Durham

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

American Tobacco Campus

More Photos
vampirefan
vampirefan
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
16
Photos
Editor Pick

Good Use of an Old Building...the American Tobacco Campus

  • November 8, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Good Use of an Old Building...the American Tobacco Campus



In the 1800’s, Durham, like many of its surrounding neighbors, found their fortune in tobacco. When tobacco production all but dried up in the area, many tobacco mills closed shop. Rather than just bulldozing the historic building, the city and Capital Broadcasting reopened the campus in 2004 as a premier entertainment venue.

The American Tobacco company was formed in 1890 by J.B. Duke. He joined forces with his four biggest rivals and formed the company. Amongst the brands made here were Lucky Strike, Pal Mall, and Tareyton. The company continued to do well through the 1970’s and 80’s. Americans would eventually realize the harmful effect of smoking by the 1980’s there was a serious decline in smoking in America. American Tobacco left the area in the late 1980’s.

Today this place is again a busy commercial area but this time as a vibrate entertainment complex. It is a blend of commercial ventures, private businesses, and residential spaces. You can grab a meal here before the Bull’s game, attened a Broadway show here, throw your next big shindig here, or even live here. The Old Bull River runs through the middle here making this an idyllic place to stay a while. The 250,000 foot campus is a registered historic site and offers up 40,000 feet of retail space.

The campus offers up 5 restaurants for you dining pleasure. Café Zen, Mellow Mushroom, Saladelia, Symposium Café and Eatery, and Tyler’s Tap Room. Step across the road and you can catch the Bull’s playing in the warmer months. The movie was made famous by the movie Bull Durham which stared hunky Kevin Costner . As I have mentioned a time or two, come Dec 08 there will be a new place in NC to attend Broadway shows. The 2800 seat performing arts center will premier its general Broadway seasons which includes RENT, Legally Blond, Fidler on the Roof, and the Color Purple . Oh and I may have mentioned this before, but the ‘09/’10 season will include WICKED!!!! Yeah for me!!! So yes you can expect more reports from the American Tobacco Campus in the future. For a really unique place to hold your corporate function, wedding reception, convention, or what ever event needs you have, try Bay 7. Bay 7 offers 10,000 square feet of space that can accommodate 400 people. A number of businesses, including several spaces occupied by Duke University, call this place home. And soon almost 400 people can too! Those looking for a really unique place to call home purchase a place here. There is also a YMCA on the premises.

Through out the year they do hold a number of events and concerts. They have a blood drive coming soon. In Dec you can join in as the lights are turned on for the holiday season, turning this place into a fantastical magical holiday place. And in May you can purchase a rubber duck and enter it in the American Tobacco Race to raise money for the Food Shuttle.

There is a huge parking deck on the grounds. They also have some pretty unique bike racks. There are several hotels nearby including the historic Grey Stone Inn and the beautiful Morehead Manor. Both less than a 10 minute walk from the area. It is easily accessible from I40. For more information you can go to www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com.

When in Durham this is defiantly the place to stop by for dining before a show or a game, or just bring your pooch out to enjoy the beautiful area. What ever your reason, just make sure you stop by to enjoy this really unique place.


From journal Where to Sleep and Get Brews & BBQ in Durham

Compare Durham Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Durham Travel Deals