Downtown Durham is made up of several unique districts, including American Tobacco, Brightleaf and Warehouse, Central Park, City Center, and Golden Belt. Restaurants, breweries, galleries, retail, and other options make our downtown an exciting place to be, day or night. Much of the architecture lining the streets is original, preserving Durham’s history while embracing a modern future.
The American Tobacco District of Downtown Durham came from the historic one-million-square-foot American Tobacco manufacturing plant. This area is now a true live, work, and play destination.
- Enjoy music, comedy, and theatre at the Durham Performing Arts Center (which is within walking distance from our local Durham bed and breakfast called Morehead Manor)
- Catch a Triple-A baseball game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park
- Grab a bite to eat from one of the several local restaurants (cuisine ranging from Cuban to BBQ to regional American food)
- Walk along a man-made river and rushing waterfalls, or take a seat to relax and people watch in the open-air campus
The Brightleaf District of Durham is an attractive area with two turn-of-the-century tobacco warehouses that have been transformed into offices, retail, and dining.
- Shop the brick-lined street at Brightleaf Square and neighboring Peabody place to admire clothes, books, antiques, and other retail options
- Relax at Chamas Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse that was received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
- Enjoy oysters and other seafood (like the New York Times did) at Fishmonger’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar
- Meet the real-life butcher and baker at Rose’s Meat Market and Sweet Shop, which an Esquire editor called the “high point” of his trip to Durham
The Central Park District encompasses Durham Central Park and the so-called DIY district where Foster St. and Rigsbee Ave. meet Greer Street. This area is a hotbed for live entertainment, bars, restaurants, food trucks, and more.
- Find fresh produce Wednesday afternoons or Saturday morning at the Durham Farmers Market
- Indulge in a bit at Daisy Cakes or grab a burger from the window at King’s Sandwich Shop
- Hoist a pint at Fullsteam Brewery or enjoy a tune at Motorco Music Hall
- Bring helmets and pads to the skateboard at Central Park Skate Park
- Dine in style at Piedmont, a restaurant specializing in locally grown produce
Durham’s revitalized City Center District is brimming with new restaurants, art galleries, bars, and more, that gives new life to downtown.
- Stop by any of the more than ten downtown art galleries to peruse and shop
- Say “bonjour” with crepes from Rue Cler
- Savor chicken and waffles from the aptly named Dame’s Chicken and Waffles
- Find fine dining in globally inspired cuisine at Revolution
- Try authentic Italian paninis at Toast
The Golden Belt District is anchored by its namesake, a fully restored textile mill repurposed to house art pieces, studios, offices, retail, lofts, and dining.
- Experience Golden Belt, the largest all-historic LEED gold-certified campus in the Southeast
- Visit more than 30 artist studios and Room 100, a central art gallery
- Try a hot yoga class at Bikram Yoga Durham
Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast loves our Durham location. In 2013, Southern Living magazine named Durham, “The Tastiest Town in the South.” Speaking of tasty, each morning our guests enjoy a homemade, gourmet breakfast that will start your day off right!
