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Learning a martial art isn't just about being about to beat someone in a fight. It's about defending yourself and your loved ones, becoming self-disciplined, and heightening your awareness of the world around you. Whether you've been thinking about taking martial arts classes to compete professionally, or just be able to react effectively in a bad situation, there are plenty of classes that can give you what you need in Durham, North Carolina. more Tactical Kung Fu & MMA If you want to learn martial arts to improve your self-defense and possibly compete, we suggest taking a class at Tactical Kung Fu & MMA. They have classes throughout the week to let you find the best time for your schedule, and they offer specialized instruction for all ages. You'll find some of the cheapest prices for classes at this studio. You can enter one class for $5 and sign up for a week of classes for $20. You can pay per day or every two weeks as well. Triangle Krav Maga Triangle Krav Maga has won numerous awards for their teachings. If you want the best instruction in tactical krav maga, this is where you'll find it. In addition to great krav maga classes, you'll also find cardio kickboxing classes, police and military training, and situational training here. If you want to learn how to protect yourself in real-life situations, Triangle is the school for you. Durham School of Martial Arts The Durham School of Martial Arts is where you go to learn Muay Thai kickboxing and MMA. This is a great place to get your kids trained in martial arts, but they also offer great classes for adults as well. It's all about self-improvement at this studio. The skills they give you develop your fitness, but it's the self-control and focus that lasts you for the rest of your life. Whether you're trying to get back into shape with cardio kickboxing or you want to make a lifestyle out of your martial art, Durham School gives you the tools you need to get to where you want to go. Deep River Aikikai For a more traditional take on martial arts, try a class at Deep River Aikikai. Their main focus is aikido, which can improve your life in more ways than you think. Aikido is all about the balance of mind and body. It's a nonviolent, nonaggressive self-defense martial art that trains you to use fluid movements to evade and throw off attackers. You'll also spend time with wooden staffs and swords to improve your sense of distance and movement. They have classes for kids 7-12 in Carrboro and classes for teens to adults in Durham. You can pay by the class or sign up for a monthly membership. Nothing quite compares to the sense of accomplishment you get when you begin to understand the concepts of martial arts. The confidence, awareness, and discipline you learn affect everything you do in life. Good luck on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Image via Pixabay

Durham, North Carolina offers a variety of things to do for people of all ages. For those who like to fish, there are some well-known spots where you can make your next big catch, and some other, lesser-known fishing spots that are worth a try. Here are some of the best places to fish near Durham. more Eno River State Park Eno River State Park is home to one of the best streams for fishing in the Neuse River Basin. Whether you want to go fly fishing, cast a lure, or use the age-old worm, there are many spots along the Eno River where you can go. Most of the river is shallow enough for wading, and there are many spots along the banks where you can set your gear up for an afternoon of relaxation while you drop your line. Some of the fish that you might catch in this river include largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, and Roanoke bass. The Eno is one of only four rivers in North Carolina where you can find Roanoke bass. Occoneechee Mountain The Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area has three miles of trails and two ponds for fishing. The small ponds have bass and panfish with just your rod and some worms. Remember that adults need a fishing license, and if you are new to fishing, you can get started by using some of the park's equipment. They will loan it to you so you can practice your catching and releasing skills and hopefully catch a bass or brim. William B Umstead State Park Bring your fishing gear to William B Umstead State Park and try your luck at one of the ponds or tributaries. There are miles of hiking trails at this park, and some will take you to area fishing holes. The Sal's Trail is a 2.8-mile loop trail that brings you to Big Lake. This has a boathouse and several areas where you can set up for fishing. Anderson Community Park In nearby Carrboro, NC you can head to Anderson Community Park for some fishing. The fishing pond has a trail the runs all the way around it, and there are lots of places where you can stand while you cast into the lake. The city stocks the lake with catfish and several other fish, so you will most likely catch something. Lake Michie Recreation Area Lake Michie Recreation Area is a few miles outside of Durham and is home to a lake with some of the best largemouth bass fishing you'll find the area. You can rent a boat to get out on the water or launch your own. Along with the bass, this lake also has catfish, and it is a fun place to get out without the crowds usually found at larger lakes. There is even a new public dock if you want to cast your line from the shore. Check out these Durham area fishing spot the next time you want to try your luck. Image via Pixabay

