For lots of people, Durham is synonymous with Duke University, and for very good reason. The stately buildings, streets lined with trees, and well-manicured lawns of Duke run directly into town. Having a university of such magnitude right in their own backyard means Durham’s citizens and visitors alike can attend all sorts of world-class exhibits, lectures and sporting events.
But Durham isn’t just a college town. It’s a former tobacco-industry town that continues to develop into a more urbane, arts-minded city. Over the years, its old brick factory buildings have slowly been transformed into theatre spaces, trendy restaurants and shopping malls. While neighbouring Chapel Hill often steals Durham’s thunder with regards to drawing tourists, most locals prefer the more mature and calmer vibe of their home city. Add to this the plethora of museums and historic sites, as well as its forever-evolving sense of self, and you have a city that’s worth exploring during a holiday in North Carolina.