Durham Magazine 2026 Visitors & Relocation Guide by Triangle Media Partners

DPAC truly has something for everyone with spectacular touring Broadway productions, high-profile concerts and comedy events, family shows and special events of all kinds.

Find Tickets at

What are the places that you love to take out-of-town visitors in Durham?

“You can’t go wrong with the rotating doughnut flavors at Monuts! Then head over to Sarah P. Duke Gardens for a walk, gorgeous no matter the season.”

2026 visitors & relocation guide magazine

EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda MacLaren amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com

E ditorial

EDITOR, CHAPEL HILL MAGAZINE

Jessica Stringer

EXECUTIVE EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Morgan Cartier Weston

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Renee Ambroso

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Sharon Kinsella

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Sasha Anand, Emma Arthur, Regan Butler, Alison Grau, Ethan Harrell, Stephanie Hughes, Natalie Jones, Kate Loeffel, Mila Mascenik, Rebekah Mann, Katrina McLean, Jamell Mumford, Rebecca Savidge, Lexi Tatum and Libby Wakefield

A rt & P roduction

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

“QueenBurger for smash-style burgers; Boxcar also has great pizza and drinks, and the games aren’t overpriced – $20 buys you plenty of games and a fun night with friends.”

“We’d go downtown to see Major the Bull and then pop into Pizzeria Toro for lunch, head over to The Parlour for ice cream and then stroll to the American Tobacco Campus for shopping at Parker and Otis. Maybe we’ll head out on the American Tobacco Trail for a walk and grab dinner at Aaktun Coffee + Bar, Cucciolo Osteria, Mateo Bar de Tapas or M Sushi – wherever I can snag a reservation. If my visitors have kids, we head to the Museum of Life and Science – everyone is so impressed by the indoor and outdoor activities. I took my daughter’s Danish in-laws, and they absolutely loved it.”

“The Roof at The Durham Hotel is one of my go-to rooftop bars! Great drinks and small plates, plus plenty of space heaters during the cold season. The Velvet Hippo is another awesome vibey rooftop bar.”

“My friends love grabbing lunch at Namu or Eastcut Sandwich Bar followed by a visit to Ultimate Comics to catch up on our collections.”

Kevin Brown

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Michael Simpson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Lindsay Scott

AD MANAGER

Khadijah Weekes Nolan

MAGAZINE DESIGNER

Alex Crotti

Advertising

For advertising inquiries, email advertising@durhammag.com

Melissa Cooley

melissa.cooley@trianglemediapartners.com

Melissa Crane

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Sarah Davis

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Lucinda Poole

lucinda.poole@trianglemediapartners.com

Clayton Wrisley

clay.wrisley@trianglemediapartners.com

Corporate

PRESIDENT

Rory Kelly Gillis

VICE PRESIDENT, SALES

Chris Elkins

chris.elkins@trianglemediapartners.com

VICE PRESIDENT, CREATIVE OPERATIONS

Ashlin Acheson

ashlin.acheson@trianglemediapartners.com

VICE PRESIDENT, CLIENT SERVICES

Sally Scruggs

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Amy Bell

ACCOUNTING & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

Cassady Orsini

MULTIMEDIA PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR

OF CLIENT DIGITAL STRATEGY

Jenna Parks

MANAGING EDITOR, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS

Renee Ambroso

CLIENT ONBOARDING & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Brian McIndoo

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Jack Fry

MULTIMEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR

Morgan Cartier Weston

MULTIMEDIA CONTENT PRODUCER

Caleb LeJeune

DISTRIBUTION

Matt Bair

CO-FOUNDERS

Dan Shannon & Ellen Shannon

Durham Magazine is published six times a year by Triangle Media Partners, founded in 2006 by Dan and Ellen Shannon. Subscriptions, $38 for two years, are available at durhammag.com. To purchase copies, call 919.933.1551.

“Love the Geer/Foster Street area – so many good places in one block. Geer Street Garden or Hutchins Garage for food, Surf Club or Liberty & Plenty Distillery for drinks, Cocoa Cinnamon for coffee and Boxcar Bar + Arcade and Urban Axes for entertainment.”

“I love to take visitors for a stroll through the Durham Farmers Market on a Saturday morning with a latte in hand from Liturgy Beverage Company (located a few steps away inside the Durham Food Hall). The afternoon might include dropping in to a class at Recess Yoga or a walk along the 8 miles of trails at Horton Grove Nature Preserve, the largest Triangle Land Conservancy site in the area.”

“I take people to Mezcalito because the food is amazing, and we always have plenty left over to take home. Then Two Roosters for ice cream and for the kids to burn off their sugar high by running around the green space outside.”

“The Durham Performing Arts Center is a world-class venue. Friends are always impressed at its size and the crowd participation. The fireworks at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park are so awesome, too. Be sure to hang around after a weekend game for the show.”

“Start by browsing the locally owned shops around the Brightleaf District – it’s the perfect spot to find unique, inspired goods. When it’s time to eat, you can’t go wrong with tried-and-true favorites like Seraphine, Dashi and Mateo Bar de Tapas. For entertainment, catch a movie or a live concert at the Carolina Theatre, or head to the Durham Performing Arts Center for Broadway shows, comedy acts and world-class performances.”

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

’ve called the Bull City home for nearly 15 years, and I still can’t get enough of its energy. I once daydreamed about living in New York, California or D.C. – exciting places, for sure, that I love to visit, but I always felt a bit overwhelmed by their size and pace. Durham, to me, feels like a small town with all the perks of a metro area: You’ll bump into neighbors on Ninth Street and find peaceful walks along the Eno River, but you can also catch international stars or Broadway shows at our performing arts venues and discover acclaimed local and global artists in our galleries. It really is the best of both worlds.

I love hearing stories from people moving to or visiting Durham. I grew up in Tempe, Arizona, and still remember our 1999 move to Charlotte, North Carolina; the treeline alone made a lasting impression on my 10-year-old self. (I also imagined keeping a pony in the backyard, which, sadly, never happened.) Despite my body’s initial protest to the humidity – join me at Bull City Running Co.’s Wednesday evening run club, and you’ll see what I mean – I knew North Carolina was where I belonged.

Whether you’re new to the state or just settling into Durham, welcome! Our city is full of Southern hospitality and people eager to share what makes it so special. Grab a coffee at a local cafe, browse a bookstore or cheer on the Durham Bulls at the DBAP –you’ll find plenty of ways to dive in. And if you need a tip or two, our office is always happy to help.

Photo by Tony Belch

2026 visitors & relocation guide

4 Letter from the Editor

8 Need-to-Know Numbers & Accolades

14 Discover Durham

18 The Ultimate Durham Checklist

84 items you must complete before you can call yourself a true Durhamite, plus annual festivals, markets and more

40 Through Our Lens

Get a closer look at our photogenic city with a few of our favorite images from the past year

48 Putting Down Roots

Durham Regional Association of Realtors

President Sondra Trice-Jones shares insights on the local market. Plus, tour a few homes in some of our city’s most popular neighborhoods

72 Best of the Best

There are plenty of phenomenal restaurants, retailers, home builders, museums and more in Durham. Every year, thousands of our readers share their favorites across more than 115 categories.

88 Savor the Scene

Our area is known for its dynamic food scene. Explore some of the Bull City’s best bites – from classic hot dog favorites to new openings and award-winning restaurants to standout wine programs – and discover your next go-to spot.

98 Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved Fun

A one-of-a-kind, three-day itinerary of familyfriendly things to do in Durham

102 Taking Center Stage

A breakdown of our entertainment venues

108 Moments in Time

Uncover the landmarks and narratives central to the Bull City’s history

110 Creative Capital

A look at our city’s museums, studios and galleries – cultural spaces that showcase creativity you can experience, from immersive exhibitions to shop-worthy finds and memorable souvenirs

115 Book It

Find comfort at a hotel after a busy day of traveling or sightseeing – or visit their restaurants, galleries and more as a part of your stay

120 Let’s Get Down to Business

Some of Durham’s recent accolades, highlights and developments, plus various resources to help you navigate the ins and outs of starting a business as well as excerpts from our magazine’s coverage of local companies, entrepreneurs and more

126 Stay Golden

Our directory of assisted living, continuing care, independent living, 55+ living and cohousing retirement communities

134 City of Medicine

Our moniker is more accurate than ever

139 Our Top Dentists

148 Ahead of the Class

A quick look at our city’s institutions of higher learning

154 Teachable Moments

Our directory of independent, regional boarding, charter and application program schools, plus a quick look at our public schools

166 Creature Comforts

Where to find the vets, groomers, boarders, sitters and trainers who help your pets live their best lives

169 Shape Up

Discover dozens of ways to stay healthy and active – from yoga and dance to cycling and rock climbing – and find the workout that suits you best

172 Glow On

These spas and salons make it easy to indulge in self-care, from a simple manicure to a fresh cut to full-on pampering

C

able/ I nternet

AT&T ................ 844-391-8080

Frontier .............. 919-408-7015

Google Fiber ...... 833-942-0105

Spectrum ............ 877-906-9121

P opulation*

Durham City .................... 317,467

Durham County ............... 367,022

* SOURCE Planning & Development Department (estimated as of Jan. 1, 2025, using local development permits completed in the city and county since the most recent Census on April 1, 2020)

S ize *

Durham City ... 112.79 square miles Durham County ................................ ............................ 286.53 square miles

* SOURCE U.S. Census on April 1, 2020

* SOURCE U.S. Climate data and Sperling’s Best Places

• It’s free, quick, and easy to make a difference in the lives of those around you while using the largest volunteer matching database in the Triangle.

