# What should I do in Durham, NC? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 14, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278 "2011-09-14T12:28:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Elysium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3be4f8/32.png) [@Elysium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elysium)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/1 "2011-09-14T12:28:26Z")
I’m going to be heading down to Durham on Columbus Day weekend for a visit to my sister, and I’m hoping you guys can help us find some cool stuff to do together! I’m going to fly down on the 7th and leave on the afternoon of the 10th. We have a wedding to attend on Saturday evening, Oct. 8th, so Sat. evening events will be out. Anything cool happening that weekend that we shouldn’t miss? I’ve checked the google and it says that there’s a [Ren Faire](http://www.royalfaires.com/carolina/) happening about 2 hours away, has anyone been to this fest? Is it worth the drive? Also there appears to be a beer festival going on that weekend as well, but it might just be on Saturday. Stuff we like to do: browsing in quirky cool shops, eating at ethnic restaurants, checking out theatre events, museums, etc. I like to knit and if there’s a good yarn shop in the area I’d be happy. So what cool things are there to do? We’re not into nightclubs and stuff, but I like a good microbrew bar. What are your favorite places and spaces within a drive-able area? ---
**Author:** ![USCDiver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uscdiver/32/354_2.png) [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/2 "2011-09-14T12:36:44Z")
Weird Al is playing at the Durham Performing Arts Center on Oct 9. [www.dpacnc.com](http://www.dpacnc.com) There are also a couple of decent microbrew pubs in Chapel Hill. [Carolina Brewery](http://www.carolinabrewery.com/) and [Top of the Hill](http://www.topofthehillrestaurant.com/) ---
**Author:** ![Wargamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df705f/32.png) [@Wargamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wargamer)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/3 "2011-09-14T14:12:12Z")
Bullock’s BBQ. You’ll thank me later. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/4 "2011-09-14T16:53:07Z")
The ren faire looks closer to Charlotte than Durham, a 2.5 hour drive. I wouldn’t bother, personally. If you wanted to do something different, and wanted to drive a similar distance, Seagrove (a.k.a. Jugtown) is fun - several dozen pottery shops, all a few minutes drive from each other. Last time I went, however, many of them were not open on Sunday and it sounds like that’s the day you’d have free for it. It’s more like 90 minutes away (but you spend time going from shop to shop). I’ve been away long enough that I’m not “up” on the latest craftsy places in the Triangle area but I don’t doubt you’d find plenty of them in the Durham and Chapel Hill area. ---
**Author:** ![PandaBear77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@PandaBear77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PandaBear77)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/5 "2011-09-14T17:14:19Z")
Definitely not worth the drive for Ren Faire, IMHO. Go check out the Duke Gardens. If you’re into brew, hop over to Raleigh and visit the Flying Saucer. ---
**Author:** ![PSXer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/48db29/32.png) [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/6 "2011-09-14T18:11:41Z")
you can hang out with me anc watch Jurassic Park ---
**Author:** ![shorin-ryu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@shorin-ryu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shorin-ryu)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/7 "2011-09-14T18:23:27Z")
I was also going say, go to Duke Gardens! [Duke Gardens | Learning, inspiration and enjoyment](http://www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens/) Quite lovely. What kind of things do you like to do, and where will you be staying? ---
**Author:** ![awldune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@awldune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/awldune)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/8 "2011-09-14T18:44:16Z")
Go to Ninth street, which has some restaurants and quirky shops. There is a store called Cozy that has yarn in back. There’s a shop called Ox and Rabbit that has an old-fashioned soda counter and a lot of cute merchandise. If Cozy doesn’t satisfy, you could try Yarns, etc on Elliot Rd in Chapel Hill. It is on the way from Durham to Chapel Hill if you are making that trip. If you go to Brightleaf Square, you should check out Morgan Imports (gifts/curiosities) and the bookstore there whose name I can’t remember. It has a really cool selection of antique books and antique prints. IMHO Duke Gardens can be a bit hit or miss in that sometimes it is massively crowded and sometimes there are wedding receptions or other events. ---
