When I moved to Durham in 2011, freshly graduated from UNC, I noticed a striking difference between Carolina students and Duke students (well, besides Carolina having a superior men’s basketball team, of course): There were essentially no college students visiting Durham’s downtown.
You’d see them on Ninth Street, sure, and Chapel Hill is a town, not a city. But, with all this revitalization happening just a few blocks away from their campus, you’d think Duke students would venture farther than Devine’s or Shooters. Not that I was complaining, mind you, what with our rabid rivalry and all (#GoHeels).
These days, all that’s changed. You go downtown in late August now, and you know Duke’s back in session. I stopped in Pour Taproom the weekend before Labor Day, and it was standing-room only. You’re having to dodge Lime and Bird scooters left and right. Bull City Running Co.’s Fullsteam Ahead! Run Club gets decidedly larger on Wednesday nights – and not because the temperature is near perfect.
And, allegiances aside, I’m thrilled. Because our downtown merchants deserve the business and the recognition. Students should be proud to attend Duke, not only for its merit and prestige (it pained me a little to type that), but because Duke is in Durham, one of the greatest cities you or I will ever live in. I mean that sincerely.
On page 40, we asked several Durhamites for some of their tips on what they enjoy most about our downtown. There are some gems in there, and a few of our staff even gave their thoughts, too (see what we had to say on page 49). But we’re always looking to discover more – let us know your own downtown recommendations by dropping us a note at [email protected]. –Amanda MacLaren
FEATURES
40 An Insider’s Guide to Downtown
Five Durhamites share their favorite spots and hidden gems
50 Build Me Up
The latest downtown development news
54 Class Acts
A brief spotlight on exceptional figures in our local schools
60 School of Thought
Parents share the journey that led them to their children’s past and current schools
74 Read With Me
Take your kiddo to these local storytimes
76 A Comprehensive Directory of Private, Regional Boarding, Charter and Magnet Schools
DURHAM INC.
120 Sixth Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast
121 RTP Breaks Ground on Boxyard
122 Plan to Improve Public Schools Shows Some Early Promise
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
8 Go. See. Do.
Our top events this fall
20 Noted
What we’ve heard around town …
26 Downtown’s Renaissance
The unmistakable signs of Durham’s changing landscape
28 Best Bar Bites
Drinking establishments that also offer quality meals
92 Kids’ Corners
Three families create unique spaces for their children to study, play and relax
106 #PetsOfInstagram
These Durham animals are on their way to social stardom
126 Taste
Discover our city’s best restaurants
135 Engagement & Wedding
Tying the knot, Bull City-style
CITY PICS
12 Legends of the LUEWWDiverse at Motorco Music Hall
14 Ribbon Cutting for Voyager Academy’s new Viking Stadium
16 VIP Preview for “Native Voices” at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
SPONSORED CONTENT
32 Healthy Durham: The Future of Durham’s Early Education and Universal Preschool Programs
65 Made in Durham
Equity, access and a thriving Durham economy
110 Adopt a Pet
Two sweet pups, looking for a home!
