First visit

[Neals384]

Another suggestion: go visit the Duke Lemur Center. There literally isn't anywhere else like in the world, the tour isn't particularly time-consuming, and I think the ticket price is $6.

If you like art, there is also the Nasher Museum of Art on campus.

I also recommend eating at the Waffle House in order to gain a deeper understanding of certain segments of American culture, and because it's dirt cheap and delicious (go to the one on Hillsborough Road; the new one on Ninth Street is too clean for a first experience).

Second the Lemur Center. Outstanding, if you have any interest in animals and the natural world. Advance reservations are required; book well in advance. https://lemur.duke.edu/

[Furniture]

We are staying at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club from 2/9 to 2/16 so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Seriously.. Since you have flown all the way from the UK IMHO you need to get online as soon as you can and buy tickets for the Virginia game. I am surprised no one has said this to you. It’s only 3hours drive away...it’s nothing for someone who has come all the way from the UK.

I understand...Being from the UK myself and from Birmingham I know we aren’t used to driving long distance but 180 miles is a walk in the park in US miles. It’s a piece of cake. The game is at 6.00 pm. No problem leaving at midday or so. Watch the game and back in Bull City at about midnight....worst case just don’t stay in Durham that night.

You will have a great time too, I am sure Virginia fans will be very hospitable to a British Duke fan. Honestly after being accustomed to go to away soccer games in the UK and being afraid to show any home colors vs. going anywhere in the US is crazy safe...

[UKDukeFan]

I'm grateful to everyone who has responded to my questions. There are definitely some food and sight seeing places mentioned that I'd like my wife and I to visit during our week to get to know Durham and its community. I would really like to try and have a campus guided tour so will look into that and will attempt to get into Cameron if there is a women's game scheduled. At least we will see the team in Louisville as the Virginia game is cutting it too fine in terms of our arrival time in US.

To explain about my love of the US and Duke basketball...

I spent my University years coaching soccer in the US every summer for a British soccer company so have travelled a lot in the US, mostly East coast, Mid West and down South as far as Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Loved the sporting culture and people were so friendly in hosting me in their homes in the weeks I stayed each summer. I also made some good friends in my time in the US (one particular family in Evansville, Indiana were wonderful).

When I began my PE teaching career my early years was in a High school in East London where there was a big passion for basketball and although really a soccer player and fan, I fell in love with Basketball. Indeed one of the school teams were regular county (you call state) and eventually national champions which meant they played at a high standard, for the UK at least! I wanted to learn more about coaching for my own teams so was pointed towards videos that coincidentally were Coach K and Duke. I still have those videos and have added many books and DVDs which are mostly Coach K but with a sprinkling of High School coaches e.g. Morgan Wootten and Bob Hurley Senior. I've also subscribed to ESPN and equivalent media outlets since the late 1990s and watched most of the games when Duke are televised which do impact on my sleep from time to time.

As you can gather...I'm hooked! My wife suggested I finally do something on my bucket list and visit Durham and Duke for my 50th next year. I am restricted by school holiday times so had to book the time that we did in February and as I said I was dismayed to see that we won't be able to see a MBB game in Cameron during our stay. At least though, the Louisville trip means we can watch the team and if I'm being honest we are going to watch other games around the triangle whilst in Durham to maximise our basketabll experience. I'm trying to perhaps watch Davidson on 2/15 as I specifically remember the game in Cameron years ago when Steph Curry went head to head with Gerald Henderson and Coach Mckillop is well respected coach.

A couple of side notes..I'd like wear our Duke gear to the Louisville game and, as a poster has suggested this is safe? In the UK you'd never attend an away soccer game wearing colours without putting yourself at risk so finding this refreshing. Also, I've read DBR for as long as I can remember and have always found it fair, well written and absent from the hysterical, biased nonsense you normally get in the UK, particularly with soccer.

Thanks again everyone.

[brickey]

After reading everything upthread, I have some additional thoughts —longings really— and a few new suggestions for our UK friend:

The majority of our team regularly frequented the WaHo on Hillsiboro a score or so ago, and a fair number of them did within the last decade. For good reason. Last month when I traveled back to Durham for the first time in a year, my first stop from RDU was at Rise for the nearest good (but far from the best) biscuit I could find. Two hours later I found myself at WaHo, basking in memory of eating a bacon, egg and cheese with pickles double plate (“extra crispy”) at the counter next to Seth Curry, wondering if he remembers. He doesn’t.

