This NC city is one of the ‘most underrated destinations’ in the US, new report says

If you’re looking to travel within the Tar Heel state, you may want to venture out to one city that’s been named one of the most underrated vacation destinations across the country.

A recent CNN Travel report reveals a list of 25 towns, coastal areas, national parks and other getaway spots that “fly beneath the travel radar,” including one of the biggest cities in North Carolina: Durham.

Located in the Triangle area, Durham— nicknamed “Bull City” — was incorporated in 1869 as a small village of fewer than 100 people, according to the city website.

Now, it’s one of the most populous and popular cities in the state.

“Few American cities have experienced a more dramatic turnaround over the past 15 years. From its days as a tobacco factory town, Durham has evolved into a science, art, sports and entertainment hub that revolves around a reenergized downtown and reimagined American Tobacco Campus ,” the report says.

“The Durham Bulls – the nation’s most famous minor league baseball team – play their often-sold-out games at a spiffy little downtown stadium. At the Duke Lemur Center , visitors can walk through giant forest habitats helping to preserve some of the planet’s rarest mammals.

“Meanwhile, the city’s craft brewery and distillery scene is outta sight.”

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Nestled nearly half an hour outside of the state capital, Durham is also home to several art museums, parks, and a long list of seasonal food, film and arts festivals.

Durham’s most visited spots

According to the Durham’s most recent annual tourism impact report from the city’s visitor information center, here were some of the most visited spots in the area:

• Duke University Hospital

• The Streets of Southpoint

• Duke West Campus Athletic Complex

• Durham Performing Arts Center

• Durham Bulls Athletic Park

• American Tobacco Campus

• Bryan Center/Duke University Bookstore

• Sheraton Imperial Convention Center

• Falls Lake

• Sarah P. Duke Gardens

• Durham Convention Center

• Abele Quad

• Durham County Memorial Stadium

• Museum of Life and Science

• CCB Plaza/Major the Bull

Of all the top-rated places to travel to, Durham was the only one in North Carolina included in CNN’s list of the “most underrated” destinations.

You can find the full report to see which other vacation spots made the list online at cnn.com/travel .

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