With the start of fall break just around the corner, here are some activities to keep you busy if you plan to stay on campus during the break.
Parts of this story are adapted from The Chronicle’s 2023 guide to fall break in Durham.
For the foodie
Known to some as the “foodie capital of the South,” Durham boasts a variety of restaurants to satisfy your taste buds during the break. Conveniently located by East Campus, Ninth Street is home to popular food spots including Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken, Happy + Hale and Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar.
After a busy season of midterms, why not treat yourself to dinner at Juju? If Asian-style tapas aren’t on your mind, try the feel-good food of Elmo’s Diner, the upscale eats at Vin Rouge or one of over 150 other restaurants and bars in downtown Durham.
Don’t forget to also check out new restaurants like Kiichi Ramen on Ninth Street and Nan Xiang Express Durham next to Blue Light Living, both of which opened this year. For dessert, Simon Says Dip This and The Parlour offer ice cream till 11 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively, on weekends.
For the outdoorsy
Looking to reconnect with nature? Eno River State Park — just a 15-minute drive from Duke — features around 30 miles of hiking trails that wind through natural scenery. A portion of the park’s trails are part of the larger Mountain-to-Sea State Trail, which connects the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. After your hike, enjoy a dip in the Eno River or Eno Rock Quarry at the edge of the park.
If you’re looking to explore the Durham community, parkrun Durham is a free 5K community event open to runners and spectators alike on Saturdays at 8 a.m. Afterward, stop by Foster’s Market to grab a post-run coffee with fellow participants.
Closer to Duke’s West Campus, take a peaceful stroll through the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and indulge in some birdwatching. Also check out the popular 2.9-mile Al Buehler Trail surrounding the Duke University Golf Course. On Saturdays and Sundays, Duke Forest opens its gravel roads and dirt trails for hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities, though three divisions of the forest are currently closed on weekdays as part of the annual deer herd reduction program.
For the local strider
There are few better ways to kick off your weekend than a trip to the Durham Farmers’ Market. Just a short walk from East Campus, there, you’ll encounter local vendors selling everything from flower bouquets to handmade jewelry. The Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday and features live music and fresh food.
Soak in the fall vibes with a trip to the pumpkin patch at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Afterward, hop on the train for a scenic ride along the Ellerbe Creek Railway to enjoy a refreshing fall breeze and colorful foliage.
For the art enthusiast
Spend your Friday night at Bull McCabe’s for delicious burgers and free concerts featuring local artists. For more music, catch the English band The The at DPAC for their first-ever appearance in the Triangle while on their first tour since the successful 2018 “Comeback Special” world tour.
One street over from the Farmers’ Market, the Durham Art Market sponsored by Cecy’s Gallery showcases the work of local artisans ranging from pottery to jewelry on Foster and Hunt Streets every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Make sure to stop by for food trucks, live music and a “festive, family-friendly atmosphere.”
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Rebecca Fan is a Trinity sophomore and a staff reporter for the news department.