• We work with over 1,400 nonprofits to connect you with the best volunteer opportunities throughout the Triangle.

• Individuals, Students, Retired Adults, Businesses and Groups… We have something for all volunteer types! Visit HandsOnTriangle.org to find volunteer opportunities that fit your passions AND schedule. To learn more about the Center’s programs visit: THEVOLUNTEERCENTER.ORG

city ranks high on many local and national reports

No. 7

No. 8

Cities To Move to – MoveBuddha

Best U.S. City for Renters – Forbes

Best City for Working Women – McKinsey & LeanIn.org

Best City for Employment Opportunities – Checkr

No. 9 Happiest City in America – SmartAsset

No.

DISCOVER DURHAM

urham is a warm and inviting city filled with creativity and imagination –from the bold flavors of locally sourced menu items to the heartpumping thrill of an Afro-Brazilian live drum performance. As you explore life in our destination, you’re invited to come engage with us: indulge in familiar favorites, uncover new interests and discover community.

Think of the good folks at our official visitors’ bureau, Discover Durham, as your locals guide – your area experts. They are here when you need resources, from printed maps to kid-friendly itineraries to a route for exploring Durham’s public art on two wheels. Rely on its social accounts at @durhamnc to keep you in the know about the events and openings everyone will be talking about, and turn to discoverdurham.com for seasonal guides and other timely recommendations for exploring our city.

Now, you can access those recommendations, curated itineraries, an event calendar and more from the convenience of your phone. Download the Discover Durham app using the QR code on this page to stay informed and access its popular annual challenges, the Bull City Beer Challenge and Love Durham.

When you arrive, meet their team in person at the Visitor Info Center located in the heart of downtown at 212 W. Main St. There, you can receive personalized suggestions, plan your stay with interactive tools,

pick up maps and other collateral, and make your first Durham friend. Find the Visitor Info Center’s hours and more details at discoverdurham. com/resources/visitor-infocenter. There’s an afterhours bin outside the front door with visitor guides and other useful items that is always stocked and accessible 24/7, too.

PHOTO BY SP MURRAY, COURTESY OF DISCOVER DURHAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISCOVER DURHAM

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Saves You Time

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Gives You Perks

Coastal cardholders get discounts at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park, including free Fast Lane access and 10% off all food and nonalcoholic beverages at the main concession stands!

Must-do experiences to earn your true Durhamite status

PHOTOGRAPHY

JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

1 Head to The Boulder Garden, downtown’s first and only rock climbing gym – beginners can ease in with the gym’s popular Intro to Bouldering class.

2 Go canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, picnicking and swimming at Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, Lake Michie or the Eno River State Park

3 Take a tour at the Duke Lemur Center, which houses the largest group of these endangered primates in the world.

4 Join Bull City Running Co.’s Bull City Run Club; Fleet Feet’s Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.; We Run Durham run club; or The Glass Jug Beer Lab’s The Glass Jog Run Club at its Research Triangle Park location, or Bull City Strollers walking club at its downtown taproom.

ABOVE Sean Lilly Wilson is the the chief executive optimist at Fullsteam. He launched the brewery’s original taproom on Rigsbee Avenue in 2010, followed by an expansion to Boxyard RTP in 2021. After closing the Rigsbee location in October 2024, Sean is preparing to open Fullsteam’s new 9,000-square-foot taproom at American Tobacco Campus this year.

BELOW Kayla Johnson, Ashley Shechtman and The Boulder Garden’s head setter Henry Ritterpusch tackle the climbing wall, where routes change frequently to keep the experience fresh.

5 Or sign up for the free Durham, NC parkrun, a weekly timed 5K race that takes place every Saturday – rain or shine – at Southern Boundaries Park

6 A fan of vinyl? Peruse the impressive collection of LPs at Chaz’s Bull City Records, Carolina Soul Records or Hunky Dory.

7 Get a scoop (or two) of Vietnamese coffee or salted butter caramel ice cream from The Parlour.

8 Pick up a bottle of any of Alley Twenty Six’s homemade tonics or award-winning syrups, or try them in a cocktail at the bar.

9 Attend a service at Duke Chapel.

10 Recycle your old technology with Triangle Ecycling, which handles computer refurbishing and has a strong youth education program with Durham Public Schools, teaching hands-on computer repair skills to students.

11 Attend an improv comedy show at Mettlesome Theater at Golden Belt Campus

12 Have a locally brewed beer at Atomic Clock Brewing Company, Bull City Burger and Brewery, Crank Arm Brewing Company, Ponysaurus Brewing Co., Fullsteam Brewery, Clouds Brewcade + Kitchen, Hi-Wire Brewing Co., Starpoint Brewing, Flying Bull Beer Company, Tobacco Wood Brewing Co., Gizmo Brew Works, The Glass Jug Beer Lab, DSSOLVR, Proximity Brewing Company and/ or Durty Bull Brewing Co.

13 Watch or join in the action at the Durham Skate Park – remember to wear your helmet!

14 Head to Boxyard RTP – a vibrant example of “cargotecture” in which businesses operate out of repurposed shipping containers – for food, pop-up fitness classes and markets, live music and weekly entertainment, and events like game nights, book clubs, adoptable pet events, improv shows and more.

15 Watch the movie “Bull Durham.”

16 Step back in time with a guided tour of the McCown-Mangum House at West Point on the Eno. While you’re there, visit the Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography.

17 Volunteer with a local nonprofit, such as Meals on Wheels Durham, Urban Ministries of Durham, Durham Public Schools Foundation, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina or the Durham Partnership for Children. Or, work with The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center to find the organization that best matches your goals for giving back!

18 Get creative at the Durham Pixel Wall at Durham Central Park.

19 Explore our thriving craft beverage scene: Try Bull City Ciderworks’ Sweet Carolina cider, Durham Distillery’s Conniption American Dry gin or Krupnikas honey liqueur, Fizzwerks’ hard seltzers, any variety of mead from Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop and Honeygirl Meadery, Liberty & Plenty Distillery’s Bronze Bull spirits and Mystic Farm and Distillery’s bourbon. 

Niccolò Muti, CEO and artistic director of The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, was raised in the wings of Durham’s orchestra scene – his father, Lorenzo Muti, served as the conductor and artistic director of The COT from 1988 to 2024, and his mother, Jill Muti, is a flutist.

20 Stop by the Museum of Durham History to learn about the Bull City and its past. 21 Take a selfie at Duke Arts Annex’s Satellite Park 22 Support artists from around the globe at Bull City Fair Trade.

23 See a retro movie at the Carolina Theatre

24 Play a round of golf at the Duke University Golf Club at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club – the only Robert Trent Jones-designed course in the region – and the Hillandale Golf Course, which is 115 years old!

25 Have a big breakfast at Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails, Silver Spoon Restaurant, Elmo’s Diner and/or Foster’s Market

26 Watch an oversized vehicle get caught on the “Can Opener” bridge, a 12-foot, 4-inch tall bridge at the corner of Peabody and Gregson streets. Viral videos of tall trucks smashing into the low-hanging bridge have caught the attention of millions online at 11foot8.com

27 Attend a Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle event – whether it’s a chamber music concert or one of its pay-what-youcan Beerthoven performances.

28 Visit Bennett Place, the site of the largest surrender in the Civil War.

29 Take your pick of the day’s catch –delivered fresh from the Carolina coast every morning – at Saltbox Seafood Joint

30 Catch a live performance – from avantgarde theater and dance to classical music –with Duke Arts Presents.

31 Have a hearty burger at King’s Sandwich Shop, Bar Virgile, Dain’s Place, Only Burger, Bull City Burger and Brewery and/or QueenBurger

32 Get crafty at creative reuse center The Scrap Exchange, and visit its thrift store while you’re there.

33 Order coffee from one of our local roasters – Counter Culture, Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery, Yonder Coffee, Red Drum Roasters, Little Waves Coffee Roasters, Bean Traders, Joe Van Gogh or Beyu Caffé.

34 Have lunch and a pastry at The Mad Hatter’s Café & Bakeshop and/or at Guglhupf Bakery & Restaurant. 

Best Museum

Best Family Outing

Best Summer Camps

The Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top-rated destinations. It’s an interactive science center, a nature park with animals, and 84 acres of openended experiences. We’ve got bears, dinosaurs, train rides, treehouses, NASA artifacts, and butterflies from around the world. See you soon!

433 W. Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704

lifeandscience.org

919-220-5429

35 Check out the latest exhibit at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and visit the outdoor space and sculptural garden that connects it to the Rubenstein Arts Center, where you can also peruse exhibits, hear live music or see a dance troupe perform.

36 See a blues show at The Blue Note Grill.

37 Embrace your artistic side with DIY crafts at bottle shop Crafts & Drafts.

38 Go to a Duke game at Cameron Indoor Stadium and Wallace Wade Stadium

39 Take a picture with Major the Bull in CCB Plaza

40 Enjoy small bites and a glass of rosé (or your own favorite style of wine) on the patio at Killer Queen Wine Bar or The Wine Feed.

41 Fly high at indoor adventure park OC Aerial’s various attractions, which includes a ropes course, indoor climbing, zip lining, bouldering, two large slides, a ninja course and a variety of other obstacles.

