinny,” which is a cheeky way to say that you gotta check this place out and maybe wear your chicest elastic pants. Splurge on the Bistecca all Fiorentina, if you have a larger group.
31 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mothers & Sons Trattoria
107 W Chapel Hill StThis was the first restaurant I went to in Durham and it convinced me that I could indeed leave my former food mecca of a town to move here. Authentic, authentic, authentic regional Italian cuisine with a seasonal menu and handmade pasta. The chef is nicknamed “skinny,” which is a cheeky way to say that you gotta check this place out and maybe wear your chicest elastic pants. Splurge on the Bistecca all Fiorentina, if you have a larger group.
Let me put it to you this way; I have a big, red book that lists the best pizza places in every city and town in the world in the Sidekick. If you look up the best pizza in the Triangle in this huge tome, the only listing is for Toro. Put another way, my best friend came to visit a while back and often texts me to simply say “I can still taste the crust in my mind as I drift off to sleep sometimes.” They do not take reservations.
105 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Pizzeria Toro
105 E Chapel Hill StLet me put it to you this way; I have a big, red book that lists the best pizza places in every city and town in the world in the Sidekick. If you look up the best pizza in the Triangle in this huge tome, the only listing is for Toro. Put another way, my best friend came to visit a while back and often texts me to simply say “I can still taste the crust in my mind as I drift off to sleep sometimes.” They do not take reservations.
Rose’s is an East Asian inspired eatery and bakery serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with artisan pastries and sweets. Food is influenced by the cuisines of China, Japan and the rest of East Asia. They use North Carolina ingredients to produce dishes that embody the strong food cultures from across the Pacific that we find awe inspiring. The pastries, sweets, ice creams, and ice cream sandwiches are all made in house and inspired by what is in season in central North Carolina.
I didn’t write the above, I’ve never been to Rose’s, its always been packed when I go by. But a friend has brought me sweets from there, and they went down very easy.
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Rose's Noodles, Dumplings and Sweets
121 N Gregson StRose’s is an East Asian inspired eatery and bakery serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with artisan pastries and sweets. Food is influenced by the cuisines of China, Japan and the rest of East Asia. They use North Carolina ingredients to produce dishes that embody the strong food cultures from across the Pacific that we find awe inspiring. The pastries, sweets, ice creams, and ice cream sandwiches are all made in house and inspired by what is in season in central North Carolina.
I didn’t write the above, I’ve never been to Rose’s, its always been packed when I go by. But a friend has brought me sweets from there, and they went down very easy.
More French food, zut alors! This one is good for dinner or Sunday brunch. A local favorite, named after the famous market street where the parents of founder John Vandergrift lived in the Seventh Arrondissement of Paris. Local, seasonal ingredients inspired by the French tradition. You know the drill.
40 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Rue Cler
401 E Chapel Hill StMore French food, zut alors! This one is good for dinner or Sunday brunch. A local favorite, named after the famous market street where the parents of founder John Vandergrift lived in the Seventh Arrondissement of Paris. Local, seasonal ingredients inspired by the French tradition. You know the drill.
A couple times a year, when my husband has a particularly productive day at work, he likes to reward himself with lobster at this delicious and charmingly decorated French bistro. I don’t do shellfish, but I toast him across the table as I eat my more standard (and in my view, more delicious) traditional French fare.
50 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Vin Rouge
2010 Hillsborough RdA couple times a year, when my husband has a particularly productive day at work, he likes to reward himself with lobster at this delicious and charmingly decorated French bistro. I don’t do shellfish, but I toast him across the table as I eat my more standard (and in my view, more delicious) traditional French fare.
Great pasta and northern Italian upscale fare. Ambiance is a little odd, but the food more than makes up for it.
39 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Gocciolina
3314 Guess RdGreat pasta and northern Italian upscale fare. Ambiance is a little odd, but the food more than makes up for it.
Great indoor market for everything from Mexican to bagels to flowers to wine and then some. Stop in after the farmers market on Saturday for a nice morning outing.
Durham Food Hall
Great indoor market for everything from Mexican to bagels to flowers to wine and then some. Stop in after the farmers market on Saturday for a nice morning outing.
Isaac's Bagels
A cult following - get in line for the best bagels outside NYC.
