How to Spend a Weekend in Durham
What to do and where to eat, drink and stay in Bull City
Raleigh’s sister city has got character—that’s a sure thing. Historic meets modern within the “cool, cultured and innovative” walkable municipality where its once-thriving tobacco industry is still very apparent among converted warehouses and brick-laden streets, now home to sought-after apartments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques and more.
Brimming with inspiring spaces—not to mention parks, attractions, and a diverse arts and culture scene Durham is ideal for a day trip (pro tip: Take the train!) or overnight stay to take full advantage of its spirit(s) and fine hotels for a comforting home-away-from-home experience. So while you can’t do it all in Durham in just one day—or even weekend—luckily, there’s no reason you can’t go back time and time again. Here’s where to start.
DO
DPAC
Raise the curtain on an entertaining night out via a slew of diverse performances at the largest performing arts center in the Carolinas. Upcoming shows this month include & Juliet, The Black Crowes, Charlie Wilson and Iliza Shlesinger—to name just a few—pleasing music and culture fans alike. dpacnc.com
MISSY LANE’S ASSEMBLY ROOM
Ya like jazz? You’ll love getting down at this minority-owned live jazz club. The roster of live events keeps the party going on almost a nightly basis, whether it’s funk, hip-hop or soul artists—or album release parties, BYO vinyl nights and more. By day, grind away in the front room with a coffee and grab-and-go food. missylanes.com
BRIGHTLEAF SQUARE
Where Bull City’s storied roots and trailblazing future meet is a redeveloped square lined with shops, eateries, breweries and bars. Stroll the charming brick walkways and pop into the likes of Fonda Lupita; home goods store Indio; Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets; Giorgios Bakatsias’ Greek restaurant Nikos; and much more. brightleafdurham.com
EAT
GUGLHUPF
Prost! A staple since 1998, this popular all-day bakery and restaurant is consistently crowded—and for good reason. An ode to its German roots, the bakery uses traditional European baking methods to produce an ever-rotating selection of baked goods, while the restaurant serves up contemporary southwestern German fare. P.S. The spacious garden patio is the place to be. guglhupf.com
SERAPHINE
NOLA fare gets a classy upgrade at brothers Brad and Graham Weddington’s Louisiana-inspired restaurant and bar in the American Tobacco Campus. Boasting a chic interior and pristine patio, the sultry spot specializes in traditional dishes like oysters, gumbo, peel-and-eat shrimp, and boudin sausage, which should absolutely be paired with a house cocktail—and an oyster shooter for the brave. Laissez les bons temps rouler! seraphinedurham.com
M TEMPURA
They say everything tastes better fried, and at this popular M Restaurants outpost helmed by Top Chef finalist Savannah Miller, it’s no exception. Tempura—aka lightly battered and deep-fried seafood/vegetables—is, naturally, the name of the game here, with three tasting experiences on offer to snack through. To really immerse yourself, snag a seat at the “bar” and opt for the Kaiseki feat. the likes of shrimp toast, blue crab, crudo and sashimi. m-restaurants.com
DRINK
THE VELVET HIPPO
Sit and stay awhile at this sun-soaked rooftop lounge founded by five women and named after pit bull type dogs—aka velvet hippos. With its whimsical yet elevated ambiance, complete with an indoor/outdoor bar, greenery and string lights, there’s never not an excuse to kick back for a bevy (and obv your barker is invited)—not to mention events like music trivia bingo, dance parties and Latin night upping the fun factor. velvethippodurham.com
CORPSE REVIVER
Durham Distillery’s cocktail bar is a vibe—period. Like a lounge you’d find Gatsby sipping in, the gorgeous space features design elements similar to its liquor bottles, ample booths and velvet chairs to cozy up in, plus a patio answering your fall musings. The signature Corpse Reviver No. 2 is an obvious cocktail choice, but you can’t go wrong with any of the martinis and other bevs feat. the distillery’s award-winning gins. durhamdistillery.com
THE ACCORDION CLUB
If a laid-back hang is what you’re in search of, look no further. The pitch-perfect dive is everything you could ever want in a neighborhood watering hole: cheap drinks, friendly yet sassy bartenders, pool, darts and hot dogs (just because). And if the moody atmosphere gets to be too much, you can always escape to the back patio for some sun and fresh air. Talk about the best of both worlds. @accordionclub
STAY
THE DURHAM HOTEL
This midcentury-mod hotel offers the best of all worlds, whether you’re a slow traveler looking to take advantage of the Raleigh Denim blankets and fresh Counter Culture Coffee delivered each morning, or are all about exploring the on-site restaurant and rooftop bar before gallivanting to nearby hot spots like Alley Twenty Six, Carolina Theatre and Mateo. Think of it as a choose-your-own adventure. thedurham.com
21C MUSEUM HOTEL
Art museum meet hotel. Downtown Durham’s boutique stay is nothing short of extraordinary, what with its 10,500-square-foot exhibition space, rejuvenating spa and innovative restaurant/bar Counting House. But with the reimagined historic Hill Building’s art deco decor and preserved elements—don’t miss an opp to lounge in the original bank vault—you’re in for a stimulating stay no matter what. 21cmuseumhotels.com
UNSCRIPTED DURHAM
Going with the flow is the name of the game here. The former home of the iconic circa-1960s Jack Tar Hotel boasts a contemporary colorful design and vibrant energy—especially at the destination-worthy lively outdoor rooftop. The poolside paradise offers tropicalesque cocktails and bites while playing host to a constant lineup of events, from DJ-fueled parties to free yoga. unscriptedhotels.com
