Autumnal breezes start to gently rustle the leaves as we bid a bittersweet farewell to the lazy days of summer and welcome the changing colors of fall. Just as nature transitions, so does our city’s vibrant food and drink scene. What better way to embrace the upcoming season than with a delightful array of local lattes from some of our newest coffee shops? Or taking advantage of the final few months of patio weather by dining alfresco? And let’s spend time with our loved ones at some of our restaurants that specialize in hosting large groups and feature craveable, shareable plates before the busy school year starts back up. Find all our suggestions beginning on page 58.
We encourage you to stay in the loop and never miss a culinary beat! Keep your taste buds tingling and your excitement levels high by following @durhammag on Instagram, where we serve up the latest updates on the Bull City’s most enticing food and drink offerings, hidden culinary treasures and not-to-be-missed events.
This publication is also our 11th annual arts issue – a celebration of creativity, imagination and the power of art to inspire and connect us all. Discover talented DJs, makers, musicians and more beginning on page 38, and start planning for a busy arts season with can’t-miss concerts, exhibits, dance performances – you name it! – starting on page 53.
So, as we trade our sun hats for cozy scarves, let’s embrace the joy of Durham’s extraordinary food, drink and arts scene – as these pages show, there’s something for every epicurean explorer and aesthete in our beautiful city. – Executive Editor Amanda MacLaren
FOOD & DRINK
14 The Big Picture
Staff photographer John Michael Simpson captures a sweet spread of fall flavors
58 Perfect Patios
Delight in drinks and dishes alfresco
64 Lovely Lattes
Four new cafes shake up the coffee scene
68 Fantastic Feasts and Where to Find Them
Bring your group to these restaurants specializing in shareables and large parties
72 The Whiskey Whisperer
Meet Che Ramos, bourbon connoisseur and history buff
76 Having a Grand Ol’ Time
This dessert-devouring duo traverses the Bull City in search of its most scrumptious treats
THE ARTS
38 Put Your Records On
Groove with a few of the Bull City’s most talented DJs
46 Neon Nights
A glass bender works to preserve an endangered art form while offering a dazzling date idea
48 Speaking Volumes
Meet poet, cultural organizer and educator Dasan Ahanu and his lengthy list of contributions to the Durham arts scene
52 Miller the Illustrator
Meet an easygoing tween with an eye for design and a love of animals
54 Striking the Right Chord
This band of acoustic brothers rocks The Blue Note Grill every Friday
DURHAM INC.
98 Creative Businesses Overcome Challenges and Drive Economic Growth
Innovative approaches and collaborative efforts support the local arts and retail scene while fostering community engagement
FEATURES
28 Falling for Randolph County
Must-try autumnal experiences in the ‘Heart of North Carolina’
34 Nature’s Calling
The Eno River State Park celebrates its 50th anniversary thanks to grassroots heroes, stewards and visitors who respect and advocate for this community gem
80 Something Old, Something New
Contemporary touches and timeless treasures meld effortlessly in this Watts-Hillandale home
90 Don’t Stop Retrievin’
Dogs and owners alike enjoy afternoons of camaraderie and competition with Bull City Toss and Fetch
92 Pet Projects
A guide to area vets, animal hospitals, groomers, boarders, pet sitters and trainers
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
10 Go.See.Do.
Our top picks to end a sizzling summer
22 Noted.
What we’ve heard around our city …
PEOPLE AND PLACES
16 Triangle Media Partners’ Women of Achievement luncheon
17 Exchange Club of Greater Durham’s Durham Blues & Brews Festival
18 Animal Protection Society of Durham’s Walk for the Animals
SPONSORED CONTENT
27 Adopt a Pet
Meet two sweet pups looking for their forever home!