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/9 "2011-09-14T18:54:04Z")
[Magnolia Grill](http://www.magnoliagrill.net) has delicious food… excellent eating. I didn’t know it when I ate there, but supposedly it’s “world renowned”. It ain’t cheap, but it’s not prohibitively expensive either. And it’s unique… “fine” dining in a modest setting. ---
**Author:** ![PacifistPorcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@PacifistPorcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PacifistPorcupine)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/10 "2011-09-14T19:00:02Z")
Another thing about the Ren Faire: traffic is insane because there are only a couple of entrances (at least the two years I’ve gone) so you’d have to add almost another hour just for getting into the parking lot, after the 2 hours travel from Durham. If you’re willing to drive that much and like quirky shops, go to Asheville instead. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/11 "2011-09-14T19:52:49Z")
> [@awldune](#): > > Go to Ninth street, which has some restaurants and quirky shops. There is a store called Cozy that has yarn in back. There’s a shop called Ox and Rabbit that has an old-fashioned soda counter and a lot of cute merchandise. > > If Cozy doesn’t satisfy, you could try Yarns, etc on Elliot Rd in Chapel Hill. It is on the way from Durham to Chapel Hill if you are making that trip. > > If you go to Brightleaf Square, you should check out Morgan Imports (gifts/curiosities) and the bookstore there whose name I can’t remember. It has a really cool selection of antique books and antique prints. > > IMHO Duke Gardens can be a bit hit or miss in that sometimes it is massively crowded and sometimes there are wedding receptions or other events. I think **awldune** is referring to the [Wentworth & Leggett](http://www.wentworthleggettbooks.com/) bookstore. [The Regulator](http://regulatorbookshop.com/) is another good bookshop on Ninth Street. Here’s a link to [Brightleaf Square](http://www.historicbrightleaf.com/index.html) so you can see what else is there. Unfortunately the Ninth Street web site seems to be defunct, but here’s some links to some of the other shops/restaurants there: [Blue Corn Cafe](http://bluecorncafedurham.com/) [Zola Craft Gallery](http://www.zolacraftgallery.com/) [International Delights](http://www.yelp.com/biz/international-delights-durham) (Yelp page) [Metro 8 Steakhouse](http://www.metro8steakhouse.com/) [Chubby’s Tacos](http://www.chubbystacos.com/) [Barnes Supply Company](http://www.barnessupplydurham.com/) [Vaguely Reminiscent](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vaguely-Reminiscent/135443439805670) [Ox & Rabbit Soda and Sundries](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ox-and-Rabbit-Soda-and-Sundries/36902149996#!/pages/Ox-and-Rabbit-Soda-and-Sundries/36902149996?sk=wall) [Magnolia Grill](http://www.magnoliagrill.net/) is also nearby and is purported to be one of the best restaurants in the Southeast. I’m partial to [FullSteam Brewery](http://www.fullsteam.ag/). They usually have a food truck or two you can get something tasty from, or you can go a couple blocks to [Geer St. Garden](http://geerstreetgarden.com/). If you can catch a show at [DPAC](http://www.dpacnc.com/) (which is also linked in a previous post), it’s great. [Tyler’s Taproom](http://www.tylerstaproom.com/restaurants/durham) is nearby on the [American Tobacco campus](http://www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com/), and has a great wealth of beers, ciders and even some meads. You could also visit the [Nasher Museum of Art](http://www.nasher.duke.edu/) - it’s part of Duke University and near the botanical gardens. They also have a great cafe, and if the weather cooperates, you can sit outside. They have a lovely patio. ---
**Author:** ![awldune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@awldune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/awldune)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/12 "2011-09-14T20:11:43Z")
> [@romansperson](#): > > I think **awldune** is referring to the [Wentworth & Leggett](http://www.wentworthleggettbooks.com/) bookstore. [The Regulator](http://regulatorbookshop.com/) is another good bookshop on Ninth Street. That’s the one. The Regulator is a good indy bookstore, great magazine section. Less unique than Wentworth. > [@](#): > > [Zola Craft Gallery](http://www.zolacraftgallery.com/) Worth a look if you like colorful folk art sort of stuff. > [@](#): > > [International Delights](http://www.yelp.com/biz/international-delights-durham) (Yelp page) Good gyro/shawarma shop. > [@](#): > > [Chubby’s Tacos](http://www.chubbystacos.com/) Surprisingly good. They have an unusual kind of tortilla that is very flaky. HUGE, HUGE burritos for $6. > [@](#): > > [Barnes Supply Company](http://www.barnessupplydurham.com/) Pet/gardening supply. Probably not of interest to a vacationer. > [@](#): > > [Vaguely Reminiscent](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vaguely-Reminiscent/135443439805670) Quirky clothes/gifts/etc. > [@](#): > > [Ox & Rabbit Soda and Sundries](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ox-and-Rabbit-Soda-and-Sundries/36902149996#!/pages/Ox-and-Rabbit-Soda-and-Sundries/36902149996?sk=wall) Cute soda shop I mentioned. Dain’s on Ninth street supposedly has outstanding burgers. There are often scary bikers outside, however. ---
