A Newbie Guide to Durham, North Carolina
A Newbie Guide to Durham
After living in Korea for the past four years, Christina and I have arrived in our new home — Durham, North Carolina. As part of the area’s famed Research Triangle, there is so much to do here and that made things overwhelming at first. All these wonderful options got me thinking about the need for a more condensed guide for new folks like myself. That’s why I created this newbie guide to Durham, North Carolina for people who’ve just moved here and don’t know where to start!
Where to Drink Coffee and More
When I go into town in the morning, one of my first choices for a pick-me-up was Respite before it closed. Their scones took me back to Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands but now that I can’t enjoy them, Mad Hatter’s is my one-stop shop for coffee refills and breakfast. Parker and Otis is another awesome choice that mixes deli, shopping, and great food to go with super awesome coffee. Cocoa cinnamon is another favorite and within earshot of our favorite watering hole. If you’re in South Durham (SODU), I think Bean Traders has the best! Think I’m wrong? Tell me about it!
I’m not alone in saying that weekends mean trips to Motorco Music Hall or Fullsteam for tunes, games and a truly scientific brew. Bull City is perfect when I want some in-house beer along with the best burgers found on this side of the Eno River. Sam’s Quick Stop is the best place to seek out new and interesting brews previously unbeknownst to me. I one day hope to complete a list of places to drink but not in this newbie guide to Durham.
Where to Eat
When I’m not gulping coffee by the gallon, I’m being social with family at Elmo’s Diner for some of the best brunch in history. I’m also big on Foster’s Market and could never go wrong with a sandwich, followed by a delicious cinnamon bun or something sweet! I could go on forever but can’t leave out Guglhupf Café’s bread that’s been on my mind ever since our first visit a couple of years ago. Lunch means a trip to either Watt’s Grocery for some awesome Po Boys or Ninth Street Bakery for sandwiches.
You know I can’t mention food in Durham without talking about the weekly Farmers’ Market that happens every Saturday. The personal vibe here really keeps us coming back but there’s also the food truck gallery across the street where one can eat anything from breakfast pizzas to Korean fusion tacos. Speaking of ethnic food, Durham’s got tons of it! My favorite so far is Pad Thai, a place that truly takes us back to our time in Chiang Mai and other parts of Thailand.
Going Out and Getting Around
I think I initially fell in love with this town after an evening hanging around the Durham Bulls Park and the American Tobacco Campus. That’s not the only thing to do in Durham though, thanks to a vibrant scene headed by Carolina Theater and multiple other venues. There’s also the University and Duke Chapel that everyone talks about. Both are an awesome sight if you’re fortunate enough to walk on campus towards Cameron Indoor or Wallace Wade Stadium.
Outdoor Stuff to Do
Durham is also awesome because of its abundance of the things you can do outside. Personal favorites include the Eno River State Park and Duke Forest but then there’s Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Walk through that collection of trees and flowers that span the globe and the Japanese garden that takes me back to Kyoto. It’s no surprise that many people get married there. We personally sought out the Arrowhead Inn on the outskirts of town and you’ll see why after a walk through their beautiful garden.
What did I leave out?
If you’re somehow bored with all that Durham has to offer, then you can spend time enjoying the surrounding small towns like Hillsborough or the scenic beauty at Falls Lake. I love the fact that there are so many small communities and parks that are accessible within a short drive of the city. Durham sits between the coast and of the mountains. It’s hard to get away from Durham but whenever you want, there are tons of things worth seeing and not far away.
Having walked around downtown Durham quite a few times since moving here, I can see it’s full of awesome street art, history and culture that goes beyond the tobacco industry. Family centered places like the Lemur Center and Life and Science Museum hold fun for all ages! For a history nerd like me, it’s moments staring the NC Mutual Life building that take me back to times when Durham’s “Black Wall Street” rose during the early 20th century. There’s much more but that one stands out above the rest.
I think you can see just how much Durham means to this newcomer but I’d like to hear from you. Is there anything or left out of messed up in this Newbie Guide to Durham? Let me know in the comments section and if you’ve got an awesome suggestion to make, I’ll throw it along with the rest! Thanks for reading and as always, take care.
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