All About Durham
Guide Sections
The Raleigh-Durham region has grown exponentially over the years, due greatly to the explosive success of Research Triangle Park (RTP). Thousands of acres devoted to biological and technological research and development have spawned some big breakthroughs and gained the respect and admiration of cities the world over. This has taken some serious wherewithal and a lot of hard work, but if Triangle residents work hard, they play harder, and the entertainment industry has grown right along with area business.
Festivals
There is always something happening in the Capital City and surrounding areas. Celebrations, festivals and outdoor events begin with First Night Raleigh and run straight through to the annual holiday parades, celebrations and tree lightings. The arrival of spring is cause for celebration, and Artsplosure in downtown Raleigh kicks it off.
Sports
The Triangle is nothing if not sports-minded, and there are choices to suit fans of any stripe. The Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA) is the state-of-the-art home to the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Cobras Arena Football and N.C. State Men's Basketball. N.C. State Wolfpack football, played at Carter Finley Stadium, is a favorite of local fans. Wolfpack fever hits hard every fall and doesn't let up until the end of the season.
Baseball fans can catch a Mudcats game at Five County Stadium or see the Durham Bulls play at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Carolina Courage women's soccer, UNC Chapel Hill's Tar Heel sports and Duke University's Blue Devil football, baseball and soccer keep sports fans busy all year round. If none of these options appeal, maybe a stock car race at Wake County Speedway is the ticket.
Theater
Theatergoers will be pleased with the fine options available. The beauty of the Carolina Ballet, the drama of the National Opera Company and the elaborate sets and costumes of the Broadway South Theatre Series are just a few of the options at the BTI Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. For tastes that run beyond the mainstream, check the play list at Manbites Dog Theater or Playmakers Repertory Company.
Comedy and Music
If you just want to laugh, Charlie Goodnight's Restaurant and Comedy Club dishes up the best in stand-up and Comedy Sportz is improvisational comedy that encourages audience involvement.
The South is commonly associated with the strumming sounds of country and bluegrass, but they're far from the only choices in these parts. You're just as likely to find a big-name rock band as a country singer on the stages at the ESA and the Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek.
The North Carolina Symphony performs at Meymandi Concert Hall and a number of other venues across the Triangle. The Amphitheatre at Regency Park, completed in 2001, is the site of Summerfest, a series of outdoor concerts in June and July that invites listeners to pull up a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the symphony under the stars.
Museums and Galleries
Whether you're a history buff, science fan or art lover, or you're just trying to find a place to take the kids on a rainy day, there is a museum for you in the Triangle. Learn about local history at the North Carolina Museum of History or the Chapel Hill Museum. Investigate the world of science at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, or the Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill.
Celebrate art at the North Carolina Museum of Artor the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh, the Ackland Art Museum at UNC Chapel Hill or the Duke University Museum of Art.
The younger set will especially enjoy Exploris, an interactive museum that aims to increase global awareness. If fate finds you out of town, Discovery Place in Charlotte is one of the top hands-on science museums in the United States.
Copyright © 1999-2009 wcities.com All rights Reserved - Contact wcities to report incorrect information
Top things to do in Durham
- How to Plan FAQs TravelMusings Blog About TravelMuse Site Map Join us on: