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A hush settles over Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, where visitors follow winding paths through 55 acres of flourishing greenery. Japanese camellias flare with vibrant pinks and whites, their

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

A hush settles over Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, where visitors follow winding paths through 55 acres of flourishing greenery. Japanese camellias flare with vibrant pinks and whites, their

A February Guide to Duke University’s Campus

Exterior and interior of Duke Chapel

A hush settles over Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, where visitors follow winding paths through 55 acres of flourishing greenery. Japanese camellias flare with vibrant pinks and whites, their delicate petals breaking the winter’s quiet spell. In this stillness, visitors linger — some taking a moment on a bench, others admiring the blooms. As executive director of this botanical haven, Bill LeFevre is attuned to the garden’s seasonal shifts. “February sees smaller crowds than March and April, our busiest months, which makes it a good time to come for peace and respite,” he says. “There’s always something in bloom and always something to discover.”

Should you seek a moment of calm this winter yet find your itinerary unfinished, February presents an opportunity to pause and reflect. Duke University’s campus is home to a variety of sites — including Duke Chapel — that inspire contemplation and exploration. Whether you’re considering a brief getaway or a leisurely day immersed in nature, read on for destinations that invite moments of stillness.

 

Peeping buds and blossoms in Sarah P. Duke Gardens hint that warmer days aren’t far away. photograph by Jared Lazerus

Natural Attractions

Witness the First Signs of Spring

Dating back to the 1930s, Sarah P. Duke Gardens began as the vision of Dr. Frederic Hanes, a member of Duke Medical School’s original faculty and an amateur garden enthusiast with a passion for plant life, and Sarah Pearson Duke, who helped turn that vision into a reality. Today, the garden is a central feature of Duke’s campus, offering visitors five miles of winding paths that connect several distinct areas: the Historic Gardens & Terraces, the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, and the Doris Duke Center Gardens.

As you explore the grounds, catch bursts of color from Japanese camellias, flowering quince, and witch hazels. With spring on the horizon, magnolias and other flowering trees often begin to bloom, adding to the seasonal transformation. “In winter, the bones of the garden are brought to the forefront, and it’s a great time to view the architecture of trees, shrubs and other plants,” LeFevre says. “February brings the promise of spring, as buds and blooms begin to emerge.

In January 2025, Duke Gardens began a new chapter with the start of construction on the Garden Gateway, a transformational renovation and expansion project. While the gardens’ grounds remain open, visitors should expect changes to parking and access, with weekends offering the only visitor parking availability. Check the website for updates and to find out what’s in bloom.

Find Peace Among the Trees

Duke Forest Teaching & Research Laboratory spans 7,100 acres across Durham, Orange, and Alamance counties, just a short drive from campus. Owned and managed by Duke University since 1931, it functions as both an outdoor classroom and a living laboratory. When the trees are stripped bare in winter, the quiet trails invite a deeper appreciation for the forest’s raw beauty and the intricate patterns of the land.

For a winter walk, Sara Childs, executive director of Duke Forest, recommends the Shepherd Nature Trail, a short, self-guided loop located along NC Highway 751. “The 0.8-mile trail offers a nice introduction to the forest’s history, with interpretive signage that guides you through the patterns of the land and its transformation over time,” she says.

Though the forest offers a refreshing refuge, it serves a larger purpose — supporting research, conservation, and teaching initiatives. Public recreation is welcomed but must align with the forest’s mission of stewardship and conservation. Check out the Recreation page and be sure to download the Duke Forest Recreation maps before you go.

Lemurs at Duke Lemur Center

Learn about lemurs’ lives with a Behind the Scenes Tour at the Duke Lemur Center. photograph by Sara Sorraia

See Lemurs Off-Season

Madagascar is the only place on Earth where lemurs can be found in the wild, but thanks to innovative thinking, Durham now hosts the world’s most diverse population of lemurs. Established in 1966 through a collaboration between Yale professor John Buettner-Janusch and Duke’s Peter Klopfer, the Duke Lemur Center relocated Buettner-Janusch’s lemur colony to North Carolina when he was hired by the university. Since then, it has become a leading hub for lemur research, education, and conservation.

Lemur at Duke Lemur Center

Winter workshops invite visitors to create and share toys and treats for the center’s lemurs. photograph by Sara Sorraia

The 100-acre facility is home to nearly 250 lemurs and bush babies across 13 species. From October 1 to April 30, the center operates on a limited schedule with fewer tours available. During February, and throughout the year, visitors can observe the lemurs up close in their indoor habitats through large windows on a Behind the Scenes Tour.

