Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Food and Service Good at Elmo's Diner

We ate lunch here [Elmo's Diner] - actually my husband ate breakfast (his favorite meal at any time of the day). We had limited time to eat and were happy to find that this place had a parking lot and promised quick service. The food was very good, moderately priced, and there was a wide variety of items to choose from. We were in and out in 30 minutes and felt we had made a good choice for a quick and delicious lunch."

Visitor Impressed with King's Daughters Inn

"My husband and I arrived in Durham for his surgery at Duke a day early so we would have some time to decompress and sight-see before the big event. I had booked a room at KDI expecting to stay one night and then move to a less-expensive hotel directly across the street from the hospital. After checking out our room and the hotel location, and learning that they offer a special medical rate, I canceled our other reservation and stayed all 3 nights at KDI. Our room was luxurious and spacious, and nicely decorated with a comfortable sitting area. It had a large flat screen TV that also served as a computer monitor. And the bath was spa-like. The place was spotless. It was comfortable and quiet. The inn is across the street from the Duke campus and a very short walk from the new Bull City Connector bus - a free bus running from downtown Durham to the Duke Clinic every 15 - 20 minutes with many stops along the way. The innkeepers are gracious and helpful. The inn has 17 rooms and has the feel of a B&B but also has services you'd expect in a larger hotel."

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Alabama Visitor Describes Durham as Wonderful

"On September 17 - 19 my husband, myslef and another couple visited your city and had a wonderful time....Not only did he [a police officer] direct us to a wonderful place on 9th Street he took the time to drive there and let us follow him....Again, your city is wonderful and we enjoyed the visit and game (our purpose for the visit) very much. Duke campus is a most beautiful place."

- Elaine Martin, Visitor from Alabama

The King's Daughters Inn Pay Attention to Details

"This [The King's Daughters Inn] is a fantastic bed & breakfast located next to the Duke Campus in Durham. The attention to detail here will just amaze you. The owners and staff are professional, warm and friendly and willing to do whatever need be to make your stay here a memorable one."

- buffalogirl72, TripAdvisor

SpringHill Suites Great for Business Traveler

"The rooms [at the SpringHill Suites in Durham] are spacious and are condusive to the business traveler who appreciates space to spread out. The high speed wireless was nice to have, I appreciated the strong connection I had without being "kicked off" which I unfortunately experience a lot in hotels..."

- WesttoEastCoast, TripAdvisor

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Kudo's to DCVB on Connector Marketing

“The Bull City Connector material and promotion has been great…the billfold map looks spectacular.   Congratulations to you all, and to anyone else who helped, for making this a great launch.”
- Michael Schoenfeld, Vice President for Public Affairs and Government Relations, Duke University

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Proud Resident Lauds DCVB

“I am so proud of my hometown. Keep up the good work DCVB.”

- Elaine, Durham, NC Facebook Fan

Arrowhead Inn This Traveler's Favorite

"We stayed at several top B&B's for a two week trip but the Arrowhead Inn [in Durham, NC] was my wife's favorite."

- 1Leonidas, TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Guest Finds Doubletree Guests Suites Charming

"We stayed [at the Doubletree Guests Suites in Durham, NC]for one night to visit Duke. The hotel is great, the grounds are charming, the room was clean, the cookies were wonderful (I even purchased extra). We swam in the extra-cool indoor/outdoor pool and availed ourselves of the paddle boats on the small lake."

- mcgonagollmom, TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Customer Raves About The Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club

“[The Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club was] so plush, clean and wonderful... I LOVE this hotel. The staff was friendly, the grounds are gorgeous, room service was tasty and fast... it was GREAT! :)”

- violetcarrie, TripAdvisor

Arrowhead Inn Deemed Top Notch

“Phil & Gloria, the innkeepers [at Arrowhead Inn], were absolutely delightful and made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. The grounds are beautiful, yet whimsical, and we found a perfect spot to catch up on some reading... Our room was spacious and very comfortable, and the bed, including sheets and pillows, was top notch! The bathroom appeared to have been recently renovated, and had wonderful touches of luxury at every turn.”

- jsimmons58, TripAdvisor

Museum of Life and Science Visitor Loves it All!

“We did the train ride which was so much fun with the funniest conductor. Then off to the butterfly house which we loved and got to release lady bugs! Then it was off to the dino trail which was great for my future paleontologist. The wild life exhibits were great just right out in nature animals looked healthy and happy.”

- princesmama518ny, TripAdvisor

Visitor Impressed by Hilton Garden Inn and [The Streets at] Southpoint

“We came to the Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint…I was already impressed when I saw that it was surrounded by the best mall in NC...Southpoint! This Hilton is beautiful. It has a wide open, elegant, friendly feel about it as soon as you walk into the gorgeous front lobby.”

