Guidebook for Durham
Food Scene
Our go-to place for Italian. Nothing fancy but great red sauce. Try the Cheese Steak Special or Spaghetti with Red Clam sauce. Reasonable prices, free parking and take out is easy, too. $-$$
Italian Pizzeria
3823 Guess RdOur go-to place for Italian. Nothing fancy but great red sauce. Try the Cheese Steak Special or Spaghetti with Red Clam sauce. Reasonable prices, free parking and take out is easy, too. $-$$
The best hush puppies in NC and the freshest seafood, too. You can't go wrong with any of their specials (of course the calamari is delicious!). Busy on weekends but worth standing in line. $$
10 locals recommend
Squid's Restaurant
1201 Fordham BlvdThe best hush puppies in NC and the freshest seafood, too. You can't go wrong with any of their specials (of course the calamari is delicious!). Busy on weekends but worth standing in line. $$
Durham's nod to Martha Stewart and her protege Sara Foster; excellent place to hang out for gourmet food, coffee, baked goods (excellent). Funky furniture and eclectic crowd. Take out or dine in. $$
93 locals recommend
Foster's Market
2694 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdDurham's nod to Martha Stewart and her protege Sara Foster; excellent place to hang out for gourmet food, coffee, baked goods (excellent). Funky furniture and eclectic crowd. Take out or dine in. $$
Love this place -- fabulous baked goods and the restaurant has evolved to become a great place for breakfast or lunch (dinner too, I think). Wonderful outdoor dining. Nice decor and a friendly feel. $-$$
128 locals recommend
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
2706 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdLove this place -- fabulous baked goods and the restaurant has evolved to become a great place for breakfast or lunch (dinner too, I think). Wonderful outdoor dining. Nice decor and a friendly feel. $-$$
This IS Durham. Eastern NC BBQ (vinegar based) topped with cole slaw and a side order of Brunswick stew - the BEST. Closed Sun/Mon and open only til 8:30. Try family style for the fried chicken!
14 locals recommend
Bullock's Bar-B-Cue
3330 Quebec DrThis IS Durham. Eastern NC BBQ (vinegar based) topped with cole slaw and a side order of Brunswick stew - the BEST. Closed Sun/Mon and open only til 8:30. Try family style for the fried chicken!
Once only a bakery, now a great place for lunch or weekend brunch plus those great cookies and CAKES to die for. I love the fried goat cheese salad and eclairs. Free WiFi so lots of Duke students here $$
25 locals recommend
Mad Hatter Cafe + Bakeshop
1802 W Main StOnce only a bakery, now a great place for lunch or weekend brunch plus those great cookies and CAKES to die for. I love the fried goat cheese salad and eclairs. Free WiFi so lots of Duke students here $$
A Durham institution (don't forget to look up at the fancy ceiling). White tablecloths and excellent food, but a bit pricey. Good for lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$
9 locals recommend
Parizade
2200 W Main StA Durham institution (don't forget to look up at the fancy ceiling). White tablecloths and excellent food, but a bit pricey. Good for lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$
Mexican restaurants are everywhere but we still like to go back to Torero's. Used to be a branch on Guess Rd but it was sold to other owners. The 15-501 location is the original. $$
Fiesta Ole Mexican Restaurant
4600 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdMexican restaurants are everywhere but we still like to go back to Torero's. Used to be a branch on Guess Rd but it was sold to other owners. The 15-501 location is the original. $$
Fast food but better quality. Hamburgers are hand pressed and meaty. Dozens of flavors of shakes and they also sell decent BBQ. Drive through on either side of the black and white building. Good grilled chicken sandwiches, too.
8 locals recommend
Cook Out
3624 Hillsborough RdFast food but better quality. Hamburgers are hand pressed and meaty. Dozens of flavors of shakes and they also sell decent BBQ. Drive through on either side of the black and white building. Good grilled chicken sandwiches, too.
