Durham offers an intriguing combination of history, culture, and hidden gems that invite exploration. Get to know Durham by exploring its tobacco factories and textile mills; admire Duke University’s beauty; or experience its vibrant music scene – there is so much to experience here!
Motorco Music Hall and Durham Performing Arts Center both host musical acts ranging from local bands to nationally touring artists. Explore Durham’s American Tobacco Historic District or Hayti Heritage Center to gain insight into Durham’s historically significant African American business community.
Downtown
Downtown Durham is the beating heart of Durham and is filled with historic tobacco warehouses that bring a buzz to this vibrant part of town. Here you will find art galleries, restaurants, shopping and other attractions as well as the American Tobacco Trail that runs right through its center.
Durham Central Park is one of Durham’s premier attractions, hosting numerous year-round events like live music performances, food vendors, cultural celebrations, strolls through its lush lawns or simply taking a leisurely walk around it. You can even enjoy a picnic on its green grass!
Other activities in Downtown Durham are the American Tobacco Trail, which provides visitors with a 22-mile pathway for walking or bicycling through downtown. There are multiple entry points into this trail which connect to parks, shops and restaurants in Downtown Durham.
Durham Central Park DIY district, an historic area which houses some of Durham’s most unique local businesses, offers shopping and dining. There are a range of retail options here such as Morgan Imports, Parker & Otis, Everyday Magic and Indio as well as brewery / bar options such as Fullsteam Brewing Company and Ponysaurus Brewing Company for your enjoyment.
Durham is well-known for its vibrant local music scene, boasting musicians and bands of various genres that span jazz to hip-hop to rock to soul music – you can find it all here! Popular artists in Durham include Branford Marsalis, Iron & Wine, Mount Moriah 9th Wonder and Sylvan Esso to name just a few.
When hunger strikes, check out Durham Food Hall to satisfy it with local eateries and bars. Be sure to stop by Napoli Pizzeria & Gelatoria for Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza, small plates and salads as well as mission-style burritos from Ex-Voto or indulge in fresh fish plates and sandwiches from Locals Seafood Restaurant and Market.
Don’t miss a trip to CCB Plaza when visiting this area; Major the Bull is one of its most beloved icons and stands as an emblem for strength and perseverance.
American Tobacco Historic District
The American Tobacco Historic District is a multi-use historic redevelopment that links Durham’s past and future through a variety of active spaces. At its core lies ATC (American Tobacco Campus) – home to restaurants, offices spaces and venues nestled into historic brick buildings from one of America’s greatest entrepreneurial success stories – one must see place when visiting downtown Durham! ATC should definitely not be missed!
This 14-building complex was constructed between 1874 and the 1950s for American Tobacco Company (later renamed Fortune Brands) offices and production facilities, becoming an iconic landmark of Chicago. The towering smokestack is still present today while brick facades serve as landmarks throughout its architecture.
Today, the American Tobacco Historic District is an energetic and popular attraction with plenty of things to do. Situated just steps from Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Durham Performing Arts Center, the district features restaurants and shops that showcase Durham’s rich history; in addition to offering ATC Theater as an intimate event space perfect for hosting weddings or corporate functions.
No matter the occasion or budget, ATC offers something suitable to every taste and budget. From its rooftop patio at The Pitcher to Fullsteam Brewery’s elegant dining room, there is sure to be something that satisfies.
ATC is home to several acclaimed businesses, such as American Underground startup incubator, WUNC Public Radio, and Full Frame Theater. The district’s multi-use design is widely considered a model for sustainable urban development; and its successful adaptive reuse strategy has been widely credited with revitalizing downtown Durham.
Visit the American Tobacco Historic District to take a step back in time and experience Durham, North Carolina’s rich history. Stroll through its historic tobacco plantation, play bull city chess on one of their outdoor courts, lounge in hammocks or relax under Lucky Strike tower – you have so much to choose from at this campus that’s open from 8am-10pm daily and offers parking in its East Parking Deck or metered locations around Durham; special event attendees should contact their venue or ATC’s parking page for additional details before their visit!
Hayti Heritage Center
Established in 1975, the Hayti Heritage Center takes its name from its historic Black neighborhood home and promotes cultural understanding through events, activities and programs designed to honor and recognize African American heritage and experience. Housed within the former St. Joseph’s African Methodist Episcopal Church complex from late 19th century Philadelphia; featuring church services, community gathering space and gallery exhibition space as well as hosting cultural performances like jazz performances by R&B musicians or dance classes taught by professionals; poetry slams, book clubs as well as candlelight concerts are hosted here as well.
The Hayti Heritage Center aims to foster pride and identity among residents and visitors through cultural programming at its facility. Additionally, this organization strives to bridge the gap between Black history and current social issues in Durham today by maintaining and expanding Hayti as a living memorial to African American history in Durham.
Hayti Heritage Center also offers public walking tours through historic streets in its community, which go beyond simple sightseeing to offer participants an enhanced understanding of its past and provide participants with greater insight. Led by teaching artists, these walks connect locals with their neighborhood’s history.
Hayti Heritage Center hosts numerous cultural arts workshops throughout the year, from dance classes and poetry slams to film festivals and more. These activities aim to foster creativity while encouraging community interaction; additionally they help young people build strong senses of identity and self-worth. Furthermore, it serves as a hub for various cultural events like 3rd Friday Live which showcases music and art from Hayti area artists.
The Hayti Heritage Center has long been recognized as a source of support for artists and musicians within the Black community. Their Performance Hall provides an elegant venue for concerts and special events like their Candlelight Concert series; this year’s installment will include an intimate rendition of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by candlelight.
Brightleaf Square
Brightleaf Square warehouses were originally constructed to store bright leaf tobacco that helped fuel turn-of-the-century economies, but today are an invaluable part of Downtown Durham. Renovated from their former use as tobacco storage facilities, these warehouses now serve as an oasis for shops and restaurants showcasing entrepreneurial creativity such as Eater-praised pizza joints and an ice cream parlor offering rotating flavor selections – providing visitors with a taste of what makes Durham special.
Brightleaf Square, conveniently situated nearby Duke University and Downtown Durham, boasts both modern scholarly vibes and historical industrial heritage. An irresistibly authentic neighborhood, Brightleaf Square should not be missed by anyone seeking to experience all that Durham offers – its many businesses and attractions alike!
Brightleaf Square boasts numerous award-winning restaurants and shops, but what really sets this revitalized downtown space apart is its courtyard. Reimagined to enable pedestrian-friendly shopping, dining, entertainment and an iconic look; Brightleaf Square also hosts local artisans and vendors that foster an inclusive sense of community among residents.
The courtyard’s new look was designed to welcome families with children as well as patrons looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Featuring outdoor seating, kinetic art walls and large fire pits – creating an inviting and warm ambience – it serves as the gathering spot during special events like Brightleaf Square’s free summer concert series.
After exploring Brightleaf Square, recharge at one of its unique local eateries – from craft breweries to seafood joints, there’s something here for everyone in this vibrant shopping and dining complex.
Brightleaf Square provides a hub of exciting activities, from cultural celebrations to seasonal festivals. Home of Durham Performing Arts Center, Cottages at Brightleaf provides access to other nearby popular destinations like Durham Bulls Athletic Park and William B. Umstead State Park for an amazing lifestyle! All these amazing attractions can be reached within just minutes!