Durham

Although its image as a tobacco town lingers, Durham is now also known for the medical facilities and research centers associated with the city's prestigious Duke University. With more than 20,000 employees, Duke is the largest employer in this city of 188,000, and residents and visitors alike can take advantage of the lectures, art activities, and sports events associated with the university. Durham has more than a dozen historic sites, including several of North Carolina's 38 National Historic Landmarks.