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