Possibly the most elegant and luxurious inn you will ever stay in, the KDI is a charming mix of cool, contemporary decor and historic stature.
Luxuriant linens, lavish decor and quiet sitting rooms provide the perfect place to unwind after a day of traveling. This large inn showcases contemporary lines while still maintaining a restful, cozy feel. Think modern spa meets southern mansion.
Take advantage of the inn’s sitting room—the perfect spot
for an evening chat with friends, or a game of cards at one of the intimate
tables. A sunny sitting room at the end of the main hall provides a place to
lounge, do some afternoon reading, or enjoy your morning coffee. Spa-inspired
comfort and modern amenities give the inn a fresh feel, but you will find
plenty of the timeless accents you would expect to find in a southern inn.
(The owners’ story: While working on their master’s
degrees at Duke, Deanna and Colin found themselves living across the street
from one another. Both were renovating historic homes, and the ensuing love
affair produced a marriage, which in turn produced a partnership to renovate
and run the King’s Daughters Inn.)
After
checking in, you’ll want to stretch your legs.
After dinner, tool around the area on the inn's complimentary Flying Pigeon bicycles; it's a great way to explore the Trinity Park neighborhood and adjacent Duke Campus. Finally, relax in the parlor with a nightcap of your choice.
Breakfast at the inn begins with a lavish display of self-serve fresh fruit, scones and other appetizers, followed by a made-to-order entrée ranging from eggs to waffles, as you like. Southern flavor permeates with sides of cheese grits and decadent peach preserves.
Deanna's made-to-order breakfasts are based on her mother's tried-and-true recipes; try the house blend of toasted oatmeal over yogurt! You'll feel as pampered as Miss Daisy, just short of a chauffeur to accompany you on your roadtrip!
After enjoying a full breakfast, walk the shady Trinity Park neighborhood behind the inn
and admire the handsome examples of turn-of-the-century architecture, ranging
from craftsman bungalow to neo-classic.
Dente molding and wide porches grace
the front of the stately, well-maintained homes that once housed Duke’s fine
faculty families.
Though
the Craftsman details will certainly impress you, be sure to take note of the
oak canopy overhead. The shade you enjoy today was provided by a 1930s Works Progress Administration planting
project.
www.durham-nc.com
The city of Durham was founded in the 1850s, flourishing as a tobacco and textile town.
It's red brick buildings sprawl along the North Carolina railroad tracks that still traverse the city's center.
Though
the downtown suffered a long period of decline, visitors today will enjoy the
clean, modern historic center of this southern town. With the youthful energy
of Duke University nearby, Durham’s downtown
is celebrating a new start with swanky markets, restaurants and cafes
inhabiting its architecturally stunning old brick factories and warehouses. Brightleaf Square and the Peabody Place shopping district (take a
quick stroll through Morgan Imports) are only a short walk from the KDI.
Walking along Main Street, you will find that Durham’s downtown is alive and
well—a beautiful blend of modern high-rise and reclaimed brick buildings.
Grab a
Chai Tea, frapped (or other specialty coffee) at the happenin’ hotspot Beyú Caffé. Come back for the evening
jazz if it fits your schedule. www.beyucaffe.com
A
short walk down Corcorani Street will lead you to the American Tobacco Campus, a fabulous renovation and repurposing of
century-old tobacco warehouses.
At anytime, catch the free “Bull City Connector” bus and enjoy the downtown route which loops back around to Duke Campus.
SARAH P. DUKE GARDENS
(on the West Campus of Duke University)
The gardens, 55 acres of well landscaped and
maintained flower beds, terraces and lawns, provide the perfect setting for a
picnic.
Walk the paths and enjoy fountains, bridges, pergolas and a wide variety of flowers and plants.
Experience a special part of Duke family history and a grand celebration of nature.
Experience a special part of Duke family history and a grand celebration of nature.
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