Soon to open Black Twig Cider House recognized as a “a truly Basque 'txotx'”

“As far as I know, it will be the first restaurant in the US where you will get up from the table to fill your glass directly from the barrel, the same way it's done in the Basque Country,”

-"A Basque style cider house in North Carolina will serve fast casual dining and “a truly Basque 'txotx'” Staff, euskalkultura.com

Durham recognized as one of the state's most attractive urban landscapes

"Durham is adapting to popular culture by welcoming funky hotels, hip lounges serving craft cocktails, and small boutiques that are quickly filling up the once-abandoned streets."

-"7 Reasons to Visit Durham, North Carolina" David Duran, Fodor's

Durham recognized for its annual events and festivals

"Durham has several events and festivals each year, which will keep you entertained during your stay in the city. Apart from cultural expos, art exhibitions, and jazz festivals, Durham is home to the annual Bull Durham Blues Festival. This two-day festival in September celebrates blues music with a line-up of international and national artists."

—"Hipmunk Hotels: Unique Events and Festivals inthe Deep South from Durham to Chattanooga"Joey Thompson, Hipmunk

Fortune recognized 5 Tech Startups to Watch in Durham, N.C.

“The old tobacco town of Durham is ablaze with tech know-how, home to companies large (IBM IBM 0.30% , EMC EMC 0.34% ) and small. Many are part of ­American ­Underground, a community by the former campus of the ­American ­Tobacco Co.”

—"5 Tech Startups to Watch in Durham, N.C." Richard Morgan, Fortune

Durham recognized for addressing diversity problems in the start-up sector

"Of the companies to come out of American Underground in 2015, for instance, about 30 percent are led by women and 22 percent are led by minorities. That’s significantly higher than most (admittedly fuzzy and tech-focused) estimates elsewhere for either group, which put the share of female-led ventures below 20 percent and the share of minority led-ventures below 10 percent." 

— "Is a Different Kind of Silicon Valley Possible?" Gillian B. White, The Atlantic

Silicon Valley tech workers relocate to Durham for lifestyle benefits

“When it’s time to raise a family, Durham, North Carolina, and Huntsville, Alabama are among the top cities for technology jobs and both have significantly lower costs of living than Silicon Valley.”

—"3 Reasons Tech Workers Are Fleeing Silicon Valley" John Boutnott, Entrepreneur

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club recognized for its maximum luxury

"Arriving at Durham’s Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club feels like the end of a fairy tale, or maybe a game of “Dungeons & Dragons”: If you make it safely through the (Duke) forest, you are greeted at the castle’s entrance by a pair of alabaster lions, friendly ones. They wear wreaths around their necks; a small child is climbing on the back of one of them. Smiling valets usher you inside, where you will enjoy meat and grog."

— "Guests Get The Royal Treatment at The Washington Duke Inn" Wendy Brenner, Our State

The Economist recognizes Durham's success as a city

"Nuvotronics is part of a cluster of high-tech firms that has increased Durham’s GDP per-person by 28% since 2001. By the same measure, North Carolina as a whole grew by just 3% over the same period. Durham’s success reflects an emerging trend: high-flying cities, and the successful firms they contain, are detaching from the rest of the economy."

—"America’s most successful cities, states and firms are leaving the rest behind" Economist

Picnic recognized as "Next Generation 'Que"

“Hundreds of roadside barbecue joints dot the highways intersecting the heart of North Carolina, where pork is king and tomato, and vinegar-based barbecue sauces rule the day. In February, pitmaster Wyatt Dickson, Chef Ben Adams, and farmer Ryan Butler launched the newest addition to the North Carolina BBQ Trail, with their new and much-anticipated barbecue joint, Picnic, in Durham.”

—"NEXT GENERATION ‘CUE AT PICNIC" Staff, The Local Palate

Big Spoon Roasters recognized by Teen Vogue for their nut butter bars

“Most commercial nut butters are made with hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are why it’s best to go with brands like Big Spoon Roasters, whose products not only taste fantastic, but are actually good for you.” 

—"Energy bars better than Starbucks" Teen Vogue

Durham recognized as perfect balance between a small-town feel with big-city conveniences

"Thanks to its proud and diverse residents and their tendency for tapping into North Carolina’s heritage to inspire the Durham of today, the city has become a progressive hub for new and exciting traditions in food, art, and entertainment, all with the past in mind."

—"DURHAM, NC CITY GUIDE" Sabrina Smelko, Design Sponge

Durham recognized for its beautiful parks

“As one of the most popular cities in the state, Durham NC has become well-known for its perfect blend of city and small town life. Although the population is over 250,000 people, Durham has been able to maintain the close-knit feel that many people love. If there’s one way residents love to get out and enjoy their city, it’s by spending time at local parks.” 

—"The 5 Most Beautiful Parks In Durham NC" Camille Moore, Hously.com