Visiting Durham Duke University Duke is one of the most prestigious universities in the country, consistently included near the top of the U.S. News & World Reports' college rankings. Originally named Trinity College, it moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, the Duke family endowed the college with $40 million and it expanded to become Duke University, whose three campuses now frame Downtown Durham.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens The Sarah P. Duke Gardens consist of approximately 55 acres of landscaped and wooded areas at Duke University. There are 5 miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens.
Duke University Chapel Duke Chapel is the most visible piece of Duke University's architectural beauty. Its tower soars 210 feet above West Campus, making this neoGothic building an awe-inspiring sight.
Duke Basketball Museum & Sports Hall of Fame The Blue Devils have won four NCAA championships and over 20 ACC tournaments and produced dozens of All Americans and nine national players of the year, all in addition to having a hall of fame coach in Mike Krzyzewski. You can see the trophies, the memorabilia, the videos, and more behind this storied history at the Duke Basketball Museum.
Duke Lemur Center Lemurs are native only to Madagascar, where they evolved in isolation from other primates. But luckily for Durham locals and visitors, you don’t have to travel to the Indian Ocean to find a lemur: just head to the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) where there are 250 individuals from 21 different species – the largest collection of lemurs anywhere in the world outside of Madagascar.
American Tobacco Historic District The former home of the Lucky Strike cigarette factory has been transformed into a one-million-sq.-ft. entertainment district, complete with apartments and offices in addition to restaurants, a documentary theater, a barber shop, a basketball court, plenty of open green common space under the iconic Lucky Strike smokestack, and more.
Durham Bulls Athletic Park Nationally acclaimed home of the Durham Bulls Triple-A baseball club, made famous by the 1988 movie Bull Durham. DBAP includes a 32foot high left field wall dubbed the Blue Monster, complete with a towering bull on top, terrific views from each of the 10,000 seats in the park.
Duke Homestead See the early home, factories, and farm where Washington Duke first grew and processed tobacco.
Bennett Place State Historic Site Bennett Place is the site of the largest troop surrender and the effective end of the Civil War. It was in April 1865 that Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston and his Union adversary, General William T. Sherman decided to meet in Durham at Bennett Place, where Gen. Johnston surrendered the Southern armies in the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia.
Ninth Street Shopping District Situated between Duke’s East and West Campuses, the Ninth Street district is a slice of Durham with a college feel. Featuring unique and independent stores and also plenty to eat and drink.
Nasher Museum of Art Duke University’s focal point for visual arts is the 65,000-sq.-ft., Rafael Viñoly-desgined Nasher Museum of Art. The permanent collection includes Medieval art, pre-Columbian American works, classical pieces, and an ever- growing list of modern and contemporary works.
Eno River State Park The Eno River flows through Durham for 33 miles before eventually ending up in Falls Lake, on the eastern edge of the county. This park, only 10 miles from Downtown Durham, offers terrific access for those who wish to experience the natural beauty the region has to offer.
Museum of Life and Science The 84 acres that encompass the Museum of Life and Science are packed full of attractions designed to spark wonder and curiosity in guests.
Durham Performing Arts Center DPAC truly has something for everyone, hosting over 180 performances a year, including spectacular touring Broadway productions, high-profile concert and comedy events, family shows, and the heralded American Dance Festival.
Shopping & Cinemas
NINTH STREET 737 Ninth Street, Durham, 27705 Atelier Fine Jewelry, Durham Cycles, FedEx, Harris Teeter, Jewelsmith, Massage Envy, Ninth St. Active Feet, Pure Barre, Starbucks, The Duck Shop, UPS Store, 140 Salons & Dry Bar
BRIGHTLEAF DISTRICT 905 W Main Street, Durham, 27701 Hamilton Hill Jewelers, Morgan Imports, Other End of the Leash, Parker & Otis, Vert & Vogue
COMMONS AT UNIVERSITY PLACE 1807 Martin Luther King Parkway, Durham, 27707 CVS Pharmacy, Harris Teeter, Randy’s Pizza, Starbucks, Carmike Wynnsong Cinema : 919-489-9020
NEW HOPE COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER 5450 New Hope Commons Drive, Durham, 27707 Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Office Max, Wal-Mart, Marshalls
THE STREETS AT SOUTHPOINT 6910 Fayetteville Road, Durham, 27713 Anthropologie, Apple Store, Belk, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, 150+ boutique stores AMC 17 Cinema : 919-226-2000
CRABTREE VALLEY MALL 4325 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, 27612 Abercrombie, Belk, Champs, Diamonds Direct, H&M, Macy’s, Kanki
NORTH HILLS 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Avenue, Raleigh, 27609 Anthropologie, Finks Jewelers, La Maison, lululemon athletics, Omega Sports, REI
TRIANGLE TOWN CENTER 5959 Triangle Town Boulevard, Raleigh, 27616 Belk, Macy’s, Saks 5th Avenue
NIGHTLIFE ALLEY TWENTY SIX Sophisticated cocktail and wine bar serving a menu of charcuterie and small plates 320 E. Chapel Hill St, Durham, 27701 : 919-213-1267
BEYU CAFFE Upbeat, bohemian hangout offering coffee, all-day American fare, a full bar, live jazz & free Wi-Fi 335 W Main St, Durham, 27701 : 919-683-1058
THE BLUE NOTE GRILL Busy joint for nightly sets of American roots music, with hickory-smoked BBQ & daily drink specials 709 Washington St, Durham, 27701 : 919-401-1979
BULL CITY CIDERWORKS Crafting modern American hard cider 113 S Elizabeth St, Durham, 27701 : 336-749-3074
BULL MCCABE’S IRISH PUB Traditional Irish bar with burgers & pub-grub staples, TV sports, 20 beers on tap & sidewalk tables 427 W Main St, Durham, 27701 : 919-682-3061
CRITERION Bar 347 W Main St, Durham, 27701
DURHAM DISTILLERY A gin and liqueur distillery in downtown Durham, North Carolina. Bringing gin into the modern age 711 Washington St, Durham, 27701 : 919-937-2121
FULLSTEAM BREWERY Food trucks bring the eats at this airy, industrial brewery hangout with games & communal tables 726 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, 27701 : 919-682-2337
MOTORCO MUSIC HALL Live music venue 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, 27701 : 919-901-0875
THE PINHOOK Casual bar hosting an eclectic crowd for local bands, DJs, open-mike nights, karaoke & trivia 117 W Main St, Durham, 27701 : 919-667-1100
PONYSAURUS A forward-thinking, backward-tasting brewery with ample outdoor seating 219 Hood St, Durham, 27701 : 978-482-7701
THE ROOF AT THE DURHAM Gathering spot for guests and locals alike, offering one-of-a-kind panoramic views of the city - here you will find original, handcrafted cocktails, extensive wine and beer offerings and a seasonal raw bar and small kitchen menu 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, 27701 : 919-768-8830
SOCIAL Hip arcade bar serving craft beer & cocktails with vintage games along with pool & shuffleboard 1007 W Main St, Durham, 27701 : 919-687-6969
SURF CLUB Bar with outdoor bocce 703 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, 27701 : 919-294-9661
WEST END Billiards & Wine Bar 601 W Main St, Durham, 27701 : 919-381-4228 ~ GOODNIGHTS COMEDY CLUB 861 W Morgan St, Raleigh, 27603 : 919-828-5233