Eastern Durham - Durham, NC Area Guide

The history of Durham has been largely influenced by the tobacco industry, although the newer outer-east section of the town came into being as a result of the inception of the Research Triangle Park. The concept for the park originated during the 1950s, but growth in the area really began to boom decades later in the 1970s, as major companies such as IBM moved their headquarters to the park. Eastern Durham was constructed to accommodate the many young families moving to the region for work.

While residents live surrounded by woods and residential subdivisions, they also enjoy easy access to major cultural destinations. The North Carolina Museum of Art is located just a short drive down I-40, and Durham serves as home to the Sarah P. Duke Memorial Gardens, the Museum of Life and Science and the historic Tobacco Road.

Certain pockets of development along Highway 70 house popular fast-food chains, providing drivers with a convenient place to pick up a burger or a cup of coffee, but for a more sophisticated dining experience, residents head west into downtown Durham. Fortunately, the drive is well worth it. World-class restaurants owned and operated by James Beard award-winning chefs abound in this small city.

Want to impress a date? Take your significant other to the Vin Rouge French Bistro, and enjoy a touch of Paris right in the middle of the South. The simple yet elegant dining room provides a warm atmosphere, although if the weather is nice, grab a seat on the patio. Let the chefs craft the perfect meal for you by ordering from the price-fixed menu, and enjoy three courses of authentic French fare that includes trout amandine, gratin de macaroni and sautéed calves liver.

For a more laid-back dining experience, visit the Bull City Burger and Brewery. Order at the counter, and top your burger with as many extras as you want. Every ingredient is all natural, and the beef used in each burger has been locally sourced from N.C. farmers. Even the tables and benches have been constructed using recycled materials. Best of all, the juicy burgers are tasty enough to make this place a local favorite.

Locals have their choice of great bars and local breweries to visit. On a weekend afternoon, patrons at Fullsteam Brewery line the outdoor picnic tables and enjoy the temperate weather. Dog owners bring along their furry friends and socialize with neighbors over beers and a game of ping-pong.

Bull McCabes serves as another local gathering place. Their trivia night on Wednesdays has been voted the best in the region. With so many colleges and universities located nearby, the competition can be stiff. Immigrants from around the world gather on the weekends to watch international soccer matches and drink pints of Guinness. Great company, affordable drinks and its famous garlic fries make this Irish pub a winner.

Music lovers enjoy an active local scene. Motorco and the Pinhook both host more intimate concerts, and residents can get tickets to the Durham Performing Arts Center to watch larger acts. The Durham Bulls stadium also serves as a popular destination on summer nights.

Drivers have the easiest time getting around Eastern Durham. Highway 70, freeway 147 and expressway 540 allow drivers to quickly access other parts of the city or head southeast to Raleigh. Parking in the neighborhood remains easy to find, no matter the time of day.

For commuters looking to save wear and tear on their cars, the DATA bus system provides regular routes to the neighborhood that are designed to take workers to RTP or downtown Durham. Passengers can also use the Triangle Transit bus system to go to Raleigh or Chapel Hill. The fare is just $2 a ride, although monthly passes offer a discounted price.

The neighborhood does not feature dedicated bike lanes or sidewalks that connect subdivisions, so cyclists and pedestrians may have a hard time getting around. However, other parts of Durham provide plenty of trails for recreational biking and jogging.

Be sure to call ahead for a cab ride, or use Uber to locate a driver nearby. Cabs do not regularly troll the neighborhood.

The 50-acre Baileywick Road Park is located just a short drive east of I-540. Picnic shelters, walking trails, playgrounds and baseball fields help create the perfect setting for a day of outdoor activities. For a more rustic setting and miles upon miles of hiking trails, head to the expansive William B. Umstead State Park. Visitors can hike, mountain bike, ride horses, fish, camp and go boating. Both parks can be used free of charge and welcome your four-legged friends.

At Umstead, park rangers lead educational nature hikes throughout the year, and runners can sign up for one of the many races that are held on a monthly basis.

The cost of living in Eastern Durham is slightly higher than other parts of the city. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $793 a month. Using the bus system to reach downtown costs just $2 per ride, and drivers pay gas prices that run about 10 percent above the national average. Visit a local bar, and expect to pay about $4 for a bottle of domestic beer.

Residents venture out of the neighborhood to shop. Both the Northgate Mall and the Southpoint Mall service the city and house a long list of popular chain retailers, including Macy's, Target, Barnes & Noble and many more. To pick up unique items, head to downtown Durham, and visit the area's local boutiques.

Book lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit The Regulator Bookshop on Ninth Street. Many famous authors and intellectuals call Durham home and visit the bookstore to do readings, hold discussions and sign books. Shoppers can purchase first-edition books complete with the author's signature and add real treasures to their libraries.

Just a few doors down, shoppers can purchase a variety of handmade, fair-trade products from around the globe at One World Market. From hand-embroidered silk scarves to unique pottery, this store carries an impressive selection of items that make great gifts and help families in all corners of the world earn a living.

Residents enjoy their choice of grocery store chains nearby. Kroger, Food Lion, and Carlie C's IGA all sit within close driving distance of East Outer Durham. The Durham Farmers Market also opens every Saturday to provide fresh, local produce.