Discover Durham
ABOUT DURHAM
Durham, NC is a city that offers a rich and diverse community, with a booming economy and rapid growth. With its thriving startup scene, top-rated universities, and a world-renowned research hub, Durham is a magnet for innovation and talent. The city is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, and a wide range of dining and shopping options. Living in Durham means being part of a community that values inclusivity, sustainability, and quality of life. Whether you’re a young professional, a family with kids, or a retiree looking for a vibrant and affordable city to call home, Durham has something to offer everyone.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Durham is known as “Bull City” due to its history as a major tobacco manufacturing center. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Bull Durham Tobacco Company was one of the largest producers of smoking tobacco in the world, and it was headquartered in Durham. The company’s logo featured a bull, and the brand became so popular that the city itself began to be associated with the bull image. Today, the Bull Durham name and logo can still be seen around the city on everything from street signs to the Durham Bulls baseball team, which is named after the famous tobacco brand. With that, here are some of the top attractions and activities in the area:
- Durham Bulls Athletic Park: Home to the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team, this ballpark is a fun place to catch a game and enjoy local food and drink.
- American Tobacco Campus: This mixed-use development features restaurants, shops, entertainment, and even a man-made river. It’s a great place to stroll around and take in the views.
- Duke University and Duke Chapel: This historic and prestigious university is a centerpiece of the city and offers stunning architecture and gardens. Duke Chapel is a must-see for its Neo-Gothic architecture and breathtaking stained glass windows.
- Durham Performing Arts Center: A state-of-the-art theater that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and more.
- Eno River State Park: A beautiful and serene natural area that’s perfect for hiking, camping, picnicking, and fishing.
- Nasher Museum of Art: A world-class art museum located on the Duke University campus that features contemporary, modern, and classical art from around the world.
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens: This 55-acre public garden is located on the Duke University campus and features a stunning collection of plants and flowers.
- The Museum of Life and Science: A family-friendly interactive museum that features exhibits on science, nature, and technology.
FOOD & CULTURE
Mateo Bar de Tapas is a Spanish-style tapas bar with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, while Pizzeria Toro offers wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings. For a trendy upscale experience, The Durham serves Southern cuisine and has a rooftop bar with great views. Dames Chicken & Waffles is a Southern comfort food spot known for its crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. In terms of bars, The Durham Hotel has a chic rooftop bar with panoramic city views, while Bar Virgile offers classic cocktails with a seasonal twist. The Accordion Club is a quirky, intimate bar that features live music and craft cocktails, and Fullsteam Brewery is a local brewery that specializes in Southern-inspired beers. For art lovers, 21c Museum Hotel is a contemporary art museum and boutique hotel, while The Carrack Modern Art is a non-profit art gallery showcasing emerging and established artists. The American Tobacco Historic District is a restored tobacco factory with offices, restaurants, and art spaces, and the Nasher Museum of Art on the Duke University campus features contemporary, modern, and classical art from around the world. The Durham Arts Council is a community arts center offering classes, workshops, and exhibitions in various media.
As you can see, Durham has a vibrant food and drink scene with many top-rated restaurants and bars to choose from and top of our list of places to live and explore in the triangle!