downtown
staycation, all I ever wanted Your ultimate guide to a downtown getaway PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN MICHAEL S I M PS O N
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he beauty of a staycation is how easy it is to transform an ordinary Tuesday into an adventure. Ditch dinner plans at home and dive into the downtown scene – savor a dish at a beloved restaurant, discover art at a gallery opening, or spend an hour or two shopping locally. If an evening doesn’t cut it, carve out a few days to indulge in favorite pastimes while mixing in new-toyou activities. A true staycation means clearing your calendar, booking a room and exploring the best of what the heart of our city has to offer. Balance is key to a backyard excursion, so schedule some relaxation, physical activity, a cultural experience or two, and plenty of great meals. By the end, you’ll see downtown through a whole new lens.
STAY
It might feel silly to book a place only a few miles from your home, but for it to truly feel like the getaway you need, it’s important to pack a bag and escape your regular life, bed and housework. 21c Museum Hotel offers a slice of culture alongside its modern amenities; open 24/7 with no admission fee, the art museum is currently showcasing the exhibition “Refuge: Needing, Seeking, Creating Shelter.” Take part in one of the free weekly guided tours, with additional tours available during the Third Friday Durham Art Walk & Gallery Crawl. Guests can also relax at the hotel’s on-site spa, with appointments available individually or through a Pampered Penguin spa package for an enhanced staycation experience. Embrace mid-century modern vibes at The Durham Hotel while taking advantage of specials like its “Dinner Before the Show” prix fixe menu from 5-6:30 p.m. – perfect for anyone heading to a DPAC or Carolina Theatre performance (or simply looking for an early dinner) – and its 38
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varied events. A few to mark on your calendar: renowned cookbook author Anne Byrn celebrates the launch of her latest book, “Baking in the American South,” Oct. 14; a Halloween-themed evening, “Witches Night Out on The Roof,” is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 17; stargaze with educators from Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and music from DJ Mic Check Oct. 21; and bring your costumed kids to a Halloween Storytime with the Durham County Library Oct. 30. Across the train tracks, both the charmingly appointed Morehead Manor Bed & Breakfast as well as the Aloft are convenient for walking all over downtown. (Not to mention, the latter has a second-story heated outdoor pool overlooking the American Tobacco Campus.)
SHOP
No downtown adventure is complete without a little retail therapy. Durham’s eclectic mix of shops offers everything from vintage treasures to modern finds. Start by exploring the chic, contemporary styles at Vert & Vogue and Rose & Lee Collective, or dive into retro fashion at Dolly’s Vintage and the Durham Vintage Collective. Looking for something