A little out of the way, but the best dang sandwiches you’ll ever wait in line for. Highly recommend!
Ideal's Sandwich and Grocery
A little out of the way, but the best dang sandwiches you’ll ever wait in line for. Highly recommend!
Shopping
Downtown Durham’s best spot for old and new vinyl, with an emphasis on its namesake genre.
Carolina Soul Records
117 E Main StDowntown Durham’s best spot for old and new vinyl, with an emphasis on its namesake genre.
My favorite clothing store strictly dedicated to quality vintage clothing and small home furnishings in Durham. The owner, Sarah, is sweet as pie. The shop is quirky, fun, and Sarah will help you with anything you need. The wicker basket lamp above your bed is courtesy of Gibson Girl Vintage.
Gibson Girl Vintage
1001 W Chapel Hill StMy favorite clothing store strictly dedicated to quality vintage clothing and small home furnishings in Durham. The owner, Sarah, is sweet as pie. The shop is quirky, fun, and Sarah will help you with anything you need. The wicker basket lamp above your bed is courtesy of Gibson Girl Vintage.
Although we did just get a stunning new library down that way, this is the only remaining bookstore in Downtown Durham. Great selection, great service. Go! Support small bookshops!
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Letters Bookshop
116 W Main StAlthough we did just get a stunning new library down that way, this is the only remaining bookstore in Downtown Durham. Great selection, great service. Go! Support small bookshops!
Looking for a place to get a cute gift, yummy specialty groceries, fine wine, a bite to eat or all of the above? Get yourself to Parker & Otis downtown. Upscale and fun collection of cookbooks, fun presents for your fancy friends, or cute things for kids presented in a “market hall” concept. Speaking of cute kids stuff, head over to their sister store Tiny on Ninth Street for all the huggable things for bebe.
61 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Parker and Otis
324 Blackwell StLooking for a place to get a cute gift, yummy specialty groceries, fine wine, a bite to eat or all of the above? Get yourself to Parker & Otis downtown. Upscale and fun collection of cookbooks, fun presents for your fancy friends, or cute things for kids presented in a “market hall” concept. Speaking of cute kids stuff, head over to their sister store Tiny on Ninth Street for all the huggable things for bebe.
Need a bouquet for your sweetheart? Why settle for FTD, when you can have a lovely arrangement made by the only flower shop in the state to specialize in locally grown flowers? If you love flowers (fresh or dried), plants, farmers, independent makers, history, cool containers, or just want a breath of fresh air, I hope you’ll head by and say hi to owner Maggie!
Pine State Flowers
2001 Chapel Hill RdNeed a bouquet for your sweetheart? Why settle for FTD, when you can have a lovely arrangement made by the only flower shop in the state to specialize in locally grown flowers? If you love flowers (fresh or dried), plants, farmers, independent makers, history, cool containers, or just want a breath of fresh air, I hope you’ll head by and say hi to owner Maggie!
Another favorite, Raleigh Vintage is a big cut above your typical, mothball aroma-ed, vintage shop. The husband and wife team that owns it scour all the best vintage shows to bring you the cream of the crop. Perfectly preserved Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Ungaro, Pucci, Bob Mackie, all mixed in with more everyday pieces like French chore coats, selvedge denim and perfectly worn-in military garb. They also sell some smaller housewares and home furnishings. Weird hours, check ahead.
Raleigh Vintage
18 Glenwood AveAnother favorite, Raleigh Vintage is a big cut above your typical, mothball aroma-ed, vintage shop. The husband and wife team that owns it scour all the best vintage shows to bring you the cream of the crop. Perfectly preserved Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Ungaro, Pucci, Bob Mackie, all mixed in with more everyday pieces like French chore coats, selvedge denim and perfectly worn-in military garb. They also sell some smaller housewares and home furnishings. Weird hours, check ahead.
Quality thrifting for art lovers and artists. The Scrap Exchange creative re-use compound in the Lakewood District contains a retail store for thrifted goods, a separate store for items donated for creative reuse, an art gallery, a Design Center to host classes, a Make-N-Take classroom for open studio art-making, and much more. Worth your time if you like to rummage and create stuff from other stuff!
