For our family and friends from out of town—we want you to enjoy Durham as we do. Here are some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore.
Activities
Outdoor
Sarah P. Duke Gardens - Open 8am ‘til dusk
Eno River State Park - We love the trails at West Point on the Eno, the Pump Station Trail, and the Dunnagan Trail. The Buffalo Trail to Sennett Hole takes you to a great swimming hole. The Eno Quarry is a gorgeous hike and a great place to swim as well!
Museums
Nasher Museum of Art - Incredible collection and free admission. Tess’ #1 rec!
Museum of Life & Science - Great activity for those with kiddos. Check out the butterfly room!
Museum of Durham History - Small but mighty
Shopping
Durham Farmer’s Market - Saturdays 8am to 12pm in Central Park. Get literally any baked good from Strong Arm’s tent. Flowers, artisan wares, cheeses, meats, honey, food trucks, etc!
The Regulator - Our favorite local bookstore.
Hunky Dory - Record store with a headshop in the back and beer on tap. Huge discount vinyl selection in the basement with a bunch of retro couches to sink into while you chill.
American Tobacco Campus - Shops & restaurants aplenty in this charming lil’ district, and it’s right next to the ballpark!
Miscellaneous Adventures
Durham Bulls vs Nashville Sounds - If you happen to be staying through Sunday, there’s a day game that’ll be a blast!
Carolina Theater - Go catch a show or a movie at our historic local theater!
Duke Lemur Center - Book ahead
Food and drinks
Breakfast
Cocoa Cinnamon - Cute coffee shop with multiple locations
Monuts - A Durham institution and friendly as can be. Killer bfast sandwiches, pastries, and lunch service too.
Guglhupf - Spacious german cafe with amazing attached bakery.
The Daily - Cool little coffee/beer/wine/sandwich shop downtown.
Omie’s Cafe - Hip + good coffee and pastries.
Lunch
Ideal’s Sandwich & Grocery - Some of the best sandwiches we’ve had anywhere. Try the chopped cheese! *Takeout only but so worth it.
Durham Food Hall - We’re obsessed with the crunchwraps from Ex Voto, and Locals Seafood is killer too!
Redstart Takeaway - Chef driven small menu with breakfast, lunch, and early dinner service. Lovely natural wine selection and artisan goods retail area.
Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets - Small space with excellent food and an outstanding pastry program.
Dinner
Hutchin’s Garage - Pizza, great salads, lots of space if ya need a spot for a group.
Nana’s - Our fave fancy date night spot. Everything is good. Excellent bar program.
Queeny’s - Thoughtful casual menu in an artful setting. Best late night food option.
Viceroy - Great English pub/Indian fusion spot. Make a rez!
Szechuan Mansion Hotpot - Great authentic hotpot. No reservations but you can put your name in and grab a drink elsewhere on 9th Street while ya wait.
ThaiAngle - Tess’ favorite thai spot in town!
Azteca Grill - One of our favorite chill date night options. Bomb gorditas, Sarah’s fave enchiladas verdes, salsa bar on point, and such friendly service. Ask about the MX chili crisp if you like heat!
Vin Rouge - Top notch french cuisine with a big ol’ wine list. Make a rez!
Drinks
Delafia - Cozy little natural wine bar.
Kingfisher - Inventive craft cocktails in an artful, moody space.
Surf Club - Spacious dive bar popular with locals + the industry crowd. Darts, one pool table, shuffleboard, busted-but-functional bocce courts, lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
Dain’s Place - The gem of 9th street where Tess can be found on Fridays and Sundays. Burgers, tots, heavy pours, and friendly faces.
Green Room - Dusty, divey, smoky pool hall… a true Durham institution.
Arcana - One of only 36 lesbian bars in the country! Tarot themed with a nice little bar program. Check for nightly events!
Remy’s - Great low key/high quality bar downtown