Budget-Friendly Deals in Durham

• Immerse yourself in art. North Carolina Central University Art Museum has one of the leading collections of African-American art in the southeast and is open to the public daily with free admission. 21c Museum features permanent contemporary art installations by both emerging and established artists in the region—and it's free to visit. The Nasher Museum of Art has free general admission all day every Thursday and is a great way to spend a few hours without spending a dime.
• Where industry, history and culture collide. The Golden Belt, once a textile mill, is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been transformed into complex of apartments, galleries, studios, event spaces and more. The galleries are open to the public every third-Friday and are free to explore. American Tobacco, the former home of the Lucky Strike cigarette factory, has been transformed into a giant entertainment district with free events, art shows, concerts and more. Finally, plan a visit to Historic Stagville, once one of the largest plantations in the South, now offering free tours daily.