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Scrap Exchange
2050 Chapel Hill RdQuality thrifting for art lovers and artists. The Scrap Exchange creative re-use compound in the Lakewood District contains a retail store for thrifted goods, a separate store for items donated for creative reuse, an art gallery, a Design Center to host classes, a Make-N-Take classroom for open studio art-making, and much more. Worth your time if you like to rummage and create stuff from other stuff!
This place has it all, assuming a mall can have it all. It’s a nice mall, with an indoor part and an outdoor part and a movie theater, but a mall is a mall is a mall is a mall. Here, you’ll find big brands like Madewell, Nordstrom, H&M, Belk, Anthropologie, J. Crew, etc. Satellite strip malls orbiting around it play host to brands like World Market, Nordstrom Rack, REI, SuperTarget, etc. Maxxinistas, take note, our Homegoods caught fire recently and will be closed indefinitely. Sniff.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Streets at Southpoint
6910 Fayetteville RoadThis place has it all, assuming a mall can have it all. It’s a nice mall, with an indoor part and an outdoor part and a movie theater, but a mall is a mall is a mall is a mall. Here, you’ll find big brands like Madewell, Nordstrom, H&M, Belk, Anthropologie, J. Crew, etc. Satellite strip malls orbiting around it play host to brands like World Market, Nordstrom Rack, REI, SuperTarget, etc. Maxxinistas, take note, our Homegoods caught fire recently and will be closed indefinitely. Sniff.
Here’s another Raleigh gem, my favorite home furnishings spot in the whole Triangle. Tell high energy, helpful owner Charlotte what kinds of household holes you’re looking to fill, and she will snap into Tasmanian Devil mode and tour you around her large warehouse scouring for options. I never leave empty-handed, and lots of The Sidekick stuff comes from Union Camp. Open Weds-Sat and closed all of July, so she can venture out and bring us new things from afar.
Union Camp Collective
115 Old Williamson RdHere’s another Raleigh gem, my favorite home furnishings spot in the whole Triangle. Tell high energy, helpful owner Charlotte what kinds of household holes you’re looking to fill, and she will snap into Tasmanian Devil mode and tour you around her large warehouse scouring for options. I never leave empty-handed, and lots of The Sidekick stuff comes from Union Camp. Open Weds-Sat and closed all of July, so she can venture out and bring us new things from afar.
Here’s one for you fancy ladies and gents. It’s like shopping in a New York boutique. One time, I walked in, and the shopkeeper mistook me for a Raleigh businesswoman’s personal shopper who she had an appointment with at that same time. So, this is the kind of place you send your personal shopper. Enough said? The owners are so very nice and keep the place stocked with gorgeous threads from high-end brands like Rachel Comey, Apiece Apart, Ace &Jig, Raquel Allergra, etc. I only dare enter during their semi-annual sales, but that's because I'm cheap. Oh la la!
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Vert & Vogue
353 W Main StHere’s one for you fancy ladies and gents. It’s like shopping in a New York boutique. One time, I walked in, and the shopkeeper mistook me for a Raleigh businesswoman’s personal shopper who she had an appointment with at that same time. So, this is the kind of place you send your personal shopper. Enough said? The owners are so very nice and keep the place stocked with gorgeous threads from high-end brands like Rachel Comey, Apiece Apart, Ace &Jig, Raquel Allergra, etc. I only dare enter during their semi-annual sales, but that's because I'm cheap. Oh la la!
Indio
905 W Main StBoho vibe spot for gifts, accessories, and fun small housewares
Arts & Entertainment for Everyone
Carolina Theater is a smallish vintage venue for acts that maybe don’t draw as big a crowd as they used to. There is a theater and a performance stage. In the theater, sometimes they do double-header classic movies and it’s big fun. I had the chance to see Dwight Yoakam in his leather pants in their auditorium recently and I didn’t go. Don’t harbor the same sort of regrets that I do, check out their schedule and go.
104 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Carolina Theatre
309 W Morgan StCarolina Theater is a smallish vintage venue for acts that maybe don’t draw as big a crowd as they used to. There is a theater and a performance stage. In the theater, sometimes they do double-header classic movies and it’s big fun. I had the chance to see Dwight Yoakam in his leather pants in their auditorium recently and I didn’t go. Don’t harbor the same sort of regrets that I do, check out their schedule and go.
