Explore
We hope you’ll take this opportunity to stay the weekend or make it an extended vacation to explore our little corner of North Carolina and beyond. Here’s a handy map of places we recommend visiting in our neck of the woods.
Local highlights
Outdoor things
- All the hikes (a number of area trails are still closed due to recent storm damage - be sure to check the websites before you go)
- Chilling at the rooftop bar at The Durham Hotel, the shared back patio at Kingfisher/Queeny's, and The Alley at Alley 26
- Grabbing a scoop from The Parlour and people-watching at CCB Plaza
- Duke Gardens (the welcome center is currently under construction, but the gardens are open - just follow the signs to the weekend-only temporary parking and guest entrance)
- The Museum of Life & Science
- NC Museum of Art & Sculpture Park in Raleigh (the musical swings are the best!)
Thrifty, gift-y things feat. some local flare
- Dolly’s, Durham Vintage Collective, and Parker & Otis in Downtown Durham
- The Scrap Exchange for crappy, crafty bits galore (Kris’ 1st job in Durham was rolling fabric at the Scrap 🙃)
- Rumors & Pennies for Change
- Feature Flora and Edge of Urge in Raleigh
Artsy things
- The galleries at the 21c Museum Hotel are usually worth popping in for a look when you’re wandering around Downtown (2nd and 3rd floors)
- Shows at the Pinhook, The Fruit, & Motorco
- Nasher Museum at Duke
- Duke Arts
Discover Durham
Beyond Durham
With lower heat and humidity, October’s shift in seasons is a great time to bounce around the state and see what North Carolina is all about. Here’re some spots to consider if you’re up for road tripping:
Beaches
The Outer Banks are some very lovely beaches with charming towns to boot. We’ve spent most of our time in Nags Head, about a 3-hour drive from Durham in and out of season. If you’re looking to go a bit closer, you may want to check out Wilmington — a fun port city with plenty of attractions and nearby public beach access.
State Parks
Visiting state parks is a favorite fall pastime of ours. Close by to Durham are Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock, the former having cabins available to rent. Further out there’s Stone Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock, and Mt Mitchell.
National Parks
The state parks are incredibly beautiful, but there’s a reason the Smoky Mountains is a National Park with its picturesque mountains and valleys. If you’re out that way, a ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway is also a must (just check which sections are currently open first).
Asheville
If city dwelling is more your speed, Asheville is city with a lot of charm along with some of the best food and breweries in the state. The area is still recovering from last year’s hurricane, but they’re ready to welcome visitors. Nearby Black Mountain is also worth a stop in.