Discover the Bull City’s newest bars and breweries, plus our fall arts guide, autumnal travel ideas, dog-friendly outings and so much more.
Summertime in Durham means seeking out what’s cool – sweat cascades down our backs like condensation drips off our wine and cocktail glasses or pints of beer.Those thirst-quenching moments of relief, whether over shared plates of charcuterie, food truck fare or otherwise, are what defines this season. Starting on page 46, we highlight five new bars that provide such an experience – we hope to see you, drink in hand, at one of these hip spots soon.
After months of the ever-present stifling heat, we’re looking ahead to the fall when our local arts scene ramps up with festivals, concerts and more. You can find our guide to the Bull City’s top events, plus brief profiles on several creative influencers in our community, starting on page 32. I encourage you to get involved in their projects in one way or another – volunteer at CenterFest, take a class at Delores Pottery and Studios or watch the feature film “Where the Crawdads Sing,” the documentary “Beyond Sight: The Making of enVISION” and Cornelio Campos’ episode on PBS North Carolina’s “Visibly Speaking” series.
In fact, the rest of this issue shares ideas on ways to support our community over the coming months, whether it’s attending a Museum of Durham History “Dining Out in Durham” dinner (pg. 56), grabbing a meal from the superstar team at a restaurant that’s recently reopened after being closed for two years (pg. 50) or getting acquainted with our public school system’s renowned outdoor learning center (pg. 60).
And, for that last taste of summer, we recommend trying the African-inspired flavors of Auntie’s Ice Cream. Auntie’s owner and self-starter Samantha Kotey is working her way into the Bull City’s freezers, one pint at a time. Hers is an enterprising tale that we’ve heard around these parts before. But, this one is just oh, so sweet – read it on page 54. – Executive Editor Amanda MacLaren
THE FOOD & DRINK ISSUE
12 The Big Picture
Staff photographer John Michael Simpson visits cocktail bar The Slush
46 Another Round
Become a regular at the Bull City’s newest bars
50 Dream Team
This trio is Littler’s recipe for success
54 Inside Scoop
Meet the small-batch ice-cream maker with big dreams
56 Table Talk
The Museum of Durham History’s latest exhibit – paired perfectly with an in-person dining series – draws attention to Durham’s restaurants, past and present
60 Field Trip
Students receive a farm-fresh education at Durham Public Schools’ outdoor agricultural learning center
64 ‘Reaching Out to Durham’s Hungry’
Documentary photographer, writer and filmmaker turns her lens to the volunteers helping to feed our community
FALL ARTS
32 Dreaming in Color
A prolific Durham muralist depicts the experiences of our city’s Latino community in his art. Plus, the start of our fall arts guide with can’t-miss concerts, exhibits and more.
34 Shaping Her Future
Self-taught pottery artist seeks to create diverse community at new studio space
36 An Open Book
Meet the local publisher behind a fan-favorite breakthrough novel
40 A Fresh Perspective
ShaLeigh Dance Works introduces audience members to the experiences of the visually impaired through a performance that utilizes all senses
44 Back in Action
North Carolina’s longest-running street arts festival returns to downtown
FEATURES
26 Hit the Road
Venture outside Durham for a day (or two!), and explore all that North Carolina has to offer
66 Lasting Impression
After multiple moves and several restoration projects, this couple found their forever home in Duke Forest
81 Paw Patrol
Five dog owners share their favorite pup-friendly spots. Follow them on Instagram for more inspiration.
83 Animal House
A guide to area vets, animal hospitals, groomers, boarders and pet sitters
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
8 Go.See.Do
Our top picks for a sizzling summer
22 Noted
What we’ve heard around our city …
95 Engagement & Wedding
Tying the knot, Bull City-style
DURHAM INC.
92 Catered to You: The Rise of Prepared Meals at Home
More people cooked in their own kitchens during the pandemic, but it also increased demand for at-home meal services
PEOPLE & PLACES
14 Exchange Club of Greater Durham’s Durham Blues and Brews Festival
16 The Animal Protection Society of Durham’s Walk for the Animals
17 The Carolina Theatre’s Dancing with the Carolina Stars
18 Museum of Life and Science’s 75th Anniversary Celebration
20 American Dance Festival’s Opening Night Fête