I debated whether to put this in the Fun for Everyone or Fun for Adults Only category, but then I remembered that we took our kid to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory here, and we all had fun. So, this gets filed here. DPAC is the region’s premier spot for Broadway productions, large concerts from well-known artists, impossibly expensive Hamilton performances, etc. If you’re not already here for a DPAC visit, check the schedule and see if there’s anything you’re into.
244 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
DPAC - Sentro ng mga Sining sa Pagtatanghal sa Durham
123 Vivian StreetI debated whether to put this in the Fun for Everyone or Fun for Adults Only category, but then I remembered that we took our kid to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory here, and we all had fun. So, this gets filed here. DPAC is the region’s premier spot for Broadway productions, large concerts from well-known artists, impossibly expensive Hamilton performances, etc. If you’re not already here for a DPAC visit, check the schedule and see if there’s anything you’re into.
A former tobacco industry brick and timber factory, Golden Belt Campus transforms a piece of Durham's industrial past into a vital hub for artists, working stiffs and loft livers. Golden Belt combines a vibrant local arts community with fun dining and drinking venues. Explore art gallery shows during the citywide Third Fridays Art Walk, enjoy a beer and games at Hi-Wire Brewing's first Durham outpost, or check out free live music during summertime at the outdoor stage. Fun fact: Your host Justin was in charge of the rehabilitation of this historic structure and it’s the reason we moved here.
Golden Belt
A former tobacco industry brick and timber factory, Golden Belt Campus transforms a piece of Durham's industrial past into a vital hub for artists, working stiffs and loft livers. Golden Belt combines a vibrant local arts community with fun dining and drinking venues. Explore art gallery shows during the citywide Third Fridays Art Walk, enjoy a beer and games at Hi-Wire Brewing's first Durham outpost, or check out free live music during summertime at the outdoor stage. Fun fact: Your host Justin was in charge of the rehabilitation of this historic structure and it’s the reason we moved here.
Here you’ll find contemporary art with a focus on works by artists of underrepresented backgrounds, with a particular focus on artists of African descent. Other strengths in the collection include European medieval art, European and American paintings, Outsider art, classical antiquities, African art and ancient American art. Check out the website for free Family Days, performing arts and lectures. Good stuff. Beautiful building. We always learn something new here.
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Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
2001 Campus DrHere you’ll find contemporary art with a focus on works by artists of underrepresented backgrounds, with a particular focus on artists of African descent. Other strengths in the collection include European medieval art, European and American paintings, Outsider art, classical antiquities, African art and ancient American art. Check out the website for free Family Days, performing arts and lectures. Good stuff. Beautiful building. We always learn something new here.
The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh serves the people of North Carolina and all visitors as a top destination for compelling encounters with art, inside and out. A stunning permanent collection, and high-profile traveling exhibitions come through here. The sculpture garden is vast and modern. If you are lucky enough to be here in summer, their summer music series is contemporary, bustling, and the setting is gorgeous. Bring a picnic. If you plan to imbibe, buy your alcohol there, they don’t let you haul it in.
437 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge RdThe North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh serves the people of North Carolina and all visitors as a top destination for compelling encounters with art, inside and out. A stunning permanent collection, and high-profile traveling exhibitions come through here. The sculpture garden is vast and modern. If you are lucky enough to be here in summer, their summer music series is contemporary, bustling, and the setting is gorgeous. Bring a picnic. If you plan to imbibe, buy your alcohol there, they don’t let you haul it in.
Outdoor
Are you feeling sporty? Did you bring a bike? How about your own two feet and some sneaks? A HORSE? Any way you ride it, so long as you don’t have a motor on you, you’ll be doing it up right on the American Tobacco Trail. This popular 22-mile Rails-to-Trails project runs along an abandoned railroad bed originally built for the American Tobacco Company in the 1970s. The route crosses through the City of Durham, Durham County, Chatham County, and Wake County. The ATT is part of the East Coast Greenway and is open to pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians (in non-urban sections) and other non-motorized users. A map of the trail is included in this guide, and how you access it from here is highlighted. We are about a ¼ mile from a trailhead that eventually leads to the ATT. Also useful for getting around our trail system is the free All Trails app, which you can get for free in your app store.