If you want to splurge on calories at breakfast, Bob Evans is the place to do it. Comfort food, reasonable prices and the place is pretty clean, too. Lunch and dinner not bad either. $-$$
Bob Evans
5419 Durham-Chapel Hill BlvdIf you want to splurge on calories at breakfast, Bob Evans is the place to do it. Comfort food, reasonable prices and the place is pretty clean, too. Lunch and dinner not bad either. $-$$
OMG... why did Krispy Kreme open just 10 minutes from the house? The HOT sign is on twice a day. 6 am - 11 am and then late afternoon. Nothing better with cold milk or hot coffee. Deadly! $
8 locals recommend
Krispy Kreme
11721 Retail DrOMG... why did Krispy Kreme open just 10 minutes from the house? The HOT sign is on twice a day. 6 am - 11 am and then late afternoon. Nothing better with cold milk or hot coffee. Deadly! $
We have been eating here since Day One and still love it. The owner/chef comes out to chat and the food is terrific - a mixture of Italian and other flavors. Small outdoor eating space. Delicious!
7 locals recommend
Melo Trattoria & Tapas
1821 Hillandale RdWe have been eating here since Day One and still love it. The owner/chef comes out to chat and the food is terrific - a mixture of Italian and other flavors. Small outdoor eating space. Delicious!
A bit pricey, but when you want Mediterranean, it's a great place to eat. The calamari is good and the baklava is super according to Victor. Lunch and dinner and it's always busy. $$$
7 locals recommend
Bleu Olive
1821 Hillandale RdA bit pricey, but when you want Mediterranean, it's a great place to eat. The calamari is good and the baklava is super according to Victor. Lunch and dinner and it's always busy. $$$
If you've never experienced Dame's try to get a reservation (it's THAT busy) and get ready for schmears and waffles that are out of this world. Tiny place downtown Durham. Park on the street.
68 locals recommend
Dame's Chicken & Waffles
530 Foster StIf you've never experienced Dame's try to get a reservation (it's THAT busy) and get ready for schmears and waffles that are out of this world. Tiny place downtown Durham. Park on the street.
Where the locals go - THE place for fresh fried flounder. Try it with sweet potato fries. Daily specials. Dining open til 9 except Sunday. Comfort food served w/ a Southern flair. $$
Bennett Pointe Grill
4625 Hillsborough RdWhere the locals go - THE place for fresh fried flounder. Try it with sweet potato fries. Daily specials. Dining open til 9 except Sunday. Comfort food served w/ a Southern flair. $$
I'm not a coffee drinker but YOU might be craving a latte. This is the closest Starbucks to GardenSpirit. Drive through or drink in!
11 locals recommend
Starbucks
9441 Strickland RdI'm not a coffee drinker but YOU might be craving a latte. This is the closest Starbucks to GardenSpirit. Drive through or drink in!
The Fairview Dining room at the Washington Duke Inn is four diamond, white tablecloth territory. Weekend breakfast buffet is popular, even if you're not a hotel guest. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$
Fairview Dining Room
3001 Cameron BlvdThe Fairview Dining room at the Washington Duke Inn is four diamond, white tablecloth territory. Weekend breakfast buffet is popular, even if you're not a hotel guest. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$
Always highly rated, Toast is known for its sandwiches and soups. Always a line at lunchtime and worth the wait. Parking downtown can be a challenge, but be tenacious!
49 locals recommend
Toast
345 W Main StAlways highly rated, Toast is known for its sandwiches and soups. Always a line at lunchtime and worth the wait. Parking downtown can be a challenge, but be tenacious!
If you want steak, go to Angus Barn. Huge portions, fabulous service, cavernous building (hey, it's a barn!). Reservations recommended but you might sneak in without them. Renowned wine cellar.
72 locals recommend
Angus Barn
9401 Glenwood AveIf you want steak, go to Angus Barn. Huge portions, fabulous service, cavernous building (hey, it's a barn!). Reservations recommended but you might sneak in without them. Renowned wine cellar.
One phrase: shrimp-and-grits - they invented them! It's a Chapel Hill tradition. Reservations suggested. $$-$$$
29 locals recommend
Crook's Corner
610 W Franklin StOne phrase: shrimp-and-grits - they invented them! It's a Chapel Hill tradition. Reservations suggested. $$-$$$
Mojito popsicles? Vegan chocolate brownie popsicles? Yep and a bunch more. Some regulars like Mango Chile and special guests like Lemon Curd and S'mores. Yummy and only 10 min. drive.
