Route 147 – Experiencing Durham in the Fast Lane

Durham is an interesting place to find many hidden gems. One such gem I discovered this weekend was the 37th Annual CenterFest Arts Festival. Every year, the festival brings in hundreds of painters, designers, and other artists under rows of tents to show off the things they are most proud of. There is also great live music and entertainment from over 200 performers, as well as food, fun and more.

If you are like me and are not willing to spend a great deal to have a great time, put the Centerfest Arts Festival on your calendar for next year. It is a nice outing that also grants you the opportunity to see a different side of Durham.

The Centerfest Arts festival is held annually in downtown Durham and costs just $2.00 to attend. For more information on this weekend’s Arts Festival, go to http://www.http://centerfest.durhamarts.org/.

As students begin to enter the Fuqua community, the first major question (besides how do you pronounce Fuqua) is: Where should I stay? Fortunately, the city of Durham offers a variety of housing to meet all types of needs. Here are a few of the more popular selections -

Alexan Place – $$

This apartment community has long been popular for Duke graduate students. Located conveniently close to several shopping centers, restaurants and a movie theater, Alexan Place offers a great location for those not interested in driving far to grab groceries, or seek entertainment. It also serves as a great potential place for carpooling if you choose not to bring your car to Fuqua. However, at 4+ miles away, it would not be feasible to walk to campus in the mornings.

*Best For* – Those seeking suburban living, younger students, those seeking convenience

Station Nine – $$$

This apartment community is another popular location for Duke graduate students. It caters to those seeking a more active nightlife, and is well-known for hosting Fuqua parties as well as its close proximity to Ninth Street – a popular location on nights and weekends. However, it is also known for its quality, with gated entrances, movie center, and various amenities. At around 2 miles from Fuqua, it is relatively close to campus, but biking may not be advisable due to the traffic on Erwin Road.

*Best For* – Younger students, single students, those seeking active nightlife

The Lofts – $$$$

The Lofts at Lakeview are among the priciest living areas at Duke. Yet with this price comes great convenience and amenities. Located within walking distance of several bars, restaurants, and the Duke campus, The Lofts is great for people without cars, and with a desire to simulate urban living. It also is highly secured with entrances opening to the interior of the building, and required passes to enter. However, The Lofts’ hefty price tag keeps more Fuquans from living there.

*Best For* – those without cars, students who are willing to spend a little more on housing

More Nearby Popular Options:

Addington Farms (best for families; similar to Alexan Place) – $$

Pinnacle Ridge (similar to Alexan Place) – $$

West Village (similar to The Lofts) – $$$$

One of the great things about Durham is location. It is less than two hours away from both the mountains and the beaches. But what if you don’t want to drive to Wilmington, and would like to relax right here in Durham? Two words: Jordan Lake.

At  nearly 14,000 acres, Jordan Lake is one of the country’s largest man-made lakes. This attraction makes it easy to enjoy all of life’s little pleasures right here in the Triangle. From boat ramps to campsites to hiking trails and even swimming holes, Jordan Lake is a great place to just relax after a long day roaming Fuqua’s halls.

I have gone out to Jordan Lake a couple of times, and I would definitely recommend the park. The man-made beach is a little grainy, which reminds you that it isn’t real, but looking out into the water at the windsurfers and boaters is a pretty peaceful experience. It would make a great place to take a family for a day, or just a significant other as a romantic getaway.

Welcome from Durham!

After living here for more than three years, Durham has become my home. I love Durham. But why? What’s so great about the Bull City?

Culture: One thing the Bull City is never short on is culture. From Saturday morning Farmer’s markets, to the annual Troika Music Festival, to the Durham Performing Arts Center, the city of Durham thrives in culture.

Food-Food-Food!: One thing you will soon see is that Durham loves its food. There are Durham classics (Elmos Diner, Papas Grille), national award winners (Magnolia Grille, Four Square), and everything in between. From Middle Eastern to African to Korean Barbeque, if you’re hungry, Durham has the solution.

Outdoors: Durham is home to several fun places for the more adventurous types. One day you’re jet skiing on Jordan Lake, the country’s largest man-made lake, the next you are hiking along the Duke Forest Trails, or biking alongside the Eno River. And don’t forget: in Durham, you are never more than a couple hours from either warm sandy beaches or majestic mountains and ski resorts.

What is there not to love about this place?

Follow my blog as I take you down Durham’s many highways!