Duke Homestead - Durham, NC

The Duke Homestead, so called because it belonged to Washington Duke in the 1800s, once grew and processed tobacco on hundreds of acres, eventually becoming the American Tobacco Company. Duke University purchased the site in the 1930s. In modern-day Duke, single-family homes surround the original homestead, which has been transformed into a National Historic Landmark, open to the public for tours of the home, tobacco barns and artifacts of life in the 19th century. Each December the Homestead hosts a Victorian Christmas by Candlelight.

A few blocks from the Duke Homestead, the Museum of Life and Science displays hands-on exhibits where visitors of all ages can investigate flight, wildlife, sound, weather and other natural phenomena. The museum schedules classes and activities year-round, including annual summer camps. Adults can attend Museum After Hours, a chance to have a beer and play around with all the cool stuff without the kids wanting a turn.

Durham's dining scene combines the best Southern cooking with the eclectic cuisine that a multicultural area demands. Residents of Duke Homestead need not venture far to find great eateries.

A staple of Durham life since the 1950s, Bullock's Bar-B-Cue sets the standard for North Carolina barbecue, known elsewhere as pulled pork. Bullock's slow roasts its barbecue and serves it with the traditional vinegar-based sauce along with hush puppies and Brunswick Stew. Go with a crowd, and get yours served family style. It's all-you-can-eat, so wear your loosest clothes.

El Corral serves up hearty portions of Mexican specialties complete with house-made salsa and chips. Regulars recommend the steak fajitas and suggest asking for pico sauce to top it off.

Just behind Duke Regional Hospital, at Koumi Japanese Restaurant try the local favorites sushi and hibachi, but sample other popular Asian fare as well. Try the pad thai or pho, or better yet, head through the drive-through window when in a hurry.

Thanks to Durham's large number of college students and young professionals, popular night spots pop up all over town. For an alternative to dancing or music, check out Social Games and Brews, where you can have a drink or two while playing shuffleboard, pinball or pool with friends.

Located adjacent to the busy Interstate 85/15-501 corridor, residents of Duke Homestead can reach most Durham locations within 15 minutes and most Research Triangle destinations in 30 by car. Businesses provide their own parking lots, and the homes in the neighborhood have driveways. Walking or bicycling requires travelling on some very busy streets where sidewalks and bike lanes are not always present.

Uber and taxicabs service the Research Triangle area, including Duke Homestead, and the Durham Area Transit Authority runs a comprehensive schedule of buses in the city. At least two routes pass the Duke Homestead neighborhood.

In addition to the Duke Homestead itself, the neighborhood enjoys close proximity to several city parks, namely Whippoorwill Park, Rock Quarry Park and Northgate Park. All allow dogs on leashes and all have ball fields, playgrounds and picnic shelters. Rock Quarry Park stands next to the Museum of Life and Science, convenient for families who want to make a day of it. Northgate Park provides a dog park area as well.

Just 6 miles to the north of Durham, the Eno River Association maintains West Point on the Eno Park, over 400 acres of parkland along 2 miles of the scenic Eno River. Here, visitors can hike the trails, play on the natural playground, canoe or kayak the river itself, or explore one of the three historic buildings on the site. The West Point Mill, fully restored, grinds meal and flour for sale in the Mill Store. The park mounts programs to educate visitors about the history and ecology of the area. Each year, the Eno River Association celebrates the publication of their calendar with JamborEno, a party open to the public.

The cost of living in Duke Homestead closely follows the Durham average, which means it costs about 3 percent less than the national average. A one-bedroom residence in this neighborhood rents for $828 per month on average. A one-way fare on a bus costs $1, and gas tends to match the national average price. For a beer in a local pub, expect to pay $4 per bottle.

The neighborhoods around Duke Homestead teem with a wide variety of shopping centers and malls. Kroger and Food Lion dominate the supermarket choices in this part of North Carolina, and a nearby Costco supplements them. For fresh produce, the Durham Farmer's Market in Durham Central Park opens year-round, but the hours change seasonally, so check before you go.

Northgate Mall contains typical mall chains, restaurants and a movie theater.

For outdoor or adventure enthusiasts, Captain Dave's supplies it all. Outerwear, camo clothing, camping gear and survival gadgets fill the shelves. Check out the amazing variety of surplus military and law enforcement equipment as well.

The Regulator Bookshop on trendy 9th Street has been the heart of Durham's literary scene since 1976. The shop hosts author signings, puts on book clubs and always has one more great title to recommend. The Best of the Triangle Poll consistently rates this as the top independent bookshop in the area.