Mark And Karen’s guidebook
Food scene
This place has great reviews and is always busy. When they are preparing for lunch the wonderful aromas draw you to this little gem which is right across the street.
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Taqueria La Vaquita
2700 Chapel Hill RdThis place has great reviews and is always busy. When they are preparing for lunch the wonderful aromas draw you to this little gem which is right across the street.
This is a well-known restaurant among the locals. If you want an old-school, rustic, cozy feel of a steakhouse this is a good choice. Fire-side dining is a bonus. Your host has been eating at this restaurant for 30 years and especially likes the quiet atmosphere where you can converse without distraction.
Farm House Restaurant
6004 Millhouse RdThis is a well-known restaurant among the locals. If you want an old-school, rustic, cozy feel of a steakhouse this is a good choice. Fire-side dining is a bonus. Your host has been eating at this restaurant for 30 years and especially likes the quiet atmosphere where you can converse without distraction.
Not only does the Blue Note Grill have fabulous food they are a part of a diverse music scene. Located near downtown. Check them out!
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The Blue Note Grill
709 Washington StNot only does the Blue Note Grill have fabulous food they are a part of a diverse music scene. Located near downtown. Check them out!
Bullock's BBQ has been serving up their famous southern cooking since 1952, longer than your host has been alive. They have a "wall of fame" depicting some famous celebrities that have dined with the Bullocks. They also have been a favorite of the Duke Men's Basketball teams through the years.
14 locals raden deze aan
Bullock's Bar-B-Cue
3330 Quebec DrBullock's BBQ has been serving up their famous southern cooking since 1952, longer than your host has been alive. They have a "wall of fame" depicting some famous celebrities that have dined with the Bullocks. They also have been a favorite of the Duke Men's Basketball teams through the years.
So one of my favorite restaurants is the Saratoga Grill in Hillsborough. I think this is how I discovered and fell in love with the little town. This little restaurant fits the bill for me, it's quiet, they have great specials and it's quaint (there's that word again). Their food is wonderful and my favorite is Honey Almond Salmon. They have scones also! Unfortunately for their patrons, they have scaled back their hours and only serve lunch Monday - Saturday
8 locals raden deze aan
Saratoga Grill
108 S Churton StSo one of my favorite restaurants is the Saratoga Grill in Hillsborough. I think this is how I discovered and fell in love with the little town. This little restaurant fits the bill for me, it's quiet, they have great specials and it's quaint (there's that word again). Their food is wonderful and my favorite is Honey Almond Salmon. They have scones also! Unfortunately for their patrons, they have scaled back their hours and only serve lunch Monday - Saturday
This is a local favorite, just check out the 2300+ reviews! One of the things that attracts people is that you can order breakfast anytime. I'm not sure if that's a "southern thing" but your host remembers having "breakfast" for supper many times growing up. The "diner" experience offers a real feel fora friendly atmosphere. I don't think you'll be disappointed. They are 3 miles from your stay.
69 locals raden deze aan
Elmo's Diner
776 9th StThis is a local favorite, just check out the 2300+ reviews! One of the things that attracts people is that you can order breakfast anytime. I'm not sure if that's a "southern thing" but your host remembers having "breakfast" for supper many times growing up. The "diner" experience offers a real feel fora friendly atmosphere. I don't think you'll be disappointed. They are 3 miles from your stay.
If you want a beautiful view, a quick drive to the country and some delicious homemade ice cream this is the place! Take a chair or blanket and enjoy the beautiful landscape!
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Maple View Farm Ice Cream
6900 Rocky Ridge RdIf you want a beautiful view, a quick drive to the country and some delicious homemade ice cream this is the place! Take a chair or blanket and enjoy the beautiful landscape!
Beautiful place to eat ice cream, buy fresh fruits, vegetables and greenhouse plants. Enjoy the porch rockers!
Eno River Farm
2127 St Marys RdBeautiful place to eat ice cream, buy fresh fruits, vegetables and greenhouse plants. Enjoy the porch rockers!
Nature/Hiking
Copied from Website: Eno River State Park—like its namesake—flows near urban areas of Durham and Orange counties with five scattered access areas, each just minutes from town amenities. The Eno River’s waters roll past mature forests, historic mill and home sites and river bluffs covered with flowering shrubs and across fords used by early settlers. The park offers nearly 30 miles of trails along a swift, shallow stream that’s popular with anglers, photographers and sightseers. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted but sometimes difficult due to shallow water.
