Visit Durham Recently? Share Your Experience.

Tell us about your experiences while visiting Durham, North Carolina.

How to send your message:

Email your posting, with your name and "Share Your Durham Experience" in the subject line, to webmaster@durham-cvb.com. The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau reserves the right to omit offensive or vulgar language from comments submitted for posting.

Archives

Wednesday, December 8, 2004

I have lived in Durham all my life, born here, schooled here, and raised our children here – the whole nine yards. I love Durham, but I do not travel Interstate 85 between 15-501 and Highway 70. I don’t even like traveling that part of I-85 with my husband driving. I feel that it is a death trap waiting to happen anytime you venture that way. Perhaps when all the construction is finished I-85 will be greatly improved. I certainly hope so. Thanks for allowing me to post my opinions.

Peggy Smith
Durham, North Carolina

Editors Note: Both Interstate highways through Durham (I-40 and I-85) have been under improvement during recent years. Sometimes it is very difficult to cope with, but the good news is that Durham's roads will be much better in the end. Currently, the I-40 improvement project is scheduled to be completed by September 2005, and the I-85 improvement project is scheduled to be completed by April 2007. For help with detours and driving directions or for general construction updates, call or stop by the official Durham Visitor Information Center, or dial 511 from anywhere in North Carolina.

Tuesday, August 31, 2004

On a recent trip to Durham for the Pony Nationals, I had the misfortune to lose my air conditioning in the car. My son and I were shopping in the Food Lion, when I asked someone for a name of a repair shop. The women was very nice and gave me the name of the Massey Brothers. The shop was right up the road on 2108 E. Highway 54, Just down the road from the hotel the team was going to stay in. My daughter and her team were flying in from a tournament in Florida, just before Nationals. It was very hot and I was very worried. This was 6pm Friday. I spoke with one of the owners and he let me bring the car in on Saturday morning. The car was fixed while I waited and for a fair price. That I was worried the most about. My husband must of called six or seven times, he was worried too!!! It was a wonderful experience to know their are still nice, friendly caring people. The funny thing is one of the father's also had a problem and we took the car to them. The trip was great, the girls did great, and my bank account is not empty.

Jane Lapin
Mineola, N. Y.

Saturday, August 21, 2004

My husband and I moved to Cary, NC about 4 years ago. We both worked in RTP at the time. When it came time to buy a house, we looked in Durham. We've been here for 3 years now and have a much easier commute home. Sometimes Imiss the convenience of all the shopping crammed into a small area (SOMETIMES—the traffic in Cary & Morrisville was an absolute nightmare!). However, Durham is doing a great job with adding fun restaurants, great shopping and cleaning up the city & roads. I'm glad I moved...to the much more friendly and down-to-earth Durham residents. Our out of state visitors are amazed at all the great opportunities we have living in Durham—they've never had to do the same thing twice (except for the Durham Bulls games—Go Bulls!!!!).

Heather Popovich
Durham, North Carolina

Thursday, May 20, 2004

I have been visiting Durham about once a year for the past 10 years (to visit family and friends). We are a very active family and have seen so many of the sights there, and there are so many more to go! ... We like historic sights, nature, good food, and “modern” attractions like the Science museum. I look forward to our visits every year.

Patty
San Juan Capistrano, California

Tuesday, April 15, 2003

As several of your responders mentioned, my husband and I also came first to Durham because our godson attends Duke University. Both the University and surrounding areas are beautiful and filled with a wonderful spirit and congeniality. The town supports the University and the University contributes wonderful diversity and excitement to the community.

We couldn't imagine a more perfect environment to attain higher education, surrounded as the campus is by solid, supportive people in the stores, restaurants, places of worship

Lois Snitkoff
New York

Monday, April 14, 2003

I lived in North Raleigh for years before I even went to Durham. After making a friend who lived here, I came for a visit. I was instantly hooked. I was also amazed. How could a place so incredibly rich with history, and culture, and wonderfully nice and intelligent people be kept such a secret? I found myself wanting to live nowhere else. I found an apartment, and have lived here ever since. Within a week of moving here, I went to the Visitors Bureau and got pamphlet upon pamphlet of fun and interesting things to do. I've been here almost 2 years now, and although I have tried, I still have not gotten through all of the pamphlets. There are historic landmarks at every corner, it seems. There are wonderful restaurants, cultural events, beautiful hiking trails, festivals, and musical events. Durham has everything! I never want to leave.

Michelle Carter
Durham, North Carolina

Saturday, April 12, 2003

What started out to be a search for a little food shop that carries foods from my husband's homelands turned out to be an extravaganza called Durham! First there was the area for the Durham Bulls and my favorite movie, Bull Durham. Then we happened across Magic Wings Butterfly House in the Museum of Life and Science. The butterfly house was the most incredible experience ever. We followed that with a visit to Duke Chapel. It was awesome. Everything in Durham was a feast for the senses. We return whenever we can get away!

June Koster

I got lost while driving around Durham. Although I panicked and drove for hours, clueless as to my location, I was charmed by the scenery and the friendliness of the people I passed along the way. I plan to return, but with a map this time.

Pamela Barnette

Editors Note: Durham brochures, maps and other helpful assistance are available at the Durham Visitor Information Center Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After hours information bins and computer kiosk are also available evenings and weekends.

