Settled among 300 acres of pines and hardwood trees, the newly renovated Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club evokes a welcome as ahh-inducing as the manicured greens on which the property sits. Outside, the gracious entry is framed by locally quarried Duke stone, used exclusively by the university.
Enjoy thoughtfully crafted menus, gracious intuitive hospitality, and everything Durham has to offer with upscale accommodations at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, centrally located on Duke University’s campus.
The Washington Duke Inn is a well-appointed, elegant escape just 10 minutes from downtown Durham — and what else would you expect in a world-famous tobacco town turned modern Southern city? The Inn first opened its doors more than 30 years ago to serve the needs of Duke University and Durham’s growth as an innovation capital. Today, the hotel’s grounds have become known for much more, serving as the perfect home base for those exploring the beautiful campus, thrilling food scene, and welcoming shops of the Bull City.
We certainly won’t blame you if you never leave the grounds (or your cozy room!) and there’s plenty of Inn programing to keep you busy, from the Be Our Guest Bartender series, Flashback Flicks Outdoor Movie series, and the expert driven Dive into Durham Masterclass series. In addition to these limited run programs, the Inn offers a robust calendar of ticketed events, including Weston Farms Make Your Own Magnolia Bouquet class and the Vive la Vigne Wine Dinner. Ready to go further afield? Check out our itinerary to plan an unforgettable weekend in Durham.
Check in to the Washington Duke Inn: Treat yourself to a stay at the upscale hotel located on Duke University’s campus.
The newly renovated Washington Duke Inn offers a gracious and comfortable stay, where history and heritage are highlighted in a stunning transformation throughout the Lobby, restaurants, specialty suites, event spaces, and outdoor dining terraces. The 271-room Inn pays homage to Washington Duke, the tobacco tycoon for whom the hotel, university, and forest are all named. Duke family artifacts and photographs dot the hallways, and inviting guestrooms are appointed with elegant furnishings. The best part? All guestrooms and suites have stunning views of the golf course, beautifully landscaped grounds, or Duke Forest.
Stroll the Al Buehler Trail: Once you’re settled in, leave your bags behind and get acquainted with the grounds. Surrounding the Washington Duke Inn, the Al Buehler Trail is a three-mile walking/jogging trail that meanders through Duke Forest and offers breathtaking views of Duke Golf Course. For guests strolling with their pup, walk the loop in a clockwise direction, opposite the navy-blue signposts, and you’ll encounter a small bridge. Upon crossing, you can take a left to add on the Sally Meyerhoff fitness loop, which is about another 3/4-mile with a variety of exercise stations along the way to enhance your hike.
The back of the Inn features covered terraces, equipped with heaters and fans, perfect for year round outdoor dining. Photography courtesy of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Cool down at the pool: After sightseeing, unwind with a soothing soak in the hot tub or a swim in the indoor pool. Guests also enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including a freshly updated fitness center and the adjacent Duke Faculty Club. The club features four pools surrounded by a spacious deck with lounge chairs, shaded areas, and a playground — a comfortable place to relax or let the kids burn off energy. You might also catch local favorites like Buoy Bowls or Kona Ice parked nearby during the day, serving up acai bowls, shaved ice, and other treats for a fun mid-day pick-me-up.
Have a bite on-site: Settle in for an elevated dinner at one of the Washington Duke Inn’s on-site restaurants, the award-winning AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room, where, on Fridays and Saturdays, dinner is accompanied by a live pianist. The restaurant opens to a sun-splashed terrace for al fresco dining, and newly reimagined indoor seating features a view of the golf course. Try classics like the Duke of Crabcake, Shrimp and Grits, or the sweet-tea-brined Chesire Pork Collar with maple glazed yams, Alabama white sauce, and peanut gremolata. Just don’t forget dessert — the vanilla chai torte is a must-try. If you’re looking for something more casual, visit the beloved Bull Durham Bar and cozy up by the indoor or outdoor fireplace, which is located on the newly renovated four-season upper terrace, and savor the hearty Bull Durham Burger or a bowl of the famous WaDuke Chowder.
A perfect moment of calm, enjoy a drink and the best view in Durham overlooking the golf course. Photography courtesy of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Enjoy breakfast with a view: Pine-shadowed fairways and lushly landscaped grounds are the breakfast backdrop at the Washington Duke Inn’s beautifully updated Vista Restaurant. Before a full day of explorations, hop on the elevator and head to the main floor for a buffet-style or à la carte meal — including a build-your-own omelet station, Belgian waffles, and smoked salmon tartine. For something sweeter, try the acai smoothie bowl or vanilla yogurt parfait topped with an apple-cranberry compote, pecan streusel, and honey.