29 locals recommend
LocoPops
2618 Hillsborough RdMojito popsicles? Vegan chocolate brownie popsicles? Yep and a bunch more. Some regulars like Mango Chile and special guests like Lemon Curd and S'mores. Yummy and only 10 min. drive.
Inexpensive place not just for Japanese but Vietnamese, too. Their Pho is pretty tasty. Don't be put off by the exterior - it's a remodel of an old pizza place. Sushi is highly rated.
Koumi Japanese Restaurant
3550 N Roxboro StInexpensive place not just for Japanese but Vietnamese, too. Their Pho is pretty tasty. Don't be put off by the exterior - it's a remodel of an old pizza place. Sushi is highly rated.
If you absolutely must have French Onion soup in a bread bowl or a crisp salad you know Panera will deliver. New-ish location for this restaurant chain and the usual suspects are on the menu. $-$$
6 locals recommend
Panera Bread
737 9th StIf you absolutely must have French Onion soup in a bread bowl or a crisp salad you know Panera will deliver. New-ish location for this restaurant chain and the usual suspects are on the menu. $-$$
"Best tapas in the US" by celebrity chefs, Mateo is not only a great place for food, but a late night hangout, too. Downtown Durham is the place to be late night!
103 locals recommend
Mateo Bar de Tapas
109 W Chapel Hill St"Best tapas in the US" by celebrity chefs, Mateo is not only a great place for food, but a late night hangout, too. Downtown Durham is the place to be late night!
Wow...you've never had Mexican like this! Conjured by a James Beard chef, this place is busy all the time. Order in line, then wait at your table for delivery. Try everything - always changing menu. Try NanaSteak, too $$
67 locals recommend
NUVOTACO
2512 University DrWow...you've never had Mexican like this! Conjured by a James Beard chef, this place is busy all the time. Order in line, then wait at your table for delivery. Try everything - always changing menu. Try NanaSteak, too $$
Great barbeque but honestly, try the nachos - HUGE plate of chips, beans and barbeque - best I've ever had. Serves a big table of people (don't order it and expect to eat a full meal, too). The mac and cheese is excellent too. Use valet parking $$-$$$
48 locals recommend
The Pit Durham
321 W Geer StGreat barbeque but honestly, try the nachos - HUGE plate of chips, beans and barbeque - best I've ever had. Serves a big table of people (don't order it and expect to eat a full meal, too). The mac and cheese is excellent too. Use valet parking $$-$$$
Shopping
Chapel Hill is HQ for this fast growing gourmet store with a zillion coffees and teas, fabulous (expensive) hot bar and pastries plus cookware, gifts, wine, cards. Semi annual sale is great.
24 locals recommend
A Southern Season
1125 Jay LaneChapel Hill is HQ for this fast growing gourmet store with a zillion coffees and teas, fabulous (expensive) hot bar and pastries plus cookware, gifts, wine, cards. Semi annual sale is great.
You never know what you'll find here - jewelry, women's clothing, funky accessories - great fun, tiny shop (now with a branch at South Point Mall, too).
14 locals recommend
Vaguely Reminiscent
728 9th StYou never know what you'll find here - jewelry, women's clothing, funky accessories - great fun, tiny shop (now with a branch at South Point Mall, too).
Once a feed store, now Barnes caters to upscale pets (dogs, cats, etc) as well as chickens and other livestock. A fun place to visit when you're on 9th street - still has that feed store ambiance. Don't miss the annex with bird seed and feeders!
Barnes Supply Co.
774 9th StOnce a feed store, now Barnes caters to upscale pets (dogs, cats, etc) as well as chickens and other livestock. A fun place to visit when you're on 9th street - still has that feed store ambiance. Don't miss the annex with bird seed and feeders!
Part of Durham's independent bookstore culture since 1976. Even in the era of Amazon and big box stores, the Regulator maintains a loyal following and stocks local authors as well as blockbusters. Check their collection of wonderful gifts. And ask for help -- these people know EVERYTHING about books!