What's the coolest thing to do in downtown Durham? Definitely, it is the CenterFest Arts Festival. Occurring in September every year, this event has tons to offer everyone! Here's what it's all about and how you can have some fun there this fall! more Visual Art Visitors will find plenty of visual art at this year's CenterFest, and perhaps the best part about the offerings is their versatility. Do you love shopping for handmade goods? Well, the art show includes delightful and fashionable pieces by artists like Wendy Allen (Miss Fit & Co), which includes hand-felted wool hats and other custom accessories. Amy Barnard (Wayward Fiberhouse), who offers cruelty-free handbags and accessories, will also be there. For a view at the latest stunning portraiture, you'll adore paintings by Tracy Booth (Kunigunda Studio LLC) in acrylic and oil, colorful pieces that are rich in texture. Paintings by Angela Bond feature bold colors and strongly structured figures. Bennett Glass Art, which includes the team Veronica and David Bennett, creates sculptures by soldering and welding glass with stone, fossil, and historical projects. Activities for the Kids If your kids are too young to get involved in art, don't worry. Children will have plenty of fun activities, too! The Creative Kids Zone has plenty of stuff to take part in. Children can create a fun pig puppet or cute cow door hanger. They can also create maracas and make some noise! If your kids are feeling adventurous, they can check out the clay studio tent where kids can get really imaginative and create all kinds of unique items. You can sign up for a hands-on session and see how to use the pottery wheel. Finally, CenterStage at Ninth Street Bakery includes fun for the whole family, with music and tons of programs. There are also a kids' train, face painting, and bounce houses located at the South Bank parking lot. Shows Galore The festival features a long lineup of incredible and diverse performers. With four stages and back-to-back shows, you will be constantly entertained! On the 5 Points Stage on Saturday, you'll find excellent performers like Ceil and Dan who offer classic rock music covers and original instrumental music with vocal harmonies, and Michael Daughtry, who sings upbeat rock music. Meanwhile, head over to the Herald-Sun Stage on Saturday night to see the Willie Painter Band, who are North Carolina musical veterans offering up amazing blues-jazz rhythms you can dance to as well as a bunch of rock and pop. There are dozens more shows to check out, so see the full performance list for details! Great Charities Visiting the CenterFest festival can be an educational experience, as many nonprofit and civic groups will come out and join in the fun. Learn about the Durham County Department of Social Services, the Animal Protection Society of Durham, or the Carolina Theatre. Are you ready for a wonderful early fall event in Durham? You won't want to miss out on the art, music, and community events at the CenterFest Arts Festival taking place Sept. 21-22, 2019, in the heart of downtown! Image via Pixabay

The next time you're passing through Durham, North Carolina, take advantage of some of the region's best restaurants. Some of these venues are up-and-coming and others have been much-loved for years. Copa Copa is a vibrant Cuban restaurant located in the heart of Durham at 107 W Main St. It is owned and operated by the husband and wife duo, Robert Copa Matos and Elizabeth Turnbull. They offer excellent tapas, with foods dating back to the 19th century! Enjoy a cocktail and a delicious croqueta at this fantastic restaurant. more Cucciolo Osteria Do you absolutely love Italian? If so, then you have found the right place at Cucciolo Osteria. At 601 W Main St, Suite C, you can enjoy real Italian cuisine, like butternut squash arancini, risotto al latte, panna cotta, and more. On the antipasti menu, you can opt for three kinds of creamed mushrooms. Delicious! Postmaster Located next to Durham at 160 E. Cedar St. in Cary, Suite 100, is the restaurant Postmaster. At this fine modern venue, you can opt for small dishes and shared plates, and enjoy the lovely ambience of their open-air patio. Try the curried potato and squash made of yellow coconut curry and new potatoes, or the yummy strawberry gazpacho with honey dew. Enjoy a seasonal meal with a refreshing beer, or order a serving of punch made of vodka, hibiscus tea, and lemon. Union Special Bread Nothing really beats a loaf of fresh, delicious, delectable bread. If you're in the mood for a light snack that will tantalize your taste buds, this is the place for you. Calling themselves a "pop up bake sale," this venue uses roller-milled and stone-ground flour as well as corn and other grains to produce bread with natural cultures, as well as mouth-watering croissants and pastries. Fresh and local ingredients are used as well. Stop in for a bite at 2411 Crabtree Blvd. G.58 Cuisine For an elegant evening, visit G.58 Cuisine, where you can enjoy traditional Chinese recipes in a high-end atmosphere. Located at 10958 Chapel Hill Road in Morrisville, this venue is perfect for special occasions. Opt for an extravagant dish, like the lotus root sweetened with honey, or the vegetable medley served with mushroom, bell pepper, gingko, and asparagus. G.58 was rated one of the top ten new restaurants by The News and Observer. Purr Cup Cafe Looking for a delectable cup of steaming hot coffee while you're driving through town? You won't want to miss an opportunity to try Purr Cup Cafe. Wild as it may sound, this is a quality cafe that serves your coffee with a purr, actually! There is a specific area where you can visit cats. There is a separate eating area where you can enjoy your snacks as well. It is located at 210 Prospect Avenue. When you're in the Durham, North Carolina area, you'll be fortunate to find a range of restaurants and cafes. Some are just opening up, while others have been serving happy customers for years. Have a look at what's in store, and be sure to arrive hungry!

