Much has changed since Durham’s incorporation in 1869. Some twenty years earlier Bartlett Leonidas Durham donated four of his 100 acres for a railroad track right-of-way and depot. Durham Station was the primary stop for Union officers during surrender negotiations at James Bennett’s farmhouse (1865), a must stop for Civil Rights and history buffs alike.
Durham was neutral ground during the truce and soldiers from both armies fraternized, acquiring a taste for Brightleaf tobacco. Bull Durham Smoking Tobacco became a household name and its bull, an icon. The American Tobacco Campus holds its early tobacco architecture still intact and the Durham Bulls stadium is a part of its footprint.
Today Durham is more known for tech than tobacco and a burgeoning food scene that has it winning accolades. The gardens of Sarah P. Duke are notable for garden enthusiasts with 55-acres of landscaped woods in the heart of Duke University.
Downtown Durham is especially walkable and be rewarded with some breathtaking murals. “Swarm” can be found on the side of the Burt’s Bees Headquarters (and Burt Shavitz’s Cabin has been relocated here from Maine). Also peek through the courtyard gates in Alley 26 to see the two-story tall bull captured in Victor Knight’s “Grab Life By The Horns” mural. This and much more can make Durham a really satisfying trip. Lots of ideas are at discoverdurham.com.
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke Campus
Opened in 2005, the Nasher Museum is dedicated to presenting contemporary art with preference to those historically unrepresented. The 65,000ft space designed by Rafael Viñoly boasts revolving collections that travel globally, while the permanent collection includes medieval art, pre-Columbian American works, classical pieces and a continually growing list of modern and contemporary works.
2001 Campus Dr. | 919.684.5135
nasher.duke.edu
Letters Bookshop
Veteran Triangle bookseller, Land Arnold, opened this independently-owned bookstore in the heart of downtown Durham in 2013. Special-izing in carefully curated used books, Letters also features a selection of new children’s books and hardcover titles, the latter always 20% off.
313 W. Main St. | 919.973.2573
lettersbookshop.com
Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
This forward-thinking, backward-tasting brewery and taproom boasts fun brews with memorable names such as the farmhouse ale: Don’t Be Mean To People. When the weather
is fine reserve a grill and while away an afternoon in the beer garden.
219 Hood St. | 844. 369. 7669
ponysaurusbrewing.com
Pleiades Gallery
A fine art gallery owned and operated by local artists, Pleiades (pronounced plee-uh-dees) is a community-focused artist-driven organization that celebrates the rich, diverse cultural energy of Durham.
109 E. Chapel Hill St. | 919.797.2706
pleiadesartdurham.com
Morgan Imports
Celebrating its own birthday milestone, a half century no less, get lost unearthing the delights that this locally-owned independent retailer. Specializing in unique gifts made by local vendors to include homewares, kitchen wares and furniture, prepare to spend a while in this former laundry in the Brightleaf District.
113 S. Gregson St. | 919.688.1150
morganimports.com
Everyday Magic
A crystal haven and mineral experience all rolled into one, Everyday Magic is in a new bright first-story space. Peruse intentionally made goods from around the world, including jewelry, candles and take a workshop with owner and Instagram sensation, Bakara Witner.
119 W. Main St. Suite 200 | 919.908.7675
shopeverydaymagic.com
Durham Distillery
Named the #1 Craft Gin distillery in the nation by USA Today, co-founders Melissa and Lee Katrincic hung up their lab coats to follow their distillery passion. Taste the award-winning Conniption Navy Strength Gin, cold-distilled Cucumber Vodka and the Damn Fine Liqueur series. Bottles available for sale are not currently available in SC.
711 Washington St. | 919.937.2121
durhamdistillery.com
Vert & Vogue
Parisian native Nadira Hurley
moved to Durham to open the award-winning boutique in 2008. Stocking mindfully-made contemporary designs, Francophile influences abound. Be sure to ask Nadira and Ryan how they met (and how he wooed her).
353 W. Main St. | 919.797.2767
vertandvogue.com
Where to eat (and retreat) in Durham, NC
The Durham Hotel
This 53-room boutique hotel in a former bank oozes mid-century modern charm, right through to its iconic signage and curated retro design. thedurham.com
Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter
Taking its name from its predecessor, the 1960s Jack tar Motor Lodge, Jack Tar Diner as the locals refer to it, is a modern take on an American classic. jacktar-durham.com
M Kokko
Hidden behind older sibling, M Sushi, this cozy quick-service chicken-centric Korean restaurant offers a mere twenty seats and a half dozen menu items, all worthy of devouring. m-restaurants.com/m-kokko
Parlour
With seasonal flavors such as salted butter caramel and honey lavender (vegan options too), the handmade ice cream from Parlour is a must, no matter the weather. theparlour.co
Cocoa Cinnamon
From humble coffee cart beginnings to three bricks and mortars, this coffee, chocolate, spice and tea lounge is no chain just a favorite with the locals. Grab some beans to go. cocoacinnamon.com
Kingfisher
The husband and wife team-led craft cocktail bar sources seasonal produce from North Carolina farms for their signature libations and small plates served in/on custom made ceramics. kingfisherdurham.com
by Veda Gilbert and Stephanie Burnette / illustration by Tatjana Mai-Wyss