- rfuller52, TripAdvisor

New General Manager Lauds DCVB Website

“What a wonderful web site you guys [DCVB] have! I look forward to working with you.”

- Evelyn Stapleton, General Manager, Comfort Inn University

Guests Come Back for 2nds and 3rds with Original Q Shack BBQ

“We love the Q-shack. The food is great! The sides are as good as the BBQ. We recently used Q-shack for our 4th of July BBQ and everyone was going back for 2nds and 3rds.”

- Tnjed101, TripAdvisor

Visitor to Durham Marriott Overwhelmed by Gracious Staff

“My daughter and I had the privilege of staying at the Durham Marriott. We were in Durham for the Ringo Starr concert, and wanted a hotel near the convention center. This was our first stay at Marriott. Because we were treated so well, I felt I had to write a letter to commend your staff. I have never been to a hotel where every single person on staff was so gracious, helpful, and kind.”

- Sandy Laws, Visitor from Greeneville, Tennessee

Durham Public Schools Executive Lauds DCVB

“What a topnotch operation you run!!!!”

- Kay Williams, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Durham Public Schools

DCVB Creative Services Division Praised

“These maps are great, very functional and the overall design is really nice.”

- Kyle Fox, Program Coordinator, Student Activities, Duke University

Duke Corporate Education Praises DCVB

“The DCVB has been wonderful with the brochures and informational pamphlets of the area.”

- Victor Carrington, Administrative Assistant, Duke Corporate Education

Local Bride Appreciates DCVB Services

“Thanks so much for your help! Our guests enjoyed exploring Durham!”

- Sheena Johnson Cooper, Bride, Johnson-Cooper Wedding

Scarborough Family Reunion Finds DCVBs Collateral Helpful

“The information provided was great and helpful to our guests.”

- Tonya Edmond, Scarborough Family Reunion

Family Reunion Impressed with Hampton Inn Staff

“Jimmy Jones from the Hampton Inn was very professional and accommodating to our group needs. He anticipated our group needs and provided solutions so that we did not have to worry about any issues such as making the banquet room available in the event of a weather alert.”

- Eleanor Ford, Holmes Family Reunion

Local Resident Couldn't Bear to Get Married Anywhere but Durham

“I was born in Durham, attended elementary, middle, high school and college in Durham and when it came to my wedding I didn't consider any other city!”

- Margaret DiGiulio, Bride, DiGiulio-Lord Wedding

Wyndham Hotel by Robinson Birthday Party

“I had my event at the Wyndham Hotel and the staff was the best, as well as the cost.”

- Lenora Robinson, Robinson Birthday Party

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Prudential Carolinas Realty

“I always read these [Durham Image Watch emails] and just want to Thank you. I do pass them along.”

- Sylvia Le Goff, Director of Relocation Services, Prudential Carolinas Realty

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Durham Technical Community College

“Thank you for all you and your staff do each day in promoting Durham and in providing information that accurately reflects our community to the Triangle and beyond.”

- William Ingram, President, Durham Technical Community College

Parker and Otis by TripAdvisor

“Stopped at Parker and Otis for Lunch. Really cute market inside with a pretty extensive selection of food and gifts. There is a seating area in the front of the store and another outside the store to the back…a cool spot and pretty tasty overall.”

- DrKnate, TripAdvisor

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Office of Economic and Workforce Development

“Thanks again for your ideas and hard work. I look forward to your continued partnership.”


-Kevin Dick, Office of Economic and Workforce Development

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens by TripAdvisor

“Visiting the Sarah P. Duke Gardens can be a wonderful experience. Really, they are not to be missed if visiting the area.”

- Rockyhillgal, TripAdvisor

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Poyner Spruill LLP

“I want to again thank you [DCVB] for your assistance in helping to arrange a Dine Around Durham event for our group on May 21st. It was a huge success.”

- Raymond A. Lichtner, Executive Director, Poyner Spruill LLP

cDurham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Leisure Visitor

“Your wonderful visitor center made our 10th Anniversary celebration very special! We were headed to breakfast and got lost, we noticed the center and popped in for directions. They had wonderful folks behind the counter & when we asked for directions to "Guglhuphf Bakery" they handed us printed directions! (Thus avoiding an argument between my hubby & me) Love your city. It truly is a great re-birth you are having.”

- Lani & Michael Chavez, Visitors from Cary, NC

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Karl Albrecht

"“Wow! I really like the way you guys have evolved and localized the visual concept, from its original generic form. I especially like the language.”