Work on your swing at Duke University Golf Course or at the practice range. photograph by Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Hit the links — or lounge in an Adirondack chair: The Duke University Golf Course’s traditional “parkland” design allows for short walks between the greens and features fairways framed by groves of tall pines and hardwoods. The 30-station practice range with seven target greens is open to the public — just book your tee time in advance with the Golf Shop. If you haven’t perfected your swing (or don’t plan to!), settle into an Adirondack chair overlooking the greens and toast to a perfect weekend. Or, if you’re an early riser, catch a morning yoga session in the summer at the Washington Duke Inn’s outdoor sun deck adjacent to the pool.
Get a caffeine boost: After some outdoor activity, it’s time to fuel up. Head out and explore the area with a stop at Foster Street Coffee for a latte and a croissant just a short drive away in Durham’s nearby Central Park District. This pet-friendly shop offers coffee flavors from around the world.
Explore the shops and restaurants at Brightleaf Square. photograph by zimmytws/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Hit the shops in the Bull City: With drink in hand, it’s time to find yourself a souvenir (or two) to remember your getaway. Start browsing in the American Tobacco Campus district, where you can pop into Parker Paper Company for stationery and gifts. When looking for the latest fashions, head just down the street to Vert & Vogue offering a showcase for lesser-known designers. If you are excited about the slow fashion movement, hit MODE Consignment Boutique or Rose & Lee Co. Around the corner, pick up your own living sculpture at The Zen Succulent. Or head over to Indio in Brightleaf Square, which offers a “Made in North Carolina” section with an eclectic mix of books, jewelry, candles, and other creations made by homegrown artists.
Eat like a local at Enzo’s Pizza: When your stomach starts rumbling for lunch, mosey over to this mouth-watering pizzeria — just five minutes from the Washington Duke Inn — where owners Scott Morse and Robert Giuliani set out to blend their Italian roots with their New York and Columbus, Ohio, childhoods to create the ultimate pizza. Order specialty pies like the Loaded Pep and Cheese and you’ll see why this pizza joint is a favorite of Duke students, faculty, and families in the Durham community.
Admire the blooms and stroll the grounds at Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Photography courtesy of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Smell the roses at Sarah P. Duke Gardens: After lunch, take in the beauty and blooms at Sarah P. Duke Gardens. More than five miles of paths and trails wind through the garden’s 55 acres, including the Historic Gardens, the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, and Doris Duke Center Gardens. Seasonally, music fills the air with a free concert series, Music in the Gardens, taking place on the lawn behind the Doris Duke Center. Plan to pack a big blanket — and save enough energy to jam out to local bands and musicians.
Eat dinner at Durham Food Hall: For a true taste of the Bull City (that will satisfy everyone in your party), grab a table at this must-visit food mecca for dinner, which is home to a diverse mix of dining and drink concepts in downtown Durham. Indulge in the latest handheld trend, the crunchwrap, at Ex-Voto, sample roasted oysters with a rotating menu of compound butters at Locals Seafood Restaurant or try an after-dinner treat at Little Barb’s Bakery. If the s’mores pop tart from Barbs isn’t enough, head to The Parlour about five minutes away for homemade ice cream.
Take in the wonders of the Durham night sky: Peaceful stargazing is the perfect way to end a busy day. Each Saturday from March through November, guests staying and dining at the Washington Duke Inn can explore the skies with the help of experts from the Chapel Hill Astronomical & Observations Society. The activity takes place off the Fairview Dining Room patio, where attendees can engage one-on-one with the CHAOS astronomers to ask questions and view constellations through a telescope.
Sip and see at the Nasher Museum of Art: After sleeping in and checking out at noon, finish off your weekend on a high note with a visit to this local landmark on the west side of Duke’s campus, the home of a groundbreaking collection of contemporary art. One exhibit you won’t want to miss: “Everything Now All at Once,” showcases the iconic works in the museum’s collection in honor of its twentieth anniversary. (Tip: Find your spot on the outdoor patio between noon and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, and dig into an assortment of Benedicts, huevos rancheros, or citrus brioche French toast.)
End your journey at the Boxcar Bar + Arcade: When Boxcar owner Jerrad Bement opened this bar arcade in 2014 — with more than 70 vintage and modern arcade games, food and drinks, and a 7,000-square-foot outdoor patio and gaming area — he ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy. Sling air-hockey pucks across tables with your travel companion, play a few rounds of foosball or guide Pac-Man to gobble up dots. After working up an appetite, make your way inside the main bar and order up an artisan pizza and homemade soft pretzel — the perfect bite to end your getaway.
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