Friday, April 11, 2003

We vacationed in the Durham, Chapel Hill and Wilmington areas last summer. The people in Durham were so friendly. Our primary point of interest was Duke University, as our 10-year old is an avid Blue Devils fan. The campus is beautiful. And, to our surprise and delight, we were able to walk right into Cameron Indoor Stadium and look around. The hi-lite of the trip was our two son's getting to "shoot hoops" on Coach K court and meet Chris Duhon, as well as several freshman players from both the men and women's basketball teams. They were all great with the boys -- talking to them and posing for pictures. Our boys were thrilled -- especially our 10-year old (our 14-year old is a Tarheels fan, sorry!! But, he was excited too!) Thanks for the hospitality -- we'll definitely be back.

The Carroll Family
Erlanger, Kentucky (We don't bleed Wildcat Blue at our house!! Go Devils!!)

Monday, March 31, 2003

I went for the first time to MK's House of Jazz at 118 West Main Street in Downtown Durham Saturday night. Wow! What a great nightspot to hear jazz in Downtown Durham. I arrived about 9:45 p.m. to valet parking out front, very gentlemanly greeters and friendly staff.

The admission is $15 per person, but that include the valet parking, the jazz entertainment, plus what they call "culinary delights." The chef each night cooks and serves a buffet style menu. This Saturday night the menu included Duck, Seafood Pasta, Broccoli in butter sauce and Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes, as well as a green salad and bread.

The club itself has two levels. All of the place is done in a warm, light wood, with lots of mirrors and is dimly lit. Very cozy. The lower level has a bar and seating area where those who wish to have a cigar can relax, hear the music and also watch the mini tv's. The upper level has tables and chairs, the buffet table and another bar is in the back of the room. Many people got up and danced to the music. The band didn't crank up until around 11 p.m., but it was worth the wait. Dress code is semi-formal—no jeans.

Editors Note: This is a post from a Durham resident on a new jazz and R&B club in Downtown Durham. More about the blues in Durham North Carolina and beyond, check out http://hometown.aol.com/Jukebaby/bluze.html

Wednesday, January 22, 2003

Just wanted to share my experience with you all on a recent visit to the new Papa Jack's Fine Steaks on Guess Road. My husband and I ate there this past Saturday night, and it was very good.

If you are wanting a good steak at a reasonable price, this is the place. Keep in mind their focus is steak, so that is pretty much the bulk of the entrees on the menu. They do, however, have a couple chicken dishes, a barbecued pork chop dish and a salmon dish. They do have a good array of appetizers and side dishes.

I had their Queen size Filet Mignon, it was very good. My husband had the barbecue pork chop, also very good. Not too much barbecue (more of a light barbecue sauce with a nice smokiness). We also had their sweet potato fries with blue cheese crumbs and red pepper sauce for an appetizer. Very different and good.

They have main dining on the bottom floor, a very nice bar/lounge area on the second floor and in the top (they call it the crow's nest) there are six stools where you can hang out, chat and have a drink while enjoying the 360 view.

Not a place for kids, but great for a couple's night out or a night out with friends.

Editors Note: This is a post from a Durham resident on a new restaurant that has opened up in Durham on Guess Road.

Wednesday, January 08, 2003

My durham experiance is that I have lived here all my life and living here so long makes me realize how boring it is here and how rude some people can be.

Editors Note: Scientific public opinion polls show that Durham residents rate their community positively, with more than 70% of residents agreeing with the statement, "I am pleased with Durham as a place to live." The ratio of "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree" is 5 to 1. Read more

Wednesday, October 30, 2002

I found Derek to be helpful beyond the call. I was in Durham to get my son, an incoming freshman at Duke, set up [including] cellular telephone service switched over from Nebraska to North Carolina.. Derek, who seemed extremely busy at the time we came in to his office, made the time to help us, made multiple long-distance calls seeking advice on how one switches these services from different parts of the country, and helped us pick the appropriate plan... If all the employees at Durham service industries are as kind and helpful as Derek.

Editors Note: This is a post from a visitor in reference to excellent service she was given by Derek Smith at Alltel in Durham.

Friday, September 20, 2002

Durham is a nice place. We were on vacation and decided to move here.

Thursday, September 19, 2002

Do not go to Durham. The entire Durham stretch of Interstate 85 is considered a construction zone and a fleet of police cars give speeding tickets to anyone, whether or not they are speeding. Take your business elsewhere.

Editors Note: The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau regrets that this visitor had this experience with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol while passing through Durham. There are a few areas where improvements are being done to Interstate 85, and these necessitate a reduction in the speed limit to 55 miles per hour to assure the safety of travelers and construction workers. Visitors can get updates on the construction on the North Carolina Department of Transportation web site at http://apps.dot.state.nc.us/tims/RegionSummary.aspx?re=1

Monday, September 16, 2002

"...visit Durham's Bullock's Barbecue, a celebrated gathering spot for extended families, Blue Devils fans, and anyone who craves ribs, pork barbecue, Brunswick stew., and country-fried steak. The hush puppies are warm, light, and impossible to resist."

The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau reserves the right to omit offensive or vulgar language from comments submitted for posting.