By Shannon at the Southern Schoolhouse

Durham, North Carolina, is the kind of place where a simple afternoon turns into a fun-filled afternoon. We kicked off our outing with lunch at Tobacco Road Sports Café, located right next to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Enjoy the atmosphere inside or like we did sit outside and enjoy the view, it’s a great spot to fuel up before exploring the area.
After our meal, we walked around the ballpark, which was buzzing with excitement for the evening’s SpongeBob SquarePants-themed game night.
We didn’t stop there, just a short walk away is the American Tobacco Campus, a beautifully restored historic district filled with brick walkways, water features, and a variety of restaurants and shops. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll or a quick bite.
Speaking of bites, Durham’s food scene truly shines. Beyond Tobacco Road, you’ll find great eats like Mellow Mushroom for creative pizzas, QueenBurger for classic smash burgers with a twist, and Milkshake Factory, a local favorite for rich, flavorful milkshakes.
Whether you’re there for a game, a show at the DPAC, a good meal, or just to explore, Durham is full of energy and charm. It’s an easy place to walk around and enjoy a sunny afternoon.