21 locals recommend
The Regulator Bookshop
720 9th StPart of Durham's independent bookstore culture since 1976. Even in the era of Amazon and big box stores, the Regulator maintains a loyal following and stocks local authors as well as blockbusters. Check their collection of wonderful gifts. And ask for help -- these people know EVERYTHING about books!
The closest mall to the house, but pretty standard fair. Many of the shops have teleported to South Point Mall in southern Durham County. There is a decent multiplex cinema here which shows first run movies and there is still a Macy's and Sears.
12 locals recommend
Northgate Mall
1058 W Club BlvdThe closest mall to the house, but pretty standard fair. Many of the shops have teleported to South Point Mall in southern Durham County. There is a decent multiplex cinema here which shows first run movies and there is still a Macy's and Sears.
Durham's major mall after South Square was demolished to become Sam's Club and Target. Typical mall stores from Chico's to Abercrombie and Fitch. This is the ONLY Nordstrom store in the Triangle, though. The anchor stores are JC Penney, Macy's, Belk and Nordstrom. Decent food court and huge cinema. Crate and Barrel lives here, too plus Maggiano;s restaurant and many other chain foodie places.
147 locals recommend
The Streets at Southpoint
Durham's major mall after South Square was demolished to become Sam's Club and Target. Typical mall stores from Chico's to Abercrombie and Fitch. This is the ONLY Nordstrom store in the Triangle, though. The anchor stores are JC Penney, Macy's, Belk and Nordstrom. Decent food court and huge cinema. Crate and Barrel lives here, too plus Maggiano;s restaurant and many other chain foodie places.
Essentials
I can't survive a week without a Costco visit. If you don't have a card, we'll loan you ours. Good prices on gas, groceries, and everything else under the sun.
10 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
1510 N Pointe DrI can't survive a week without a Costco visit. If you don't have a card, we'll loan you ours. Good prices on gas, groceries, and everything else under the sun.
Of course it's expensive, but it has a lot of the organic stuff you can't find anywhere else. Good cafe, too.
199 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
621 Broad StOf course it's expensive, but it has a lot of the organic stuff you can't find anywhere else. Good cafe, too.
Our favorite grocery store with good selection of produce, wine, meats and the rest of the grocery array. Prices can be high but can't beat specials and friendly staff. Wed. is senior discount day.
73 locals recommend
Harris Teeter
2107 Hillsborough RdOur favorite grocery store with good selection of produce, wine, meats and the rest of the grocery array. Prices can be high but can't beat specials and friendly staff. Wed. is senior discount day.
If you need medical care between 8 am and 8 pm this Urgent Care is only 10 minutes away. Brand new, compassionate care and Duke docs. Recommended.
Duke Urgent Care Croasdaile
1821 Hillandale RdIf you need medical care between 8 am and 8 pm this Urgent Care is only 10 minutes away. Brand new, compassionate care and Duke docs. Recommended.
Our go to place for groceries - located on Horton Road, it's only a short drive from the house. Prices are a bit high, but selection is good and service is the BEST
73 locals recommend
Harris Teeter
2107 Hillsborough RdOur go to place for groceries - located on Horton Road, it's only a short drive from the house. Prices are a bit high, but selection is good and service is the BEST
Hey, it's a Trader Joe's - not huge, but always wholesome, organic and friendly. Need something special? They'll probably have it.
48 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1800 E Franklin StHey, it's a Trader Joe's - not huge, but always wholesome, organic and friendly. Need something special? They'll probably have it.
Sightseeing
There is always something in bloom at Duke Gardens. A relaxing place to stroll. Don't miss the Japanese gardens and water features. Duke students hang here in the spring and summer. Weddings all year!
378 locals recommend
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
420 Anderson StThere is always something in bloom at Duke Gardens. A relaxing place to stroll. Don't miss the Japanese gardens and water features. Duke students hang here in the spring and summer. Weddings all year!
This historic mansion dates back to the early days of Hillsborough - 1815. Popular for weddings; tours are excellent. Open from 9 am to 5 pm - later in the spring and summer. A nice afternoon.
22 locals recommend
Ayr Mount
376 Saint Marys RoadThis historic mansion dates back to the early days of Hillsborough - 1815. Popular for weddings; tours are excellent. Open from 9 am to 5 pm - later in the spring and summer. A nice afternoon.
Not much to look at, this historic site marks the surrender of the southern states (Carolinas, Georgia and Florida) ending the Civil War. Breathe in the history. A short jaunt.
26 locals recommend
Bennett Place
4409 Bennett Memorial RdNot much to look at, this historic site marks the surrender of the southern states (Carolinas, Georgia and Florida) ending the Civil War. Breathe in the history. A short jaunt.
The Duke family had humble beginnings and this homestead proves it. Bright leaf tobacco changed everything for Durham and the Dukes (and others) prospered mightily. Reenactment weekends are the best.
10 locals recommend
Duke Homestead
2828 Duke Homestead RdThe Duke family had humble beginnings and this homestead proves it. Bright leaf tobacco changed everything for Durham and the Dukes (and others) prospered mightily. Reenactment weekends are the best.
This is where the 1988 movie 'Bull Durham" was filmed with baseball rookie Tim Robbins, vamp Susan Sarandon and frustrated manager Kevin Costner. Until the late 1990s this park is where the Bulls played. Now used as a training lab for minor league baseball. The bright orange and blue are the honest to gosh colors of the Bulls!
11 locals recommend
Durham Craft Market
This is where the 1988 movie 'Bull Durham" was filmed with baseball rookie Tim Robbins, vamp Susan Sarandon and frustrated manager Kevin Costner. Until the late 1990s this park is where the Bulls played. Now used as a training lab for minor league baseball. The bright orange and blue are the honest to gosh colors of the Bulls!
Arts & Culture
THE shining centerpiece of Durham's performing arts. Spanking new, not a bad seat in the place. Top notch entertainment ranging from "WIcked" to Jeff Foxworthy. Check the DPAC website for current listings. http://www.dpacnc.com/
244 locals recommend
DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian StreetTHE shining centerpiece of Durham's performing arts. Spanking new, not a bad seat in the place. Top notch entertainment ranging from "WIcked" to Jeff Foxworthy. Check the DPAC website for current listings. http://www.dpacnc.com/
A terrific afternoon for kids. Lots of hands-on exhibits and the Butterfly Pavillion is enchanting. The little flutterbys land on your shoulder! Entertaining for adults, too. Don't miss the rockets and the nearly life-size dinosaurs. A ride on the mini train is always fun, especially going through the tunnel.
203 locals recommend
Museum of Life + Science
433 W Murray AveA terrific afternoon for kids. Lots of hands-on exhibits and the Butterfly Pavillion is enchanting. The little flutterbys land on your shoulder! Entertaining for adults, too. Don't miss the rockets and the nearly life-size dinosaurs. A ride on the mini train is always fun, especially going through the tunnel.
As art museums go, this is a modest collection, but worth a trip, depending on the traveling exhibits. Easy access from the highway makes it a quick trip from GSGH.
437 locals recommend
North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge RdAs art museums go, this is a modest collection, but worth a trip, depending on the traveling exhibits. Easy access from the highway makes it a quick trip from GSGH.
Duke's on-campus art museum has won accolades over the years. Fairly new, the museum has some interesting pieces. Worth a visit.
70 locals recommend
Nasher Museum of Art
2001 Campus DriveDuke's on-campus art museum has won accolades over the years. Fairly new, the museum has some interesting pieces. Worth a visit.
World-famous Duke University is located just a few minutes south. Divided into two sections, separated by chunks of the city, East Campus is the original campus, clustered in an oval (once the racetrack for old Durham). West Campus is more lively and encompasses Duke Chapel (magnificent stained glass windows and famous pipe organ) and the "Quad." Designed after European universities, the campus is gorgeous winter or summer.
