Durham Sign at the American Tobacco Campus
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Where to Stroll, Sip and Savour Summer in Durham, North Carolina By Kirsten Harrington Photographs Courtesy of Discover Durham and Kirsten Harrington
nce one of America’s top tobacco manufacturing regions, Durham has reinvented itself as a lively, innovative city filled with award-winning restaurants and art-filled spaces. Historic red brick factories house theatres, galleries, and retail shops. Although lesser known than the nearby capital city of Raleigh, Durham deserves some love, too. Summertime is when this metropolitan gem shines, with flower-filled gardens, patios with twinkling lights, and spacious outdoor dining venues. PLAY BALL Just south of the city centre, you will find the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home to the Durham Bulls baseball team. If there is a heartbeat to this city, it is here. Join the locals to watch a game, or just come for Saturday fireworks. At Tobacco Road Sports Café, which overlooks the field, you can enjoy Southern-inspired dishes and keep an eye on the action. Movie fans may want to check out the historic Durham Athletic Park where the 1980s hit movie Bull Durham was filmed. The field was home to the Bulls from 1926-1994 and now hosts North Carolina Central University’s baseball team. COOL BITES
Lakewood Social welcomes summer by rolling up the garage-style doors for a cool, indoor-outdoor dining experience. This family-friendly restaurant satisfies everyone’s appetite with burgers, small dishes, entrées, and salads. Do not miss the freshly squeezed lemonade and whipped ricotta with figs. M Sushi is the first of four restaurants in Durham owned by chef Michael Lee, who specialises in omakase-style dining. Chill out with a cold Japanese beer and watch the chefs behind the counter work their magic with the freshest fish flown in from around the globe. Go for the full tasting menu or build your own feast with small plates, rolls, and sashimi. There is plenty here for vegetarians to love, too! African-inspired piri piri chicken and peanuty Dovi collard greens welcome diners to Zweli’s Kitchen, the first Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States. Unique seasonings, authentic Bantu flavours and welcoming hospitality make dining at Zweli’s an unforgettable experience. Summer is made for ice cream and Durham’s got you covered. Order a double scoop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (lemon bar is my favourite) and savour it on the patio. The Parlour is a hometown favourite, Zweli’s Kitchen serving cool and creamy creations such as milk Zimbabwean chocolate tahini and guava cheesecake. piri piri chicken
Durham may just be the tastiest city in the South, with award-winning restaurants that range from hearty hometown fare to innovative, global cuisine. If you are short on time, hit the Durham Food Hall for a one-stop tasting tour. You will find Ex-Voto, home of the one-pound crunch wrap, a traditional burrito with a corn tostada added for extra crunch. Neighbouring Napoli Pizzeria bakes up a mean pie, and Corner Yaki gets creative with Asian fusion. You do not need to wait for breakfast to sample bagels from Everything Bagel. Spiced fig, pecan French toast, and dilly Swiss are just a few of the favourites.
Summertime in Durham is all about living outside. Sidewalk seating and inviting patios welcome diners to linger with coffee or a cocktail. For the freshest java in town, visit Cocoa Cinnamon. At their Longwood location, you watch this
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Killer Queen Wine Bar
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up and away
COCKTAILS & COFFEE