Planning a weekend in Durham? Leave the car keys at home and take Amtrak into The Bull City. A gasless weekend means skipping gas stations, parking hassles, and highway traffic while enjoying downtown restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
Make Morehead Manor Bed & Breakfast your home base, where a homemade breakfast starts each morning. We’ve put together a three-day itinerary featuring some of our favorite Durham spots and tips for getting around.
Can You Visit Durham, NC Without a Car?
Absolutely! Downtown Durham is easy to explore on foot, especially when you stay nearby. Our historic inn in the Morehead Hill neighborhood is about a 10–15-minute walk from DPAC and the American Tobacco Campus. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment throughout downtown.
For places farther away, GoDurham buses connect downtown with surrounding neighborhoods. Uber and Lyft are also convenient for longer trips or returning to the manor after an evening out.
Not sure how to get somewhere? Ask us! We’re always happy to share local tips and help you make the most of your gasless weekend.
How Do You Get to Durham by Amtrak?
Taking Amtrak to Durham, NC, is convenient thanks to the Piedmont and Carolinian routes. Both connect Durham with Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, Charlotte, and other cities. The Carolinian also serves Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Trains arrive at Durham Amtrak Station, 601 W. Main Street. From there, it’s a short rideshare to Morehead Manor. Check Amtrak schedules and consider arriving Friday afternoon.
Our regular check-in hours are 3–6pm. Please contact us in advance if your train arrives outside those hours.
Your 3-Day Gasless Weekend Itinerary in Durham
Here’s how we’d spend Friday through Sunday. Choose your favorite stops and leave room to enjoy Durham at your own pace.
Friday: Arrive, Settle In, and Enjoy Downtown
Afternoon: After arriving by train, check in at Morehead Manor, unpack, and look around our historic house. Enjoy a little downtime before heading downtown.
Evening: Start with dinner at NanaSteak, one of our date-night recommendations beside DPAC. Then catch a Broadway show, concert, or comedy performance at DPAC or the Carolina Theatre. Prefer something quieter? Stroll through the historic American Tobacco Campus before returning to the manor for a cozy evening. Rest up for Saturday!
Saturday: Explore The Bull City Your Way
Morning: Enjoy our homemade breakfast, then visit the Durham Farmers’ Market at Durham Central Park. Browse produce, baked goods, and handmade finds before heading to historic Brightleaf Square for shopping and coffee.
Afternoon: For lunch, try Parker & Otis for sandwiches or Press Coffee, Crêpes & Cocktails for crêpes. Both are at the American Tobacco Campus. You’ll find more options in our Durham lunch guide. Then leave your afternoon open for whatever catches your interest.
Evening: Return to Morehead Manor to rest before another downtown dinner. Catch live music or a Durham Bulls game during baseball season, and save room for ice cream at The Parlour.
Sunday: Enjoy One Last Slow Morning
Morning: Ease into your final day with a homemade breakfast and coffee in our dining room. Spend time in the garden or squeeze in a friendly game of bocce before packing up.
Checkout is at 11am, so choose your return train accordingly. Then relax on the ride home, with no highway traffic ahead.
Choose Your Adventure in Downtown Durham
Want to make your weekend in Durham your own? We’ve got a few ideas for different interests and travel styles, whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends, or on your own.
- Foodies: Try a Taste Carolina walking food tour or a Flavors of the Bull outing. Book ahead, and plan lunch around any included tastings.
- Couples: Browse shops, share dessert, and enjoy a walk without an agenda.
- Friends: Let everyone pick a downtown stop, then compare favorite finds.
- Solo travelers: Bring a book or journal to a local coffee shop.
- Culture seekers: Visit the free contemporary art galleries at 21c Museum Hotel.
You don’t need to fit everything into one trip. We’re happy to suggest our other favorite Durham attractions, dining, and shopping when you arrive.
Fun Gasless Weekend Ideas
Who says a weekend without a car has to be boring? Add a little friendly competition or something unexpected to your Durham getaway with these ideas:
- Create a Durham photo scavenger hunt. Capture murals, historic buildings, local food, and favorite moments at Morehead Manor.
- Plan a mystery dinner. Let each traveler choose a course, a dessert stop, or an evening activity.
- Bring a travel journal. Use your train ride to write, reflect, or record your favorite discoveries.
Planning a couple’s getaway or friends’ reunion? Keep the schedule flexible and enjoy more time together without anyone worrying about the drive.
Plan Your Gasless Weekend at Morehead Manor
A weekend in Durham doesn’t need a full gas tank or hours behind the wheel. Here at Morehead Manor, you’ll find five comfortable guest rooms, homemade breakfasts, and plenty of local recommendations to help you enjoy The Bull City.
Ready to leave the driving behind? Reserve your stay directly with us, pack your weekend bag, and start planning your gasless getaway in Durham!
Photo Credit: © SeanPavonePhoto from Getty Images via canva.com, © Laser1987 from Getty Images via canva.com, © MilosStankovic from Getty Images Signature via canva.com
