Downtown Durham
We’ve reached the end of our Triangle Farmer’s market tours and we’ve saved Durham’s Central Park area til last. On a rather hot summer day we joined Connie as she did her weekend shopping and mingling because you simply can’t visit these stalls without running into someone you know or a band you currently have on repeat (hint hint).
On any given Saturday you can find over 65 vendors from around the area specializing in everything from free-range eggs to handcrafted baskets. Nourishing the soul of the city, the market also hosts special events like “Tomato Days” and we were lucky enough to be there on a weekend when the American Dance Festival’s dancers were using the park as a practice space. Directly perpendicular to the main market you’ll find that Hunt Street operates a space overflowing with crafts, food trucks, and Durham souvenirs. If you’re super lucky you’ll find our favorite local tea-blender, Jeddah’s brewing up some goodness.
If you’ve read our profile of Connie or met our Broker-In-Charge then you’ll know she’s our resident Martha Stewart when it comes to all things food related. When she meanders the market she is often on the lookout for items she doesn’t grow or forage herself, freshly cut flowers, and often gifts as well. On this trip we helped her shop for a wedding gift and found the perfect thing when we visited ceramicist Joe Sink’s booth.
Expert tips for shopping this area:
- Go hungry! With organic and vegan hot bites available as well as plenty of bakeries offering all sorts of yummies, you’ll maybe gorge yourself and love every minute of it!
- Pups are welcome on Hunt Street but even well-behaved furry buds aren’t allowed under the awning in the main market so perhaps bring a partner, friend, or young adult human to hold on to that lead while you stroll.
- While many of the vendors accept cards, some don’t & the line for the ATM is always super long, bring cash!
- Prepare yourself to say hi because there’s a 99.995% chance you’ll run into at least 5 people you know, even if you’re brand new to town.
Have you been in Durham for awhile and clearly remember when there were just a few vendors in Central Park? Or is this thriving downtown market one of the reasons you chose to call Bull City home? Our inquiring minds would love to know. Comment on our Facebook or Instagram posts about this blog!
