Five Durhamites share their favorite spots and hidden gems

PH OTOGRAP HY B Y B E TH MANN

DOWNToW

AN INSIDEr’S GUIDE TO 40

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durhammag.com

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October/November 2019

Janice Little Janice and her husband, Greg, live with their daughter, JoyAna, 2, in the North Street neighborhood. They have lived in Durham for nine years and downtown for five.

Where did you move from, and why did you choose where you live now? I moved to Durham after college, and found that a lot of my friends were moving to the area, too. I stuck around to look for a job and put down roots. Four years later, I moved into the North Street neighborhood, where folks of diverse abilities live alongside one another. We currently stay in a home in the neighborhood called the Corner House. There are eight of us who live together, and our friendship was first formed at Reality Ministries, where my husband works.

What was it about our downtown that made you want to live here? I love the walkability of the city. It has so many wonderful things to do and places to eat. Even though Duke has a huge presence, it doesn’t feel like a “college town.” I enjoy the support of small local business, as there are only a few chain restaurants downtown.

Share some insider tips and tricks for coming downtown. We love date nights at the Quarter Horse Bar & Arcade – Mondays and Tuesdays are “free play” with the purchase of a drink. Gibson Girl Vintage – it’s new and [has] awesome clothing (especially love the vintage children’s clothes, which would make the perfect unique baby shower gift). Cocoa Cinnamon’s community coffee fund – you can donate toward a fund that provides free coffee for those who can’t afford it. Also the churros at the Lakewood location are so good.

The downtown event I look forward to every year is ... The Holiday Patchwork Market [at the Durham Armory] is amazing. The selection of vendors is really excellent, from fine art to handmade crafts to food items, and there is a price range that fits any budget. I try and have all of my Christmas shopping completed by Thanksgiving, but if I’ve missed anyone I can be sure to find something really special at this market. On top of that, the [market] offers free child care while you shop. How awesome is that? My go-to downtown restaurant is ... Bull City Burger and Brewery. Delicious burgers, locally sourced beef, and I truly can’t resist the pickle chips. There is a kids’ play area that always makes our family’s experience more enjoyable.