BY RACHEL SCALL During the late 19th century, Washington Duke brought big business to Durham, N.C.—the cigarette business. But what was once a city of tobacco plantations and factories is now a city of activity and art. Not to mention Durham currently sits atop CNN and Money Magazine’s list of top places to retire. Durham, a city of more than 225,000 residents, is home to parks, museums, festivals and concerts. The city also boasts winning sports teams, a prestigious continuing education program and some of the best medical facilities the nation has to offer.
on a winning team, Durham offers many options. With its temperate climate, most days in Durham are good for going for a walk or a jog. And with more than 24 miles of trails and greenways, there is no excuse to stay indoors. The Al Buehler Cross Country Trail, to take one example, winds its way for almost 3 miles through the shady patches of trees surrounding the Washington Duke Golf Course. The golf course, located adjacent to Duke University’s West Campus, is one of 10 golf courses within city limits. Each public and private course boasts more than 5,000 yards of golf. JOCKS WELCOME Four of the courses top 7,000 yards. If you are looking for a good For those not interested in a workout or you just want to cheer round of 18 holes, Durham also
offers tennis—ranging from private tennis clubs to public courts at local schools. On a rainy day, head to the YMCA of Greater Durham, or one of Durham’s private gyms, and play a game of racquetball. If you’re more of an outdoor adventurer, Durham’s parks and nature areas offer residents—and visitors—a set of exciting activities. The Duke Forest, spanning 7,060 acres in Durham and its surrounding counties, is home to a variety of ecosystems and more than 100 species of trees. It is also a site for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing. If you prefer to exercise in a group, the Forest hosts events including group hikes and races. Eno River State Park preserves another 3,900 acres of Durham wilderness and allows hiking, fishing, canoeing and rafting. It is also a popular site for bird watching. “I’m not a hiker,” says Durham resident Kenneth Lundstrom, 78. But Eno Park is good for “semihiking,” or taking nature walks, Lundstrom says.
Washington Duke Golf Course 3001 Cameron Blvd. The Washington Duke Golf Course is one of 10 courses in the city. After a round of 18 holes, you can dine at the nationally acclaimed Fairview Restaurant at the Washington Duke Inn.
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PHOTO CREDITS: WADU & DURHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (LEFT); CHIP HENDERSON AND DCVB (RIGHT
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urham, N.C., once revolved around the tobacco and cigarette industries. Today, it is a small city with a lot to offer its healthy and active residents.