Music & Summer Fun!

I love attending outdoor concerts with family and friends this time of year! This is just a quick reminder of some of my favorites. Hope to see you at one of the events soon! 

Backdoor Music on the Lawn There will be 8 FREE (3 hour) concerts on Thursday nights from May to September. The shows start at 6:00 PM and most feature two bands. Picnics and coolers are welcome but no glass, please. Food and beverages are also available at the American Tobacco restaurants that surround the Amphitheater. Concerts are held next to the Lucky Strike Water tower.   

"Find Your Cool" Summer Concert Series Is an annual concert series put on by Downtown Durham, Inc. and held on Thursday nights at the CCB Plaza (where "Major the Bull" statue is located). Concerts are 7-8:30 and will feature eclectic bands. 

Rock the Park Music and Concert Series Is sponsored by Durham Parks and Recreation and occurs on Saturday evenings at various local parks around Durham. Music runs 6-8:00 PM and movies are 8-10:00 PM. 

Music in the Gardens  is a summer music series held at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, on the lawn beside the visitor center. The concerts are on Wednesdays and start at 7:00 PM.

Brightleaf Square Concert Series  is a popular free venue because you can dine outside and enjoy the lovely setting of the historic district. Concerts last from 7-9:00 PM.

Music on Main is being brought back at the Streets of Southpoint Mall. The concerts are held outside close to the movie theater and are 6-9:00 PM. 

Blues on The Plaza Northgate Mall is getting in on the action and kicking off a concert series on Fridays from 6-9:00 PM.

Take a look at these links for more fun events happening in Durham and The Triangle. Free Outdoor Music in The Triangle and Things to do in Durham.

Local Barbecue... good for the soul!

5650 US 15-501 N., Pittsboro, NC 27312

Last night at 7:55 p.m. I passed by Allen and Son BBQ in Pittsboro, NC. I was beyond tired and headed back to work for another 4 hours. I was exhausted and hungry and had been showing homes in the hot, sticky and crazy rainy day. I decided to call and see if they were still open when I got down the road a few miles. I was greeted with a warm welcome over the phone. The young man stated that they close at 8:00 p.m. I told him thank you and that I would come by another time because I had heard the food was delicious. He politely asked how far away I was and I told him. He suggested that I turn around and take a meal to go. He passed the phone off to a young lady that told me what was left and I placed a order of pulled pork bbq and coleslaw. I arrived at 8:07 and my dinner was waiting on me. I was horrified when I handed them my debt card and they told me they didn't accept cards. I of course didn't have cash or a checkbook. They said this happens often so make a note TAKE CASH. The young man was very kind and said well enjoy your meal and come see us again. What? Are you kidding me? I stood there just staring at them for a minute. I asked for the address and typed in the amount owed in my phone. I mailed them a check with a nice card and a tip.*)

I was so touched by the welcome I received. This was a great reminder of how a stranger can impact your day. They were so generous to wait on me to arrive, prepare a wonderful meal and greet me with kindness even after I didn't have the money to pay them. 

My meal was delicious and I ate it in my car. The portion was enough for 3 meals and I left with a full tummy and the hospitality warmed my soul. I wish I knew the name of the folks that waited on me to say Thank You! I also want to say Thank You to the owners. I will be back and suggest you visit them as well! 

Yum! Dinner in my car.

The Check is in the mail!

Rise and shine!

There is a new breakfast place in Durham and it is awesome!  

Rise, just opened a month ago in the Renaissance Village shopping center beside the Super Target near South Point Mall.
  
Don't be daunted by the long line.  Just take a number and wait.  It is totally worth it!

They specialize in biscuits and donuts and even offer a gluten-free donut (it is fried in the same oil though).  The biscuits are just the right combo of fluffy, cheesy, and crispy.  Yum!  The combinations are perfect and even include pimento cheese.

The donuts are unique and decadent.  I tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, The Maple Bacon Roll, The Pineapple Glaze, and the Gluten-free Chocolate Pistachio.  My favorite was the Pineapple Glaze which is filled with basil whip cream and topped with pistachios and a light pineapple glaze, then the Maple Bacon Roll which was topped with a maple glaze and a large slice of bacon, yum!

I love that the place was packed and feels more suited for the downtown area.  But I am thankful that south Durham gets to experience the unique flavor of Rise.  

Follow Rise on Facebook:  Rise Biscuits Donuts

Contributed by guest blogger, Danner C.