1. You WILL Be A Duke Fan
Yes, there is a rivalry. No, we don’t need to name names. It’s Duke all the way in
Durham. Just ask the Cameron Crazies.
2. But You’ll Probably Love The Bulls Too
It doesn’t matter who you’ve loved before, or even if you’re not into baseball, you will learn to love the Durham Bulls. There’s not many things better than heading to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a home game.
Fun fact: The team used to be called the Durham Tobacconists. True story.
3. Hypochondriacs Rejoice: You’re In The City of Medicine
People travel from all over the world to get the best medical care right here, from Duke University. Healthcare is a major industry in town, with more than 300 medical and health related companies. You’re always in good hands in Durham.
4. Know Your Neighborhoods
Durham has a lot of different neighborhoods, and not all are created equal. You don’t want to just “move to Durham.” Make sure to find out which one is going to fit your family and lifestyle best: Old West Durham, Woodcroft, Trinity Park, Duke Forest, Rockwood, Forest Hills…you’ve got plenty of choices.
5. The Backyard BBQ Pit Will Make You Drool
The people don’t mess around with BBQ in these parts, and the Backyard BBQ Pit is where the locals go to get authentic pork Barbeque, ribs and beef brisket prepared just like in the olden days: In a pit cooked over hickory and oak wood. It’s seriously drool-worthy.
6. Traffic Isn’t Bad—Unless You’re Going To A Duke Game
The good news is that traffic isn’t bad in Durham.
The bad news is that if there is a Duke game, the traffic is horrendous. You were warned.
7. Fresh And Local Is Year-Round In Durham
The Durham Farmer’s Market might be the best in the state. I’m thinking it might be the best in the country. It’s open year-round and showcases all the local farmers and artisans, so whether it’s produce, meat or art, if it’s made locally you can find it here.
8. Motorco Will Rock Your Face Off
Delicious drinks and food, two stages, cornhole, pingpong and the best live music in Durham makes Motorco the most rockin’ venue around. If your face isn’t rocked off by all that, check out their Sunday bloody Mary bar. That’s the stuff.
9. The Best Burger In Town Is At The Federal
You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who recommends a better burger than the The Fed. It’s Juicy with the perfect amount of peppercorn and salt and all the flavor. Chase it down with the awesome selection of microbrews.
10. Durham Dogs Are Happy Dogs
You might not be able to take your best friend to the Farmer’s Market, but they won’t mind much. The dog parks will keep them busy with socializing and playing, not to mention the multiple dog-friendly restaurants, trails and gardens.
11. The Food Truck Scene Brings All The Cool Kids
Do NOT miss the Food Truck Rodeo when it’s in Durham. It’s not held regularly so keep your eyes peeled for the schedule. Dance to live music, try as many of the food trucks as your stomach can take, and enjoy the organic, festival feel with a cold brew in Central Park. Speaking of which…
12. New York Has Nothing On Durham’s Central Park
If you move here you’re going to be spending a ton of time at the Durham Central Park. It’s inevitable. Besides the Farmer’s Market and the Food Truck Rodeo, there’s a skatepark, the perfect place for a picnic on The Great Lawn, live performances, sculptures, gardens and the edible food garden, Garden of Eatin’.
13. You Might Just Mistake Duke For A European Castle
The Duke campus is a ridiculously stunning. Georgian, Neo-Gothic and Collegiate Gothic architecture shoots out of the ground at every turn. It’s a true Gothic wonderland, and the most beautiful college campus in this country, for sure. Even if you’re sick of all the college kids, it’s worth it for a tour of this baby.
14. Dame’s Chicken and Waffles Are Famous
Well, they’re almost famous. Dame’s didn’t invent chicken and waffles, but everyone in Durham knows they perfected it. Make sure to try the maple pecan shmear. Just trust me on it.
15. Durham Is A Haven For Lemurs
Just look at that face! The Duke Lemur Center is the largest sanctuary for prosimian primates in the world with more than 20 different species of lemurs. You can take a tour but unfortunately, you can’t take any home with you. I’m making that clear because you’ll want to.
16. Be On The Lookout For Ghosts...
So you don’t believe in ghosts? You might change your tune after visiting a few haunted and paranormal sites in Durham. Tobacco Road Tours’ Durham Pub Crawl & Haunted Adventure Tour and the Durham Dark & Mysterious Ghost Walk will take you around all the creepy spots. Be sure to bring your video camera.
17. ...And Drown Your Fears Afterward At Fullsteam Brewery
There’s no better place to grab a pint of American-made Southern beer than at Fullsteam. Listen to local music, watch killer movies, and enjoy the beer garden with all your awesome new Durham friends.
18. You Might Never Want To Leave The Entertainment District
Although cigarettes are no longer made in Durham, the legacy lives on. The American Tobacco Campus is bursting at the seams with fine food and cultural experiences. You may even find yourself wanting to live here among the history and culture. Well you’re in luck, since Old Bull has apartments.
19. Eno River State Park Makes Winter Even Better
Eno River State Park is always gorgeous, but the snow makes it a crystalline paradise. Winter is a beautiful time in Durham, and locals will tell you it doesn’t get “that cold” here. Bundle up and hit the trails.
20. Coffee Isn’t Just A Beverage, It’s An Art
Cuppings, roastings, tastings, and the most delicious and sustainable coffee in the Triangle is at Durhams’ Counter Culture Coffee. But the training center is where all the action is. You can train to be a barista, learn the art of the perfect cup, or just go in and get your caffeine on.
21. The East Coast Greenway Will Get You All The Way To Key West
The East Coast Greenway Alliance is currently working hard on the North Carolina section of the multi-state trail from Maine to Florida. Once it’s done the trail will go all the way to Florida, so if you don’t believe the locals when they say it’s not “that cold,” you can just hop on a bike and head down to Key West!
