Strawberry Festival

What happens when you mix hundreds of kids and fun-loving adults, great musical entertainment and all the strawberries you can eat? The Central Park School for Children annual Strawberry Festival! Strawberry shortcakes, chocolate covered strawberries and strawberry smoothies were just the beginning. Coveted "red tickets" were in huge demand as 1 ticket could get you a chance at sand art, but it took 3 tickets to get a tattoo or a large strawberry smoothie. The weather was perfect today and this year's Festival boasted larger crowds than ever. The park was filled with laughs, squeals and the smell of strawberries. If you missed out this year, keep an eye out for this event next year. I will certainly see you there!

Durham Art Walk

Saturday mornings for me usually start with the Durham Farmer's Market. This past Saturday I got a little distracted by Art Walk and never made it to get my eggs. Once again, downtown Durham was alive with music and art and food and so much more. The weather was perfect and my new office put me right in the middle of the action. Actually, our office was on the Art Walk tour and was the site of artist Eduardo Lapetina. What a wonderful way to support the arts and make new friends.

Tea Time - Revolution

Last night I had planned to have dinner with a friend at Tyler's. The Durham Bulls game was cancelled due to rain, which resulted in an overflow crowd in and around the American Tobacco Campus. We opted to avoid the throng of disappointed Bulls fans and headed to P.F. Chang instead. Past the hungry stage, we chose vegetable dumplings and spring rolls to start. For our main course we shared grilled lemon prawns with garlic glass noodles and cashew chicken. The result was two happy campers. Done with dinner, but no quite ready to end the night, we headed downtown for a nightcap. Not sure of closing times, we were disappointed by a few places that closed prior to midnight. We ended our journey at Revolution where we were told, "we will not close until you are done". The perfect answer for two night owls. With a cool rainy night on tap, we decided to try the tea service. Can I just say... it was marvelous! We rested on the cozy, white leather sofa in the front window of the restaurant and listened to the rain as we enjoyed our pomegranate and green teas. What a way to end a near perfect day. www.revolutionrestaurant.com

Fine Art and Fine Food

I never tire of fine art and fine food. Nor do I ever tire of the comfort and motivation that comes with friends who also enjoy both. The Piedmont was my lunch spot today. I had the the privilege of having lunch with my dear friend, artist, Mara Bishop. Mara is an amazingly talented woman who bears her soul in her creativity. Her paintings are both lively and inspiring. Looking for a beautiful painting to fill a lonely space? Check out Mara's website at http://www.marabishop.com/. You will certainly want a piece of your own.

Downtown Durham...Yummy!!!

The sun is shining on Downtown Durham today. The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is in full swing and Downtown has never been so exciting. I spent my first full day in my new office at Urban Durham Realty. BTW - check out our new website: http://www.urbandurhamrealty.com/ . My first in office meeting with clients, ended with a brief introduction to the culinary delights of downtown. We started with lunch at Toast. I indulged in an italian sausage panini and a green salad with fresh parmesano and red wine vinegerette. The wait was a little more than normal because of the Film Festival, but well worth it. To finish out our lunch excursion, we stopped by the Bakery at Rue Cler for Chai Tea and a mocha before heading back to the office. I love my new diggs. Downtown Durham is so...yummy! http://durhamtoast.com

Durham Rising

Durham is rising and Saturday's Downtown Festival was living proof of the ascent. On Saturday between 4 PM and 10 PM, Downtown Durham was alive with children hurdling over the giant slide, young couples strolling their babies and teenagers and seniors alike taking it all in. They were all on hand to hear the Jazz, Blue Grass, Rock, test taste the new restaurants (I can't wait to visit Rue Clear) and preiveiw the newest Downtown boutiques, loft apartments and artists. So much to see and do! It did not seem to matter to anyone that a majority of the targeted construction remained incomplete. What mattered most was the great turnout and the great party. Much live a breath of fresh air blown into a once deflated balloon, Downtown Durham floated proudly above the ruins of it's past. On-lookers who now occupy loft apartments on Main Street fully extened their French balconies to take in the People's Processional Parade. The Hillside High School Drum Corp lead the way as the people of Durham marched and proclaimed once and for all that Downtown Durham is rising to all new heights!

