Durham, NC

The Durham Performing Arts Center is one of the highest-grossing theaters in the country, hosting Broadway's biggest touring productions, major concerts, and comedy acts in a state-of-the-art venue on the American Tobacco Campus.

Confront and learn from history at one of the largest plantations in the pre-Civil War South. This preserved site offers powerful, essential tours that explore the lives of the enslaved people who built and worked the massive agricultural operation.

This 22-mile rails-to-trails project runs from downtown Durham deep into Chatham County. The urban section offers easy access and great skyline views, while the southern stretches provide a serene, wooded escape perfect for cycling or a long walk.

Duke University's contemporary art museum is an architectural gem with a globally significant collection. Its thought-provoking exhibitions range from classical African art to cutting-edge contemporary works, often with a focus on artists of the African diaspora.

Sample Durham's liquid ingenuity. Start with a pour at Ponysaurus Brewing's beer garden, then head to Surf Club for natural wine, and finish with a meticulously crafted cocktail at the speakeasy-style Kingfisher or the rooftop bar at The Durham Hotel.

Held monthly at Durham Central Park, this is the premier showcase for the region's makers. Find everything from hand-thrown pottery and fine jewelry to screen-printed apparel, hot sauce, and fine art, all directly from the creators.

The energetic heart of the city, where historic buildings house chef-driven restaurants, cocktail bars, indie theaters, and art galleries. It's walkable, dense with culture, and anchored by landmarks like CCB Plaza and the Durham Hotel.

A vibrant, eclectic strip catering to Duke students, professors, and locals. It's lined with beloved bookstores (The Regulator), international eateries, coffee shops, and quirky boutiques, all within walking distance of Duke's East Campus.

A former textile mill turned arts and innovation hub in East Durham. Home to artist studios, galleries, creative businesses, and live-work lofts, it hosts First Friday art walks and embodies the city's maker spirit in a raw, authentic setting.

A charming, walkable neighborhood beloved for its historic bungalows, tree-lined streets, and proximity to both Duke's campus and the bustling shops and cafes on Ninth Street. It's the quintessential picture of established Durham community life.

A historically significant area experiencing a wave of community-led revitalization. Explore the vibrant Latino culinary scene along Angier Avenue, visit the Hayti Heritage Center, and see new murals and businesses breathing fresh life into this resilient corridor.