There's a reason Durham, N.C. has a reputation as one of the best places to work, live, and play. Its award-winning performing arts, lively nightlife, shopping opportunities, historical sight-seeing, and endless outdoor activities make the city of 280,000 an exciting destination for people all over the world.

Today Durham is a cultural and diverse area, but it has a harsh history. Before the Civil War, it was home to the largest plantation in the South. Stagville had over 30,000 acres and 900 slaves. Tour the grounds, where you can explore 18th and 19th-century homes, walk through slave quarters, and learn about their lives and struggles.

Another historical site to visit is Bennett Place. This is where the Civil War ended, after the highest number of Confederate soldiers laid down arms. Led by Joseph E. Johnson, troops surrendered across Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Today, it's a museum with historical structures, re-enactments, and a theater. There's also the Everett-Thissen Research Library, which houses over 1,000 Civil War-era books.

Duke University is one of the top colleges in the United States. It's full of history and lemurs. Yes, lemurs! The college's Lemur Center is the most extensive collection of these endangered primates outside of their native country, Madagascar. They run guided tours daily, but you have to book in advance. Duke University is also home to The Nasher, which has over 10,000 works of art inside. There are four permanent collections, including pre-Columbian art from the Americas, Medieval art, classical art, and contemporary art with a focus on the African diaspora.

If you want to make your own art, take some photographs at the Eno River. This park has over 400 acres, including three historic buildings. Check out five miles of nature trails, including river walks. There's also an area for picnics, fishing, and kayaking. One area of interest within the park is the West Point Mill, which used to be the center of a 300-family community.

Find more renovated history in the Brightleaf Square Historic District. Durham turned two renovated tobacco warehouses into restaurants, shops, and bars. Try some fresh sushi at Mt. Fuji, traditional Mexican at Dos Perros, and Spanish favorites at Meteo Bar de Tapas. There's a lot of history and attractions packed into this city.

You'll want to take your time exploring what makes Durham unique. That's tough when all your spare time goes to chores and landscaping projects. Let LawnStarter help.

Book a landscaper on LawnStarter's easy-to-use app. Manage jobs, pay for services, and give feedback. Once you find the right landscaping company for your property, you can focus on things that are more fun. Like those awesome lemurs.