Located in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, Durham is known for its scholarly and technology institutions. Duke University, the city’s flagship university, is located here. Visitors can view the neo-Gothic Duke Chapel and Nasher Museum of Art, as well as enjoy hands-on exhibits and wildlife habitats. There are also many parks and outdoor activities in the area. For families, the city’s Zoo is a fun place to take the kids.
The downtown is a cultural hub that features several arts and culture venues. A former bank, the Durham Hotel, is a sleek mid-century design hotel. Its custom Raleigh Denim blankets adorn the beds, and Red Flower amenities provide a spa-like experience in the shower. You’ll also find a minibar stocked with gourmet snacks made in North Carolina. If you’re on a budget, the city is also great for families with children.
The Durham area is home to numerous arts festivals. The Bull Durham Blues Festival, the OUTsouth Queer Film Festival, the largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the Southeast, and the American Dance Festival. The American Dance Festival, Tobacco Road Dance, and the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival are just some of the cultural events hosted in the city. The Carolina Theatre, a historic theater, presents concerts in historic Fletcher Hall and screens independent and repertory films.
The city’s restaurants cater to a younger crowd, as they offer extensive craft cocktail and specialty coffee menus. The downtown area also offers a number of golf courses, including Jack Tar and The Colonel’s Daughter, which are known for their delicious brunch pancakes. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, the Saltbox Seafood Joint is the place for you. Chef Ricky Moore, owner of this upscale restaurant, has won the James Beard Award twice and is currently raising awareness for seasonal seafood.
In the late nineteenth and early 20th century, Durham North Carolina was a hub of Black business and culture. The area south of downtown grew to become a hub of African-American businesses, including the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. The city’s vibrant Black community also benefited from the city’s public support for a public liberal arts college. Throughout the years, Durham has continued to be a thriving and innovative city.
The city’s Black community has always been a vibrant part of the community. In the early 20th century, Durham became home to some of the largest black-owned businesses, including the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and the Mechanics & Farmers Bank. The area also grew as a hub for education. In 1884, Dr. James E. Shepard founded North Carolina Central University, which was the nation’s first publically supported liberal arts college for African-Americans.