- Karl Albrecht, management consultant, futurist, and author
(Regarding DCVB”s adaption of The Roles of CVBs)

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority

“I just wanted to thank you and your staff for all your efforts in putting together the TDA tool kit. What a great job!”

- Mitzi York, Executive Director, Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Brandon Communications

“Thanks [DCVB] so much for your hard work and response.”

- Lynne Brandon, M.A., Brandon Communications

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Cooperativa Latina

“It is great to be on this street with you as our neighbor.”

- Luis Pastor, President/CEO, Cooperativa Latina

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Greystone Inn and Conference Center

“You guys [DCVB] amaze me. Thanks for looking out for us!”

- Leslie Brame, Co-Owner, Greystone Inn and Conference Center

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport

“WOW, Thanks [DCVB] for bird dogging this!”

- Bill Spencer, General Manager, Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Sheraton Durham at Southpoint

“Great Job (to you and your CVB team)…..in every aspect of your response to Insight’s flagrant self promotion of their new product at the expense of municipalities across the US. We in Durham are certainly proud to have you as the Bulldog (Churchillian reference) in our corner.”

- Frederick T. Pierson, General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Durham at Southpoint

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau

“I know how much time it must take to serve on the (DMAP Accreditation) review board and I appreciate your time and commitment to this project."

- Dennis Edwards, President and CEO, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Democracy North Carolina

“Now that's what I call AWESOME customer service. THANKS SO MUCH!!! That kind of responsiveness will make Durham even BETTER.....how wonderful."

- Molly Beacham, Director of Development, Democracy North Carolina

Durham Bull Athletic Park by TripAdvisor

“It's hard to beat the value for the dollar when attending a Bull's game; many tickets cost less than going to a movie. And what fun Bulls' games are! The Durham Bulls Athletic Park, which was built in the 90s and is kept in very clean, good condition, is a wonderful venue. The Bulls are Americas favorite MiLB team. And the between inning entertainment is a hoot. We love spending spring and summer evenings at DBAP with the Bulls.”

- Chuckiek, TripAdvisor

Durham Bull Athletic Park by TripAdvisor

“It's hard to beat the value for the dollar when attending a Bull's game; many tickets cost less than going to a movie. And what fun Bulls' games are! The Durham Bulls Athletic Park, which was built in the 90s and is kept in very clean, good condition, is a wonderful venue. The Bulls are Americas favorite MiLB team. And the between inning entertainment is a hoot. We love spending spring and summer evenings at DBAP with the Bulls.”

- Rockyhillgal, TripAdvisor

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Pausback Adversiting

“Thanks for your help in trying to save Bullock's - Durham wouldn't be the same without it.”

- Don Pausback, Pausback Adversiting

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Capitol Broadcasting Company

“Wonderful job you did for Bullocks!”

- George Habel, Capitol Broadcasting Company

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Duke University

“I took my staff to lunch at Bullocks today and I am pleased to report the restaurant was full. I asked the cashier and a waitperson when did the customers return and they both said the turnaround began on Friday as a result of the big event. On behalf of your many admirers I extend kudos and warm appreciation to you for your concern and forsight in organizing such an important event to restore the customer base and reputation to one of Durham's historic and unique businesses. You done real good!”

- Phail Wynn Jr., Vice President, Durham and Regional Affairs, Duke University

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Wilson Family Reunion

“Thank you so much for having the materials available for pick-up on Saturday. The Wilson family is greatly appreciative of everything that the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau has done to aid us in preparing for our 78th Wilson Family Reunion. I am quite sure that the materials will be extremely helpful to the entire family and we look forward to experiencing the many great things to see and do in Durham when we arrive in July.”

- Pamela B. Williams, President, Wilson Family Reunion

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Old North Durham Inn

“Great job. As usual, DCVB has listened to the feedback of all concerned. We're looking forward to sharing the maps with our guests. They will really help us showcase how walkable Downtown Durham has become.”

- Debbie Vickery, Old North Durham Inn

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by The Concierge Inc.

“I just want say that having a link to the Durham website has been a great Marketing tool for our company, and I just wanted to thank the entire staff of the DCVB. What a wonderful job you guys do for us and all other transportation companies in Durham.”

- The Concierge Inc.

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Leather & Lace MC

"Thank You for your help in this project. This experience with Durham has been the most pleasant in the many years I have been involved in organizing this event."

- Terry Haas, National Vice President, Leather & Lace MC

DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center by TripAdvisor

“We experienced "Wicked" at the DPAC and had a wonderful time. It was our second viewing of the show and the venue was fantastic. The staff was totally accommodating and the facility is wonderful. Lord willing, we will visit the venue again many times. Getting there was easy, parking was easy and we had a great meal at the "Tobacco Road" nearby.”

