At the heart of Durham’s revitalized downtown lies Durham Central Park, a community-focused, arts-themed urban green space at 502 Foster Street. Its open Great Lawn, public art installations, Butterfly and Grace Gardens, and seasonal Farmers' Market inside the Pavilion make it a local favorite.

Beyond the park, Downtown Durham brims with distinctive shops, award-winning restaurants, arts venues, and historic architecture. Highlights include:

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) hosting Broadway shows and touring acts.

The historic Carolina Theatre, an architectural gem from the 1920s housing films, concerts, and festivals

The striking Downtown Historic District, featuring Colonial Revival, Italianate, and Art Deco styles—including the Durham Armory and Arts Council building.

J&J's first date started at the Rooftop of the Durham Hotel in Downtown Durham. For the record, Jason was not late!

Nestled on Duke University’s campus in Durham, this 55-acre oasis features beautifully landscaped gardens, winding walking paths, and seasonal blooms. Visitors can explore the tranquil Asiatic Arboretum, vibrant flower terraces, and serene woodland trails. Perfect for a peaceful stroll, photography, or a relaxing picnic, the gardens are open year-round and free to the public.

J&J have been to Sarah Duke Gardens many times, it was close to Jason's house and Joanna found the Davison building on Duke's campus.

The Streets at Southpoint is Durham’s premier shopping and leisure destination, uniquely blending an indoor mall with an outdoor, open-air Main Street concept. It’s located just off I-40 on Fayetteville Road and is one of the region’s top attractions.

Shop 'til you drop: With over 150+ stores and services spanning high-end fashion (like Nordstrom and Apple Store) to more affordable brands such as H&M and Old Navy, this center offers something for every shopper.

Dining & Entertainment: Grab a meal at standout spots like The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy, or California Pizza Kitchen. Catch the latest blockbusters—including IMAX screenings—at its 17-screen AMC theater.

Unique Ambience & Design: The mall’s architecture was inspired by downtown Durham and UNC’s red-brick charm—complete with bronze statues of children playing, vintage murals, murals, smokestack features, and pedestrian-friendly pathways.

A Social Experience: Since 2024, adults 21+ can enjoy a designated social district, allowing them to stroll with alcoholic beverages purchased on-site—adding to the community feel, especially during events like “Music on Main” concerts.

This is also where J&J purchased their engagement presents for each other.

Franklin Street is the vibrant heart of Chapel Hill—a lively stretch packed with coffee shops, eclectic bookstores, local eateries, and bustling nightlife. Strolling through UNC’s historic campus, you can visit landmarks like the Old Well, a neoclassical icon said to bring good luck if you sip its water on the first day of classes. Guided walking tours are also available, offering rich insights into campus traditions, architecture, and the spirit of the Tar Heels.

J&J have spent many an evening dining in the restaurants that inhabit Franklin Street.

An outdoor enthusiast’s playground, the park offers:

Over 34 miles of trails—22 miles designed for hiking and an additional 13 miles for mountain biking, horseback riding, and multi-use activities.

Opportunities for camping, picnicking, fishing, canoe or paddleboat rentals, and nature study at the visitor center.

Part of the East Coast Greenway, a trail network stretching from Maine to Florida.

Notable highlights include tranquil lakes like Big Lake, Sycamore Lake, and Reedy Creek Lake, as well as unique features like chainsaw-carved art along the multi-use trails.

Ecology & Natural Features

The park features rolling Piedmont terrain, mixed forests, and several manmade lakes. It also contains the

Piedmont Beech Natural Area, a 61-acre designated National Natural Landmark preserving mature beech and mesophytic forest, accessible by special permit.

This is one of the few places that Joanna will hike in!

Downtown Raleigh is the historic, cultural, and civic heart of the city—where government buildings, creative energy, museums, eateries, and green spaces converge to create a compact and walkable urban experience.

Culture & Creativity

Rich with nationally recognized museums, historic landmarks, and a strong local business presence—over 90% of establishments here are locally owned

Things to Do

From museum-hopping to grabbing Southern comfort food, playing arcade games, touring a chocolate factory, or browsing local boutiques—all within easy walking distance.

