Summer is the perfect time for students to immerse themselves in Durham. From sporting events to strawberry picking, the Bull City has activities for everyone to enjoy. The Chronicle has compiled a list of ten ways to spend the hot summer days.
Take a trip to the Farmers’ Market…and stop by the Durham Food Hall afterwards
There’s nothing like fresh fruit on a hot summer day, and there’s no better place to get it than at the Durham Farmers’ Market. A 20 minute walk from East Campus, the market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vendors offer a host of fresh produce, baked goods and locally produced artwork you can’t get anywhere else.
If you work up an appetite while browsing the stands, walk up Foster Street to the Durham Food Hall. The Hall serves everything from bagel sandwiches to artisanal gelato. Whatever you decide to chow down on, it’s impossible to go wrong in a city named the “foodie capital of the South.”
See a Durham Bulls game
Partake in America’s pastime at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Located in the heart of downtown Durham, a Bulls game with friends makes for the perfect, low-key summer evening. The stadium offers carnival food—from pretzels to hot dogs to ice cream served in mason jars—and often features fireworks and local entertainers. If you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a photo with the team’s mascot, Wool E. Bull.
Visit the Lemur Center
After a seasonal hiatus, the Duke Lemur Center is reopening for tours in May 2022. Lemurs are one of the most endangered mammals on Earth, and the DLC houses the largest population of them outside of their native Madagascar. Learn from expert caretakers, take some cool photos, and if you’re lucky, meet Silas, one of the baby lemurs born this season. Tours are currently on an appointment-only basis, so be sure to schedule one through their website before heading over.
Pick fresh strawberries
For a wholesome afternoon in the sunshine, visit the Waller Family Farm. Located between Durham and Chapel Hill, the farm has been a community staple since 1943, where it began by growing tobacco and transitioned to strawberries as its main crop. From late April to June, visitors can pick ripe, in-season berries for $14 per gallon.
Dine with a view
For a fancier evening out, The Patio Pool and Lounge at Unscripted Durham offers a stunning rooftop view and a menu to match. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Indulge in shareables like Japanese gyoza, cheddar and bacon croquettes and lobster sliders, all while enjoying some live entertainment and the scenery of downtown Durham.
Give back
Whether your passions lie with bettering the environment, improving the public education system or eliminating hunger in the city, there are many engaging volunteer opportunities in Durham. Gather some friends, find a cause that you support and immerse yourself in the community.
Check out a free concert or movie
Durham’s 2022 Rock the Park series offers six opportunities to see concerts and movies this summer while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the city’s parks. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy the warm weather and food catered by local vendors. The events are completely free and open to the public. The only thing you need to bring is a picnic blanket!
Explore Eno River
With its lush forestry, winding trails and serene waters, Eno River State Park is an ideal spot for anything from a quick day hike to a weekend camping trip. The park has almost 28 miles of trail to explore—Cox Mountain and Bobbitt Hole are two particularly popular paths. On July 2 and 4, the 43rd annual Enofest will bring live music, crafts, and activities on the river.
Get in shape on a budget
Duke students will be excited to find that they can stay active without paying for a Wilson Recreation Center membership this summer. Durham Parkrun is a free 5k event that welcomes participants at all levels, and it is held every Saturday at 8 a.m.. After the event, the group convenes at Foster’s Market for a postrun coffee. For those looking for lighter activities, there are ample offerings for outdoor yoga and guided walking tours through Durham’s parks.
Build your fall wardrobe
And for those looking ahead to the fall season, consider checking out Durham’s thrift and vintage scene. The Durham Rescue Mission Thrift Store, TROSA Thrift Store, Gibson Girl Vintage and Rumors Durham are all great places to start curating a unique wardrobe.
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Sevana Wenn is a Trinity sophomore and features managing editor of The Chronicle's 118th volume.