Danielle White+FollowChimney swifts light up Durham’s skylineEvery September, Durham’s skyline comes alive as thousands of chimney swifts swirl and dive at sunset, creating a breathtaking natural show right downtown. This year, you can catch the spectacle from The Durham Hotel’s rooftop on September 24. Bird experts from New Hope Bird Alliance will be there with binoculars and tips on helping these endangered birds. It’s a free, family-friendly evening with great food, and a portion of what you spend supports bird conservation. If you’ve never seen the swifts’ sunset dance, this is the perfect chance to share the experience with friends and neighbors! #News #DurhamNC #ChimneySwifts10Share
Annette Jones+FollowDurham’s Chicken Hut wins $50K for a bright futureThe Chicken Hut, a Durham staple since 1957, just scored a $50,000 boost from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s grant program. Only 50 restaurants nationwide were chosen, and this spot on Fayetteville Street made the cut! This grant isn’t just about renovations—it’s about honoring local history and helping family-run businesses like the Tapp family’s thrive for years to come. For many in Durham, Chicken Hut is more than a restaurant; it’s a piece of the city’s soul. How do you think this investment will shape the neighborhood’s future? #Food #DurhamNC #ChickenHut00Share
Edward Wallace+FollowDurham’s Coca-Cola plant gets a $200M rebootA massive $200 million transformation is coming to Durham’s old Coca-Cola bottling plant, turning it into a vibrant hub called Westside Bottling. Picture this: over 70,000 square feet of retail, 370 apartments, and 35 townhomes—all walkable and packed with favorites like Sprouts, Shake Shack, and Ulta. Even though much of the original plant will be demolished, the developers plan to reuse pieces of the historic site in the new build. First retailers are set to open by late 2026. What do you think—will this reshape the neighborhood for the better, or is something lost when old landmarks change? #Business #EntrepreneurshipStartup #DurhamNC00Share
Mary Williams+FollowDurham’s new “work club” is changing the gameDurham’s about to get a workspace that feels more like your favorite coffee shop, library, and boutique hotel lobby—all rolled into one. Switchyards opens in August, promising 24/7 access, locally roasted coffee, and a single $100/month membership (way less than most spots in town). The vibe? Motivational videos at the coffee machine, cozy nooks, and a real sense of community. Some folks love the “schoolhouse” feel and the chance to meet neighbors while working. But with work and life blending more than ever, is this the third space we need—or just another way to never clock out? What do you think? #Food #DurhamNC #RemoteWork00Share
Jennifer Rojas+FollowDurham’s Chicken Hut still waiting on $3,400Local favorite The Chicken Hut has been left in the lurch after serving up thousands of meals to a Durham summer camp—without getting paid. Owner Tre Tapp says he’s out nearly $3,400, and he’s not alone; other vendors and even camp staff say they’re owed money too. The camp, run by CJF America, promised payment after ABC11 got involved, but deadlines keep slipping. For small businesses and workers, these delays hit hard. How should community organizations balance their mission with financial responsibility? Has anyone else faced similar issues with local nonprofits? #News #DurhamNC #SupportLocal00Share
Nicole Washington+FollowBig changes coming to Durham’s west sideSprouts Farmers Market and Shake Shack are officially coming to Durham’s west side as part of a huge new mixed-use project. The former Coca-Cola warehouse site is about to transform, bringing 70,000 square feet of retail, 370 apartments, and 35 townhomes just three miles from downtown and Duke. With Ulta Beauty, Club Pilates, and First Watch also on board, this spot is shaping up to be a new go-to for shopping, dining, and living. How do you feel about this major development and the new businesses moving in? What would you love to see added? #Business #LocalBusiness #DurhamNC00Share
Timothy Bird+FollowDurham families brace for pricier school suppliesSchool supply shopping in Durham is about to get even tougher. With inflation and new tariffs driving up prices, parents and teachers are feeling the squeeze—everything from backpacks to basic pencils is getting more expensive. Many families are struggling to cover the costs, and teachers like Kira Alexander are dipping into their own pockets or relying on nonprofits like Crayons2Calculators to fill the gaps. Last year, this group saved local teachers hundreds of dollars, but the need keeps growing. How are you handling the rising costs of back-to-school shopping this year? #Business #DurhamNC #BackToSchool00Share
Julie Alexander+FollowDurham’s school buses turn into greenhouses!Old school buses in Durham are getting a second life—as mobile greenhouses, podcast studios, and even libraries at Reaching All Minds Academy. These creative projects aren’t just cool; they’re teaching kids about sustainability, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving. Across North Carolina, charter schools are breaking the mold with hands-on STEM, International Baccalaureate programs for all, and even equine therapy for students who need extra support. It’s exciting to see schools rethink what learning looks like! What other creative ideas could make education more meaningful for our kids? #Education #DurhamNC #EducationInnovation00Share
