If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, you'll love downtown Durham.
This revitalized area has joined the nationwide trend of converting old warehouses
and empty downtown buildings into loft apartments, condos, offices, and shopping
areas.
The Brightleaf District is a shining example of downtown
Durham's seamless blending of old and new. The old tobacco warehouses and
other historic buildings have been refurbished and are now home to trendy
boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and living spaces, while remaining true
to their turn-of-the-20th-century architecture. Adding to the charm of Downtown
are flower-filled courtyards nestled among the warehouses. The Brightleaf
District offers world-class restaurants, nightclubs, and approximately 30
specialty shops.
Location
Downtown Durham is centrally located at the Morgan-Peabody Loop. The Brightleaf
District is at the corner of Gregson Street and West Main Street. You can
take I-85 to the Gregson Street exit, or the Durham Freeway to the Duke
Street exit. If you prefer public transportation, all routes of the DATA
(Durham Area Transit Authority) bus lines stop in downtown Durham.
Contact information
Visit the Downtown Durham Web site for information about businesses, residential options, entertainment, and dining. For information about Brightleaf District, visit their Web site.
Hours of operation
Individual shops, restaurants, and clubs set their own hours but daytime hours are generally Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours on Thursday and Friday.
Additional information
A walking-tour map is available at the Durham Visitor Information Center, located at 101 East Morgan Street. Call the Information Center at (800) 446-8604.
Horse-drawn carriages are available for 20–30 minute tours
around the Brightleaf District and Duke University's East Campus. For more
information, call (919) 697-1914.
