Whether staying on campus or exploring nearby areas, The Chronicle has compiled a list of activities and resources at Duke and in the Triangle for students to enjoy over spring break, which begins Friday evening.
Duke Dining
Beginning Saturday, Marketplace, Red Mango Cafe, Bella Union, the Freeman Center for Jewish Life, JB's Roasts and Chops, Zweli’s and Saladelia Cafe at Perkins Library and the Sanford School of Public Policy will be closed, with Pitchfork’s closed beginning Sunday. Some locations will reopen March 16 and all will be reopened by March 17, the day classes resume.
Some dining facilities will have modified hours during the break. Most Brodhead Center facilities will close at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. Still, many popular options will remain available to students on campus, including Ginger & Soy, Farmstead, Sprout, Il Forno, Sazon, Tandoor, It’s Thyme, Panera, Gyotaku, The Devil’s Krafthouse and McDonald's.
Campus facilities
The Wilson Recreation Center will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Brodie Recreation Center will be closed Saturday through Monday. Taishoff Aquatics Pavilion will be closed from Monday to Wednesday, but it will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 13 and 14. Brodie Aquatics Center will close from Saturday to Monday and Wednesday to Thursday, though swim lessons will continue at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
The Outdoor Adventures climbing wall and equipment rental desk will be closed throughout the break. In addition to closures, recreation centers will run on modified schedules for spring break, but will still host group fitness classes.
Most libraries will stay open during the break, closing at 5 p.m. daily. The Music Library will close Saturday and Sunday and March 15 to 16, closing at 3 p.m. weekdays throughout the break.
Campus mail services will operate by their regular hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on business days.
Campus activities
With spring weather setting in and temperatures hovering around the 40s to 70s for most of the break, running on the Al Buehler trail, enjoying a picnic or strolling through the Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a perfect way to soak up the sunshine.
Students can also cheer on the Blue Devils during the men’s basketball game against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Saturday by watching in Krafthouse or Gothic Grill at 6:30 p.m.
Duke Campus Farm is also hosting a “Restorative Spring Break” event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, which aims to allow students to reconnect with nature by learning farming skills, crafting and seed saving.
Local activities
The break also offers the perfect opportunity for students to explore the Triangle and discover local favorites.
Students can check out Durham’s vibrant food scene, known for being the “Foodie Capital of the South.” Counter Culture Durham offers a free coffee-tasting experience recurring every Friday at 10 a.m., including March 7 and 14. For a deeper dive into the city’s culinary specialties, students can join the Downtown Durham Tasting Tour on Saturdays, including March 8 and March 15. This guided walking tour includes plenty of food with various drink pairings and insights into downtown Durham’s rich history.
From speaker events to musical comedies, Durham Performing Arts Center offers a variety of performances throughout spring break, making it well worth a visit.
With St. Patrick’s Day March 17, the Triangle is hosting a variety of parades and celebratory events — giving locals a chance to enjoy some live music and food and opportunities to learn more about Irish culture. This year, Raleigh’s St. Patrick's Day Parade will be on March 15, kicking off at 10 a.m., and Durham’s very own St. Patrick’s Day Darty will be on the same day, from 1 to 6 p.m., featuring live music, drink specials and an “electric atmosphere you won’t want to miss.”
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Rebecca Fan is a Trinity sophomore and a staff reporter for the news department.