42 Attend an exhibition opening during Third Friday, Durham’s monthly art walk and gallery crawl.

43 Catch a concert at Motorco Music Hall or The Pinhook.

44 Find new, used and/or children’s books at Letters Bookshop, Golden Fig Books, Books Do Furnish a Room, The Regulator Bookshop and Wentworth & Leggett Books

45 Volunteer with the Durham Bike Coop; become a member to access tools and assistance, learn mechanical skills, or get a used bicycle.

46 Trek around Duke’s East Campus with your dog while raising money for the Animal Protection Society of Durham during the annual Walk for the Animals

47 Better yet, adopt a pet from APS of Durham, Independent Animal Rescue or Hope Animal Rescue

48 Raise a glass at Durham’s first Blackand woman-owned winery, Melanated Wine

49 Rent a scooter and ride down Parrish Street. Along the way, stop to read the signs on historic Black Wall Street and learn about the historic hub of African American businesses and financial services.

50 Sample our tastiest restaurants-onwheels by visiting a food truck at our local breweries or during a rodeo at Durham Central Park.

51 Head up to rooftop bars at The Durham Hotel, The Lenny, The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge and/or the second-floor patios of Ponysaurus and/or Fizzwerks and watch the sunset, cocktail in hand. 

OC Aerial promises an epic, action-packed experience with 16,000 square feet of activities awaiting daredevils of all ages – the giant 18- and 21-foot slides are the No. 1 activity among children 15 and younger followed by the ninja course, the 34-element rope course and the 160-foot zip line.

PHOTO BY CATHI BODINE PHOTOGRAPHY

52 Catch a Broadway show at the Durham Performing Arts Center

53 Enjoy a popsicle on the front steps of LocoPops – a dessert cafe that serves Mexican-style frozen treats – and explore its sundries shop on Hillsborough Road or its downtown LocoShop on Foster Street.

54 Have your tarot read at underground bar and lounge Arcana.

55 Make movie night more festive with unique popcorn flavors from The Mad Popper

56 Take your craft cocktails, beer and wine to-go at several participating bars and restaurants within our city’s social district, The Bullpen

57 Become a member of the University Club on the 17th floor of University Tower. Often referred to as “The Pickle” by locals, the tower is home to offices and a penthouse restaurant and bar.

58 Enjoy a beer while you wait to get a haircut at Arrow Barbering Co. or Rock’s Bar and Hair Shop

59 Walk, run or bike the American Tobacco Trail

60 Purchase local produce, meat and eggs from your nearest farmers market (see page 92 to find one by you) or at Perkins Orchard, a yearround farm stand.

61 Spend a spring afternoon at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, which began construction on its $30 million “Garden Gateway” project in fall 2024. When the renovations wrap in 2026, the gardens will feature a new welcome center, café, gallery, outdoor meeting areas, improved facilities and expanded green spaces. Lucky for us, the gardens will remain open throughout the updates.

62 After finding inspiration at Duke Gardens, pick out some plants for your home at a few of our local garden centers like Barnes Supply Co., Durham Garden Center, For Garden’s Sake, Gunter’s Greenhouse, Stone Brothers & Byrd and Witherspoon Rose Culture

Meet local artisans and find beautifully crafted pottery, jewelry, illustrations, woodwork and more at the Durham Craft Market, Cecy’s Gallery & Studios, 5 Points Gallery or The Artisan Market at 305

64 In the middle of summer, find respite from the heat with an ice-cold, homemade Fahsyrah’s Lemonade

65 Catch at least one performance during the American Dance Festival. 

Weldon Mills Distillery brought its speakeasy vibes to the Bull City in 2023 after first opening in its namesake North Carolina town in 2019. The bar crafts its own spirits and offers a mix of tempting bites, live music, bourbon tastings and inventive cocktails.

Annabel Renwick, curator of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, leads a group during the Walk on the Wild Side guided tour in early March.

Amon Kemboi, Fiona O’Keeffe and Miriam Dattke – members of the Puma Elite Running Team – stretch their legs on the American Tobacco Trail.

66 Get a season pass to the Museum of Life and Science and take the kiddos often. Or, leave the kids at home and attend an adults-only AfterHours event.

67 Take a continuing education course at Duke University, or walk the campus to experience its Gothic architecture.

68 Stock up on bottles of beer, cider or wine from Beer Study; Growler Grlz; The Glass Jug Beer Lab; Ramblers; The Oak House; LouElla Wine, Beer & Beverage; Brunello Wine Bar; Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps; Wine Authorities; Total Wine; The Wine Cellar; RTP Uncorked; The Wine Feed or Hope Valley Wine & Beverage.

69 Walk through the American Tobacco Campus, home to the Lucky Strike Tower, an eclectic mix of restaurants and retail, a beautiful green space and a quarter-mile long river.

70 Go on a date night to Boxcar Bar + Arcade and/or Urban Axes next door.

71 Pick up your groceries at Bulldega Urban Market or the Durham Co-op Market

72 Check out work by African American artists at the N.C. Central University Art Museum.

73 Grab a sandwich at Toast and have lunch outside while you watch the hustle and bustle of Five Points.

74 Take your rambunctious youngsters to Durham’s most central playground, Mount Merrill.

75 Go on a shopping spree to boutiques like Mode Consignment Boutique, Exotique, Smitten Boutique, Indio, Vintage Home South, Vaguely Reminiscent, Durham Vintage Collective, Flying Apple Vintage, Rose & Lee Co., Tigress, Rumors Durham, Parker and Otis, Dolly’s Vintage, Gibson Girl Vintage and Vert & Vogue 

Art meets atmosphere at 21c Museum Hotel. The juxtaposition of curated visual storytelling and highend hospitality create a sensory experience that is both thought-provoking and effortlessly chic. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a space where creativity is always on display, whether lounging beneath large-scale installations in the gallery spaces or chatting over a craft drink at the bar.

76 Tour Duke Homestead State Historic Site, the early home, factories and farm where Washington Duke first grew and processed tobacco.

77 Play a game of pickleball at Piney Wood Park, which features the city’s firstever public dedicated pickleball facility –complete with 12 dedicated courts and lights available till 9 p.m.

78 Get a library card at your closest Durham County Library branch (especially the newly renovated Main Library!).

79 Grab a croissant from Loaf, a doughnut from Monuts and/or a biscuit from Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

80 Hear ordinary people tell extraordinary stories at The Monti

81 Visit the chef-driven restaurants, coffee shop, bakery, bar and event space – all under one roof – at the Durham Food Hall.

82 Spend a night at one of our bed and breakfasts, Arrowhead Inn and Morehead Manor, or at unique local hotels like the Durham Marriott City Center, 21c Museum Hotel, The Durham Hotel, JB Duke Hotel, Washington Duke Inn or Unscripted Durham

83 While you’re there, take a dip in the pool at Unscripted Durham’s Patio lounge.

84 Take in a Durham Bulls game –the season runs from the end of March to September.

BY CORNELL

PHOTO

WATSON

Mark Your Calendar

Spring

MARCH

Storytime with Barnaby D. Troll

This free, family-oriented program for preschoolers is hosted by Bryce Brooks at Durham Central Park’s The Leaf every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. In spring and fall. Poststorytime activities include visiting with Barnaby, Mr. Pickles the Turtle and Rockin’ Reuben the Cardinal, and creating complimentary crafts. 501 Foster St.; 919-794-8194; durhamcentralpark.org/events/storytime

Bull City Food & Beer Experience

This 13th annual event features food from 30 Triangle restaurants paired with breweries. Guests will get unlimited food and beer samplings throughout all three floors of the Durham Performing Arts Center, along with options from local food trucks. Proceeds benefit Ripe for Revival, a nonprofit that addresses food insecurity. DPAC, 123 Vivian St.; dpacnc.com

Bennett Place School Day

Tours for the public, plus private and homeschool groups, which allows students to learn about life as it was during the American Civil War and many other aspects of North Carolina’s rich history. Reservations required.

Bennett Place State Historic Site, 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd.; 919-383-4345; historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bennett-place

Durham Crop Walk

The 52nd annual event combines fun and fundraising to combat hunger locally and around the world. Durham’s event has raised more than $5 million since its inception in 1974. Duke Chapel, 401 Chapel Dr.; 919-451-7203; durhamcropwalk.org

Durham Bulls Baseball

The Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays begin their minor league season at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Through September. DBAP, 409 Blackwell St.; 919-956-2855; durhambulls.com 

APRIL

Durham Craft Market

This outdoor market has more than 30 rotating artists who showcase their work every Saturday morning from April through the Saturday after Thanksgiving, plus an additional holiday market on the second Sunday in December each year. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.; durhamcraftmarket.com

Canine Field Day

Join Durham Parks and Recreation for a fun day in the park with your canine friend. There will be opportunities to watch and participate in activities and competitions, such as the Hyperflite Skyhoundz disc dog competition. Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Dr.; 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

Civil War Surrender Commemoration

Commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender. Begin with an evening of storytelling, music and luminaries honoring the lives of more than 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War. The following day features lectures and special tours, exploring the historic surrender that marked the end of the Civil War. Bennett Place State Historic Site, 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd.; 919-383-4345; historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bennett-place

Earth Day Festival

The festival brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate our planet and promote sustainability, often attracting more than 4,000 attendees. Go green and enjoy a day filled with entertainment, hands-on environmental education workshops, ecofriendly vendors, kids activities, live music and more.

Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.; 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

Durham Senior Games

Designed to promote health year-round, this Olympics-style competition gives participants who are 50 years old and older the chance to compete in more than 30 sporting events and 20 art forms. The competition is held throughout April at various locations, and ends on may 7. 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

Spring Egg Hunt

Kids roam the grounds to find hidden eggs and turn them in for prizes. Get the whole family playing with egg-themed games, as well as the site’s traditional historic games, and enjoy a puppet show! This event is BYOB – bring your own basket. There will be different times and areas for each age group to participate. Duke Homestead Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd.; 919-627-6990; dukehomestead.org

MAY

Walk for the Animals

A 1.5-mile walk that raises awareness and funds for the nearly 5,000 homeless, neglected and abused animals of Durham County each year that end up in the caring hands of the Animal Protection Society of Durham. Grab friends and colleagues, form a team and compete for various prizes May 30. Duke University’s East Campus, 712 Broad St.; 919- 560-0640; apsofdurham.org

Playlist Concert Series

Every first Friday from May to October, DCP and WNCU 90.7 FM present a free music series featuring national and local artists – rain or shine. Food trucks, craft beer and artisan goods on-site. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.; 919-794-8194; durhamcentralpark.org

Old Hillsborough Road Market

Shop for unique holiday gifts from local craft, retail and food vendors at this market inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of James and Nancy Bennitt, who once sold goods and services to travelers along the historic Hillsborough Road. Bennett Place State Historic Site, 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd.; 919-383-4345; historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bennett-place

Preservation Durham Home Tour

Each year, Preservation Durham – whose mission is to protect Durham’s historic assets – offers the public a glimpse into a different historic neighborhood or thematic group of historic properties. Various locations; 919-682-3036; preservationdurham.org

Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

The national award-winning festival commemorates its 55th anniversary as one of the oldest cultural festivals in the state. This familyoriented event celebrates African and African american history, culture and traditions. Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Dr.; 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

Running of the Bulls

The 17th annual Bull City Running Co.’s premiere community road race follows a scenic course that winds through the historic and revitalized neighborhoods around downtown and finishes with a lap around the warning track inside the Historic Durham Athletic Park 500 Corporation St.; 919-265-3904; runningofthebulls8k.com

Summer

JUNE

Beaver Queen Pageant

This unique and often wacky – in a good way! – pageant started in 2004 when the construction of I-85 threatened the Duke Park beavers. Contestants dress up in themed costumes, vying for the title of Beaver Queen by bribing the judges. Duke Park, 106 W. Knox St.; beaverqueen.org

American Dance Festival

Celebrated since 1934 as one of the most prestigious dance festivals in the country, it has called Durham home for nearly 50 years. The festival presents more than 40 performances by dance companies from around the world at various venues each June and July. The organization also runs

educational programs, including year-round classes and summer camps for all ages and levels, to help promote modern dance culture and appreciation for the art form. 715 & 721 Broad St.; 919-684-6402; americandancefestival.org

N.C. Juneteenth

Celebrating the end of slavery, this educational and uplifting day at North Carolina Central University’s campus features live entertainment, food, vendors, exhibitors and presentations on the origin and significance of Juneteenth. 919-916-1640; spectacularmag.com

Summer Concerts in the Park

Durham Parks and Recreation offers this free summer music series that includes outdoor concerts. On-site drink vendors and food will be available for purchase. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Various parks; 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

Family Farm Animal Day

Come visit Duke Homestead and meet farm creatures typically found on a 19th century homestead! Visitors will learn about the importance of animals, birds, pollinators and more on farms in the state, both historically and today. Visit with and learn more about animals from local farms, rescue organizations and wildlife centers from right here in North Carolina and enjoy a day of games, crafts and history! Duke Homestead Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd.; 919-627-6990; dukehomestead.org

JULY

Kids Fourth of July Parade

Children are invited to decorate their bikes and ride them through Durham Central Park in a free parade event from 9-11 a.m. on the Fourth of July. There will also be fire trucks, music and free popsicles. 501 Foster St.; 919-794-8194; durhamcentralpark.org/events 

PHOTO BY RICHARD TERMINE

July Fourth Celebration

Celebrate patriotism and civic pride with Durham Parks and Recreation and the Durham Bulls. Attend the baseball showdown and enjoy a dynamic fireworks display following the game.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St.; 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

Festival for the Eno

One of the region’s premier Fourth of July celebrations with music on four stages, craft artists, local foods and a beer garden – all on the banks of the Eno River to benefit efforts to preserve this beautiful natural area.

West Point on the Eno, 5101 N. Roxboro St.; 919-620-9099, ext. 203; enofest.org

Bull Moon Ride and Run

A family-friendly evening 5K run/walk and 6.5- or 12-mile bike ride through downtown to raise money for Habitat for Humanity of Durham. Post-race party features live music, barbecue and beer. Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St.; 919-682-0516; bullmoon.itsyourrace.com

AUGUST

OutSouth Queer Film Festival

The second-largest film festival in the Southeast and the largest cultural arts event serving the LGBTQ+ community for 30 years in the Carolinas, with world premiere screenings and thousands of tickets sold each year. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; 919-560-3030; carolinatheatre.org/festival/outsouth

Black August in the Park

A festival that inspires and connects people of African descent to assert their value and engage in social and cultural change. The event is reminiscent of a Black family reunion or a homecoming, with an additional emphasis on providing a platform for, and elevating the causes of, social justice organizations. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.; blackaugustinthepark.com

Brightleaf Harvest Day

Celebrate North Carolina farming culture and history at Duke Homestead as staff harvests the tobacco out of the field and demonstrates the process of tobacco looping. Duke Homestead Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd.; 919-627-6990; dukehomestead.org

Fall

SEPTEMBER

Fall Movies in the Park

Durham Parks and Recreation offers this free movie series that includes outdoor movies on the big screen. On-site drink vendors and food will be available for purchase. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Various parks; 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

Centerfest

The longest running street arts festival in North Carolina and the largest arts and community festival in Durham features more than 100 visual artists who specialize in paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, crafts and more, plus entertainment, kids activities, food and fun. City Center; 919-560-2719; durhamarts.org/centerfest

Pride Durham, N.C.

Upholding the legacy of NC Pride, this is one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender festivals in the area, now lasting three days for a full weekend of events. A concert showcases performances, speeches and other creative presentations from area artists and advocates, while a market features more than 100 vendors, and the parade stretches 2 miles and includes more than 100 marching groups every year. Duke University’s East Campus, 1304 Campus Dr.; pridedurhamnc.org

Family Saturday Series

Bring your family to enjoy fun for all ages!

Introduce your kids to the magic of live performances, music and storytelling. Tickets are $5 each. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; 919-560-3030; carolinatheatre.org/educationseries/family-saturday

Vintage Baseball

Take a step back in time with Duke Homestead as it presents vintage baseball games at the Historic Durham Athletic Park, which has hosted baseball games since 1926. The inclusive event highlights Durham’s baseball roots and honors the struggles and achievements of many players over the past century. Players will wear historic uniforms, use historic equipment and follow historic gameplay, adhering to 1860s Beadles Rules. Historic Durham Athletic Park, 500 Corporation St.; 919-627-6990; dukehomestead.org

OCTOBER

Click! Photography Festival

The three-day festival brings together exhibitions and programming while fostering dialogue among photographers and community members, all in hopes of inspiring artistic excellence, supporting professional development and promoting community engagement. clickphotofest.org

Bull City Race Fest

Run the 5K or a half-marathon through downtown and surrounding neighborhoods – then celebrate your accomplishment at the postrace party! This Durham tradition is not to be missed every October! American Tobacco Campus, 318 Blackwell St.; bullcityracefest.com

Phoenix Fest

Celebrate the cultural legacy of Durham’s historic Hayti community and enjoy a fun-filled day of family-friendly entertainment on Fayetteville Street at Lakewood Avenue 919-680-2878

North Carolina Latin American Film Festival

Organized by the Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill, this festival has featured work by Latin filmmakers from more than 20 countries in 13 languages, screening films and inviting speakers on issues such as migration and globalization. Takes place during the second half of October. Various locations around Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh; 919-681-3883; nclatinamericanfilmfestival.org

Splatterflix Film Series

Stop by for a spooky treat – the “goriest, scariest horror movies ever made” play over a three-day weekend. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; 919-560-3030; carolinatheatre.org/series/splatterflix-film-series

‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Halloween Ball

This Retro Film Series annual tradition is more than just a movie screening – it’s a fully theatrical, FX-driven, light show-blazing, fog-blowing, callbacking, motion picture extravaganza. Fasten your garter belt and come to the Carolina Theatre’s historic 1,000-seat lab and see what’s on the slab. This exclusive Rocky Horror experience is guaranteed to thrill you, chill you and fulfill you. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; 919-560-3030; carolinatheatre.org/series/retro-film-series/#films Barktoberfest

Durham Parks and Recreation and Beyond

Fences provide a fun afternoon for Durham’s canine residents. Your support helps promote a dog-friendly community and provides services to people and their pets in underserved areas. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.; 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org 

PHOTO BY FRED MYERS

Hillsborough

Pumpkin Patch Express

Celebrate fall every Saturday and Sunday in October with pumpkins, crafts and train rides. Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate and take home, then enjoy seasonal crafts and carnival games. Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave.; 919-220-5429; lifeandscience.org

Halloween Phantasmagoria

Wander Duke Homestead after dark and see what Victorian-era wonders you find. Explore historical concepts of awe, wonder and spiritualism, plus experience Halloween traditions from generations past. A one-of-a-kind spooky experience not designed to scare! Duke Homestead Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd.; 919-627-6990; dukehomestead.org

NOVEMBER

Tails at Twilight Gala

Join the Animal Protection Society of Durham for a night full of silent and live auction bidding, dancing, eating and drinking, celebrating Durham’s only community animal shelter. Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, 3001 Cameron Blvd.; 919-560-0640; apsofdurham.org/tails-at-twilight

Thanksgiving Tours

Discover the origins of Thanksgiving as staff lead 60-minute guided tours exploring the history and legacy of the Civil War-era federal holiday. The tours delve into the holiday’s 19th century creation by Abraham Lincoln and its roots in colonial era traditions. Bennett Place State Historic Site, 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd.; 919-383-4345; historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bennett-place

Winter

DECEMBER

Holiday Tree Lighting

Kick off the holiday season at this free, family-friendly event presented by Downtown Durham Inc.