**Author:** ![carlotta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/898d66/32.png) [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/13 "2011-09-14T20:31:22Z")
Most of the posters have hit the main highlights, definitely go to Duke Gardens and Ninth St. You might also like the [Durham Farmer’s Market](http://www.durhamfarmersmarket.com/) open Saturday from 8-12. In addition to produce there is crafty stuff and just kind of a scene going on. On the same street as the Farmer’s Market is [Man Bites Dog Theater](http://www.manbitesdogtheater.org/) a very small theater, almost like a college lab theater. They’ll be having a play called Middletown that weekend. From Duke Gardens you can navigate your way onto the main part of Duke’s West campus which has beautiful gothic architecture and Duke Chapel which is a more of a gothic cathedral than a “chapel” From Ninth St. you can navigate your way onto Duke’s East Campus which has a popular walking trail around the perimeter. Also near Ninth St. is [Nice Price Books](http://nicepricebooksandrecords.com/) at 811 Broad St. and [Books Do Furnish A Room](http://www.booksdofurnisharoom.com/) at 1809 West Markham Avenue The Nasher Museum is OK, but I love the [North Carolina Museum of Art](http://ncartmuseum.org/), though it is a about a 40 minute drive to Raleigh. My favorite restaurant is [Guglhupf](http://www.guglhupf.com/). European pastries! I’ve never been but my husband would recommend the Full Steam Brewery. I’ll post back if I think of more stuff. ---
**Author:** ![awldune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@awldune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/awldune)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/14 "2011-09-14T20:43:17Z")
> [@carlotta](#): > > My favorite restaurant is [Guglhupf](http://www.guglhupf.com/). European pastries! Excellent, although parking is a BIG problem. ---
**Author:** ![Elysium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3be4f8/32.png) [@Elysium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elysium)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2011, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/15 "2011-09-15T12:18:07Z")
Thank you so much guys, awesome suggestions. Definitely ditching the Faire idea in favor of the Farmer’s Market. I think we can do that Saturday, no problem. Maybe Sunday we’ll head to Ninth St. and do some of those shops. The Ox and Rabbit looks really cute! I’m think of looking into a brewery tour at one of those places. ---
**Author:** ![Elysium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3be4f8/32.png) [@Elysium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elysium)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2011, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/16 "2011-09-15T12:32:55Z")
Also, too late to edit the previous post, any good breakfast places? ---
**Author:** ![carlotta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/898d66/32.png) [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2011, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/17 "2011-09-15T12:43:06Z")
Guglhupf is great for breakfast, opens at 7:30 I think (I’m going there for lunch today!). Elmo’s Diner on 9th St. is also a popular breakfast spot, as is [Mad Hatters Cafe](http://www.madhatterbakeshop.com/) a block away from 9th St. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2011, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/18 "2011-09-15T13:16:36Z")
An item to cross off your to-do list: hiring strippers. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2011, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/19 "2011-09-15T14:04:46Z")
> [@awldune](#): > > Pet/gardening supply. Probably not of interest to a vacationer. Actually they also have gift-y type stuff (pottery, jams/jellies/etc.) which is why I mentioned it. ---
**Author:** ![Elysium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3be4f8/32.png) [@Elysium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elysium)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2011, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278/20 "2011-09-15T14:07:36Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > An item to cross off your to-do list: hiring strippers. Well we’re two ladies, so should we go for girl-strippers or boy-strippers. Maybe a mix of both? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-durham-nc/596278.md?page=2)