Whether you’re looking for a fall getaway, in town for a wedding, or just keen on a fun-filled day trip, this action-packed highlight reel is the perfect way to make the most of your day in Durham. Bull City has a unique ensemble of jaunts and haunts that are fun for visitors of all ages to explore.
Durham’s nickname, Bull City, has nothing to do with rodeos or livestock and everything to do with its Tobacco roots. Beginning in the 1850s, Blackwell Tobacco Company sold “Bull” Durham Tobacco, and the icon name just stuck! You can find a sentimental nod to this enduring nickname in the Central Carolina Bank Plaza of downtown Durham in the form of a bronze, 10-foot tall bronze bull, named Major.
We’ll walk you through a day full of different sights and adventures. From gorgeous natural beauty to tasty treats, the day will fly by!
Kicking the Day Off At: Guglhupf
Kick the day off with a strong start at Guglhupf— an amazing German bakery and cafe! Not only is the food uh-mazing, but the ambiance is warm and inviting, with fun lighting and a lovely patio. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but make sure you save room for dessert from the bakery!
A word to the wise, Guglhupf will fill up, so it’s a good spot for an earlier breakfast… if you’re planning to go for a Sunday brunch, you might end up waiting a bit for a table.
Up Next: Sarah P. Duke Gardens
The Sarah P Duke Gardens is a beautiful area that visitors of any age can enjoy. With four different areas to wander through, it’s almost too easy to spend the morning appreciating the scenery. There are ample benches if resting your feet and savoring the sights and smells of the garden is your speed. On a warm day, The Terrace Cafe in the gardens is an appreciated stop. They offer all kinds of treats, including yummy popsicle flavors to help a gal cool off. If you have extra time, the Duke Chapel and Nasher Museum of Art are other popular spots on campus to check out.
Keep Cruising To: FullSteam Brewery
If walking around had you read for an ice cold beverage, it’s time to head to FullSteam Brewery. Vibe check? Immaculate! Not only is FullSteam home to the best craft beers in the city, but the food is amazing and the ambiance of the brewery itself is fun, a little funky, and upbeat. Honestly, even if you don’t care for beer, it’s worth stopping by just to taste the chicken-on-a-stick!
Make Your Way To: Durham Bulls Athletic Park & American Tobacco District
When you’re ready to head back outside, start making your way to Durham Bulls Athletic Park to get loud for some minor league baseball. Games are played frequently throughout the spring, so tickets are usually pretty reasonable. Not only is the stadium nice, but the whole area surrounding the park is fun to walk around and checkout.
Durham Bulls Athletic Park is actually located in the American Tobacco Campus, making it easy to wander around. This district of Durham is both old and new as it was part of the once integral tobacco industry, and has since been rejuvenated. This up-and-coming area is home to shopping, dining, entertainment, markets, and more!
Grab A Sweet Treat At: The Parlor
Dessert first anyone?? The Parlor is a perfect spot if you’re looking for a sweet treat! As you might expect, they have a delicious array of handmade ice cream flavors to choose from, but they also have a tasty assortment of baked goods as well. I CAN confirm cookies and cream ice cream with a chocolate chip cookie is a winning combo. As a plus, they have a few vegan options, so everyone can enjoy a treat!
Wander Through: 21C Museum Hotel
The 21C Museum Hotel, is a hotel with a contemporary art museum on its lower levels. With nine different locations across the country, the Durham museum is currently featuring a This We Believe installment. The exhibit is unique and thought-provoking to walk through, featuring dozens of carefully crafted and diverse works of art to appreciate. Even the bathrooms are part of the exhibit! This ambulatory artistic experience is open to anyone— you do not have to be guests of the hotel or adjoined restaurant to enjoy this free museum.
Finish The Day At: The Counting House
The Counting House makes for a tasty meal as well as a fun place to grab a cocktail. The ethos of the menu is “familiar, yet unexpected”, so you’ll find bold takes and elevated culinary experiences. They also boast some fun signature cocktails. Our experience was fab just telling the bartender what we were in the mood for and enjoying something new. It goes without saying the food was to-die-for as well. A little spendy but worth it!
A day in Durham goes by fast, but there’s loads of fun to be had, food to be eaten, and tasty drinks to enjoy. Durham is also notorious for the array of murals found throughout the city, so even an afternoon stroll can bring you unexpected artistic beauty. Regardless of your length of stay, we hope you get out and explore something new!
written by Hannah
Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest. Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.
