Hello Durham! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Cafe opening at American Tobacco Campus, kids learn to ride day, and glow in the dark family fun night + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Future growth rules shift: Durham County commissioners approved changes to ease future development moratoriums. No countywide pause now, and any data center freeze would require separate action amid debate over jobs, revenue, and control -- see the moratorium changes.
HBCU sports week ahead: CIAA announced its 2026 Football Media Day athletes Monday. Durham hosts a Hillandale golf tournament July 13 and a free youth clinic at Hillside High on July 14 -- see the full lineup.
From pop-up to storefront: Lutra Cafe and Bakery will open Friday, June 26 at Durham’s American Tobacco Campus, evolving from a pop-up to a sleek cafe with espresso, pastries, and those signature sweet buns -- check the cafe opening.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Rainy-day sanity saver: Whether your crew craves go-karts, bumper cars, or a giant climb-and-slide zone, Angel Island Fun Park delivers that magical combo of squeals and instant bedtime. It’s a homegrown spot with an arcade and snacks, perfect for burning off energy this week when the couch has had enough.
Backyard glow-up, anyone? For Garden's Sake has the plants, pottery, and inspiration to help your yard actually match the daydreams, plus classes and live events to level up skills. Say hi to goats, chickens, and ducks, then grab a drink or Sunset Slush at the Potting Shed and scheme your next weekend project.
Level up your week: Xepher Arcade is Durham’s home for Japanese rhythm games like Maimai, Chunithm, StepManiaX, and Pump It Up, perfect when you need sweat plus serotonin. Show up, chase a personal best, swap song tips with regulars, then brag about your combo streak like it’s a very responsible adult accomplishment.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏃 Wednesday Evenings - Summer Track Series @ Durham Academy | Wednesday (6/24) at 7:00 PM – Lace up and meet the herd at Durham Academy on Wednesday evenings for Godiva’s Summer Track Series, a family-friendly run-walk where PRs are optional, snacks are encouraged, and neighborly heckling is free. Nights alternate between short and long, with a midsummer madness twist.
🚲 Kids Learn to Ride Day @ Premier Smiles & Sleep | Friday (6/26) at 6:00 PM – Round up the helmets and let Bike Durham teach the kids to ride, while your lower back thanks you. Bring their bikes or borrow one, enjoy snacks, prizes, expert guidance, a safe, encouraging vibe, and zero pressure, just classic two-wheeled joy.
🌟 $8 Glow in the Dark Family Fun Night @ Wheels Durham | Friday (6/26) at 6:00 PM – Whether you still have your old Wheels Durham muscle memory or you cling to the wall like a sensible adult, this glow-in-the-dark family skate night is a win. Eight bucks to get in, six to rent skates, seven for blades, and unlimited kid joy.
🐾 Meet and Greet @ Unleashed at Parkway Plaza | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Unleashed at Parkway Plaza in Durham hosts a Paws4Ever meet and greet where the adoptable dogs interview you, not the other way around. Expect sniffs, ear scritches, and the moment you swear you came for kibble while your heart, and maybe your trunk, disagree.
🎨 Artist or Scientist? Kid's STEAM Workshop @ Cecy’s Gallery & Art Market | Saturday (6/27) at 1:00 PM – Your kid, ages 6 to 14, gets to be both artist and scientist at a hands-on STEAM workshop, with experiments, observation, and dreamy paper marbling. Science or magic, you decide. Real learning, sanctioned mess, and a fridge upgrade at Cecy’s Art Gallery in Durham.
🚗 Bull City Street Rod Association Saturday Night Cruise-In @ William Penn Plaza | Saturday (6/27) at 5:00 PM – A Saturday night cruise-in for Bull City gearheads, this summer hangout brings shiny street rods, shade you do not have to fight for, and tunes that still remember carburetors. There is a 50/50, plenty of parking, and a Chick-fil-A across the road.
📖 Storytime @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (6/27) – Every Saturday at 11am, Storytime pops up in the children's department, where little listeners get their tales and you get ten blessed minutes off your feet. Cozy chairs, friendly faces, and pages turning, all the good stuff without glitter glue.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Durham report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 65°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 88. North wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. East wind around 2 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 1 to 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. This house is wildThe Willow condominiums bring a rare downtown Durham experience with no shared party walls and sweeping views in three directions. Each three-bedroom residence features three oversized private balconies for easy indoor-outdoor living. An optional studio apartment with kitchenette and separate entrance adds flexible space for guests, multigenerational living, or an au pair suite, all blocks from the Main Library and minutes from DPAC.
Take a peek inside → |
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