L
ast year – or, the longest year in history – Durham Magazine’s indomitable staff was called on to reconsider, to re-imagine, to re-create its role as the city magazine in a city that was more or less closed for the duration. Within this public health disaster, they chronicled a confident city and business community that will return, we are certain, stronger, smarter and even more vibrant than before. We happily anticipate waiting in long lines to dine at Durham’s world-class restaurants, see sold-out performances at our sorely missed live entertainment venues and organizations (we’re looking at you, DPAC, American Dance Festival, Duke Performances, The Carolina Theatre and all the rest). Most acutely, we long for the simple pleasure of being with friends and family. Through it all our favorite articles focused on some of our readers and neighbors who responded creatively and bravely during this never-to-be-repeated (we fervently hope) trial. The list is truly endless, because there isn’t a person who has fully escaped the consequences of the pandemic, but a salute to the parents, kids and school staffs who have navigated, and are still navigating, their way through their singular quagmire. Durham Magazine adapted but remains a publication that celebrates the myriad great things that make our city special, though none of those things are what they were. We reinvented our WellFest and Sip + Savor events, turning them into touchless drive-through experiences; we’ve cheered on and written about the ever-changing restaurant business (support your local eatery!); and we’ve applauded our artists and venues as they experiment with different ways of serving audiences. Looking forward to being with you soon, Dan Shannon, President