For those contemplating how Durham became the dark star of the food universe, read up on Karen and Ben Barker. RIP Magnolia Grill.

A disciple of Karen’s turned her mastery of pies into mastery of many other things at Scratch. As best I can recall from a few years ago, not everything they served was incredible, but everything with a crust certainly was. (I’m not sure why I dropped an “IIRC” there. Have pie baking skills ever waned with age?)

Rue Cler over Vin Rouge without question. Definitely go to Heavenly Buffaloes to kick off your Ninth street experience. Walk into Elmo’s to get a feel for the place, but it isn’t worth a wait. Best part of Elmo’s for me was always listening to a few great albums at Poindexter’s after. RIP.

Mateo makes a mean Pepino (G&T with salted cucumbers) and even better pan con tomate. I think their bread is from Loaf, which beats all but a few bakeries here in the Bay Area.

One of the best burgers I’ve ever had was in the Durham Hotel. Andrea knows what she’s doing. Buy a drink and burger downstairs (drinks and service are far better down there), and escort them up the elevator for the view.

There’s a lot of great things to do outside of eating in Durham — the course at WaDuke is quite nice, Duke Forrest (off Whitfield Rd moreso than around WaDuke or off Cornwallis) is a beautiful place for exercise or fresh air, the Lemur Center is cool for adults and kids, any good show at the Carolina Theater or Motorco will be fondly remembered— but it’s worth indulging in the various cuisines while you’re there. Durham Farmer’s Market on Saturday’s is definitely worth visiting too.

And Furniture’s suggestion is a great one. The drive to Hooville is easy and quite scenic at times —take the two-laned route by Wintergrean instead of the divided highway— plus most of their campus provides a beautiful setting for celebrating victory on the road.

[BLPOG]

A couple of side notes..I'd like wear our Duke gear to the Louisville game and, as a poster has suggested this is safe? In the UK you'd never attend an away soccer game wearing colours without putting yourself at risk so finding this refreshing. Also, I've read DBR for as long as I can remember and have always found it fair, well written and absent from the hysterical, biased nonsense you normally get in the UK, particularly with soccer.

You can wear Duke gear to a Louisville game, but you might experience some verbal abuse. I've worn Duke gear in Louisville without issue (though not to a game). Kentucky is not a great state to wear Duke gear, but the real animosity comes from Wildcayut fans. Just stay away from people missing large numbers of teeth.

It's a shame you can't make the Virginia game - in my experience, University of Virginia fans are the single most gracious, welcoming, and good-sportsmanship-embodying fan-base I've encountered. That said, Louisville is probably more interesting than Charlottesville. Check out Churchill Downs and a distillery.

[AustinDevil]

One of the best burgers I’ve ever had was in the Durham Hotel. Andrea knows what she’s doing. Buy a drink and burger downstairs (drinks and service are far better down there), and escort them up the elevator for the view.

Chiming in just to say that I wouldn’t automatically just book the Washington Duke. The Durham Hotel and other places now in downtown will feel a lot more like the recently redeveloped areas of East London, and personally I’d rather be walking distance from all the restaurants and bars of downtown and do my driving/Ubering to campus during the day. It’s very easy online to get a feel for whether the WaDuke’s traditional feel or the hipper vibe downtown is for you, of course.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Chiming in just to say that I wouldn’t automatically just book the Washington Duke. The Durham Hotel and other places now in downtown will feel a lot more like the recently redeveloped areas of East London, and personally I’d rather be walking distance from all the restaurants and bars of downtown and do my driving/Ubering to campus during the day. It’s very easy online to get a feel for whether the WaDuke’s traditional feel or the hipper vibe downtown is for you, of course.

Agreed. The 21c Museum Hotel is also a cool downtown Durham choice.

[OldPhiKap]

great story UK, enjoy!

Oddly enough, I will be in Liverpool/Manchester in part because I love EPL soccer.

“You’ll never walk alone . . . “

(Watching the Hotspurs hosting the Reds as I type. I love Jürgen Klopp; entertained with José Mourinho when they lose).

