Durham, North Carolina is a metropolis stuffed with a wealthy, Black historical past. Additionally dubbed because the “Bull Metropolis,” the North Carolina vacation spot is a superb choice for individuals who like to delve deep in tradition. From a current James Beard awarded Black-owned restaurant to one of many nation’s premier traditionally Black regulation faculties, the historic Southern metropolis is ideal to your subsequent weekend journey.
For those who’re in search of a getaway that goes past the floor, we have curated this information that may assist you to discover one of the best of Black-owned companies in Durham, in a brief period of time. This is how one can spend 24-hours exploring the Bull Metropolis like a professional.
Learn how to Spend the Morning
As you arrive into the town, verify into your lodging to drop your luggage earlier than your day of exploration. In sticking with the theme, take into account the historic Morehead Manor. The Black-owned mattress and breakfast is a one-of-a-kind keep the place class, pleasure, and hospitality meet. Or, in case you’re somebody that prefers extra of a conventional resort expertise, 21c Museum Lodge is for you. Though not Black-owned, this downtown spot doubles as an artwork museum that always options works from native Black artist. Centrally positioned, you may by no means be too removed from all the town’s motion and greatest hangouts.
As soon as you’ve got dropped your luggage and refreshed a bit, drive only a few blocks away to Rofhiwa Ebook Café to your morning gas. Whether or not you want a shot or espresso or a cup of tea to start out your day, proprietor Beverley Makhubele and crew have you ever coated.
Subsequent, head out to your metropolis tour with Whistle Cease Excursions. Led by Aya Shabu, you may be immersed within the space’s African American neighborhoods, however with a novel twist. Shabu is an expert dancer, choreographer, and educating artist who brings her skills to make the tales she tells come to life.
Learn how to Spend the Afternoon
For lunch, it is solely proper that you just cease by 2022 James Beard award winner Chef Ricky Moore’s Saltbox Meals Joint. Get there early, although, as a result of relying on the day, the road will be fairly lengthy. To work off all of the scrumptious seafood you indulged in, take a stroll across the North Carolina Central College campus, a traditionally Black college with one of many nation’s solely HBCU regulation applications.
For a extra scenic stroll, head to The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, one of many prime public gardens within the U.S., purposefully planted in order that one thing is at all times in bloom year-round.
As a enjoyable approach to absorb a little bit extra of the town and its historical past, e-book a tour with Bull Metropolis Laughs. The corporate is Durham’s first and solely comedy historical past tour, starting from PG to R-rated materials. It is BYOB-friendly because the bus journey takes you thru varied neighborhoods and different landmarks.
Learn how to Spend the Night
Earlier than dinner, it is time for a little bit pre-game—in an aesthetic approach. Cease by Melanated Wine, a Black and female-owned spot by a wine negociant, working to “uncork the tradition” and make wine extra accessible to all.
For dinner, checkout Ekhaya for scrumptious Bantu tapas and handcrafted specialty cocktails. And, in case you want a nightcap earlier than retreating again to your lodging, Glori Cocktail Bar is a brand new Black-owned spot located within the excellent location to seize a drink earlier than or after a present at Durham Performing Arts Heart.
