Experience · Durham
Afternoon Date at The Carolina Theatre
Start your afternoon date with a relaxed coffee or crepe at PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails, setting a European-inspired tone. Then, immerse yourselves in a matinee performance or classic film at the historic Carolina Theatre, a true Durham gem. Conclude your evening with an upscale dinner at Counting House, located in the 21c Museum Hotel, for refined American fare and cocktails.
A 4.5-hour Durham afternoon plan for couples — PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails, The Carolina Theatre, Counting House.
- Duration
- 4h 30m
- Cost
- $100–$200
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- Bull Durham + 1 more
- Walking
- Moderate walking · Total 0.5-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Couples · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails(45 min)→
- 2The Carolina Theatre(2 hrs)→
- 3Counting House(1 hr 45 min)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 0.5 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Durham instead of crossing town between them. The Carolina Theatre is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Counting House — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples and solo who want a planned Durham outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Start your afternoon date with a relaxed coffee or crepe at PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails, setting a European-inspired tone. Then, immerse yourselves in a matinee performance or classic film at the historic Carolina Theatre, a true Durham gem. Conclude your evening with an upscale dinner at Counting House, located in the 21c Museum Hotel, for refined American fare and cocktails.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 145 minPRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails
Food & Drink · Bull Durham
Airy hangout with outdoor tables & a relaxed vibe, offering a menu of European-inspired snacks.
What to do — Order some crepes and your preferred coffee or tea. Find a comfortable spot to chat and enjoy your snack before heading to the theater.
Book it · PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails
0.4 mi · 8 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Take a short walk or a quick drive to The Carolina Theatre.
22 hrsThe Carolina TheatreArts & Culture · City Center
Nonprofit film & performing arts venue with 1,016-seat auditorium, 2 movie theaters & a ballroom.
What to do — Check the schedule for an afternoon showing of a classic film, a live play, or a concert. Settle into your seats and enjoy the show.
Scout Side QuestBefore the lights dim, pick your favorite architectural detail. Give three cryptic clues and see if your date can spot it.
Book it · The Carolina Theatre
0.1 mi · 3 min walk or 3 min drive
Then Walk or take a very short drive to Counting House in the City Center.
3Optional 1h 45mCounting HouseFood & Drink · City Center
Chic locale in the 21c Museum Hotel for creative spins on regional American fare, plus cocktails.
What to do — Enjoy a delightful dinner, exploring their menu of regionally inspired dishes. Consider sharing appetizers and trying their signature cocktails.
Scout Side QuestScan the menu and take turns pitching the most unexpected flavor combination as if you invented it.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Durham itinerary for couples?
- Yes. It's built for couples and solo and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Durham itinerary cost?
- Roughly $100–$200 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.5 miles of walking in total.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
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