Tomorrow I head out on my first – if relatively brief – vacation of the year. I’m not packed, still scrambling to get laundry done and last-minute errands run, all while feverishly editing the pages of this publication. Suffice it to say, it still hasn’t quite hit me that in just 24 hours, I’ll be dipping my toes into Carolina Beach’s waters, beating the Memorial Day crowds to the punch.
I’ve always thought of this edition as my jump-start to summer – not only because it is the last in a string of major spring deadlines on my plate, but also simply by the nature of its content. The Best of Durham issue supplies me (as I hope it will you, too!) with innumerable ways to make the most out of the season, and indeed, the rest of the year.
I’m looking forward to extended coffee dates at Cocoa Cinnamon before hitting up the Scrap Thrift with my collector-in-crime, Leah Josephson, followed by margaritas at Azteca Grill or trying Cheeni Durham’s new late-night bar, Beej (flip to page 44 for more on that!). I’ll go to Wednesday night trivia with Pickle at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in south Durham for some casual competitive fun and a couple pints, then grab a four-pack of whatever Pi series is on the shelves that day. Perhaps I’ll work up the courage to try yoga again and take a class led by my pal Dana Kouchel at Threehouse Studios. I need to start putting plans to paper and invite friends to a pre- and post-Festival for the Eno gathering, making sure to pack my Lo & Behold bug spray before heading to the two-day event. I’ll drop in to a few American Dance Festival performances and 21c Museum Hotel’s new exhibit, “Refuge: Needing, Seeking, Creating Shelter,” which opens June 13, and possibly get tickets for another Durham Bulls’ Bark in the Park with a couple of my fave dog owners, Meredith Kramer and Sarah Calvert. I’m long overdue for a trim, so I foresee a trip to Bella Trio Salon & Spa in my future for a little self-care. Flip to page 104 for the full list of Best of Durham honorees, or learn a bit more about this year’s winners beginning on page 38.
Wherever your summer adventures lead – beachside, lakeside or poolside – bring this edition along and discover all the exciting ways to experience the best of Durham! – Executive Editor Amanda MacLaren
38 BEST OF DURHAM
40 The Full Picture
Discover noteworthy specialties beyond the award-winning highlights at these local hot spots
50 Recipe for Success
Top chefs share their love for cooking and how to recreate their signature dishes at home
58 ’Cue’d Up
These best barbecue joints recently made a few smokin’ hot transitions, from ownership shifts to relocations to sizzling new products
66 Mead All About It
Honeygirl Meadery expands both its footprint and its beverage offerings in downtown
70 Dreaming in Color
Duke University museum partners with local retail maven to revamp its gift shop
74 Grab and Go
Need a special something for something special? Pop into a few of the best shops in Durham for a thoughtful token or vibrant fit to brighten any occasion.
78 Heart of the Home
Durham’s top kitchen designers share their best recent projects
88 Skin Deep
The Bull City’s best dermatologists share skin care recommendations, just in time for summer
92 Behind-the-Scenes Blitz
Talking shop with our readers’ favorite event planners
98 The Perfect Day
Round up the kids and head out on a few of the best family outings in Durham
104 Best of Durham 2024 Winners
124 Going the Extra Mile
Meals on Wheels Durham receives this year’s Best of Durham Social Impact Award
FEATURES
128 Charting the Course
Empty nesters bring California cool to Croasdaile
148 Pet City
Dog parents unleash Fido-friendly hot spots
150 Animal House
A guide to area vets, animal hospitals, groomers, boarders, pet sitters and trainers
DURHAM INC.
158 Durham Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting
160 Hot Shot: Gateway Building Company
This commercial builder helped transform Durham into the vibrant city it is today
164 Paws and Progress: The State of Durham’s Pet Care Industry
Local veterinary clinics and pet services adapt to surge in demand and evolving practices
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
8 Go.See.Do.
Our top picks for a sizzling summer
24 Noted
What we’ve heard around our city …
36 Keeping Character Alive With Sustainable Style
Influential members of our community share their visions for the city’s future
168 Wedding
Estabrook & McGinnis
PEOPLE & PLACES
12 Fourth Annual Big Night In for the Arts
14 Durham Parks and Recreation’s Earth Day Celebration
16 Durham Art Guild’s Swing Into Spring
18 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
20 North Durham Farmers Market Grand Opening
SPONSORED CONTENT
151 Adopt a Pet
Meet a dog and a cat waiting on their forever homes at the Animal Protection Society of Durham