Featuring live performances, visits with Santa, crafts, games and interactive activities for all ages. CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran St.; downtowndurham.com

Christmas by Candlelight

A celebration of an 1870 Christmas with evening candlelight tours featuring period decorations, dancing, caroling, hot apple cider and other goodies. Duke Homestead Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd.; 919-627-6990; dukehomestead.org

Holiday Parade

Watch dynamic floats and cheer on hometown bands, drill teams, schools, community groups and more as they make their way through downtown. The parade culminates with a special guest appearance from Santa. 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

Santa Paws

Bring your canine friend to meet Santa, who will be available for photos with your pet alongside a holiday pet market. Durham Armory, 212 Foster St.; 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org

N.C. Jazz Ensemble Holiday Concert

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays as the performance group brings the spirit of the season to the Hayti Heritage Center. 804 Old Fayetteville St.; 919-683-1709; hayti.org

American Tobacco Tower Lighting

The annual lighting of the Lucky Strike Tower includes local performers, holiday music, festive lights and more. American Tobacco Campus, 318 Blackwell St.; 919-433-1566; americantobacco.co

Hanukkah 8K/Family Fun Run

and Pool Plunge Family Swim

Jewish for Good invites participants to kick off the winter holiday with an 8K and family fun run. Push yourself to complete the whole thing, or just take a lap around the Levin JCC and celebrate with victory gelt. Stick around in the afternoon for a Hanukkah family swim. Barrel down the waterslide, hang out on the pool deck and sip some hot chocolate before the lighting of the 8-foot-tall menorah at sundown. Levin JCC, 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd.; 919-354-4936; jewishforgood.org

Holidays in the Park

Bundle up to stroll through festive light displays and sing along to holiday tunes at the Museum of Life and Science. Enjoy its indoor and outdoor exhibits, visit the fluttering inhabitants and warm up inside the Magic Wings Butterfly House, and twirl in your socks on the synthetic ice rink. Visitors can also hop on the Ellerbe Creek Railway to enjoy a train ride among more holiday lights. Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave.; 919-220-5429; lifeandscience.org

Hanukkah Festival

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Jewish for Good. There will be kids activities, games and crafts, holiday foods for sale including sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and latkes, interactive menorahs, opportunities to learn more about the holiday and a community shuk (gift and craft market).

Levin JCC, 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd.; 919-354-4936; jewishforgood.org/hanukkah

Kwanzaa Festival

A cultural community event with a marketplace, workshops, movement and music classes, food vendors, performers, a candle lighting ceremony and a film. Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.; 919-683-1709; hayti.org

Mitzvah Day

Join hundreds of volunteers from around the region in community service on Christmas Day with Jewish for Good. There will be opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to volunteer and do good for others. Levin JCC, 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd.; 919-354-4936; jewishforgood.org/mitzvah-day

JANUARY

Retro Film Series

This double feature of movies in all genres from 1920-1999 celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Most Fridays throughout the entire year, though the series is programmed in two sections – January to June and July to December. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; 919-560-3030; carolinatheatre.org/series/ retro-film-series

Kwanzaa Fest

The African American dance ensemble’s annual Kwanzaa festival focuses on family, friends, and the fruits of the Earth. It takes place on the seventh day of Kwanzaa. The event welcomes everyone and features a children’s village, drumming class, arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainment from dance performers and more. In honor of the legacy of Baba Chuck Davis, donated canned foods and toiletry items will be given to a local nonprofit. Durham Armory, 212 Foster St.; 919-560-2729; aadekwanzaafest.wixsite.com/kwanzaafest

Triangle Restaurant Week

A weeklong celebration of culinary excellence where participating restaurants offer special three-course menu options and fixed pricing, creating a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to indulge in the finest cuisine in the region. trirestaurantweek.com

FEBRUARY

Food Truck Rodeos

Swing by Durham Central Park from noon-4 p.m. on Feb. 22, April 12, May 31 and Oct. 18 to get a taste of the 30-plus featured food trucks, local craft beer, kids activities and music. 501 Foster St.; 919-794-8194; durhamcentralpark.org

American Indian Powwow

An exciting, inclusive, family-friendly event that celebrates the rich cultures of indigenous people. The festivities kick off with a grand entry of dancers followed by a vibrant array of songs. Explore unique arts and crafts available for purchase. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, 1219 Broad St.; 919-416-2852; ncssm.edu/powwow

Nevermore Film Festival

Created in 1999, this festival is a juried competition that programs brand-new features and short films from around the world. More than 500 films have screened at the festival in its 26-year run. Accepting submissions for horror, science-fiction, dark fantasy, animation, mystery, thriller and action-adventure, it has gained an international reputation as one of the premier genre festivals in the U.S. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; 919-560-3030; carolinatheatre.org/festival/nevermore

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Mission

To ensure every child in Durham enters school ready to succeed, we lead community strategies for children birth to age 5 and their families that promote healthy development and learning and enhance access to high quality care.

Background

The first 2,000 days shape a child’s future success in school, work and life. That’s where Durham’s Partnership for Children comes in. The Partnership identifies emerging needs and mobilizes partners to support comprehensive approaches to serving all 23,000 young children in Durham. The organization administers the Smart Start initiative, N.C. Pre-K and Early Head Start, as well as community-based programs in Durham County.

Get Involved

Connect with us to stay updated on upcoming events and helpful resources

• Facebook: /DurhamsPartnershipForChildren

• Instagram: @the_partnership_dpfc

Volunteer with us as an early childhood advocate, volunteer, service project lead, committee member or organizational supporter

• Email our community awareness manager at kristen@dpfc.net

Apply for our Early Head Start Program, a comprehensive child development and family support program serving pregnant women and children from birth to age three

• dpfc.net/our-work/durham-early-head-start

Enroll your child in N.C. Pre-K, a high-quality program that prepares eligible 4-year-olds for school through early education in both public and private settings

• dpfc.net/our-work/ncpk

Donate to support Durham’s early childhood programs!

Get in Touch!

1201 S. Briggs Ave. Ste. 100 Durham, NC 27703

919-403-6960

Website: dpfc.net

Email: mail@dpfc.net

Brag Lines

• We partner with community partners to offer early care and education, family support, literacy and health services.

• We lead collaborative efforts to identify needs, connect systems, and develop strategies through events, trainings and initiatives.

• We raise awareness about early childhood development and available resources.

Parent Testimonial: “Having proper childcare and these resources gave us the stability we needed… If basic needs aren’t met, families can struggle to thrive. Pre-K allowed us to flourish.”

– 2024-2025 Pre-K Parent

Upcoming Events

• Save the date: Celebrate our 30th anniversary with us on April 16, 2026!

Mission

The Durham Tech Foundation is committed to the belief that every individual deserves access to quality education and a pathway to a secure, well-paying career. The Foundation works to ensure that Durham Technical Community College has the resources needed to make this vision a reality.

Community Impact Highlights

Thanks to our generous donors, this past year the Foundation made a significant impact on student success:

• Delivered more than 57,000 pounds of food to 1,590 students through the Campus Harvest Food Pantry – supporting an estimated 6,650 family members across our community.

• Secured more than $450,000 in student barrier-removal support, providing emergency financial aid, wellness resources, basic needs and textbooks to help students stay on track.

• Awarded $310,000 in scholarships to 210 student recipients, opening doors to education and brighter futures.

Background

Since its inception in 1982, the Foundation has served as a bridge between aspiration and opportunity, ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed. Through partnerships with mission-driven corporations, foundations and individuals, the Foundation secures resources that remove barriers for students, expand equitable access to education, and strengthen both the College and the community.

Ways to Make a Difference

Every dollar donated to the Durham Tech Foundation helps students overcome obstacles, stay on track, and achieve their dreams. Here are a few ways you can make a direct impact:

• Support where it’s needed most: Contribute to the Durham Tech General Fund to strengthen college programs, drive innovation and meet emerging needs across campuses.

• Nourish student success: Designate your gift to the Campus Harvest Food Pantry or other student support programs that provide essential resources like meals, supplies and wellness care.

• Remove barriers, create hope: Give to the Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP) to help students facing urgent financial crises – whether it’s rent, transportation or childcare – so they can stay in school and succeed.

• Open doors to opportunity: Invest in the Durham Tech Scholarship Fund to empower students with access to education and career pathways that lead to life-changing outcomes.