Distinct Districts to Explore

Fayetteville Street: Raleigh’s ceremonial core lined with attractions like the State Capitol, museums, and grand event spaces.

Moore Square Historic District: Around this restored park, you’ll find City Market, art galleries, children-friendly museums (like Marbles Kids Museum), and historic landmarks.

Warehouse District: A trendy hub of repurposed brick buildings housing CAM Raleigh, breweries, nightlife, and creative entrepreneurs.

Glenwood South: Known for its buzzworthy nightlife, restaurants, cafes, and an energetic social scene.

Local Favorites & Unique Eats

Things to try:

Relax at Moore Square or browse Historic City Market for boutique finds.

Catch a live show at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts or concert at Red Hat Amphitheater

Indulge your sweet tooth at Videri Chocolate Factory, or sip at Raleigh Beer Garden—the beer list is huge!

Don’t miss the iconic Acorn sculpture (especially during New Year’s Eve celebrations) or the serene Municipal

Rose Garden

Wander into the NC Museum of Natural Sciences or the NC Museum of History for insightful, free exhibits.

Recommended Local Itinerary Picks

Original Raleigh Rickshaw: A fun, breezy way to tour the area.

“All Are Welcome” mural: A great photo spot along Fayetteville Street.

Downtown dining and cocktail gems: Try insect picks like Crawford and Son, The Pit for BBQ, and Boulted Bread for pastries.

For a thoughtfully curated day: enjoy coffee and breakfast, hit a museum, stroll Districts, dine, then cap the night with dessert and drinks—sounds like a solid downtown plan.

J&J Recommendations, cocktails at the Longleaf Hotel (Mid-Century Modern Vibes), then Barcelona wine bar for a wonderful Tapas meal and then a nightcap at the Raleigh Times rooftop bar.

Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is celebrated for its mix of natural beauty, artsy energy, and culinary flair—earning nicknames like the "City of Land and Sky" and even the “Paris of the South”

1. Explore Arts & Culture

Downtown Asheville & River Arts District

Wander through a walkable core filled with independent shops, galleries, craft breweries, and award-winning restaurants. Street performances, murals, and live music add to the vibrant atmosphere.

In the nearby River Arts District, former industrial buildings house over 200 artist studios where you can peek into creative processes—from glassblowing to painting.

Art Museums & Historic Architecture

Visit the Asheville Art Museum in downtown, showcasing 20th and 21st-century American art with a special focus on regional heritage.

Admire varied architectural styles—from Neoclassical to Art Deco—in landmarks like Asheville City Hall, designed by Douglas Ellington.

2. Indulge in Gastronomy & Breweries

Asheville boasts the highest number of breweries per capita in the U.S. Thanks to both local gems like Burial, Green Man, and Highland—and major names like Sierra Nevada—beer lovers will be spoiled for choice.

The city also shines on the culinary scene, with acclaimed spots like Cúrate, Chai Pani, Rhubarb, and Laughing Seed, plus inventive fare at Sunny Point Café and more.

3. Step Into History & Grandeur

No trip to Asheville is complete without touring the Biltmore Estate—America's largest private home. Explore its stunning architecture, winery, trails, and lush gardens.

4. Outdoor Exploration

Immerse in Appalachia’s natural splendor via scenic escapes:

Blue Ridge Parkway—renowned for sweeping views and stunning drives.

Pisgah National Forest and nearby waterfalls like Sliding Rock, Graveyard Fields, and Upper Whitewater Falls offer hikes, swimming, and adventure.

Trails like Mountain-to-Sea Trail, Mount Mitchell, and Bearwallow Mountain deliver immersive hikes and unforgettable vistas.

5. Neighborhoods & Unique Townscapes

Biltmore Village: A Tudor-style, quaint area built for estate workers that now charms with boutiques, eateries, and historic architecture.

Grovewood Village and Montford Historic District offer crafts, preserved architecture, and museums worth discovering

One of our favorite places to go and if you have a couple of extra days, Asheville should be on the top of your list of things to do while you are in North Carolina. A 3.5 hour drive from Durham.