A trip to the local museum is an excellent way to spend time with family. If you're like most parents, the thought of touring exhibits filled with priceless artifacts is a little nerve-wracking. So skip the Rembrandt and embrace this list of the five best museums to visit with your family in Durham, North Carolina this summer. more The Museum of Life and Science Are you looking for an engaging, kid-friendly museum in Durham? Why not head out to The Museum of Life and Science on 433 W. Murray Ave. This inviting, interactive park sprawls across 84 acres and boasts a two-story science center, a butterfly conservatory, and a dinosaur trail. Meet 60 species of live animals in the outdoor exhibits, just remember to outfit the whole family with proper footwear. Sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. Purchase tickets for the train near the entrance. It's one of the museum's best attractions. Kidzu Children's Museum This downtown Chapel Hill museum at 201 S. Estes Dr. is inside University Place and offers plenty of hands-on activities and unique events. Discover Kidzu's newest exhibit, The Hive & The Front Yard outdoor learning garden. Study why pollinators, like bees, are essential to the environment. Sign up your kids' ages 3 to 5 and 6 to 11 for Camp Kidzu this summer. Sessions run now through Aug 30, 2019. Marbles Kids Museum Spark your child's imagination at Marbles Kids Museum at 201 East Hargett St. in nearby Raleigh. Explore this downtown museum's variety of hands-on exhibits such as the Art Loft, catch a movie at the IMAX theater or attend a special event. " Canada's Great Bear Rainforest " in 3D is a 43-minute long film dedicated to the animals that live in the wildest places left on earth. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Re-opening June 18, 2019 after a complete renovation, this downtown Chapel Hill destination at 250 E. Franklin. St. is an extension of the University of North Carolina. Morehead Planetarium features a variety of star-studded shows that showcase the night's sky from black holes to cosmic colors. Duke University's art museum on campus offers family-friendly activities with regular, free family days. Hosted on select Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., enjoy live entertainment, create hands-on projects to take home, then explore the museum's exhibitions while you and your family browse the galleries. Head out on Oct. 13 for "Celebrate Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now." The kids will love this exploratory day studying the arts and culture of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Watch as Native American guests tell stories, dance, and present live musical performances throughout the building. With the right amount of planning and preparation, children can enjoy a museum visit as much as mom and dad, and they'll definitely learn something new and exciting. What's the best part about spending the day soaking up local culture? That together time, of course. Image via Pixabay

There are a plethora of outdoor activities for everyone to choose from in North Carolina this summer. Explore a variety of unique places where the whole family will enjoy the picturesque scenery and a ton of recreational activities. Enjoy this guide of fun things to do with your kids outdoors in Durham this summer. more Swim in a 14,000-Acre Lake Don your swimsuits, grab a towel and head to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area just outside of Apex at 280 State Park Rd. Swim, fish, or enjoy a tranquil boat ride. The park is open year-round and offers families 4,558 acres of woodlands along the shores of the lake to pursue a range of outdoor experiences for the whole family. At the park, you'll find picnic areas, both primitive and RV campsites, and seven clean, public beaches. Launch your boat from a number of ramps and cruise the lake. Stroll along 14 miles of hiking trails or take the kids down the Children's Nature Trail that's an easy, brief hike perfect for family outings. Hikers will follow the long boardwalk down to a large pond. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, ospreys, blue herons, turkeys, and black vultures. Sarah P. Duke Gardens Escape to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens on the historic Duke University Campus in Durham at 420 Anderson St. Discover the meaning of "floral bliss" at this 55-acre botanic gardens founded in 1934. Meander through 5 miles of pathways, through four distinct gardens. Explore the Historic Gardens first, then browse the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants that covers 6.5 acres of rolling woodland terrain. Finish your family's tour with the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum that touts 18 acres of plants that are native to Southeast Asia, including irises and ginger lilies, and then visit the Doris Duke Center Gardens. The walk takes 1.5-hours or take the trolley if you have youngsters and grandparents in tow. Go Hiking at Hemlock Bluffs Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary is the ideal place for a family hike. Trek through