1637 E. Lawson St. Durham, NC 27703

919-536-7200, ext. 6007 durhamtech.edu/durham-tech-foundation

Mission Statement

We connect with the community to end homelessness and fight poverty by offering food, shelter and a future to neighbors in need.

Background

Wish List

• Make a tax-deductible donation. It’s the #1 way to help!

• Volunteer

• Donate items needed yearround: food, underwear, twin sheets and towels (white)

• Collect basic kitchenware and bedding for moveout kits

• Special one-time needs: shoes, backpacks and hand sanitizer

• Shop our Amazon Wishlist

Brag Lines

UMD is Durham’s public shelter for single adults and the backup shelter for families. The program employs best practices, including:

A low-barrier approach. Clients are not routinely breathalyzed when they enter the shelter, for example. Staff focus on helping residents succeed while maintaining safety.

• A Housing First model. Case managers help shelter residents obtain permanent housing as quickly as possible—affording stability—so they can better tackle other challenges.

• Inclusion. UMD will serve anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, faith or non-faith.

Get in Touch!

Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) stands in the gap to meet the needs of neighbors facing homelessness, hunger and poverty. Thanks to generous donors and 2,000 volunteers, the program helps more than 6,000 individuals annually through its:

• Emergency shelter, which welcomes 600 men, women and children each year, helping 100-120 obtain permanent housing.

• Community Café, which serves three meals a day, every day, or a quartermillion meals a year.

• Food Pantry and Clothing Closet, which provide mostly donated items to 500+ low-wealth households each month.

Phone: (919) 682-0538

Website: umdurham.org

Email: devel@umdurham.org

UrbanMinistriesOfDurham

Address: 410 Liberty St Durham, NC 27701

Our Why

Durham Public Schools Foundation works to unite the Durham community around our public schools. We invest in student success by creating an ecosystem of support around every student –strengthening teachers, empowering parents, and expanding opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.

What We Stand For

Since 2018, the DPS Foundation has worked alongside local businesses and community organizations to make Durham’s public schools thrive. Together, we support the people shaping our city’s future: students, educators, and families. The challenges facing local public education are real, but so is our commitment. Let’s continue ensuring every Durham public school is a place where every child is recognized, supported, and prepared for lifelong success.

Who We Are

Since our founding, your investment has allowed us to:

• Give more than $1.8 million in grants directly to DPS teachers and schools

• Award college scholarships to more than 90 DPS high school seniors

• Continually bolster the mental health and well-being of our public schools

• Connect DPS students, educators, and families with valuable community resources

We support the ecosystem of more than 31,000 DPS students. In January 2025, we welcomed Crayons2Calculators into our organization, strengthening our support for DPS teachers. Longtime DPSF leader Brianna Kennedy currently serves as our interim executive director.

Ways to Support our Local Public Schools

Strong, well-funded public schools are essential to every student’s lifelong success, opening doors to opportunity and creating a solid foundation for the future. Your ongoing support makes this possible. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate to prepare students for lifelong success and to empower educators and families

• Volunteer at the Crayons2Calculators Teacher Store, as a FAFSA navigator, and more

• Partner as a business or organization to help champion local public schools

• Spread the word by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media Take the next step today. Visit bullcityschools.org for more information.

Get in Touch!

bullcityschools.org development@bullcityschools.org Find us on social media @bullcityschools

ersonal finance website WalletHub ranked Durham the No. 4 best real estate market in the country this past year, and the city is consistently ranked among the top 10 best places to live in the state by U.S. News & World Report. In 2025, it was named the No. 6 top area to move to by MoveBuddha, so you know you’ve come to a great city. But relocation can still feel overwhelming, starting with the home search. We asked Sondra Trice-Jones – president of the Durham Regional Association of Realtors (durhamrealtors.org), which represents more than 1,700 Realtors and associate members in the Triangle – to share her insights on the local market.

Sondra Trice-Jones is the principal agent and CEO of Ultra Realty, which marks its 11th anniversary in January 2026. With more than 40 years of experience in the Triangle and Triad real estate markets, she specializes in residential sales, investment properties and luxury real estate. Originally from New York, Sondra has extensive knowledge of the region’s diverse neighborhoods and communities. She serves on the Durham Regional Association of Realtors’ executive board, housing foundation committee, Durham Public Schools committee and DEI committee, and is an active member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. In 2020, she graduated from the Triangle Realtors Leadership Academy, a year-long program focused on developing industry and community leadership.

Emily Jo Roberts chats with Kelsey Christian and Tyler Christian, the sister team behind Maarten & Croix Home Staging who assisted with styling her Old North Durham house.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

How would you describe Durham’s current real estate market? How has it evolved over the last year or so? Durham’s market has remained resilient and – while interest rates have impacted affordability and shifted some buyer behavior – we’ve continued to see strong demand, especially because people want to live, work and invest here. Over the past year, we’ve watched the market stabilize, giving buyers a bit more breathing room while sellers remain in a position of strength when priced right. It’s a healthy market that reflects Durham’s growing appeal.

What’s the current average turnaround time for homes on the market, and what factors influence it? Homes in Durham typically stay on the market around 30 to 45 days, but that number can vary based on location, pricing and property condition. Well-prepared homes in popular neighborhoods still move quickly.

How do apps like Zillow, Trulia and Redfin factor into the home search process? Are there best practices when it comes to using these apps, or common pitfalls to avoid? Those apps are great for dreaming and getting a feel for what’s out there, but they’re not

always up-to-date or accurate. Best practice is to always connect with a licensed Realtor for real-time data and expert guidance. One common pitfall is assuming a “Zestimate” is the same as a true market value – that’s where Realtors step in and offer you a true comparative marketing analysis.

What are the top qualities to look for when choosing the right Realtor? Look for someone who listens well, communicates clearly and who knows the local market inside and out. A great Realtor will be honest, strategic and committed to your goals and not just to the transaction. This is someone you’ll make major decisions with, so trust and professionalism are super important.

If someone is ready to buy, what are the first steps they should take in this market? Start with a trusted Realtor who can connect you with a reputable lender. Get pre-approved first so you know exactly what you can afford. From there, it’s about understanding your needs, reviewing inventory and moving confidently when you find the right home or when the right home hits the market. 

Are there specific times of the year that are best for buying, or times when the market tends to be more favorable? Spring and early summer are traditionally more active, with more inventory and competition. Late summer and fall can be great times for buyers to negotiate more favorable terms. But ultimately, the “best” time to buy is when you’re financially and emotionally ready.

What types of homes are most popular in Durham right now? Can you describe the typical styles, average prices and square footage buyers can expect? We’re seeing a lot of interest in updated ranches, bungalows and new construction, especially around the $350,000 to $550,000 range. Townhomes and smaller single-family homes remain hot for first-time buyers. Depending on the area, buyers can expect anywhere from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet. Walkability, smart layouts and modern updates are top priorities.

What are some of the quirks of Southern living compared to other parts of the country? What kind of lifestyle does Durham offer? Southern hospitality is real here. It’s not just a saying. Durham offers a blend of historic charm and modern innovation. You’ll find food that tells a story, neighbors who actually say “hello” and a slower pace that invites balance. At the same time, Durham is vibrant, diverse and progressive – so you get the best of both worlds.

Once you’ve moved here, what are some of the best ways to get involved in the community and make Durham feel like home? Get plugged into local events, small businesses and nonprofit efforts. Attend a Durham Bulls game or check out the Durham Performing Arts Center, support our farmers markets or take a class at one of the amazing community centers. Real estate associations like ours are also deeply involved in the community, so we’re always working to connect newcomers with ways to give back and grow roots.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS & TOUR A HOME IN...

TRINITY PARK

As Realtors, we don’t just sell homes – we help people find belonging. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.

– Sondra Trice-Jones

Bev Carr opens her front door, steps inside, and a warm, familiar feeling returns – home.

“From the very first night we spent here, the space felt like home,” the retired marketing consultant says. “Most days, when I wake up, my first thought is how much I love the house, and how cozy and comfortable it feels. Almost everything in the house has meaningful memories, stories about our lives together and nostalgia.”

Bev and her husband, Larry Loeser, president of Piedmont Business Advisors and former president and CEO of Harrington Bank in Chapel Hill, lived in Chapel Hill for 24 years. Their two sons, now grown, settled in Durham with their young families. Bev and Larry have four grandchildren, ages 1, 2, 3 and 4. They found themselves driving over sometimes twice a day to help out with the little ones. So, the couple began searching for an older home with a first-floor primary bedroom in the Trinity Park neighborhood to be even closer to their family. They found a gem – a 2,800-square-foot Craftsman-style bungalow built in 1930.

“After we purchased it, we didn’t know what to do with the house and how we could achieve our goals for a livable space,” Bev says. Larry spoke with his sister, Debbie Kulig, who lives

Larry Loeser and Bev Carr love strolling through their neighborhood, whether it’s to visit their son, Charles Loeser, and his family, or to head to the Durham Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

in Miami, Florida, and is married to an accomplished architect, Doug Kulig. “Debbie told us to send her the floor plan,” Bev says. “The next day, Doug sent us a drawing of a new floor plan, which we loved right away. The day after that, he sent us construction plans that showed which walls had to come down and the new walls to build. We were all set!”

