We Love Durham NC

Durham Gas Prices

We had so much fun going to the dump this morning that we went twice. Since the dump is on the extreme other side of Durham, I had a nice overview of gas prices across town. At one point I saw $3.65 and thought to stop for a fill-up (most other places on my route were 3.75 or 3.77), but by the time I did, the memo had gone out and the price had been adjusted up to $3.75. I’m still trying to figure out which day has the lowest rates… do they think you’ll fill up before the weekend or right after? Meanwhile, Gas Buddy confirms that a Costco membership is worth it.

Mapleview Ice Cream in Durham

Broad Street Cafe has significantly expanded their menu. My eyes focused directly on the addition of Mapleview Ice Cream.

Durham Arts Summer Camp

The Durham Arts Council has added two new summer programs: the Preschool Arts Camp (ages 3-4) and the Teen Arts Institute. Check out the full schedule here [PDF].

Regularly updated list of summer camps in Durham here.

No Voting Lines

I expected to see that very few people had voted in my precinct, because, as usual, there were no lines. The time from address verification to “I Voted” sticker was maybe 3 minutes. But looking at the counts and results this morning, I see that 45%+ of my neighbors voted. Nice turnout, and nice job with keeping people moving through the process!

Food at Morning Star Coffee, Soon

The Girl and I stopped into Morning Star Gourmet Coffee Shop for a quick lunch. The couches are gone in favor of padded booths, and the play area is gone (though some of it remains scattered on the stage). Wifi was still pending.

Coffee and tea offerings are the same. Baked goods are provided by Sweet Jane’s.

One of The Picnic Basket locations is housed in the kitchen, and reportedly will provide sandwiches and other lunchtime fare, soon, but no firm date on that. Their menu promises to make this a great addition to the lunchtime offerings on that part of University Drive.

Taqueria la Vaquita

When we stopped at the Taqueria la Vaquita on Chapel Hill Street (yes, the one with the cow) for some fast food this weekend, the Girl broke the “don’t order chicken at the seafood restaurant” rule of restaurant dining by insisting on a hot dog. We discovered that the hot dog is not a kid menu item, being smothered with ketchup, mustard, onions, red (bell) peppers, and jalapenos. She opted for a PB&J at home. (It was really tasty, even if scorchingly spicy, and reminded me of old Wienerschnitzel days.)

The chicken zincronizadas with two dip sides… mole and green salsa I think… might be my new favorite.

Smart Commute Challenge

These Larry videos are funny. You can make a pledge to reduce the amount of time you are driving, in favor of biking, TTA, carpooling, or telecommuting.

Where to Vote in Durham

Are you ready to vote?
Find out where your precinct voting location is here.

And find out what precinct you are in by entering information here.

Sample ballots here.

Vote tomorrow, Tuesday 5/6!

Recycle Yogurt Cups

Here’s an opportunity to recycle your yogurt cups, juice pouches, and energy bar wrappers AND help the science museum animals.

Justin Roberts

Justin Roberts and Liam Davis sang the national anthem at last Tuesday’s Durham Bulls game. They happily reported that the Bulls won!

At Saturday’s Artscenter (Carrboro) concert, they wore their new Bulls jerseys to perform songs from their new album Pop Fly, as well as some old favorites like I Lost The Tooth, Cartwheels, and Willly was a Whale. The concert wrapped up the last of the Artscenter’s SuperFun series for the season.

After the concert, Justin took time to talk with each kid during the autograph signing. The boy was thrilled to get his Pop Fly liner notes signed, and to catch Liam outside for a High-5! Baseball jersey t-shirts were provided by CDBaby Live Sales, and were made by American Apparel in the USA.

Pictures from the Strawberry Festival

Magic Mushroom

Josh Lozoff is providing tableside magic at the Mellow Mushroom at American Tobacco in Downtown Durham on Fridays from 7-9pm. We just missed it tonight, though I will say the Funky Chicken (the Durham location special combo–jerk chicken, sausage, and onions on a pesto base) has its own magic going on.

Signs report that the river running through ATC is filled with reclaimed water. We wondered what that meant.

Coffee Shop Reopens

I hear the old Sips coffee shop in Rockwood on University Drive has reopened with new owners. The Sips sign is still outside, but it has a new name, Morning Star Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co. Sounds like it’s still a kid-friendly spot, with juices, snacks, and storytime, in addition to coffee, bubble teas, etc. for the adults.