Brightleaf Square, a complex of former warehouses built between 1900 and 1904, has a host of restaurants as well as shopping. You can enjoy a stroll and an ice cream in the courtyards.
The Makings for a Carolina Picnic
Durham's most sophisticated and awe-inspiring food emporium is Fowler's, 112 S. Duke St. (tel. 919/683-2555; www.fowlersfoodandwine.com), a European-with-a-Southern-accent delicatessen whose array of exotic foods and wines is among the very finest in the South, one that would impress even the most jaded of European palates. At the same time, it retains a friendly, low-key, and unpretentious demeanor that doesn't drive away the grits crowd. You can always haul away well-stuffed deli sandwiches from this place, or consume them at the scattering of cafe tables. Brunch selections, priced at $7 to $15 each, include omelets, or an award-winning version of shrimp and grits. Sandwiches go for $6 to $7 each. All meats are smoked on the premises. Fowler's is open Monday to Wednesday from 7:30am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday 7:30am to 9pm, and Sunday from 9am to 6pm. Hours are subject to change.
