
by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Tue December 16, 2014
We Say:
Originally slow growing before the civil war, the boom of the tobacco industry gave way to a rapidly growing south. A predominantly African-American community led to many visits from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was key to establishing the "sit-in" movements of the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, the downtown is a prime example of revitalization with many of the old tobacco districts becoming mixed-use buildings and entertainment venues. Since 2008, the city has seen a huge boom in high end, "foodie" type restaurants with award winning chefs owning and operating everything from food trucks to $95 set price tasting meals.
They Say:
A unique mix of rich history, pioneering achievements, and diverse culture - that's what makes Durham the kind of place that is always engaging. The national accolades it's earned as a place to live, work, and play only prove what anyone who's been here has already experienced - and experience is the key. Come to Durham and find something new: art, history, food, events, you name it. Experience Durham, Fresh Daily. - The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau
MORE CITY PULSE GUIDES:
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Weather:
Current Traffic:Google Traffic
Airport:Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Public Transit: Durham Area Transit Authority
Bikeshare:Only for Duke Students
Walkability Score: 28 at Walk Score
Parking Options / Expense: ParkMe
Best Accommodations: (Expedia.com Highest Guest Rated w/ at least 50 Reviews)
Boutique: The King's Daughters Inn (Writer's choice - only had 17 reviews at the time)
High End: Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
High End: Arrowhead Inn Bed & Breakfast
Mid Range: Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint
Bargain: Staybridge Suites Durham/Chapel Hill
Foods to seek out: Editor's Picks
Bar-B-Que: Backyard BBQ Pit
Chef Owned Food Trucks: Chick-N-Que
Ethnic Food: Mami Nora's Peruvian Chicken
Known For:
Great food: Mateo Bar de Tapas
The Durham Bulls: Get Tickets
Duke University (and their Blue Devils): Duke Basketball Museum
Sports Teams:
NCAA: Duke Blue Devils
MLB-AAA: Durham Bulls
Cool attractions:
Single
1.Go for a hike at Eno River
2.Shoot Skeet at the Durham County Wildlife Club
3.Drink from plow to pint at Fullsteam Brewery
Couple
1.Explore Durham's entertainment area at the American Tobacco Historic District
2.Take in a game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
3.Take a walking tour of Downtown Durham
Family
1.Step back in time at Patterson's Mill Country Store
2.Take a tour of the Duke Lemur Center
3.Catch the wind at the Museum of Life + Science
Nightlife
1.Martini - Alley Twenty Six
2.Great Music Venue - Motorco Music Hall
3.Piedmont Blues - The Blue Note Grill
Durham is:

Graphic courtesy of worditout.com
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