How Do You Love Durham?
You already know what makes this place like no other. The coffee shop that gets you. The vintage find you didn't know you were looking for. The restaurant that took the risk. The artist selling prints at the market. Durham's 800+ small businesses aren't just where we shop, they're why we're here. This winter, show your support for the Durham businesses that sparked your passion for the Bull City. Join the challenges that align with your interests and find new Durham discoveries along the way.
The Love Durham Campaign is back, featuring four Love Durham Challenges, January 5 - February 28
Only on the Discover Durham App - Download Now
Are you a business owner? Join Love Durham by January 16.
Four challenges. Four ways to show up for your city.
However you love Durham, there's a challenge for you. We've curated experiences across the county – old favorites, new discoveries, every price point. Your excuse to finally try that spot or revisit the one you’ve been missing.
FAQs
What is the Love Durham Challenge?
The Love Durham Challenge is a component of the overall campaign celebrating small businesses, an app based adventure where you earn prizes for visiting businesses and events across Durham.
How do I complete the Love Durham Challenge?
Pick your challenge: Creative, Style Icon, Foodie, or Family. (Overachievers, feel free to tackle all four.) Visit ten of the participating businesses, attractions and events in your chosen category, find the QR code at each stop and check in using the Discover Durham app by February 28, 2026. Once you've hit all ten check-ins in your chosen category, head over to the Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main Street by March 31, 2026 to claim your prizes: one branded tote plus a themed patch for each challenge you complete.
How do I get the app?
How do I check in at stops to complete the challenge?
- On the app’s homepage, click the Challenges icon. There, you’ll find a list of the four themed challenges. Open your chosen challenge to find a list of businesses and events. The app will help you map your journey so you can enjoy a few different spots within proximity of each other.
- Once you arrive at a check-in, find challenge signage including a QR code nearby. Open the check-in’s objective within the app challenge and click “scan QR code” to check in
- If you’re not able to scan the QR code, you can instead type into the app a passcode listed on the same sign as the QR code. These codes are not case-sensitive and are unique to each of the stops.
- The check-in radius is limited to 150 meters from each address, so make sure you scan the QR code or enter the passcode while you’re still there! You won’t be able to check in remotely.
- You should receive confirmation of your check-in instantly.
How do I claim my prizes?
- Once you’ve completed at least ten stops, you’ll be eligible for a Love Durham tote and a themed patch for each challenge completed.
- The app will prompt you to fill out a submission form (name, home zip code and email address) and then will provide you with a completion badge.
- To claim your prizes, visit the Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main St. downtown and show your completion badge in the app to one of our friendly staff or volunteers to receive your prizes. Visitor Info Center hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Participants may pick up their prizes through March 31, 2026, while supplies last.
Who do I contact with questions about the app and challenge functionality?
Have any questions or difficulty with the mobile app challenge? Please email mobileapp@discoverdurham.com.