106 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
American Tobacco Trail
7616 Fayetteville RdAre you feeling sporty? Did you bring a bike? How about your own two feet and some sneaks? A HORSE? Any way you ride it, so long as you don’t have a motor on you, you’ll be doing it up right on the American Tobacco Trail. This popular 22-mile Rails-to-Trails project runs along an abandoned railroad bed originally built for the American Tobacco Company in the 1970s. The route crosses through the City of Durham, Durham County, Chatham County, and Wake County. The ATT is part of the East Coast Greenway and is open to pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians (in non-urban sections) and other non-motorized users. A map of the trail is included in this guide, and how you access it from here is highlighted. We are about a ¼ mile from a trailhead that eventually leads to the ATT. Also useful for getting around our trail system is the free All Trails app, which you can get for free in your app store.
Open in temperate seasons on Saturdays from 8:00-Noon, and 10:00-Noon in winter, this is the spot to go get your fresh produce, gourmet prepared foods, local crafts, pretty flowers, and a glimpse of how Durhamites start their weekend. Sometimes there’s live music, mostly of the folk persuasion. A market basket is provided in The Sidekick for you to borrow. It was my book bag when I was in fourth grade.
106 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Durham Farmers' Market
501 Foster StOpen in temperate seasons on Saturdays from 8:00-Noon, and 10:00-Noon in winter, this is the spot to go get your fresh produce, gourmet prepared foods, local crafts, pretty flowers, and a glimpse of how Durhamites start their weekend. Sometimes there’s live music, mostly of the folk persuasion. A market basket is provided in The Sidekick for you to borrow. It was my book bag when I was in fourth grade.
How comfortable are you with historic gristmills and outbuildings surrounded by acres of lush green parks and trails, aside a meandering river? You good with that? Then you’ll like the Eno River State Park. A great spot for hiking and nature photography. Our favorite not-so-secret-anymore Eno trail is approximately 2 miles long and ends at the Eno Quarry, a good old fashioned swimming hole. Find instructions on how to access it here: www.enotrails.com/quarry-trail
In summer, and especially on hot summer weekends, you will find many people sunning themselves, swimming, and jumping off cliffs into the water. Swim at your own risk, the patrolling rangers would really prefer that you don’t, it seems like every season someone gets badly hurt or even dies jumping off rocks. It’s very sad. But if you can go and swim without behaving like a knucklehead with a death wish, it’s perfectly legal, free and fun!
13 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill RoadHow comfortable are you with historic gristmills and outbuildings surrounded by acres of lush green parks and trails, aside a meandering river? You good with that? Then you’ll like the Eno River State Park. A great spot for hiking and nature photography. Our favorite not-so-secret-anymore Eno trail is approximately 2 miles long and ends at the Eno Quarry, a good old fashioned swimming hole. Find instructions on how to access it here: www.enotrails.com/quarry-trail
In summer, and especially on hot summer weekends, you will find many people sunning themselves, swimming, and jumping off cliffs into the water. Swim at your own risk, the patrolling rangers would really prefer that you don’t, it seems like every season someone gets badly hurt or even dies jumping off rocks. It’s very sad. But if you can go and swim without behaving like a knucklehead with a death wish, it’s perfectly legal, free and fun!
A 20 minute drive north to Hillsborough will lead you to the former Occoneechee Speedway, the first-ever and only remaining NASCAR dirt track from the inaugural 1949 racing season. The original mile-long dirt track is still there, and is dotted with rusted-out racecars from the era. It is now a historic site and public park frequented by dog walkers, joggers, picnickers, etc. Other local trails meet up to the speedway, as does the Eno River. A trip to the quaint town of Hillsborough, along with a quick hike around Occoneechee Speedway is one of my favorite ways to spend a day.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trailhead
320 Elizabeth Brady RdA 20 minute drive north to Hillsborough will lead you to the former Occoneechee Speedway, the first-ever and only remaining NASCAR dirt track from the inaugural 1949 racing season. The original mile-long dirt track is still there, and is dotted with rusted-out racecars from the era. It is now a historic site and public park frequented by dog walkers, joggers, picnickers, etc. Other local trails meet up to the speedway, as does the Eno River. A trip to the quaint town of Hillsborough, along with a quick hike around Occoneechee Speedway is one of my favorite ways to spend a day.
