Durham is known for its incredible transformation over the years. Once a center of the tobacco industry, the city is now home to a bustling tech sector, world-class healthcare, and a cultural scene that makes it a top destination in North Carolina. The best way to experience this diverse city is by car – from driving past the historic tobacco factories to visiting the trendy food spots and local breweries that have turned Durham into a culinary hotspot. After picking up your rental car from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, it’s just a 20-minute drive to downtown Durham, where you can soak up the city’s charm. Start your journey by visiting the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home to the famous Durham Bulls, immortalised in the film Bull Durham. Catch a game if you’re in town during the season, or take a leisurely stroll around the stadium to experience Durham’s sports culture. From the ballpark, head over to Brightleaf Square, a historic area lined with restored tobacco warehouses. This area is now home to some of the best restaurants, bars, and shops in Durham. Stop by a local café for a coffee, or enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries offering everything from Southern comfort food to modern fusion cuisine.

Durham isn’t just about modern culture – its history runs deep, and a drive around town will take you through several important historical sites. The Duke Homestead offers an insightful look into Durham’s tobacco history, showcasing the life of Washington Duke, one of the city’s most influential figures. If you’re interested in exploring more of Durham’s rich past, make your way to The Hayti Heritage Center, which highlights the African American experience in Durham. For those with an interest in education and innovation, a visit to Duke University is a must as one of the finest centres of learning in the whole of the USA. With its Gothic architecture and lush grounds, the university is both a historical landmark and a hub for cutting-edge research. Don’t miss the Duke University Chapel – one of the most iconic buildings in the state. For a day trip, consider the 30-minute drive to cruise through attractive oak-lined streets of Raleigh to the grand Capitol, fine museums, Pullen Park’s charm, modern skyscrapers, lush greenways, and vibrant neighbourhoods buzzing with Southern charm.

Durham has also made a name for itself as a food lover’s paradise. The city is home to numerous creative kitchens, award-winning chefs and pioneering restauranteurs. Blending traditional Southern flavours with global influences and local hospitality, Durham’s eateries range from bistros serving wood-fired pizzas, upscale fine dining with innovative dishes and farm-to-fork kitchens that use local produce to create artisan food. Like its food scene, Durham’s arts culture is thriving and a superb range of galleries, theatres, and live music venues attract great crowds. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, be sure to check out American Tobacco Campus, a restored tobacco factory turned entertainment venue. You can shop, dine, or attend a live concert in this trendy area. It’s also a great place to enjoy an evening walk along the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and see the stadium lights come to life. The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), brings Broadway shows, concerts, and more to the city - complete with dazzling red carpet experiences.