- tjbss, TripAdvisor

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by GoTriangle

“Thank you for posting the American Dance Festival Block Party on the Wayfinder calendar. The Wayfinders were a huge help and were an awesome addition to the ADF team.”

- Lauren B. Parker, Public Relations/Communications Specialist, GoTriangle Marketing Coordinator

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Durham Citizen

“This ‘Official Guide’ is absolutely marvelous. It is apparent a lot of time, talent, interests, work and dedication was put into pulling this brochure together…THANKS to YOU and to all who have shared their many talents with me and so many other interested readers as I enjoy reading about all you have to tell us.”

- Kathy Rainey, Durham Resident

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Durham Parks and Recreation

"Congratulations on a wonderful event yesterday. As always, Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau did a great job!!! The event was just the right length with a perfect blend of video/speakers. The lunch was also healthy and delicious – you can’t get any better than that!"

- Cynthia Booth, Public Affairs Specialist, Durham Parks and Recreation

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by PBM Graphics Inc.

"I wanted to thank you for having us at your luncheon last week! What a nice event, and so well setup!"

- Melissa Scheitler, Project Manager, PBM Graphics Inc.

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Durham Housing Authority

"Just watched the tribute video. Beautiful work."

- Jean Bolduc, Director Corporate Communications, Durham Housing Authority

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Visit Fairfax

“…is an excellent piece indeed and clearly articulates in an easy to read, understand and digest format. Yet additional evidence of why Durham is a leader in our profession and industry.”

- Barry H. Biggar, President/CEO, Visit Fairfax

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

“Thank you so much for sharing…this tells a dramatic story to the community.”

- Jack Wert, Executive Director, Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

Durham by Duke University

“We get a lot of support… around this community. I can’t tell you the amount of times people have come up to me and just said thank you and I just want to thank you guys right back.”

- Brian Zoubek, Men's Basketball Player, Duke University

Durham by Duke University

“Remember that Duke and Durham, we’re the same. We both start with a D. Second letter is still U and there are a lot more similarities than that.”

- Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University

Durham Bull Athletic Park by Leisure Visitor

“I am a fan of baseball, and to see the Durham Bulls in their home stadium was a treat. The stadium is in great shape and there is not a bad seat in it...In short, great experience, cheap, don't miss it if you visit Durham in the Spring/Summer.”

- Visitor from Atlanta

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

“Great job; we all enjoyed ourselves and the opportunity to get to know Durham better. We look forward to greater collaboration and regional partnerships.”

- Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director, Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Tourism Development Authority

“Once again [DCVB has] exceeded all expectations. This year’s Tribute Luncheon was beautiful from top to bottom. On behalf of the board I want to thank you all for the great job you do. DCVB makes great things happen in Durham.”

- Brian Lawson, TDA Chairman

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by The Herald-Sun

“Great event today at lunch – as always. I learned a lot about Belk and DePasquale that I had not known, and the video was great.”

- Bob Ashley, Editor, The Herald-Sun

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by The City of Durham

“Congrats as usual. Great honorees! We would love to air the tribute video on DTV8…”

- Beverly B. Thompson, Public Affairs Director, City of Durham

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Ruth’s Chris Steak House at the Hilton Garden

“Kudos for a job well done on many fronts. You delivered an on-time high-quality event [Durham Annual Tribute Luncheon]. Kudos to your team...”

- Martin Armes, Public Relations, Ruth’s Chris Steak House at the Hilton Garden

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by The City of Durham

“Thanks for the update and proactive stance.”

- Bill Bell, Mayor, City of Durham

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Durham’s Beer Festival

“We're going to send it to our mailing list of triangle ticket buyers and subscribers. (8,000 total)”

- Daniel Bradford, Publisherm Organizer, All About Beer Magazine, Durham’s Beer Festival

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Duke University

“On behalf of your many admirers I extend kudos and warm appreciation to you for your concern and foresight in organizing such an important event to restore the customer base and reputation to one of Durham's historic and unique businesses.”

- Phail Wynn, Vice President of Durham and Regional Affairs, Duke University

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by SunTrust Bank

“Thank you for being so proactive in assisting Tommy. We have known them well for many years and will also encourage others to support them.”

- Dean Hamric, Senior VP, SunTrust Bank

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by McKinney

“What a great idea, and great support for the best of Durham.”

- Brad Brinegar, Chairman & CEO, McKinney

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau by Capitol Broadcasting Company

“Wonderful job you did for Bullocks!”

- George Habel, Vice President, Capitol Broadcasting Company

Durham by Duke University

“Thanks for making Durham such a great place not just to go to school, but to live…We truly have one of the great cities in the United States.”

- Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University