[sagegrouse]

Chiming in just to say that I wouldn’t automatically just book the Washington Duke. The Durham Hotel and other places now in downtown will feel a lot more like the recently redeveloped areas of East London, and personally I’d rather be walking distance from all the restaurants and bars of downtown and do my driving/Ubering to campus during the day. It’s very easy online to get a feel for whether the WaDuke’s traditional feel or the hipper vibe downtown is for you, of course.

Nothing wrong with the Wash Duke, and, even in February, there may be an opportunity to have a round of golf. The J.B. Duke across the street is also nice. Selected food forays into Durham and a visit to Chapel Hill are easy to arrange.

While Durham is a far cry from where it was 30 years ago, its attractions are scattered and the downtown area is just OK, compared to other urban scenes. Your emphasis, UKDukeFan, should be on and around the Duke campus. Try to get a good tour, and don't forget East Campus, the original home of Trinity College when it moved from rural Randolph County to Durham.

Of course, I also misread your signature, but in a novel way. I thought that esteemed poster "NSDukeFan" was making a foray down from Nova Scotia. Your post was confusing because you mentioned being a teacher, and I thought you (NSDuke etc.) were a pharmacist.

Anyway, welcome to Duke. I assume you have made a number of trips across the pond, and you will know what you want to see.

[devildeac]

You can wear Duke gear to a Louisville game, but you might experience some verbal abuse. I've worn Duke gear in Louisville without issue (though not to a game). Kentucky is not a great state to wear Duke gear, but the real animosity comes from Wildcayut fans. Just stay away from people missing large numbers of teeth.

It's a shame you can't make the Virginia game - in my experience, University of Virginia fans are the single most gracious, welcoming, and good-sportsmanship-embodying fan-base I've encountered. That said, Louisville is probably more interesting than Charlottesville. Check out Churchill Downs and a distillery.

Only one?

https://kybourbontrail.com/map/

[NYBri]

It’s amazing to me to read this list. I graduated in 2003 (and haven’t been back since homecoming the fall after I graduated) and aside from Elmo’s (and Vin Rouge, which was maybe a year or two old at the time) I dont’ think a single place on that list existed when I was in school. The thought that Durham would be a major foodie destination is not consistent with my recollection of what town was like 15 years ago. In short, I feel old.

I graduated in ‘74.

If the Ivy Room is gone, I’m lost in this conversation.

[someotherdavid]

Sucks you won't be able to catch a game. Not sure if this is still the case but they used to leave the doors to Cameron unlocked. As long as there was no events or practices going on you could just walk on in.

So, how long ago was that? I was there in the early-to-mid 80's and that was the case then. I suspect that it has changed in the last 20, er, 30+ years. I do think that if you go into the Duke store, or find an open door to any of the athletic offices that you could get somebody to give you a tour of Cameron. They're kind of proud of it there.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

While Durham is a far cry from where it was 30 years ago, its attractions are scattered and the downtown area is just OK, compared to other urban scenes.

What??? I mean everyone is entitled to their opinion. It’s not New York but it’s a fantastic place to hang out with plenty of activities with walking distance of one another. This seems like an odd criticism.

[tfk53]

Have lived 30 miles north of Durham for 35 years and have watched the transformation of Durham into a truly eclectic city with a vibrant downtown. Music, culture, arts, food, drink, outdoor activities. All there to be found. If my son and his family were not in my small town, would definitely consider relocating to Durham. I head into Durham several times a months

Places I like - among others
Others have listed many of the wonderful eateries.
agree with 21C being both a cool bar and wonderful food.
Gocciolina - excellent Italian restaurant.
Dash - Japanese noodle place with neat bar upstairs.
Cosmic cantina - a taste of Mexican food for students/masses. An interesting piece of Durham.
CocoaCinnamon - superb coffee and hot chocolate to die for.
Guglhopf Cafe and Biergarten
Watts Grocery

So, UKDukeFan, have a blast in this area. Check out some of the music scenes. The local weekly, the Independent, has lots of info.
https://www.indyweek.com

[Jim3k]

Seriously.. Since you have flown all the way from the UK IMHO you need to get online as soon as you can and buy tickets for the Virginia game. I am surprised no one has said this to you. It’s only 3hours drive away...it’s nothing for someone who has come all the way from the UK.

