Things To Do
Al Buehler Trail
Our first date was this trail walk on 09.17.2015. Just outside of downtown, it’s a 3-mile loop around the Washington Duke Golf Course on Duke University’s West Campus, and the best place for a nature walk in Durham!
Pizzeria Toro
The BEST 🍕, period. We’ve shared many pies around the family-style tables at Toro. Order a bottle of Lambrusco, Kale Salad, the okra fries if they have ‘em, and at least one Sweet Fennel Sausage pizza!
21c Museum Hotel
This boutique hotel doubles as a contemporary art museum offering more than 10,500 square feet of art-filled exhibition space. Grab a drink at the bar and explore three floors of world-class art, or lounge in the original bank vault.
The Roof at The Durham
We have so many memories at this open-air gathering spot for drinks, small plates, and unbeatable panoramic views of downtown. House-made cocktails, craft beers, stylish raw bar — it’s not to miss!
The Duke Wall
At 1.9 miles around, “the Duke Wall” on Duke University’s East Campus is a quick and easy way to get some steps in while enjoying the storied Georgian Architecture and the gorgeous magnolia trees.
Whole Foods Market
Despite being a mega-brand, this particular store feels like a neighborhood grocery. Make it your go-to for snacks and drinks while you’re in Durham!
Mateo Bar de Tapas
One of THE best spots in Durham, Mateo marries the classic flavors of Spain with beloved ingredients and dishes of the South. Stop by to enjoy exceptional tapas and an extensive wine list in a casually chic, contemporary setting.
M Sushi
Hands-down, best sushi ever. The dimly lit industrial-chic space is so romantic! The menu is small and always fresh, with an emphasis placed on maintaining traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian and Spanish influences.
Ponysaurus Brewing Company
Katy’s favorite brewery in Durham! Enjoy the beer garden with a pint of the Biere de Garde and snacks by the scoop. Check the website for the food truck schedule!
Bull City Ciderworks
Handcrafted American hard cider brewed in Durham from locally & regionally sourced ingredients using 100% apple juice. Enjoy the industrial chic decor while sipping a Rhize Up or a slushie! A personal fave of the bride and groom!
Jack Tar and The Colonel’s Daughter
An old-school diner and a cocktail bar had a baby. All-day breakfast or supper, this place is all that jazz and more!
The Patio at Unscripted
Looking for a poolside paradise? Go Unscripted. Sip craft cocktails, nibble on seasonal bites, take a dip in the rooftop pool with beautiful views of Downtown Durham. Be sure to secure a reservation!
Rise Durham Downtown
Easy AM walk for fluffy buttermilk biscuits made from scratch and filled with savory ingredients ranging from crispy bacon and country sausage to fried green tomatoes and their famous Righteous Chicken. The donuts are to die for [with a cup of Counter Culture coffee]!
Motorco - Parts & Labor
Our go-to for “street food” and drinks on an open-air patio. Our fave eats include the Bulgogi Tacos, Hipster Poutine, and Chicken Wings. We usually drink PBRs with lime...but don’t forget their Moscow Mule on tap! You’ll find us here on Thursday night!
Hutchins Garage
When Katy lived in Downtown Durham, we enjoyed walking here for pints from the careful curated tap list and the daily pizza special! Good salads, too.
Fullsteam Brewery
Durham’s OG plow-to-pint craft brewery. Try the Southern Basil for a summertime refresh, or the Rocket Science IPA if you’re feeling classic.
Kotuku Surf Club
Solid spot for good drinks and outdoor activities. They have a sneaky good whisky selection, really cold beer, and outdoor bocce ball courts.
Cocoa Cinnamon
Enjoy carefully crafted coffee, tea, and chocolate drinks in this eclectic Durham setting. The roasts and drinks are named after people and places that inspire wonder, have cultural significance, and capture the beauty and possibility of humanity.
Hi-Wire Brewing
A great spot to grab a drink before the wedding — it’s next to the venue! The taproom features full-sized shuffleboard courts, soccer pool tables, table tennis, and cornhole. The bar’s 24 taps include a full line-up of beers, as well as wine, local cider, and guest taps from neighboring breweries.
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
The Bulls will be in town - fingers crossed for fireworks! The Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays boasts one of the most beautiful stadiums in Minor League baseball. Head a bit further downtown to see the Historic Durham Athletic Park, home to the Bulls from 1926-1994, and the set for the 1988 film Bull Durham starring Kevin Costner!
Discover Ninth Street
Eats, errands, and eclectic gifts – everything you need in a unique, walkable district with a rich history, friendly neighborhood feel, and strong tradition of independent business. This colorful West Durham street has roots that go all the way back to Durham’s early days of textiles and tobacco.
Burger Bach
This New Zealand inspired gastropub serves up award-winning gourmet burgers and mouth-watering fries with 14 different sauces to choose from, but we go here for oysters and the killer beer list!
Monuts
Donut miss out on this counter service gem with a full menu of drool-worthy breakfast and lunch fare including soups, salads, sandwiches, quiche, and of course, donuts — ALL made from scratch! 🍩☕️
Elmo's Diner
A true neighborhood diner, Elmo’s has been a local Durham favorite for 20+ years! Who doesn’t love breakfast all day?! Try the huevos rancheros, pancakes, or build your own omelet!
Foster's Market
Foster’s Market is a cafe, coffee bar, wine shop, and gourmet food market. Everything is made in-house — scratch made soups, salads, casseroles, sandwiches, desserts, and more. The PERFECT spot for a patio brunch or lunch.
NuvoTaco
This counter-serve Tex-Mex spot was a date-night favorite for the bride and groom. Keep it simple with tacos and guacamole — but don’t forget the margs! 🌮
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Widely recognized as a premier public garden, the gardens consist of 55 acres of landscaped and wooded areas at Duke University. The 5 miles of allées, walks, and pathways are intended to inspire learning and enjoyment through excellence in horticulture and community engagement.
Bullock's Bar-B-Cue
Bullock’s has been a Durham institution since 1952. First trip to Durham? This is where you’ll find real Southern cooking at it’s finest. Katy goes chopped BBQ, coleslaw, and hush puppies, but Chris would pay triple for the fried catfish. Wash it all down with sweet tea!
Durham Farmers' Market
The perfect Saturday AM activity, this producer-only farmer's market emphasizes local produce, crafts and flowers — all vendor items are restricted to traveling no more than 70 miles on the journey to Durham. Katy lived in the building above the market for years, so perusing the market for flowers and dinner ingredients is a favorite pastime for the bride and groom!