153 locals recommend
Duke University
World-famous Duke University is located just a few minutes south. Divided into two sections, separated by chunks of the city, East Campus is the original campus, clustered in an oval (once the racetrack for old Durham). West Campus is more lively and encompasses Duke Chapel (magnificent stained glass windows and famous pipe organ) and the "Quad." Designed after European universities, the campus is gorgeous winter or summer.
A Durham institution, the American Dance Festical (ADF) is an early summer delight. ADF brings modern dance to a new level of sophistication and innovation. Buy tickets through DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center).
American Dance Festival
715 Broad StA Durham institution, the American Dance Festical (ADF) is an early summer delight. ADF brings modern dance to a new level of sophistication and innovation. Buy tickets through DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center).
An Equity Theater, Playmakers' season runs during the school year - Sept-April. We are season ticket holders and love almost everything produced here. Call the box office to get last minute tickets to the current performance. Especially good Christmas/holiday presentations.
Play Makers Theater
An Equity Theater, Playmakers' season runs during the school year - Sept-April. We are season ticket holders and love almost everything produced here. Call the box office to get last minute tickets to the current performance. Especially good Christmas/holiday presentations.
Parks & Nature
Bring your boat? Launch it at Lake Michie, just a few miles north of GardenSpirit. Depending on rainfall, Lake Michie can be verdant or parched so check in advance.
Lake Michie Boathouse
2802 Bahama RdBring your boat? Launch it at Lake Michie, just a few miles north of GardenSpirit. Depending on rainfall, Lake Michie can be verdant or parched so check in advance.
To call the Eno a "river" is almost misleading - it's an overgrown stream but deep enough to canoe in the summer months. And West Point on the Eno has well worn trails that are great for hiking - good kid activity and great exercise.
30 locals recommend
West Point on the Eno
5101 N Roxboro StTo call the Eno a "river" is almost misleading - it's an overgrown stream but deep enough to canoe in the summer months. And West Point on the Eno has well worn trails that are great for hiking - good kid activity and great exercise.
Get back to nature via a walk along the Eno River (it's a smallish river actually, but deep enough for floating). The closest access point, this hidden gem is perfect for a hike on a Sunday afternoon. Plenty of paved parking, then hit the well-marked trails. Pets must be leashed but kids run free. Picnic area in the first two access points including a covered shelter with grills. Go to the end of the road to reach the banks of the Eno, then take the winding trail down to the water. Always a great time!
215 locals recommend
Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill RdGet back to nature via a walk along the Eno River (it's a smallish river actually, but deep enough for floating). The closest access point, this hidden gem is perfect for a hike on a Sunday afternoon. Plenty of paved parking, then hit the well-marked trails. Pets must be leashed but kids run free. Picnic area in the first two access points including a covered shelter with grills. Go to the end of the road to reach the banks of the Eno, then take the winding trail down to the water. Always a great time!
Entertainment & Activities
This is the "new" Durham Bulls stadium, completed in 1995 after Raleigh tried to "steal" the Bulls from their hometown. The city of Durham rallied behind the team and raised money to produce a stadium that is reenergized - a local favorite. Sure it's AAA ball, but it's always a great time! Old time baseball at its best.
220 locals recommend
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
409 Blackwell StThis is the "new" Durham Bulls stadium, completed in 1995 after Raleigh tried to "steal" the Bulls from their hometown. The city of Durham rallied behind the team and raised money to produce a stadium that is reenergized - a local favorite. Sure it's AAA ball, but it's always a great time! Old time baseball at its best.
We've never experienced a theater like this one -- and the only other one is in Florida! Reserved seating in the theater? Comfy lounge chairs instead of stiff seats? Dinner delivered to your seat? Beer and wine available during the performances? Singalong movies during the week? Oh YES and much more. Prices are reasonable and the ambiance is top drawer.
36 locals recommend
Silverspot Cinema At Chapel Hill
201 S Estes DrWe've never experienced a theater like this one -- and the only other one is in Florida! Reserved seating in the theater? Comfy lounge chairs instead of stiff seats? Dinner delivered to your seat? Beer and wine available during the performances? Singalong movies during the week? Oh YES and much more. Prices are reasonable and the ambiance is top drawer.