I understand...Being from the UK myself and from Birmingham I know we aren’t used to driving long distance but 180 miles is a walk in the park in US miles. It’s a piece of cake. The game is at 6.00 pm. No problem leaving at midday or so. Watch the game and back in Bull City at about midnight...worst case just don’t stay in Durham that night.

You will have a great time too, I am sure Virginia fans will be very hospitable to a British Duke fan. Honestly after being accustomed to go to away soccer games in the UK and being afraid to show any home colors vs. going anywhere in the US is crazy safe...

Yeah but he'll be driving on, for him, the wrong side of the road.

[dukelifer]

It’s amazing to me to read this list. I graduated in 2003 (and haven’t been back since homecoming the fall after I graduated) and aside from Elmo’s (and Vin Rouge, which was maybe a year or two old at the time) I dont’ think a single place on that list existed when I was in school. The thought that Durham would be a major foodie destination is not consistent with my recollection of what town was like 15 years ago. In short, I feel old.

And that is just a subset of new places. A lot of changed since 2003.

[elvis14]

I don't think the OP indicated if he had ever been to the US before. If you haven't, be warned … Americans in general, and Southerners in particular, love a cold drink called "iced tea"; it is available with any meal, including breakfast. In the South, it usually comes highly (to my taste, much too highly) sweetened. The one British expatriate I met during my time in Durham considered the whole concept of "iced tea" an abomination. So, if you are not familiar with this … by all means, give it a try, you might actually find it tolerable … but if you do try it, you might want to order your first one "un-sweetened". I do believe that sweet iced tea is an acquired taste, particularly to the extent which most Southern restaurants sweeten it.

Just to be clear, you should not order un-sweetened tea unless you visit NY or NJ or some other place north of the Mason-Dixon line. Unsweetened iced tea is truly an abomination. Just get a cup of coffer or something if you're thinking of ordering un-sweetened tea. In the south if you order 'tea' you are likely to be treated a wonderful concoction known as sweet tea. It's sweet, very sweet (if mixed properly). You will know if they mixed it correctly if your teeth hurt a bit when you drink it. Don't worry, refills are almost always free and frequent. Enjoy.

[MartyClark]

So, how long ago was that? I was there in the early-to-mid 80's and that was the case then. I suspect that it has changed in the last 20, er, 30+ years. I do think that if you go into the Duke store, or find an open door to any of the athletic offices that you could get somebody to give you a tour of Cameron. They're kind of proud of it there.

I was there three years ago during basketball season. Duke played Wake on a Tuesday night. My son and I got into Cameron on Monday afternoon. They also allowed us to tour the other athletic facilities, practice facility etc. We simply asked politely and they let us in. We weren't the only ones in Cameron - lots of prospective students and their parents.

We walked onto the court - sat on the bench -took lots of pictures. The Duke employees were very nice.

[75Crazie]

Just to be clear, you should not order un-sweetened tea unless you visit NY or NJ or some other place north of the Mason-Dixon line. Unsweetened iced tea is truly an abomination.

Wow, just … wow! The very few times I tried to drink southern sweet tea, I thought I was drinking liquid sugar.

[Jim3k]

Just to be clear, you should not order un-sweetened tea unless you visit NY or NJ or some other place north of the Mason-Dixon line. Unsweetened iced tea is truly an abomination.

Abomination? No. It's an adult, acquired taste. But it is best when the tea has been softened by some sort of flavoring--lemon zest, bergamot oil, orange-cinnamon or the like. (No smoky teas.) Do it yourself by boiling and then allowing it to cool. Add the ice then.* A slice of lemon is always nice. But I do sometimes like the bitterness of unsweetened orange-pekoe.

The sugar part of Southern sweet tea is a. invariably too sweet and b. bad for diabetics. If you must sweeten it, do it yourself: only half a teaspoon of sugar or half a packet of sugar substitute in an 8 oz. glass.

* Throwing ice into a glass of hot tea can work in a pinch, but you have to do it twice, plus the dilution weakens the tea beyond its expected taste. Not recommended.