From its past status as one of the tobacco industry’s biggest players, Durham has forged a new identity as a hip haven for artists and musicians. The establishment of Duke University brought a new breed of resident and led to a fresh identity for this reborn city. See how the past meets the present for yourself with car rental in Durham.
Take a trip back in time
Durham’s history goes much further back than the tobacco industry. Only a short way from a rental pick-up point is Bennett Place, where Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston surrendered his southern armies to his Union adversary, General William T. Sherman in April 1865 – effectively ending the Civil War. A visit to the site includes a free tour of the restored historic buildings as well as special living history events.
Historic Stagville provides more clues to the city’s former identity, a 30,000-acre plantation once one of the largest in the South. The site features an 18th- and 19th-century house as well as the workers’ quarters – see all of this and more when you take a free guided tour.
Explore the tobacco trail
Washington Duke started his worldwide tobacco empire at Duke Homestead. This historic site includes the restored mid-19th century family home, the original factory and farm, and a museum that demonstrates just how far-reaching the tobacco industry was even in the Civil War era.
Many of Durham’s tobacco factories and warehouses are still standing today, clustered around the downtown area and easily explored in an afternoon. One of the most impressive is the American Tobacco Campus, the former home of the Lucky Strike cigarette factory.
The huge complex of buildings has since been transformed into an entertainment district, complete with apartments and offices, parking decks and restaurants. The highlight has to be the amazing Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), which boasts a fantastic program of live events throughout the year, including touring Broadway productions.
Also on the campus is the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home of the Triple-A baseball club made famous by the 1988 movie ‘Bull Durham’. Catching a game here is a highly recommended experience, and not just for baseball fans.
Shop ‘til you drop
Durham’s selection of retail experiences is another of its most popular reasons to pay a visit. The Streets at Southpoint is one of America’s top super-regional malls, including more than 100 different stores and over 20 restaurants.
In the west end of Downtown Durham is the historic Brightleaf Square District. These renovated 1900s American Tobacco warehouses and now hold a variety of stores, restaurants and bars.
Ninth Street district is a totally different experience, with great independent stores selling books, clothes, memorabilia and much more, alongside plenty of eating options.
See some great art and beauty
Find the peaceful side of Durham at Duke Gardens, a beautiful 55-acre public garden on the university campus, open all year round. Among its many features are Italianate terraces, an Asiatic arboretum and a garden of native plants.
Durham is home to many fine museums and one of the best is the Nasher Museum of Arts. Among the permanent collections on display are Medieval, pre-Columbian American and classical pieces, as well as modern and contemporary works by artists such as Christian Marclay and Ai Weiwei.
Whether it’s shopping, sights or a fascinating journey into history, car rental in Durham puts it all within easy reach.
