In September 2021, my brother, dad, and cousin decided to take a golfing trip to Durham, North Carolina, and meet a friend there. I decided to tag along for the journey. We rented a car, I dropped them off at their golf course, and went on my way exploring.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
I pulled up my Google Maps to see what lay in the area where I’d just dropped off my family and found this park. I didn’t have the proper shoes for walking a nature trail, but I made the best of it. Thankfully, it didn’t require any heavy hiking. However, before hitting the trail, I saw a sign warning of copperhead snakes in the area. So, when I stumbled upon the shed skin of one of these said snakes, I nearly jumped out of my own.
A City Rich in History
On my second day, I wandered the streets of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. I came across the trail for what’s known as Black Wall Street. The story of the Black community that thrived in Durham, building the legacy of economic prosperity, comes alive through artwork and sculptures found throughout the trail.
On the outskirts of downtown, I found the Pauli Murray family home, part of the Center for History and Social Justice. Here, you will find the story of this intrepid pioneer of the LGBTQ+ community, the first Black citizen of the city to earn a JSD from Yale Law School. Their story is truly unique and well worth the visit.
On the other side of Durham lies the American Tobacco Campus. Established in 1890 as a tobacco factory, this sprawling neighborhood of brick buildings now stands as a vibrant campus filled with local shops, restaurants, a performing arts center, and an athletic park.
Ghost Walking Tour
Of course, I took a ghost walking tour while here in the nearby city of Raleigh. There’s nothing I love more than following a local history buff through the cool night air and seeing the silhouette of the buildings in the dark. It lends a perfect spooky atmosphere for ghost stories and urban legends.
We started at the old governor’s mansion, where the story goes that Governor Fowle still lurks. Our tour ended near the city center with the tale of a woman accused of witchcraft and cursing her neighbors.
Find out more about all Durham has to offer here.
The Artisan Market at Durham
During my explorations of downtown Durham, I found The Artisan Market at 305. Here, local artisans sell their wares — handbags, jewelry, art prints, and more handmade treasures. I bought a couple of bowl cozies, one for myself and one as a gift for a friend, as well as a few pairs of earrings. Check them out if you find yourself in town and need unique souvenirs and gifts.
Breakfast & Books
On our last day in town, my dad and I found Guglhupf, a German bakery and cafe. They have three locations between Durham and Chapel Hill. We had a little bit of a wait, as it was a popular place with both tourists and locals alike, but it was well worth it.
Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The Danish hits the spot if you have a sweet tooth. Because they cook with locally sourced ingredients, the menus are seasonal. But they always bring the perfect blend of German traditions and Southern cuisine.
Right next door to the cafe, we found a local bookstore, Golden Fig Books. Naturally, I had to go in and browse. As usual, I purchased a book on local lore and history about Durham, North Carolina.
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