13 locals raden deze aan
Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill RoadCopied from Website: Eno River State Park—like its namesake—flows near urban areas of Durham and Orange counties with five scattered access areas, each just minutes from town amenities. The Eno River’s waters roll past mature forests, historic mill and home sites and river bluffs covered with flowering shrubs and across fords used by early settlers. The park offers nearly 30 miles of trails along a swift, shallow stream that’s popular with anglers, photographers and sightseers. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted but sometimes difficult due to shallow water.
This is a must-see and it is literally less than 2 miles from your stay. Your host attended her first family wedding there in 1980. Many brides and grooms have said "I do" under the gazebo. Many more have had senior pictures, band pictures, family pictures in front of the backdrop of this beautiful treasure. If you get a chance check it out, you won't be disappointed!
Copied from the website: The Sarah P. Duke Gardens consist of approximately 55 acres of landscaped and wooded areas at Duke University. There are 5 miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens.
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Sarah P. Duke Gardens
420 Anderson StThis is a must-see and it is literally less than 2 miles from your stay. Your host attended her first family wedding there in 1980. Many brides and grooms have said "I do" under the gazebo. Many more have had senior pictures, band pictures, family pictures in front of the backdrop of this beautiful treasure. If you get a chance check it out, you won't be disappointed!
Copied from the website: The Sarah P. Duke Gardens consist of approximately 55 acres of landscaped and wooded areas at Duke University. There are 5 miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens.
Historic Places
The beauty of the architecture draws your host to this place. Who wouldn't be drawn to the "towering church"? It can be seen from afar. The garden paths of the Sarah P Duke Gardens will lead you to the front steps of this grande chapel. Check out the website for more information about the architecture.
Copied from the website: Duke University Chapel is, indeed, the “great towering church” that James B. Duke requested and has become a widely recognized symbol of the university. As such it offers a magnificent gathering space for significant events in the life of the university and its members.
It's fun to walk the vast premises, reflect on and learn about the history one county over.
Copied from website: Ayr Mount is a Federal-era plantation house built in 1815 in Hillsborough, North Carolina by William Kirkland. Kirkland, named the house in honor of his birthplace, Ayr, Scotland. Unlike the other houses in the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust collection, Ayr Mount looks deceptively simple, even austere on the outside. There are no soaring columns proclaiming its classicism. On the other hand, Ayr Mount is far grander – especially in the interior – than one might expect from a first look at the exterior. The ceiling height of 14 feet is unusual for this period as is the elaborate Federal period woodwork and plasterwork found throughout the house. Ayr Mount also was the first major residence built of brick in this area of predominantly colonial era wood frame houses. At the time of its construction at the end of the War of 1812, Ayr Mount was considered one of the finest residential structures in Piedmont North Carolina.
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Ayr Mount
376 Saint Marys RoadIt's fun to walk the vast premises, reflect on and learn about the history one county over.
Copied from website: Ayr Mount is a Federal-era plantation house built in 1815 in Hillsborough, North Carolina by William Kirkland. Kirkland, named the house in honor of his birthplace, Ayr, Scotland. Unlike the other houses in the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust collection, Ayr Mount looks deceptively simple, even austere on the outside. There are no soaring columns proclaiming its classicism. On the other hand, Ayr Mount is far grander – especially in the interior – than one might expect from a first look at the exterior. The ceiling height of 14 feet is unusual for this period as is the elaborate Federal period woodwork and plasterwork found throughout the house. Ayr Mount also was the first major residence built of brick in this area of predominantly colonial era wood frame houses. At the time of its construction at the end of the War of 1812, Ayr Mount was considered one of the finest residential structures in Piedmont North Carolina.
Only five miles from your stay is the Bennett Family Farm where General Joseph E. Johnston of the Confederate Army surrendered to Major General William T. Sherman of the Union Army.
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Bennett Place
4409 Bennett Memorial RdOnly five miles from your stay is the Bennett Family Farm where General Joseph E. Johnston of the Confederate Army surrendered to Major General William T. Sherman of the Union Army.
Your host loves the quaint southern charm of little town America one county over in Hillsborough, NC. 13 miles away
Hillsborough itself is one of the oldest communities in North Carolina and was an important center of trade at the time of the American Revolution, serving briefly as the state capital when the then-capital of New Bern was held by the British. Hillsborough is full of charming historic houses.
