The city of Durham has something for everyone, whether you’re a homeowner or just passing through town. This North Carolina hotspot is home to award-winning restaurants, beautiful scenery, two universities, and one of our Talbert locations.
There’s no shortage of places to visit or things to do in Durham, NC, and we wanted to share some of our favorites!
A City Built on Opportunity
Durham started out as a railroad town in the early 1800s, and people settled down in the area, drawn to its opportunity and beauty. The tobacco and textile industries supported further growth of the population, and the city was incorporated in 1869. Durham was named after Dr. Bartlett Durham, the man who provided the land on which Durham Station was built.
When the textile industry began dying out in the region, the city of Durham decided to make space for other industries. In the 1950s, three local universities proposed the idea of a “science park” to the North Carolina Legislature, who approved and acquired the land for the project, otherwise known as Research Triangle Park. The park “encompasses an area of 11 square miles and is devoted to research facilities,” plus adds to opportunities for students and job seekers in the area.
Interesting Durham Facts
Durham’s diverse history, culture, and location make it a prime destination for travelers. It’s also North Carolina’s fourth most populous city. There are a few reasons this city has so much appeal, and much of it lies in its historical significance.
Durham is known as “Bull City,” a name with a storied past. W.T. Blackwell partnered with John Greene to form the Bull Durham Tobacco company in the 1800s. According to the Museum of Durham History: “John Green of the Blackwell Tobacco Company named his product “Bull” Durham Tobacco after seeing it used on containers of Coleman’s Mustard, which Green mistakenly thought was produced in Durham’s Sister City, Durham, England. By the time James B. Duke and the American Tobacco Company purchased Blackwell in 1898, Bull Durham was the most famous trademark in the world.”
The city of Durham has been a stage for many civil rights issues over the years. After the turbulence of the Civil War and Jim Crow restrictions on Durham’s Black community, Black families looked for a local haven of some kind.
“They formed the Hayti neighborhood,” reports Discover Durham, “which developed into a thriving business and residential district that received national acclaim for empowering Black people, including written praise from W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington.”
Urban renewal and city infrastructure updates dismantled the historic district, but the St. Joseph African Methodist Episcopal Church is a monument to the Hayti neighborhood, and still serves as the community and cultural center.
Besides the rich history, there are a few other attractions in Durham, NC:
There are several events on the city’s calendar for 2021. These include the World Beer Festival, Pride celebrations, a documentary film festival, and EnoFest, “an immersive in-person experience with live music, a juried craft show, food and fun on the river.”
The Durham Performing Arts Center is always popular with visitors and residents alike. They feature musicians like Straight No Chaser, comedians like Ron White, and musicals like A Christmas Story: The Musical. There’s something for everyone to see.
One of the best ways to experience a place is through its food, and Durham is home to several food trucks. “This community is replete with young entrepreneurs and culinary veterans alike, all of whom help bring dozens of mobile dining options to Durham: Latin American cuisine, pizza, Korean BBQ, homemade ice cream, grilled cheese sandwiches, cakes, and more — all on wheels,” according to Discover Durham.
The city of Durham is full of entrepreneurs and innovators, and the Scrap Exchange is living proof. This nonprofit and creative reuse center sources scrap materials from a 100-mile radius and provides art programs for families in the area. The Scrap Exchange also has a retail store and art gallery.
Talbert Building Supply: Then and Now
Talbert’s Durham location is the former home of West Durham Lumber Company and was acquired by Talbert Building Supply in 2004.
We’re close to Duke University, which is in the heart of the city. Our location and community help us serve Durham and the greater Triangle with our showroom and extensive delivery fleet. Our team at the Durham location helped out with suggestions below on where you might want to eat, play, and stay when you’re in town.
Donald Barbee is the Customer Service Attendant at Talbert’s Durham location and recommended his favorite local spot. “I like to go fishing at Falls Lake,” says Donald. There are a few ways to enjoy the outdoors in Durham. From disc golf courses to West Point on the Eno to Duke Gardens, the city offers a wide range of ways to get outside with your family and friends.
If you’re looking for a date night idea or two, Sales Coordinator Daniel Pond has a few recommendations:
Boxcar: a downtown bar with arcade games
Accordion Club: features a great patio
Crafts & Drafts: for creative fun with your date
Durham Bulls: games for sports fans
In fact, several Talbert team members mentioned the Durham Bulls with Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) as a popular attraction for locals and out-of-towners.
Looking for lunch options? King’s is a popular spot for sandwiches, and there’s no shortage of barbecue in the area. Talbert team members also recommend Moe’s Original BBQ and Hog Heaven. Or chicken and waffles at Dame’s might hit the spot.
If you’re visiting Durham — or live here and need a staycation — The Durham Hotel offers mid-century modern accommodations and an extensive menu of amenities. Sales Coordinator Matt Smith also recommends Unscripted Durham, a boutique hotel experience that offers guests tons of ambiance, a full-service restaurant and bar, and a rooftop pool.
Community Pride + Building Solutions
There’s no shortage of attractions, events, or nature to explore in Durham. We love calling this city home, and if you’re ever in the area or want to check out our showroom, we’d love to see you.
Talbert Building Supply is proud to support the Durham community and local building industry with high-quality products and reliable customer service. Learn more about our Durham location here.
Want more information on the products and services we offer? We are happy to help!