The center offers Wild Workshops every weekend from November through March, with special themes available throughout the season. One option is the Enrichment Wild Workshop, where participants learn about the importance of enrichment for the lemurs’ well-being. “We ramp up our enrichment activities in the winter by providing the lemurs with more toys and puzzle feeders, which guests will get to see firsthand,” says Megan McGrath, education programs manager. Visitors can create treats and toys for the lemurs and then observe them, including the elusive aye-ayes, enjoying your creations. “Use a shorter lens to capture pictures,” McGrath says. “You’ll be closer to the animals than you think.”

Tip: Reservations are required to see the lemurs, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.

 

Arts

Visit a Space of Expression

Engage your curiosity at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, a dynamic 65,000-square-foot space that bridges contemporary and historical art across a variety of media. In February, explore Art of the U.S.: American Stories/American Myths, a reinstalled gallery that examines pivotal moments in U.S. history. From iconic depictions of early American history to critical reflections on the Civil War, the gallery offers a thought-provoking look at how art has both reflected and influenced our country’s evolving story.

Also on view is Art of the Andes, a captivating collection of ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and carvings from ancient Andean cultures. Featured works include ceramics from the Nasca and Moche civilizations and distinctive whistling vessels from the Chancay culture.

After exploring the galleries, recharge at the Nasher Café, where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients take center stage in a relaxed setting with views of the museum’s sculpture garden. Warm up with a cappuccino or Americano — the perfect pairing for a chilly February day.

 

Tuck yourself away in the luxurious Fairview Dining Room for afternoon tea.  Photography courtesy of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

Local Accommodations

Treat Yourself to Tea and Cozy Relaxation

When you’re ready to unwind, the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club awaits. Set on 300 acres of towering pines and stately hardwoods, the elegant estate, reminiscent of an English country house, is just a short stroll from the iconic Duke Chapel. Since its opening in 1988, the inn has honored the legacy of Washington Duke, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist in the region’s history. Recent renovations in 2024 have elevated the guest experience, with enhanced specialty suites and a completely reimagined Fairview Dining Room.

Presidential Suite at the Washington Duke Inn

If you want to linger longer on campus, book a night or two at the Washington Duke Inn. Photography courtesy of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

“The renovation has been extremely well received,” says Daniel Lotz, general manager of Washington Duke Inn. “Guests come here to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Duke, whether it’s on the golf course or relaxing on our outdoor terraces, which offer stunning views of Duke Forest and the golf course throughout the year, including in February.”

With 271 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, the inn creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for winter relaxation. On chilly afternoons, guests can warm up in the Fairview Dining Room with afternoon tea service, offered Thursday through Sunday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Reservations are required, so be sure to secure your spot to enjoy house-made scones, delicate tea sandwiches, and a selection of fine teas like ginger peach and blueberry hibiscus.

 

Students play in greenspaces on Duke's Campus

Take advantage of the first few warm(er) days and lingering daylight in greenspaces throughout Duke’s campus. photograph by Jared Lazerus

Peaceful Retreats

Explore Quiet Corners for Reflection

As winter settles over Durham, Duke’s campus offers several spaces for quiet reflection, each providing a chance to pause and reconnect. At Duke Divinity School, Goodson Chapel is one such place. With its 300-seat capacity, the chapel feels both intimate and expansive, its 55-foot-high ceilings creating a calm, open atmosphere. Adjacent to the Goodson organ loft, the Jones Prayer Room offers a more private setting for prayer and reflection.

For a more active form of reflection, the Al Buehler Trail offers a restorative way to connect with nature. This nearly three-mile trail winds through wooded areas, with quiet spots that invite visitors to pause and reflect. While popular with runners and walkers, the trail’s seclusion makes it easy to find a calm spot.

Wandering along tree-lined paths, exploring peaceful trails, or taking in the quiet beauty of historic architecture — where will you begin your winter visit to Duke campus? Whether you have a few hours to explore or an entire afternoon, the tranquility of the season invites you to unwind and discover the campus at your own pace.

 

Go Duke

Cameron Indoor Stadium

If you’re ready to ramp it up, head to Cameron Indoor Stadium, home of Duke’s legendary men’s basketball team. Built in 1939, the stadium has seen its fair share of unforgettable moments, from buzzer-beaters to fierce rivalries. With just 9,314 seats, the venue packs in passionate fans, creating an electric atmosphere unlike any other. Feel the energy as the Cameron Crazies fill the bleachers, bringing the stadium to life with every cheer, chant, and coordinated display. February 2025 games at the stadium include a showdown with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on February 1 and a highly anticipated matchup against Stanford University on February 15. Whether you’re watching a heated rivalry or simply soaking in the rich tradition, you’ll be part of something special.

This story was published on Jan 15, 2025

Tamiya Anderson

Tamiya Anderson is a Concord-based writer and former Our State intern who is proud to call The Tar Heel State home.