Larry and Bev selected Miles Honeycutt of Longleaf Building & Renovation, which prides itself on using only local subcontractors and artisans. Design work began in November 2022, and renovations got under way in January 2023. Bev and Larry moved in six months later. “We were very happy with Miles and the wonderful job that he finished on time for us,” Bev says.

Oak trees line the street and shade the sidewalk that curves up to the brick steps, painted white. Lush garden beds with evergreen hellebores and pink roses complement the pastel exterior. A porch swing beckons on the right, and an outdoor seating area is ready on the left. A stained glass pane decorates the center of a blue front door, and a heart-shaped chalkboard bears a welcome message for expected visitors.

Larry says the location is perfect for its walkability and its strong connection to his own personal history. His mother was born and raised in Trinity Park, and she attended the nearby George Watts Elementary School. Her childhood home stood on the site that Trinity Park now occupies, Larry says.

Larry and Bev love strolling through their neighborhood, whether it’s to visit their son, Charles Loeser, and his family, or to head to the Durham Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. He and Bev also regularly tread the gravel track on Duke University’s East Campus, where Larry lived during his undergraduate years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at Duke before pursuing a master’s in finance and accounting from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

The couple left the Chicago area for North Carolina in 1999 and raised their sons, Charles and Mike Loeser, in Chapel Hill. Mike recently moved from Durham to Houston, Texas, with his wife, Sarah Skrobialowski, and their two children, Everett Loeser and Eleanor Loeser. Charles still lives just three blocks away in Trinity Park with his wife, Lauren Shor, and their kids, Teddy Loeser and Maggie Loeser

Renovating an older home can sometimes reveal unexpected issues and unique details, like the knob and tube wiring – which was commonly used in homebuilding in the United States from the 1880s through the 1940s – that the pair discovered.

“We had to replace all of the electrical wiring in the house,” Larry says. “The electricians had to open every wall to run the new wiring, and every wall in the house had to be replastered and repainted.”

The walls and ceilings, including the coved ceilings in the upstairs bedrooms, bear another distinctive feature of some homes from that era – rough plaster. A team of skilled artisans repaired every crack

Summer snacks, including macarons from Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets, and a pitcher of pink lemonade provide pops of color against the soft blue and green palette throughout the 1930 Craftsman bungalow.

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and fissure. But, the process is messy, so all of the floors, including planks of heart pine and oak, had to be refinished.

The entire kitchen was gutted and renovated with updated appliances, cabinets and countertops. A load-bearing wall was replaced with an I-beam to allow a new configuration for the kitchen, first-floor bedroom closet, main bathroom, a new laundry room, an added half bath and a walk-in pantry.

Other major improvements enhanced the home’s safety and function. The previously damp basement was treated, waterproofed and is now used as a storage space. Additional beams and piers fortified the nearly century-old foundation. Upstairs, the second full bathroom was completely renovated, with the exception of the ceiling and its skylights.

An unforeseen bonus has been a whole-house generator, which came with the home and has saved the day during occasional power outages, like when Larry and Bev’s next-door neighbor was able to store her infant’s bottles of milk in their freezer while they all waited for the electricity to return.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was in the attic, where Larry discovered two handwritten notes left behind in 1973 and 1974 by Mollie V. Teer – a surname that holds a place of prominence in Durham’s history. She wanted Carolyn Warren to have blankets, linens, a trunk and other items stored in the attic. Larry left the notes in place as part of the home’s provenance.

Bev became an expert user of online marketplace platforms during the renovation process. She and Larry knew they would need to pare down the belongings from their previous 4,200-square-foot, threelevel home to fit into the bungalow.

“We had a three-car garage with a storage room and a 1,200-squarefoot [unfinished] attic with 15-foot high ceilings [at our old house],” Larry says. “It had a pool table and a pingpong table and miles of storage.”

The new home does not have a garage, and all the closets are tiny, which is typical for older dwellings in the region. Even the previous pantry, with its shelves barely deep enough for a single can, left much room for improvement.

“We measured and re-measured many times to envision what furniture we’d bring and how we’d lay out the spaces,” Bev says. “All of our measurements and plans worked exactly as we had envisioned them,

with one exception: a massive rolltop desk, which we had thought would be useful in the second-floor guest room. When we got here, we realized that it was much too big to get up the relatively narrow stairs and would be too large in the room. We ended up donating it.”

Bev praises Larry for his tenacity in cleaning out, painting, rebuilding and reorganizing the small closets throughout the house. “He performed miracles in creating a dry, functional storage space in the basement – previously a dungeon,” she says.

Larry was skeptical about downsizing at first. “It is kind of a surprise,” he says, “a big house with all the space you could ever dream of and more – and you think, ‘How will you be able to live in half this [space]?’” The answer, he found, is, “Yes, you can. It’s, in fact, better.”

Bev and Larry say all the hard work and many adjustments ultimately paid off in spades.

“We spend a lot of time in the kitchen and breakfast room, which also serves as our office,” Bev says. Large windows provide a scenic view of the backyard patio they installed, featuring large flagstones and flowering plants. “We can enjoy looking out into our garden,” she adds. “Our [firstfloor] bedroom is a serene setting, and our [primary] bath is a spacious and bright space. We opened up the previously nonfunctioning fireplace and have enjoyed many fires with our grandchildren. The front porch with its porch swing has been another favorite spot.”

The Trinity Park neighborhood brings back a sense of community they felt when they lived in Evanston decades ago. In case it wasn’t already clear, Bev and Larry adore where they live – and the feeling is reciprocated. “One thing about this neighborhood is that we have made so many friends,” Bev says. “Our son’s friends live all over the neighborhood, and they have little kids. We’ve met so many nice people.” – by Anna-Rhesa Versola

Little Maggie Loeser and her brother, Teddy Loeser, snack on fruit, cheese and crackers while mom, Lauren Shor, accepts a refreshing drink from Bev. Charles Loeser chats with his dad.

OLD NORTH DURHAM

Emily Jo Roberts wanted a new build, while her wife, Ashley Davidson, preferred an older, remodeled home. “We got the best of both worlds,” Emily Jo says about their 2,409-square-foot Craftsman-style bungalow in Old North Durham, which was built in 2019.

“We get asked all the time when we remodeled it, which is such a great compliment because it fits the neighborhood,” Emily Jo says.

She and Ashley were living in East Durham when they came across an empty lot where a corner community store once stood in the early 1900s before it was demolished in the 1980s.

Legacy Building Company co-owner Cecil Barker was preparing to build on the .15-acre property and showed the couple a model home in Trinity Heights with a similar floor plan.

Dinner party guests filter between the kitchen and the living room, connecting through the dining area. Windows surround the spaces, making the interior feel more expansive. “We love the open space of this, and then each room is distinct,” Emily Jo says. “I like the way it flows.”

Ashley says the builder initially intended to install cabinets on either side of the range hood, but she and Emily Jo opted to use open, wooden shelving for an updated look rather than the traditional approach.

In contrast to the modern gray-and-white color palette throughout the home, the kitchen’s center island is painted an intense blue color inspired by the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean Sea, where the couple sailed for days around Minorca, Spain, in 2019. “The waters were just unreal,” Ashley recalls. “It was the deepest blue; I have no idea how to explain it, but it was the most beautiful thing we’ve ever seen.”

“So we took a look at it, and we got to pick out everything from the jump,” Emily Jo says. A former Division I college basketball coach turned real estate broker for Nest Realty, she says she appreciates Cecil’s use of finishing elements, like the stacked wood casings above the interior doors and cove crown moldings in all the rooms on the main floor. Both Emily Jo and Ashley relish the architectural hallmarks of cottage homes, which is showcased in the selection of features like the beadboard porch ceilings and the living room’s recessed built-in bookcase.

“One thing we knew we both wanted was a big kitchen,” Emily Jo says. “We’re big hosts and love to entertain.”

Another favorite kitchen feature is the undercounter beverage cooler, specifically for friends who bring their own beer or wine to share. The drinks fridge stays stocked as if by magic, so the couple added another cooler for the back porch which, along with the backyard, “was our haven” during the pandemic, Emily Jo says.

The backyard offers multiple options for recreation and relaxation. A large space heater mounted to the wall above a pair of sofas keeps things cozy in the screened-in back porch, where Emily Jo and Ashley often enjoy sunset views over the businesses and homes along Geer Street.

“I love that it’s screened in without having any frame for the screen,” Emily Jo says, explaining that the builder used screen

ABOVE Ashley Davidson pours Emily Jo Roberts a glass of Woodford Reserve whiskey while Rosa Mae supervises.

RIGHT Emily Jo enjoys relaxing on the front porch swing, the perfect spot to greet neighbors and take in the view.

material typically used for lake and beach homes. “This one’s designed to withstand wind. It holds up really nicely. We have plans to eventually add vinyl shades to make it a three-season room.”

The centerpiece of the yard is a firepit. Oversized umbrellas stationed nearby provide shade when needed as the couple prepares appetizers or s’mores over an open flame.

Emily Jo points to one corner of the yard, where a shed-like structure stands next to a large barrel. She says she spends a few minutes inside the compact sauna and emerges from the heat to step into the ice tub for a cold plunge. The feeling is invigorating.

Ashley says, “I’ll go in the mornings and do two, three minutes in the cold plunge, and then we do the sauna in the evenings.” Emily Jo laughs and adds, “We’ve become healthy fanatics about our wellness in our middleaged-woman life.”

The focal points in each room reflect Emily Jo and Ashley’s personal values: a larger-than-life print entitled “Black Rosie” is framed in rough barn wood on the wall

Gray five-panel privacy doors add a touch of classic charm throughout the home, including in the primary suite.

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opposite the “Phenomenal Woman” poem by Maya Angelou in the living room; a print of Maya gazes at all who enter the dining room; and a colorful abstract portrait of a dancing woman by an Asheville-based artist hangs in the hallway leading to the powder room.

Visitors might discover surprising details on the wall inside the half bath. Look closely, and you’ll notice dark blue line drawings of Durham icons – the arched bridge at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Lucky Strike water tower, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, a bull’s head, a brontosaurus and two fists pressed together with thumbs for horns.

Ashley explains that the design was inspired by wallpaper she saw at The Haymaker in Raleigh. She found a company that could create sketches based on her submitted photos and then produce the wallpaper.

Follow the wide wooden staircase to the second level, where a larger en suite guest room stands ready for company. Ashley, who is a vice president and product lead at Maryland-based clinical research company Advarra and works from home, has an office that doubles as another guest room. Down the hall is Emily Jo’s office, which she shares with exercise equipment and storage closets.

Emily Jo and Ashley bonded over basketball and Nike shoes when they first met in 2002. Ashley was an undergraduate at UNC and worked as a student manager in the women’s basketball program. Emily Jo’s uncle was an associate head coach for the team while she was a student at UNC Wilmington. Emily Jo would visit her uncle during school breaks and attend practices and games. Ashley graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in English while Emily Jo earned her undergraduate degree in communication and media studies in 2006. They reconnected through Facebook in 2014.

“We had our first date at Kotuku Surf Club, and maybe a real dinner at Mateo,” Emily Jo says. “Three years later, we were living in Boone because I was coaching at [Appalachian] State, and we came back here to get

engaged at 21c Museum Hotel, and then we had probably 50 to 60 people come and celebrate with us at Surf Club.” The two were married 11 years ago at the Durham County Courthouse. “We love Durham,” Ashley says.

The pair regularly invites friends to come watch sports, particularly basketball. Their affinity for architectural open spaces reflects their personal values of welcoming others over to dine or cheer alongside them.

“She’s the introvert,” Emily Jo says of Ashley, who grew up as an only child near Hickory, North Carolina. “There are days she won’t leave the house. I’m the most extroverted extrovert.”

Emily Jo readily admits that she is quick to engage with anyone walking past their home. “I love to sit out[side] and talk on the phone, say ‘hello’ to people and swing on the swing,” she says with a grin. “During the day, we keep our windows open, and everybody walks by with their pets.”

The couple’s three dogs keep a keen lookout for anyone approaching the front door, where the mat reads, “So happy you’re here.” Ruthie Bee is a pit bull mix whose namesake is the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Rosa Mae is a Labrador retriever mix named in honor of civil rights activist Rosa Parks. The leader of the pack, Ollie Dean, is an English bulldog named both for the fictional lead character Olivia Pope in the TV show “Scandal” and legendary UNC men’s basketball coach Dean Smith.

Emily Jo says she was raised in a large family on a peach farm in South Carolina, where, every Sunday, her mom cooked dinner and the entire town came. “We want a crowded table here,” she says of creating community. “We love having such good neighbors. That’s what the dinners do. We’ve had barbecues where a bunch of neighbors come over and become friends. I love it. It’s how I grew up. [Ashley] has had to get used to it.”

Ashley responds immediately with a smile and happily says, “I’m used to it now.” – by Anna-Rhesa Versola

MOREHEAD HILL

John Storyk and Beth Walters-Storyk aren’t new to creating extraordinary spaces. The couple knows good design; over the past 35 years, they’ve worked on more than 4,100 projects all over the globe, both collaboratively and individually – ranging from recording studios to performance venues – through their firm, Walters-Storyk Design Group. But one of their latest projects brought their talents a little closer to home. In fact, it is home.

The pair wrapped up a full transformation of a historic one-story, pyramidal cottage-style house in the Morehead Hill neighborhood in 2024, a long-imagined aspiration brought to life in the heart of Durham. They call it Casa Akumal, named after the Mexican town where they spend part of the year.

Beth and John’s connection to the Bull City began 15 years ago when their two sons moved to the area. John and Beth bought the house adjacent to what would

Beth Walters-Storyk, Fern Wright, Alister Wright, Scout Wright and Emma Wright at the custom staircase crafted by Ben Sheehy of Bampro LLC, which rises from John Storyk’s office to a playful upstairs retreat designed for the grandchildren.

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eventually become their current home in order to have their own place during visits. They often found themselves daydreaming about the vacant property across the way – what it could be with a little vision (and a lot of work).

“When it finally came up for sale, the dream began,” John says. “A passion project to say the least. … The historic structure was purchased with virtually no building inspections, a condition of the sale, and thus started a construction adventure unlike most.” The first step? Clearing out thousands of old magazines the previous owner left behind and removing vegetation that had started to grow through the walls and windows.

What followed was a six-month conceptual design process led by Beth and John, supported by the WSDG team. “There were

The spacious backyard is ideal for the couple’s dog, Kobe, and their grandkids to play. Beth’s raised garden bed sits between the original home and the new art studio-garage addition.

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numerous meetings with the Durham Historic Preservation Commission to arrive at a design that respected the history of the building while allowing for a new contemporary architectural solution,” John says.

The seasoned architects met the challenge head on, bringing a bright modernity to the once-dark and derelict home. Skylights drench the space in natural light. Beth’s artwork brings color and life to the walls. Baseball games are a regular feature on the TV in John’s office – being within walking distance to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park was one of his must-haves for a permanent Durham residence. Their grandkids come over often, plopping down around the kitchen island for after-school snacks. There’s a raised garden bed in the backyard. It’s altogether warm and inviting – a home meant to be lived in.

From the street, the house blends seamlessly with the neighborhood. The original siding and two front-facing windows, preserved as required by the HPC, maintain the home’s classic charm. But as

Elizabeth Lindquist, President-Owner & her father, David Lindquist

ABOVE Just off the kitchen, the sunroom offers a light-abundant spot for the family to share meals or spend time together.

BELOW Likewise, natural light pours into the dining room, where Beth’s artwork surrounds the table. Just steps from the kitchen, the space is ideal for family meals and entertaining guests.

you walk along the side, the siding transitions from dark to light. “That was intentional,” John says, adding that he wanted the design to evolve in a more modern direction as the new structure connected to the old one.

“So we switched [colors]. ...The building literally moves from 1910 to 2024 as it goes from north to south.”

Inside, a hallway runs through the center of the home. John’s office and a guest bedroom flank either side of it at the front. Continue walking, and you’ll pass by the primary bedroom and a living space, then the kitchen that Beth designed and the dining room. Beyond that are a patio, a screened-in porch and a breezeway that leads to Beth’s art studio and the garage below.

John and Beth orchestrated the space with aging in mind, ensuring they could grow old comfortably and spend more time with family in their home. An elevator, installed by Orthopedic Service Company, provides easy access from the garage to the main level – a feature that’s already handy for carrying groceries upstairs. John’s office includes a custom staircase crafted by Ben Sheehy of Bampro LLC, which leads up to an attic hangout that’s just for the grandchildren. “When the kids come over, this is where they go,” John says. “We never clean it up. It’s their space.” Outside, the children’s handprints pressed into the cement add a lasting family signature to the property that John is proud to point out.

And at the heart of the house is the kitchen, which Beth approached strategically with both beauty and function in mind. “Kitchens are always a challenge,” Beth says. “They’re a major puzzle.” Her previous one had

Jim Lewis, Corbett Robert Storyk and John Storyk stand together on the bridge that leads to the home’s new addition.

limited space, so she designed this kitchen to accommodate a crowd. The massive island – nearly the size of a full slab of granite – includes an L-shaped corner sink with ample space for prep and cleanup.

Of course, no renovation project goes completely according to plan. John and Beth dealt with a number of setbacks and obstacles, like discovering a lack of insulation in the home and needing to get creative with retaining walls for the garage. Thankfully, they had a dedicated team of creative problem-solvers to help bring their vision to life: Structural engineering support came from Andy Takla of Takla Engineering; Sarah Menser of Soil Services PLLC took care of the site and stream analysis; Julian Bick of JBick Electrical Services handled the wiring; Maynor Service Company managed the mechanical aspects; Eliseo Castro Orozco of Castro Plumbing Services took care of the plumbing; and Jose Pereyra led the concrete work. Framing came together under Rodrigo Rodriguez of Rodriguez Construction, while Carlos Ramirez of ANR Construction handled siding, boxing and finishes. Cruz Lozano of Lozano Roofing oversaw roofing, and Eugene Marquez of Marquez Painting completed the drywall, painting and staining. Jorge Benitez of Benitez Hardwood Floor LLC installed the floors, and building materials came from Talbert Building Supply and Adams Products. Coordinating all those moving parts required strong, trustworthy leadership, and John and Beth knew just who to turn to for support. Construction was managed by longtime friend Jim Lewis of Building Information Solutions – who John met in New York four decades ago and reconnected with years later – with on-site supervision from both. The Storyks’ son, Corbett Robert Storyk of CRS Contracting LLC, served as the licensed contractor on the job. “It was a labor of love to build this,” John says. Now, Casa Akumal stands as a testament to intentional design that honors the past, embraces the present and welcomes the future. – by Courtney Hayes