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Durham, New Hampshire
by Tina Coruth

Durham is an old settlement that played a big roll in the shipbuilding industry on which Colonial New Hampshire thrived. It also suffered the Oyster River Massacre of 1694, the worst French and Indian attack on settlers during King Williams War. Today, Durham is home to the University of New Hampshire (UNH). During the school year, UNH offers a wide variety of sporting events and cultural activities.

The Downeaster stops at the unmanned Durham-UNH train station on weekends as well as some Monday holidays during the academic year only. Transportation via Wildcat Transit (603) 862-2328 is available Tuesday through Thursday from the Dover station. Located in the heart of Durham on Depot Road, the station is comprised of a covered platform and a Richardson-style railroad station building, which houses the University-operated Dairy Bar and Restaurant (603) 862-1006. The building is an historic landmark noted in the book "Great American Railroad Stations." Call the main office of the Downeaster at (800) 872-7245 for Durham-UNH station scheduling information.

Adjacent to the Durham-UNH Rail Station, the Whittemore Center Arena hosts a broad range of events. Riverdance, Bill Cosby, UNH Wildcats Hockey, Monster Trucks, the Seacoast Flower Show, and Dave Matthews comprise a small sampling of past events and performers. Contact the Whittemore Center for more information. (603) 862-1379

The Paul Creative Arts Center at 30 College Road is the heart of cultural expression at UNH. The Art Gallery (603) 862-3712, which is opened from September until May has a permanent collection of 1500 works. Lectures, poetry readings, and demonstrations are offered, most of which are free of charge. The Music Department (603) 862-2404 offers student performances and a faculty concert series, usually free of charge. Finally, the UNH Department of Theater and Dance (603) 862-2150 features student plays, concerts, musicals, and many other creative theater arts. Check out their calendar of events.

Summertime events sponsored by the Durham MainStreet Program, (603) 868-3322, include downtown concerts at the Amphitheater Stage on Mill Road Plaza and the annual Young Artists Showcase. Young people from all over New England will entertain the public, free of charge, as Main Street is turned into an entertainment oasis.

One drawback to finding accommodations and fine dining is the lack of public transportation. Taxi service is a bit expensive since it is provided by out of town taxi businesses. The cost of a two mile ride from the train station to the Three Chimneys Inn will run about $9.00. For taxi service, call the Sunshine Taxi (603) 431-4555 or the Blue Star Taxi (603) 436-2774.

Steeped in history, the Three Chimneys Inn 17 Newmarket Road (888)-399-9777, is the oldest building in Durham. Constructed in 1649, the Mansion and Carriage house offer many amenities and Colonial cuisine in a picturesque, woodsy surrounding. Located on a hill overlooking the Oyster River, the Inn is the perfect starting point for a walk into colonial history featuring sites of the mills and sawmills that provided timber for the shipbuilding industry, as well as cut wood for the woodworking industry. Also found along the way is the Town Cemetery with headstones dating back to the 1600s.

Accommodations for the more budget minded can be found at Holly House Bed and Breakfast, 119 Madbury Road Durham (603) 868-7345, which has two guest rooms and Deweys' Hannah House Bed and Breakfast 191 Packers Falls Road Durham (603) 659-5500, which has five guest rooms.

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And for those who are seeking outdoor adventures in New Hampshire, New Hampshire Outdoors offers lots of options.