With graduations behind us and school out, I know most of you are looking to relax. But, let me challenge you to do one more thing: Make a summer bucket list. I do this every year; it gives me motivation to get out and explore the city, repeating some of my favorite adventures and embarking on new ones before Labor Day rolls around. I encourage you to use our Best of Durham list – the results begin on page 54, with more in-depth looks at a few of the winners starting on page 32 – as a guide to remind yourself of places you’ve been wanting to revisit or spots that you’re dying to try. Maybe you’d like to explore the best beer selections in the city, try the top sandwiches on your lunch break or tour some of our craft distilleries. Or maybe you’re vacationing a lot this summer and need to find a pet sitter. Perhaps you’ve been meaning to give your car a detailing and are looking for a car wash. Or you’d like to finally get started on that yard project and want to consult with a landscaper. The businesses featured in this list should be where you start.
We know that we hardly skim the surface of all that is amazing about this city, but this issue is a good resource to utilize when you’re trying to decide how best to experience Durham.
THE BEST OF DURHAM
32 PERFECT PLATES
What to order at our popular new restaurants
34 BEER ME
Belly up to the bar at our beloved bottle shops
36 PARTY OF TWO
Four perfect Bull City dates
38 CHILL OUT
Beat the heat with Durham’s favorite frozen treats
40 WORKIN’ ON OUR FITNESS
Praise from voters who really love their gym
42 NOW OPEN
Impressive new businesses
FEATURES
10 Star Power
A Q&A with The Carolina Theatre’s CEO and president
72 Why I Retired Here
Retirees share why they chose to spend their golden years in our community, plus a directory of retirement options
DEPARTMENTS AND COLUMNS
8 The Scene
PictureDURM helps us showcase images curated by locals
12 Go.See.Do.
The summer’s hottest events
24 Noted
What we’ve heard around town …
28 The Wheel Turns
Duke’s Dr. David S. Pisetsky ponders the bike-sharing phenomenon
30 Listen Here
Author Carl W. Kenney II on N.C. Central University’s impact on the music industry
70 Adopt a Pet
These two sweeties from The Animal Protection Society of Durham would love to join your family
86 What We Love About Living in Hope Valley
Neighborhood amenities and home updates have kept the Toms family here for more than 20 years
101 Taste
Discover our city’s best restaurants
111 Engagement & Wedding
Tying the knot, Bull City-style