Duke University Chapel

Let me start by saying that I am an avid, die-hard N.C. State Fan! With that being said, I would like to recognize the beauty that abounds on the Duke University Campus. Duke University, one of the most recognized universities in the world, sits pristinely in the cneter of Durham, North Carolina. Well within the confines of it's Neo-Gothic West and Georgian East Campus' are heroic images of athleticism, medical and academic excellence. I have been visiting the Duke campus since 1985 and more often within recent months. Not surprisingly, each visit brings about a certain amount of awe when I capture the initial vision of the Duke Chapel. I pour over the architecural details when I am standing just feet from it and I marvel at it's dominant presence when I glimpse it while cruising 15-501 on a clear summer night. It brings to mind one of my favorite paintings, Rouen Cathedral and Tour d' Albane by Claude Monet. What an amazing vision James B. Duke had back in 1930 when he set out to construct this masterpiece. Make sure a visit to the Duke Chapel is on your list of things to do. It is a lot less crowded during the summer months. http://www.duke.edu/

Streets At Southpoint

Living just 3 1/2 minutes from a major shopping mall is a wonderful thing! From my perspective, what's better than the option of finding my signature lipstick color, the perfect Margarita mix, updated cabinet hardware, highlights for my hair and Dulce le Leche ice cream all in the same location.

I found my way to the mall yesterday with two items in mind. My favorite Verbena Body Salt Scrub from L'Occitane En Provence and grilling sauce from William-Sonoma. My plan was to make these purchases and leave immediately. Contrary to this notion of a dash-in/dash-out approach, the lure of the sun and rushing sounds of the water fountains just outside landed me walking down Southpoint's Main Street. Before long I had swaggered in and out of Pottery Barn and through an endless swarm of leisurely travellers just like me. Whether I planned on it or not, I was destined to be entertained at the Streets of Soutpoint. One-half hour later, I was placing a dollar in the tip jar for the juggler and heading further towards the movie theatre. The mellow sounds of live jazz music filled the air from that direction. The band was amazing. No less than the sounds I have paid dearly to hear in well noted jazz clubs. OK, so I got a little distracted. Honestly, I needed a little down time and what can I say, this place has just the right buzz! The Streets at Southpoint is a great Durham destination for shopping, dining, people watching and summer entertainment. All roads leads to The Streets at Southpoint! http://www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/

American Tobacco Historic District

The crowning jewel of Downtown Durham is the American Tobacco Campus which is located in the American Tobacco Historic District. If you have not ventured into downtown Durham in recent months, do it now and do it often! Parking is abundant, and you will never tire of the endless possibilities of intriguing restaurants, world renowned art exhibits, musical entertainment and so much more. Home to the Triangle's "Creative Class" the American Tobacco Historic District exudes energy!. It's architectural distinctions are slightly lost in time with all the character and charm of a modern waterfront city. Lush green spaces and cascading water falls make it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch for a group of friends, a romantic dinner for two or an elegant indoor or outdoor wedding for 500.

Looking for summer fun and entertainment? What could be better than FREE outdoor concerts in the most happening place in town? Span the summer with Music On The Lawn featuring acoustic, jazz, blues, bluegrass, motown, classical and even salsa. Dates and times vary so check out the concert schedule at http://www.americantobaccocampus.com/ .

Woodcroft Club Makes A Splash!

There are few pleasures more refreshing during the heat of summer than a splash in a cool swimming pool. Add to that a swirling water slide, diving boards and a snack bar stocked with snowcones, colas, juice boxes, beer, wine, hotdogs, popcorn and much more and you are practically on vacation without leaving the Durham city limits.

The Woodcroft Club is a perfect summer destination. While the Woodcroft Community surrounds this Club, you do not have to live in the neighborhood to be eligible to join. Joining requires a modest initiation fee and monthly dues that are well worth every penny. Need a break from "dinner duty"? During the summer months, the club sponsors TGIF from 6pm - 8pm during which Club staff grills hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixings. Imagine knowing that you never have to cook another Friday meal from now until August. Call up your friends, pile up the kids, head to the pool...it's FRIDAY!!! www.woodcroftclub.org

Lineberry and Company

As I was having lunch at my favorite Green Tango a day ago, I stumbled across a very exciting place...Lineberry and Company. In addition to the dazzling designer and custom made jewelry, Lineberry and Company does custom engraving and personalization.
Exploring the idea of custom designing your engagement ring or wedding band? From traditional elegance to comtemporary simplicity, I was thoroughly impressed with the brilliant choices! Searching for a memorable wedding gift? A set of four pilsner glasses or coffee mugs engraved with the monogram of the bride and groom is something they will cherish for years to come. Can't decide on a housewarming gift for a friend or colleauge? Consider the beautiful monogrammed guest soaps. What about a gift for the baby that has everything? A silver monogrammed cup or hair brush is sure to become an heirloom.
Lineberry and Company is located at 3211 Shannon Road next to the Green Tango. It is definitely a place to see for yourself! http://www.lineberryandcompany.com/

Oh The Places We Will Go!

