2023-Shop-Durham-Cards

WELCOME TO
BEST OF THE BULL

Best of the Bull is the leading source for explorers to find the best things to do, places to eat, drink, and see in Durham. One of our main goals at Best of the Bull is to inspire people to get out and explore Durham more, try new things, be spontaneous, and embrace the day.

We launched Best of the Bull in 2015 with nothing more than a love for the great city of Durham and its unique local businesses. It’s our hope that we can help build a better and more connected local community. (Be sure to check out our Shop Durham program that scores you free stuff and discounts at local businesses!)

MEET THE TEAM

Katelyn Belch

Founder

Fueled by a passion for adventure and frustrated by the void of a reliable source to find great things to do, I started Best of the Bull to keep track of the best experiences in Durham.

Most days, you'll find me chasing our toddler around, snapping photos of my favorite spots around Durham -- or selling a house or two. (Yep, I own a real estate company too!) I’m by no means an expert on most things discussed here (with the exception of chocolate and coffee perhaps). Thanks for being here, I hope you enjoy the journey and discover something about the city that is new to you.

Tony Belch

Founder

I’m a Durham native and have loved watching this city transform. One of the things I enjoy most about Durham is the diverse population that creates such a wonderful mix of art, culture, and perspectives. I almost feel as if Durham and myself “grew up” together as when I was younger Durham was just beginning to find its niche between Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Over the years with the expansion of the American Tobacco campus and WONDERFUL local business, Durham has become such a wonderful place to work and live.

Most days you will find me working at Duke University or doing my best to keep up with my entrepreneurial wife and energetic son! We hope you enjoy BOTB as much as we enjoy doing it.

CONTRIBUTORS

Melanie Ray
Hi Bull City! @Melny here. I grew up down the road in Cary and graduated from NCSU. After a time or two around the globe, I'm back to my NC roots and am slowly making Durham home. I'm a pediatric nurse and can typically be found with my fluffy dog who looks like a muppet, hiking a trail, or baking and creating in my kitchen. I love whiskey and believe the world needs a whole lot more kindness, humor, and ice cream. Happy to be here!
Tori Partin
Tori Partin is a barista in downtown Durham and freelance social media consultant. She spends most of her free time listening to true crime podcasts, drinking a lot of coffee, and trying to pet all the dogs.
Gabriel Guillory
I’m a freelance content writer and musician who is fueled by equal parts coffee, eclectic local menus, and the outdoors. I moved to the Bull City in the summer of 2015, having spent my whole life as a Louisiana native. Brick by brick, I’ve fallen in love with Durham’s entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to art, down-and-dirty nightlife, world-class food, and social diversity. When I’m not fumbling around with words and ideas, you can find me on a local hiking trail with my pack of five dogs or downtown catching a live band or pop-up dance party.
Nicole Coscolluela
Even though I am a relative newbie to North Carolina, I have come to greatly appreciate everything the state and the Triangle has to offer! Not only did the friendliness surprise me (I’m from New Jersey where most people are not) but the support for local products and family-owned businesses became something I respected and admired. As an archaeologist and public historian, I eventually became familiar with Durham’s history, which is a large part of how I came to really love the city. It is gritty, a little rough, and very diverse. When I’m not working, you can catch me doing yoga (points to you if you recognize me and can guess where) and eating and drinking my way around town. I have a weakness for pastries and baked goods so there is a good chance you can spot me at one of the local bakeries.
Annick Lenoir-Peek
Ten years ago, I took a job I love as an attorney in downtown Durham. Watching Durham grow as an exciting and vibrant city has been a joy. I especially love sharing my favorite local haunts with others. There is so much to do in Durham that I feel everyone should be let in on our little secret! Visit The Common Traveler for more travel tips for Durham and beyond.
Sarah Lasseter
A Virginia native and a UNC grad, I found my way to Durham in 2013 after returning from two years in the Peace Corps in West Africa. Now I work as a high school science teacher in RTP. Next to running, exploring Durham is my favorite hobby! My husband and I fill our weekends stalking food trucks, bouncing around breweries, and patronizing new eateries.

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