Durham, North Carolina is known for its food, startups, downtown regeneration and affordability. All this combined makes for the perfect romantic getaway. We have created the ultimate romantic weekend itinerary to take full advantage of all the different aspects the city has to offer. Get your walking shoes ready to explore this walkable city with a loved one.
Durham Travel Video
Friday
Historic Downtown
Walk your way through the beautiful and historic area of downtown Durham. Make sure not to miss the major bull Durham Sculpture and Civil Rights Mural. Durham is home to the Black Wall Street historical site, as this area was a successful entrepreneurial area for black owned businesses and corporations in the early 20th century. Dotting the downtown area are a handful of colorful murals both old and new, all with a story to tell.
Durham Central Park
Central Park in Durham is more than just relaxing green lawns. It is also home to the weekly Durham Farmers’ Market and seasonal Food Truck Rodeo. There are many events that take place here, so make sure to check the calendar of any happenings during your visit.
Check in to your hotel or AirBnb
We stayed at the most amazing AirBnb on a few minute drive or 20 minute walk from downtown Durham. Hosted by Stephen Barefoot, an Airbnb award winning super host. Staying in the bottom floor private two bedroom apartment, there is plenty of space for us to just sit back and relax after an activity filled day.
Dinner at Tyler’s Taproom (Temporarily closed)
Tyler’s Taproom offers over 60 beers on tap highlighting local and regional breweries. Besides for beer, they also serve delicious food. Our favorite dish is the sweet potato tater tots topped with warm honey and walnuts. We fished a whole plate of them before even touching our other food!
Saturday
Breakfast at Foster’s Market
Foster’s Market boasts its homestyle gourmet food market and cafe. Focused on farm fresh and quality ingredients, the menus changes seasonally with the different types of food available. Order a fresh sandwich from the country store style interior and enjoy it out on their large patio in the sun.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Take a stroll through one of the countries largest public gardens on the campus of Duke University. Enjoy this beautiful area exploring its Italian terraces, Asian gardens and plenty of majestic water fountains.
**Duke Gardens is closed until further notice.**
Duke Chapel
Take a picture with the iconic 1,300 seat Duke Chapel. Do not let the name chapel fool you with this grand gothic building towering over the campus.
**Duke Chapel is closed until further notice.**
Lunch at NanaTaco/Nuvo Taco
Enjoy the exquisite taste of the fresh Mexican-American fare at NanaTaco. Either try a burrito or taco with your choice of meat and relax with a sweet house margarita. This Durham staple gets quite busy in the warmer months, but the wait is totally worth it.
The Scrape Exchange
It is time to take art into your own hands at The Scrap Exchange creative reuse art center. Take leftover materials from a variety of industries and turn it into a work of art, with all the supplies provided in house. This is a fun and creative way to fill the afternoon and promote sustainable reuse and waste management. You also end up with a one of a kind souvenir from Durham!
Churros and chocolate at Cocoa Cinnamon
Started as a bike coffee station, Cocoa Cinnamon used a crowdfunding campaign to open up their first cafe. To build the menu the owners used a historic take on the coffee and chocolate trade using ancient product and cultural connections to build the flavors. We enjoyed the classic handmade churros dipped in cinnamon and sugar along with an ice cream dish with a churro bowl. The store uses designs and motifs from the owners native Mexico to create a truly subversive experience.
American Tobacco Campus
Make your way through the former Lucky Strike cigarette factory complex. It has since been transformed into a mixed use area, with restaurants, bars, startups, a basketball court and plenty of green spaces. At on end of the campus you will find the Burt’s Bees offices with a replica of Bert’s Maine cabin out front. During the summer it also hosts free concerts underneath the Lucky Strike water tower.
Dinner at Parts & Labor at Motorco Music Hall
At Parts & Labor they serve food truck type options including their famous chicken in a waffle. You can enjoy this taste food in their garage bar or out on the patio during warm weather. It is also more than just food with a variety of showrooms for live music, comedy and more.
Sunday
Eno River State Park
There is no better way to end your romantic weekend in Durham than with a visit to Eno River State Park, just a short drive outside of town. Here you can enjoy 28 miles of green hiking trails, a relaxing dip in the river, or push your significant other to the top of Cox Mountain. No matter what your time at this tranquil park is a beautiful setting to enjoy each others company.
Stephen Barefoot
Sunday 15th of April 2018
Hi Steven & Jaz! It was great to see these posts about your recent trip to Durham! It was a delight to have you here — and you certainly made the most of your time in town, even in that awful weather on those days! And a big thank-you for the mention about my AirBnB apartment! I look forward to seeing you next time you’re able to come this way. Safe travels (and Beauchamp says a special hello to the pooch!)
Travel To Blank
Tuesday 17th of April 2018
Hello Stephen, It was fantastic to stay in your award winning AirBnB apartment! We look forward to seeing Durham again in warmer weather to take advantage of its supreme walkability and countless outdoor activities.