The sun has taken it's rightful position in the morning sky, bird songs fill the air and jackets are no longer a necessity at 8:00 AM. Spring has finally arrived only just in time to usher in Summer! As I continue to share "My Durham" with the masses I am astounded by the amazing things in Durham that go undiscovered by people who have lived and worked here for years. My goal is to change that. I have drafted a list of 100 amazing, cozy, unique and delicious places, things and events that you can only experience in Durham North Carolina. Many are well known while others secretly await your arrival. I am off to enjoy a little sunshine in the American Tobacco Historic District. See you there!

Room Service!

I awakened this morning to the clatter of pots and pans and the giggles of two kids completely on a mission. I was firmly instructed not to leave my bedroom and after about 30 minutes, a knock and an announcement arrived - "Room service!". In enter two completely giddy little girls carrying a bountiful tray of breakfast goodies. As a former professional meeting planner, I have experienced more than my share of Five Star Resorts. But, I can say with abosolute confidence, never before have I been more impressed with the Five Star Sevice I received in my own home. Sorry that I could not share it with you all.

Traveling this summer? Find your own Five Star Resort: http://www.fivestaralliance.com

The Durham Farmer's Market

My new Saturday morning ritual involves a trek to Downtown Durham to what I call the "Freshest Market". (Not to be confused with the Fresh Market in Raleigh and Cary) I speak of the new Durham Farmer's Market. Doning jeans, a tee shirt and sunglasses I arrive and find a quick parking space. (Parking is abundant). Located in the Central Park District on Foster Street, just a few blocks from the Downtown YMCA, this Market can best be described as an affordable "boutique" Farmer's Market. Only the best produce, meats, herbs, flowers, pastries and artisians gather here. During the short stroll from the parking lot, I anticipated my fresh brewed coffee, ground from whole organic beans and brewed fresh hourly right in the middle of the Market. The sounds of a banjo, bass and toe tapping lull me to this lively spot where the very young to the very...well not so young gather week after week. There is goodness on every corner here. The new potatoes were dug up yesterday, the eggs gathered early this morning. Fresh herbs, romaine and bib lettuce, honey, mozerella cheese, vine ripe tomatoes, fresh cut irises and gerber daisies, grain fed angus beef and the most delectable French Bread around. Arriving before the 8:00 AM crowd of patrons, most of these vendors start their day at 2:00 AM. The patience and care shines through in the quality of these goods!

After gathering my weekly rations of eggs, strawberries, cucumbers and tomatoes (the bread sold out by 9:30 AM) I hear a voice. "Take this and plant it in your yard. It's a sunflower plant. Happy Mother's Day". It was the voice of a complete stranger offering to me a random act of kindness. I was so touched. In a huge way this simple act confirmed my belief in the common goodness that represents MY DURHAM. I smiled all the way back to the car. That, I thought is what makes this place so darn special! http://www.durhamfarmersmarket.com

Montessori Children's House of Durham

What do you get when you mix organic heavy cream, organic whole milk, loads of honey, vanilla extract, ice, rock salt, a 6 year and a 9 year old? The best all natural ice cream I've ever tasted. This comes from an ice cream connesieur. I've tried it all (Eddy's, Goodberrys, Marble Slab, Cold Stone). My daughter S. Anna and her classmates at the Montessori Children's House of Durham (MCHD) insist that everything they serve in their annual School Store, be authentic, organic and wholesome. They accept no short cuts. No store bought potato chips or packaged cookies. Instead they made, in the classroom, carob chip cookies instead of the chocolate chip version. There was fresh popcorn, popped from the kernel, drizzled with melted butter and parmesean cheese. Yogurt parfait with fresh granola and fresh organic fruit. And did I mention the mint tea (those little hands picked the mint leaves). Unbelievable dedication to excellence on behalf of these Durham kids and their teachers! http://www.mchdurham.org