Do you like plants as much as we do? How about giant koi ponds? Exquisite and rare specimen plants? Wide-open manicured parkland for the kids to run around or to toss a frisbee? Plant nerds, rejoice! You will find your people here. A dizzying display of blossoms and blooms – open year round – and free to the public. All you need is a few bucks to pay for the onsite parking. We could spend many a spring, summer or fall day ambling around smelling the roses here.
378 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mga Hardin ni Sarah P. Duke
420 Anderson StDo you like plants as much as we do? How about giant koi ponds? Exquisite and rare specimen plants? Wide-open manicured parkland for the kids to run around or to toss a frisbee? Plant nerds, rejoice! You will find your people here. A dizzying display of blossoms and blooms – open year round – and free to the public. All you need is a few bucks to pay for the onsite parking. We could spend many a spring, summer or fall day ambling around smelling the roses here.
I have heard this place is fun for adults and kids alike. Just not my adults and kids. It has ziplines and ropes courses, climbing walls, etc. I hope you have good upper body strength if you’re doing the treetop stuff. Stay hydrated. Let me know how it goes.
61 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure
533 Carvers Falls RdI have heard this place is fun for adults and kids alike. Just not my adults and kids. It has ziplines and ropes courses, climbing walls, etc. I hope you have good upper body strength if you’re doing the treetop stuff. Stay hydrated. Let me know how it goes.
Sports Viewing
I was a little too young to be allowed to watch the famously steamy Tim Robbins/Susan Sarandon movie Bull Durham when it came out, but maybe it’s time to put it on the watch list. Check out the team that put minor league ball on the map back in the 80s. I hope they got some new players since then, otherwise the game will be slow…or conversely…over real quick. The newish Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DPAB) is a world-class stadium for Minor League ball. Cheap, easy to get to, and fun for everyone. Check the schedule to see when they’re doing fireworks. Bonus!
220 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
409 Blackwell StI was a little too young to be allowed to watch the famously steamy Tim Robbins/Susan Sarandon movie Bull Durham when it came out, but maybe it’s time to put it on the watch list. Check out the team that put minor league ball on the map back in the 80s. I hope they got some new players since then, otherwise the game will be slow…or conversely…over real quick. The newish Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DPAB) is a world-class stadium for Minor League ball. Cheap, easy to get to, and fun for everyone. Check the schedule to see when they’re doing fireworks. Bonus!
NHL hockey? In the South? Yes, that’s right, Raleigh has its own team and has since 1997 (they used to be the Harford Whalers). They even won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Can you tell I’m just pulling facts from their website? I’ve never been to a game, but my family has, and the fellas around this house are fans of the ‘Canes.
108 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
PNC Arena
1400 Edwards Mill RdNHL hockey? In the South? Yes, that’s right, Raleigh has its own team and has since 1997 (they used to be the Harford Whalers). They even won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Can you tell I’m just pulling facts from their website? I’ve never been to a game, but my family has, and the fellas around this house are fans of the ‘Canes.
Sightseeing
About a half hour away, in Pittsboro, is a unique rescue facility for exotic cats. They take in tigers and other big cats from around the country - from individuals who have come to realize they don’t make great pets (!)), failed zoos, circuses, etc. Education is a big part of their mission, so you can tours the facilities for a small fee. Get your tickets in advance and check out the good work they do.
23 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Carolina Tiger Rescue
1940 Hanks Chapel RdAbout a half hour away, in Pittsboro, is a unique rescue facility for exotic cats. They take in tigers and other big cats from around the country - from individuals who have come to realize they don’t make great pets (!)), failed zoos, circuses, etc. Education is a big part of their mission, so you can tours the facilities for a small fee. Get your tickets in advance and check out the good work they do.
Founded in 1966, the Duke Lemur Center is an internationally acclaimed non-invasive research facility housing over 200 lemurs across 14 species – the most diverse population of lemurs on Earth, outside their native Madagascar. Right here! In Durham! Just think, only a few miles away, hundreds of lemurs are awaiting your arrival. Don’t let them down!
61 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Duke Lemur Center
3705 Erwin RdFounded in 1966, the Duke Lemur Center is an internationally acclaimed non-invasive research facility housing over 200 lemurs across 14 species – the most diverse population of lemurs on Earth, outside their native Madagascar. Right here! In Durham! Just think, only a few miles away, hundreds of lemurs are awaiting your arrival. Don’t let them down!