cool patches of rare Eastern Hemlock trees at 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd. The park offers access to 3 miles of mulched nature trails that are easy for the kids to traverse. The paths lead to scenic overlooks and provide excellent bird and wildlife spotting opportunities. Before your hike, stop at the Stevens Nature Center. The kids will love the center's interactive and educational nature exhibits. Why not sign up for one of Hemlock Bluff's environmental education programs hosted throughout the year? Designed for all ages, Night Animals, Nature Detectives, and Wild Warriors all top the calendar of fun events this July at the park. Pack up some sunscreen and bug spray, and head into the great outdoors with the family today. Discover a new adventure at one — or all — of these great places for active families this summer. Bond over a campfire or share a stroll through the woods. No matter what you choose, get out there, and make lasting memories. Image via Pixabay

Next time you're craving Chinese food in Durham, North Carolina, you're in luck. This area is filled with great options for authentic Xiang, Cantonese, and other cuisines. Here are four of the best spots in and around Durham to grab a satisfying Chinese meal. more Happy China At Happy China on Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard, you'll find a menu loaded with mouth-watering options and a welcoming atmosphere. Open every day except Tuesdays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., you can enjoy lunch or dinner for a great price. Start with an appetizer like Crab Rangoon and a refreshing drink. Classic dinner options include Sichuan Chicken or Singapore rice noodles. If you want to try something different, opt for a traditional Chinese dish like the Salt and Pepper Frog Legs, Lamb Tendo Noodle Soup, or the Shredded Pork with Lotus Root. Shanghai Durham On Hillsborough Road, Shanghai Durham is open every day from 11:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. with a break from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. This local favorite offers authentic Cantonese-style food. Appetizers like lettuce wraps or jumbo shrimp will get you started off right. Authentic dishes like Steamed Chinese Broccoli in Oyster Sauce or Salt and Pepper Squid offer visitors the chance to try truly Chinese cuisine. If you have a strong appetite, try the Emperor Combination dish, which comes with battered and deep-fried chicken breast, pork, and large shrimp mixed with red bell peppers and smothered in brown sauce. Another great option is the Hawaiian Szechuan Delight dish. This meal features shrimp, chicken, and beef, which is stir-fried with broccoli, snow peas, onions, carrots, yellow squash, baby corn, and cauliflower. Finish off your meal with some fried banana roll for dessert. Dragon Inn The Dragon Inn is open every day except Sundays and serves both lunch and dinner. Found in the Willowdale shopping center, this is an easy spot to stop for dinner after running errands. Menu items like jellyfish in garlic sauce and beef tripe in chili oil keep things very authentic. Dishes like Chinese Kung Pao Chicken and Moo Shu Pork are also available if you want to stick with something more common in American Chinese cuisine. Red Lotus Red Lotus Chinese Restaurant in Chapel Hill on South Elliot Road is family owned and has been serving the area since 2006. They are open throughout the week and offer several gluten-free menu items. Whether you're gluten-free or not, you'll love the Indian Yellow Curry dish that comes with your choice of chicken or shrimp, onions, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots all covered with a yummy yellow curry sauce. Other dishes worth a try include the Dan Dan Noodles and the Royal Hawaiian, which features crab meat, lobster tail, and shrimp. If you're looking for a great spot for a date night or just want to grab some yummy Chinese takeout stop by one of these spots around Durham. No matter which one you choose, they are all sure to please. Image via Pixabay

Whether you're visiting Durham, North Carolina, or you're a resident of the area, you'll enjoy some great options for fresh donuts and a hot cup of coffee. All within 15 minutes of Downtown Durham, these four spots all worth a visit or two. You might even find your new favorite breakfast place. more Rise Rise Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken have a Downtown Durham and Southpointe location, which are both open every day from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is a great spot to enjoy a full breakfast or lunch, or to stop by for a quick donut and coffee. Rise opened in 2012 and has been expanding ever since, thanks to its popularity. Try their Creme Brulee or Maple Bacon donuts or stick with the Classic Glazed; you can't go wrong. Don't miss out on a great cup of coffee while you're there. Rise proudly serves locally roasted coffee from Counter Culture Coffee. If you have room for more, check out their full menu of Southern classics like buttermilk fried chicken and biscuits and gravy. After a meal at Rise, you're