Letter From the Editor
It’s been almost a year to the day since I had my first restaurant dining experience after the onset of the pandemic. Mind you, it was outside, sans waitstaff, but it felt like a momentous occasion nonetheless. I went to Boricua Soul, ordered a Soul Bowl packed with its slow-roasted pork, pickled red onions, rice, mac and cheese, collard greens and tostones, which I somehow polished off (no small feat), and I sat there gazing up at the Lucky Strike Water Tower.
I get mildly claustrophobic in crowds – but on that day, I sat there and thought of all the concerts on that lawn that I’d enjoyed. The tower lightings that I’d witnessed year after year, surrounded by strangers and friends alike. And I missed it. I yearned for it to return.
Back in June, before the variant, it felt like we were almost there. But, here we are, on the precipice of another fall faced with the enduring pandemic. My autumn travels to Europe are canceled. We were planning to celebrate a dear friend’s wedding in Ecuador over the holidays – it’s no longer happening, so I’ll be spending that time in Durham instead.
But I refuse to despair because I know I’m lucky. It’s thanks to science that we have made it this far, and I am ever grateful for it – for the health of my family and friends, for the small and safe gatherings we still enjoy, for my path to have brought me to a community that favors kindness, reason and acceptance of all, and that continuously strives to do better. I’m privileged to share the city’s stories with our readers, and I hope you continue to share with me your feedback and your own tales. We’re all fellow travelers on the same road. That makes all the difference. – Amanda MacLaren
FEATURES
40 Date-A-Bull
Our ultimate downtown date ideas, perfect for any couple
48 Back in the Stacks
Vines Architecture tied books, technology and community together in the Durham County Main Library
52 Downtown On the Rise
The latest development news
74 Ahead of the Class
A brief spotlight on exceptional students and educators
82 Watch and Learn
New high school provides work-study experience
84 Shout Out!
Parents praise their children’s educators who have gone above and beyond in these unprecedented times
88 Directory of Independent, Regional Boarding, Charter and Magnet Schools
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
8 Go.See.Do.
Our top events this fall
18 Noted
What we’ve heard around our city …
26 In Her Words
Tianna Spears writes a love letter to Durham and the schools who raised her
56 My House is Your House
So, you want to rent out your home? Here’s how you do it.
111 Engagement & Wedding
Tying the knot, Bull City-style
DURHAM INC.
102 ‘Concierge’ Doctors Take Their Time
Accessible (and longer) appointments and doctors who prescribe patient wellness
110 Networking
William G. Ingram Center dedication and A Day of Champions School Supply Drive
PEOPLE & PLACES
10 Durham Children’s Initiative’s Ready, Set, Learn back-to-school supply distribution
12 House of Mercy food pantry and clothing closet
14 Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University reopening
SPONSORED CONTENT
24 Healthy Durham
Support systems for students at Durham Public Schools
28 Get to Know Some of Durham’s Health Care and Wellness Providers
72 Adopt A Pet
A cat and a rabbit are waiting on their forever homes at the Animal Protection Society of Durham
