Durham on a Dime: 5 Days of Adventure

Discover Durham without breaking the bank - budget-friendly adventures await!

21 June 2023

A trip to Durham, United States on a limited budget can still be a great experience. Budget-friendly options for accommodations include Airbnb or hostels. Exploring Durham's local attractions such as the Duke Homestead State Historic Park or hiking at Eno River State Park can also be affordable ways to enjoy the city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Durham!

  • Check into the University Inn, a budget-friendly hotel just steps from the Duke University campus.
  • Visit the Duke Gardens, a stunning 55-acre oasis filled with both native and exotic plants and flowers.
  • Grab lunch at Foster’s Market, a beloved local deli known for its fresh sandwiches and homemade desserts.
  • Step back in time at the Museum of Life and Science, where you can explore interactive exhibits and see live animals.
  • Indulge in some of Durham’s finest cuisine at M Sushi, a sleek and modern restaurant serving up traditional Japanese dishes with a creative twist.
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Monuts, a trendy cafe known for its fresh-baked bagels and gourmet coffee.
  • Explore the vibrant Durham art scene at the Nasher Museum of Art, which features a diverse collection of contemporary and classical pieces.
  • Take a stroll through the Durham Central Park Farmers Market, where you can sample local produce and handmade goods.
  • Grab lunch at Geer Street Garden, a cozy pub-style eatery with a rotating menu of Southern comfort food.
  • Catch a show at the Carolina Theatre, a beautifully restored venue hosting everything from live music to classic films.
Day 3

History and Heritage

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Guglhupf, a cozy cafe serving up German-style baked goods and egg dishes.
  • Step back in time at the Bennett Place State Historic Site, the site of the largest surrender of the American Civil War.
  • Visit the Duke Homestead State Historic Site, the birthplace of the American tobacco industry and home to numerous restored buildings and exhibits.
  • Enjoy a late lunch at Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, a local institution serving up decadent soul food dishes.
  • Get your fill of local history at the Museum of Durham History, a hands-on museum showcasing Durham’s past and present.
Day 4

Outdoor Adventures

  • Fuel up for a day of exploring with breakfast at the Durham Co-op Market, a community-owned grocery store with a delicious hot bar and made-to-order sandwiches.
  • Visit the Eno River State Park, a sprawling park filled with miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and wildlife.
  • Grab lunch at Boxcar Bar + Arcade, a hip spot featuring vintage arcade games and an impressive selection of craft beers.
  • Explore the American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile multi-use trail that winds through Durham’s picturesque landscapes.
  • Cap off your day with dinner at Juju Durham, a lively tapas bar offering both traditional Spanish dishes and creative fusion cuisine.
Day 5

Final Farewells

  • Enjoy a leisurely brunch at The Durham, a chic hotel boasting an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar with breathtaking city views.
  • Take a guided tour at Durham Distillery, where you can sample some of the finest gin and liqueurs in the country.
  • Spend your final hours in Durham browsing the shops and galleries in the historic Brightleaf Square shopping district.
  • Stop for a quick bite at Saltbox Seafood Joint, a seafood shack offering simple, delicious fried and grilled seafood dishes.
  • Bid farewell to Durham with a nightcap at The Durham Hotel’s rooftop bar, savoring one last taste of North Carolina’s vibrant and eclectic culture.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Durham by plane is to fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). From the airport, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Durham which takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Car

The best way to get to Durham by car is to take the I-40 or I-85 highways. If you are driving from the north, you can take the I-95 until it joins the I-85. If you are driving from the south, you can take the I-95 until it joins the I-40. Both routes will take you to Durham.

Train

While there are no direct train services to Durham, you can take a train to either Raleigh or Greensboro and then take a bus or taxi to get to Durham. The closest Amtrak station to Durham is located in Raleigh, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

Boat

Durham is a landlocked city and can only be accessed by road. There are no seaports or navigable waterways that lead to Durham or the surrounding areas.

Bus

The best way to get to Durham by bus is to take the Greyhound bus which runs daily from various cities in the USA, including New York and Atlanta. The Greyhound bus station in Durham is located in the downtown area and is easily accessible by foot or taxi.

Destination

Durham

Welcome to a city where the past and present collide, much like that time your grandpa tried to rap at a family gathering. Durham may not have a hip-hop career, but it certainly has a rich history and plenty of character to boot.

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