sure to leave satisfied. Early Bird Donuts Open from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday and 7 a.m. until noon on Sundays, Early Bird Donuts gives visitors the chance to grab some early morning treats for themselves or to take to the office. Here you'll find donuts made fresh from scratch, hearty biscuits, and breakfast sandwiches. Donut options range from specialty to tried and true. Grab a dozen so you can try different flavors. Some of the local favorites are the Salted Caramel donut and the classic vanilla glazed donut. You can even choose your own donut filling and they'll fill it for you on the spot! Other options include apple fritters and chocolate iced long johns. Enjoy a hot cup of JOE Van Gogh drip coffee with your sweet treat. Carolina Glazed Donuts At Carolina Glazed Donuts on South Miami Boulevard, you can stop in for donuts and other fresh baked goods throughout the day, every day of the week. They open as early as 6 a.m. and don't close until 7:30 p.m. most days, giving you plenty of time to come by and have a treat. Grab some filling options like a bear claw or eclair, or keep it small and simple with a bundle of donut holes. Baker's Dozen Donuts Baker's Dozen Donuts is a family-owned donut shop in the Oak Grove part of Durham. This shop has been serving the community with warm, fresh donuts for many years. Here, you'll find a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere with a huge selection of flavors and types. Try a Cinnamon Crumb Cake donut or an apple-loaded apple fritter for a little crunch. You can stop in any day of the week from 5:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. What better way to start your morning than with a sweet treat from one of these local donut shops and a cup of Joe? Be sure to try them all and discover your favorite! Image via Pixabay

Durham, North Carolina, is a diverse community with cultural roots that make it a great place to eat all kinds of different food. Check out these great restaurants offering diverse fare and amazing ambiance. more Vin Rouge This French bistro takes customers on a virtual trip to southern France the minute they step through the door. They are one of Durham's most critically acclaimed restaurants receiving awards as well as having a guaranteed seat on best of lists from the local and national press. Inside, guests will find an elegant dining room replete with crystal glassware, fine china, and chandeliers, which combine with other elements to create the perfect ambiance for that special occasion. They offer service for intimate dinners for two, large group dinners, and will even host private parties. Guests have the choice of either dining indoors or out in their beautifully decorated courtyard garden. The menu can be best described as provincially French. Executive Chef Matt Kelly is constantly wowing guests with signature dishes as well as the standard fare of French cooking. Vin Rouge is open Thursday through Sunday for dinner service in addition to a brunch service on Sunday. Reservations can be made through their website or by giving them a call at 919-416-0466. Harvest 18 This American-style restaurant first opened its doors in 2014, and since that time has been offering chef-driven meals with over 80 percent of their ingredients locally sourced. They bill themselves as a unique neighborhood eatery and guests will feel at home with a relaxed atmosphere that betrays the 3,000 square feet of dining space. A full, oak decorated bar sits off to the side offering guests the opportunity to sip on a drink while waiting for their table or to enjoy a nightcap before catching a ride home. The bar includes a craft beer list from local breweries Fullsteam and Lonerider, along with a large list of wines and spirits. Harvest 18 accommodates guests every day of the week from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information and to make reservations, they can be reached at 919-316-1818. The Refectory Cafe Priding itself on being the first green restaurant established in the Durham area, The Refectory Cafe offers healthy, locally sourced cuisine that caters to vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and anyone else who likes to have a delicious meal that won't double their cholesterol count. In service of this goal, The Refectory has won an impressive 23 different culinary and environmental awards since they opened their doors in 2005. The Refectory has breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus offering a diverse number of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Some of the highlights of their expansive offerings include fresh garden salads, saffron seafood risotto, farm fresh quiche, and mouthwatering burgers. The Refectory Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., as well as having limited weekend hours. For more information, give them a call at 919-908-6798. As you can see, there are some great choices in restaurants to choose from in Durham that offer all sorts of food. The next time you're heading out for dinner, give one of these establishments a shot. Image via Pixabay