Your Guide to Durham Shopping

DAY 1 – SHOP BOUTIQUE GOODS AND DURHAM MAKERS

DAY

At CCB Plaza find The Artisan Market at 305, a collective home to handmade gifts and pieces of art by approximately 60 NC-based artists. Chet Miller is located a block away on Parrish Street and offers barware, home goods, personal care items for men and Durham-themed gifts. Its sister store, Parker & Otis at the American Tobacco Campus (ATC), is annually voted the best gift store in town and doubles as a delicious foodie destination with breakfast biscuits, sandwiches and coffee. If you're in the mood to see some art on your trip, you can shop the Parker & Otis gift shop at the Nasher Museum of Art, opening spring 2024.

If you find yourself downtown on a Saturday morning in March through December, stop by the pavilion at Durham Central Park. It’s sure to be bustling with locals shopping for produce at the Farmers’ Market, and you can buy handmade goods from the makers themselves at the Durham Craft Market.

The Ninth Street District is also a center of gravity for shopping in Durham with plenty of breakfast and lunch options nearby.

Evening

Local artisans’ creativity shines at the Durham Night Market held monthly in the spring and fall on Thursday nights at ATC. Saunter into Dolly’s Vintage on Main Street for funky one-of-a-kind finds across clothes, greeting cards and an eclectic assortment of socks.

From the heart of downtown, make your way to the Brightleaf District. In Brightleaf Square, find Indio for gifts, textiles and personal care items, and Hamilton Hill Jewelry, for contemporary and modernist takes on wearable keepsakes. Dine at low-key spots like Clouds Brewing or East Asian-inspired fare at Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings and Sweets to close out the night.

Day 2 - Find Your New Look

Morning

Durham’s super-regional mall, The Streets at Southpoint, is worthy of a full morning for those who want to shop bigger brands. Its indoor/outdoor setting makes it a destination that attracts shoppers from across the state. Pick up a smoked salmon bagel from nearby Dulce Café to maintain sustenance throughout the day or choose a food court option for lunch.

Day

Thrifters will love the shops featured in the Lakewood and Rockwood District Guide. In addition to those, there’s MODE Consignment Boutique in Brightleaf and Gibson Girl Vintage in the West End neighborhood. If you’re more of a bibliophile, revel in Golden Fig Books’ space with a superior selection of used books.While you’re on this side of town, have a leisurely lunch in a vintage-inspired space at Foster’s Market.

For a Special Evening

For that perfect outfit, Smitten Boutique is a boutique spot for women of all ages with a sense of style. Vaguely Reminiscent is a fixture on Ninth Street and another women’s clothing and gift shop. Jada’s Men’s Accessories on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard specializes in handmade bow ties and neckties for all occasions.

Try Certified B Corporation Vert & Vogue near downtown’s Five Points intersection for mindfully-made seasonal collections and beautiful pieces from independent designers. Make an appointment in advance for a personal styling experience. Dressed to impress, cozy up at Bar Virgile for elevated dinner and drinks.

Now that you've heard the highlights, it's time to hit the town! Use our map to navigate the spots in this guide.