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So where do you go in Durham for a nice meal aka date night?
Just looked up Alley 26 and it wouldn't be on our list (looks dark and cold). From the pictures it also looks a bit pretentious (and I could be totally wrong but that is the vibe the pictures give me) and the demographics that they show in their own advertising pics is just a turn off to me. So I'm not sure why you were surprised by the demographics you saw there. We also aren't into trendy drinks and the menu choices so even the food/drinks wouldn't be a draw.
When we used to get out more we would just go to the American Tobacco Campus and/or the Brightleaf area. We liked walking around in those areas (in addition to eating) and liked that the American Tobacco Campus had the water and the string lights above (we like eating outside).
It's been years though since we have been over that way and it looks like it has changed quite a bit (especially Brightleaf Square). I've heard great things about Goorsha and it definitely looks to have more of the ambiance that we prefer so that is definitely on my list for a date night. Luna is another on my list.
Just looked up Alley 26 and it wouldn't be on our list (looks dark and cold). From the pictures it also looks a bit pretentious (and I could be totally wrong but that is the vibe the pictures give me) and the demographics that they show in their own advertising pics is just a turn off to me. So I'm not sure why you were surprised by the demographics you saw there. We also aren't into trendy drinks and the menu choices so even the food/drinks wouldn't be a draw.
When we used to get out more we would just go to the American Tobacco Campus and/or the Brightleaf area. We liked walking around in those areas (in addition to eating) and liked that the American Tobacco Campus had the water and the string lights above (we like eating outside).
It's been years though since we have been over that way and it looks like it has changed quite a bit (especially Brightleaf Square). I've heard great things about Goorsha and it definitely looks to have more of the ambiance that we prefer so that is definitely on my list for a date night. Luna is another on my list.
Anyone who lives in this area can get in their car and go anywhere in a 360 degree circle and find something to do. I live in NW Raleigh so downtown Durham is only 15 minutes away. This was my second time at Alley 26 and I thought it was quite nice.
The American Dance Festival happens at various theaters, but most performances are on Duke's campus these days. (And it's GREAT!!!!!)
When there was a Moogfest, that was downtown.
Festival for the Eno takes place at West Point on the Eno.
Thanks. I'm planning to go to the OutSouth ***** Film Festival at the Carolina Theater in August. Details are TBD. I'm being edited LGBT Film Festival.
The diversity, or lack thereof, of the audience or customers often has more to do with the event or business than the location. Most of the people going to shows at DPAC are coming from elsewhere, so the audiences aren't going to be representative of Durham, downtown or otherwise. Same for big events like ADF or Moogfest which also pull people from all over.
You mentioned DPAC for shows, downtown Durham, and one restaurant in your post.
If you're not seeing diversity, however one defines it, then it would be fair to conclude those who are of different races/cultures/backgrounds/other are not hanging out in the same places or not at the same time you're there.
I've been to downtown a few times in recent years at various places and even a walking tour once. Looked like a diverse mix of people to me. However, I haven't been there since Covid started.
You mentioned DPAC for shows, downtown Durham, and one restaurant in your post.
If you're not seeing diversity, however one defines it, then it would be fair to conclude those who are of different races/cultures/backgrounds/other are not hanging out in the same places or not at the same time you're there.
I've been to downtown a few times in recent years at various places and even a walking tour once. Looked like a diverse mix of people to me. However, I haven't been there since Covid started.
I have experience with other cities that are diverse. Based on stats, there is a significant minority population in Durham. I think it reasonable to expect to actually see a more diverse mix when you visit. Some have said, well, some people stay away from downtown. But you should still see that diverse mix of people you talk about. I've been to shows with pretty diverse audiences depending on the show. Others weren't too diverse.
I have experience with other cities that are diverse. Based on stats, there is a significant minority population in Durham. I think it reasonable to expect to actually see a more diverse mix when you visit. Some have said, well, some people stay away from downtown. But you should still see that diverse mix of people you talk about. I've been to shows with pretty diverse audiences depending on the show. Others weren't too diverse.
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