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Hillsborough
Your host loves the quaint southern charm of little town America one county over in Hillsborough, NC. 13 miles away
Hillsborough itself is one of the oldest communities in North Carolina and was an important center of trade at the time of the American Revolution, serving briefly as the state capital when the then-capital of New Bern was held by the British. Hillsborough is full of charming historic houses.
Duke University Chapel
401 Chapel DriveSports
We have our own minor-league baseball team! The triple-A league team has brought plenty of excitement to our city for every wide-eyed kid and adult alike. Who doesn't love a baseball game? America's greatest past-time! The sights, sounds and smells make it worth the trip! Oh, I can't forget to tell you that the movie Bull Durham starring Kevin Costner was about our Durham baseball team and filmed in our great city. But you'll have to check out the original digs on 428 Morris St in Downtown Durham. The minor-league team played there from 1926 - 1994 until they moved their current location on Blackwell St. The "old" ballpark is affectionately known as "The DAP" for Durham Athletic Park and the "new" park is know as the "The D-BAP", where you can see the mechanical snorting bull made famous in the movie.
220 locals raden deze aan
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
409 Blackwell StWe have our own minor-league baseball team! The triple-A league team has brought plenty of excitement to our city for every wide-eyed kid and adult alike. Who doesn't love a baseball game? America's greatest past-time! The sights, sounds and smells make it worth the trip! Oh, I can't forget to tell you that the movie Bull Durham starring Kevin Costner was about our Durham baseball team and filmed in our great city. But you'll have to check out the original digs on 428 Morris St in Downtown Durham. The minor-league team played there from 1926 - 1994 until they moved their current location on Blackwell St. The "old" ballpark is affectionately known as "The DAP" for Durham Athletic Park and the "new" park is know as the "The D-BAP", where you can see the mechanical snorting bull made famous in the movie.
Entertainment
We have a great performing arts center where Broadway performances, concerts and comedy shows are held. The most memorable performance your host attended was just the past December. White Christmas was my favorite! It was especially nice because our son gave us great seats to this event. My other "favorite" was Phantom of the Opera, the beautiful music from this performance has stuck with me.
244 locals raden deze aan
DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian StreetWe have a great performing arts center where Broadway performances, concerts and comedy shows are held. The most memorable performance your host attended was just the past December. White Christmas was my favorite! It was especially nice because our son gave us great seats to this event. My other "favorite" was Phantom of the Opera, the beautiful music from this performance has stuck with me.
Ok, this place is near and dear to my heart. It's a friendly little coffee house that provides a venue for the locals to show off their musical talent. You won't find a more friendly, laid back place. It's one of those hidden treasures but it's true that I'm biased. You see, your host has some sons that have played bluegrass since they were little tots and this was where they learned to overcome their stage fright. This is where the people always extended a warm greeting, a loving embrace or kind word. Not to mention a little hooping and hollerin'. They have performances every Saturday night starting at 7:30. Coffee costs and tips for the band are all voluntary and by donation. Say hello to Phil, Richard and Mary Anne for me. Six miles will take you to the back door.
Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse
2700 N Roxboro StOk, this place is near and dear to my heart. It's a friendly little coffee house that provides a venue for the locals to show off their musical talent. You won't find a more friendly, laid back place. It's one of those hidden treasures but it's true that I'm biased. You see, your host has some sons that have played bluegrass since they were little tots and this was where they learned to overcome their stage fright. This is where the people always extended a warm greeting, a loving embrace or kind word. Not to mention a little hooping and hollerin'. They have performances every Saturday night starting at 7:30. Coffee costs and tips for the band are all voluntary and by donation. Say hello to Phil, Richard and Mary Anne for me. Six miles will take you to the back door.
Crafting/Recycling
Your host enjoys perusing the many treasures at this thrift store for craft supplies. This is one of my favorite places to browse. It is a crafters delight and sparks the imagination to create.
The Scrap Exchange
2050 Chapel Hill RdSightseeing
This is a must-see if you like museums!
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North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W Jones StThis is a must-see if you like museums!
This museum has been around since your host was a child. I took my three sons there too. The museum was once referred to as the “children’s museum” but there’s something for all ages!
203 locals raden deze aan
Museum of Life + Science
433 W Murray AveThis museum has been around since your host was a child. I took my three sons there too. The museum was once referred to as the “children’s museum” but there’s something for all ages!
Museum of Durham History
500 W Main StDurham has a rich history!