Weekly Vlog: Life In Durham, NC | Duke Gardens | Shopping | Cocktails

[@feliexplores1813]

The Gardens were such a dream! 😍 What an amazing discovery. Love the lamp! Looks great in front of that wooden wall piece. I always look forward to the extras and bloopers at the end. So witty and funny, lol!Thanks for another feel good video. Have a great week! 😊

[@jessicapayne]

Hahahaha! I had to show off the team a little, lol!!! I enjoy all of the work that goes into make these videos each week - and I'm proud to say I do it all myself. BUT, I can't wait to be in the position to actually have a team because oh the things I could do if I had a little help. So I'm speaking that out into existence for the very near future! Thank you so much for watching. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the gardens...and my new lamp! It fits right in and I love it. Have a great week!

[@elizabethmorrison5286]

Happy Sunday Beautiful… I promise you that you show the Beautiful parts of North Carolina, no matter where you go it’s Gorgeous! Duke Gardens is so breathtaking, it’s like a whole new world ♥️. You definitely make my little town of Statesville look like a small park compared to your wonderful sites. I thank you for sharing every Sunday, I say this every week when I comment… I love and adore you & Mark. Have a wonderful and blessed Week ❤

[@jessicapayne]

I just love your comments - you're the sweetest!!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed the episode - I love still getting surprised with all of the things to do and see here in NC. I can't believe all this time that amazing garden was there, and I never took advantage of it. But now I know - and I will for sure be regular. Thank you as always for watching and commenting, I appreciate you so much!!

[@kennypayne8422]

Those were AMAZING!!! I can just see myself walking through gardens just like you did, sitting down reading a book or just people watching. That is a REALLY REALLY beautiful place. I would love to see it!!!

[@jessicapayne]

Oh I will 100% be taking you and Mom when you come to visit. We'll take a lunch and make an afternoon of it. It really is a stunning place and now that I know it exists, I'm gonna be there all the time! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@tuvaraking3543]

I hope you got to get back to the gardens for the spring and summer. It's even more breathtaking. I've lived here for 20+ years so I'm always glad to see others enjoy my city.

[@deborahcarter4799]

I've been in NC for 3 years now, still adjusting and starting to feel a little settled. I'm so glad I found your channel. My boss recommended I visit Duke Gardens over a year ago. I have yet to visit, but I will plan to do so once this weather breaks!

[@jessicapayne]

I'm so glad that you found me too! It's always so cool having people find me that live here in NC too. I promise you will absolutely love Duke Gardens. It was such a surprise and like I said in the video, it makes you feel like you were transported to another country. I plan to go back once it cools down a bit. Thank you for being here and taking the time to respond to the video - it truly means a lot!

[@_iamTiffany_xoxo]

I moved to Durham in 2016 and I have never been there. I say I’m going every year but here I am in 2024 and still haven’t been. It’s absolutely gorgeous. My mom loved flowers, she would’ve loved it there.

[@Queenann06]

Hi Jess this was such a therapeutic video thank you so much no one does it like you love love love so refreshing for a Sunday,I absolutely love the lamp so beautiful how fun shopping for vintage albums ❤ if I find Ella I will send it to you ❤ see you next Sunday !!!

[@jessicapayne]

I love that you felt this episode was therapeutic, because that's exactly how it felt for me. Being there in the garden really gave me the pep in my step that I needed. And yessssss - if you happen to find any of Ella's albums, please let me know. I know they are out there waiting for us to find them!!! Have a great week!

[@bloorainz]

Happy Sunday! The garden was so beautiful, peaceful and serene. It’s the perfect place to center yourself and become one with nature. I just love shopping for vinyl. Nothing like putting on a record and vibing out. Reminds me of growing up listening to my parents records. Cute ending.

[@jessicapayne]

Exactly!! I get those same feelings/vibes when I put on a record because that's what my parents used to do too. I can't wait to build up my collection and oh how I wish my parents still had theirs because I would go up there and "borrow" them all, lol!! Thank you so much for watching - I'm so happy that you enjoyed the gardens. What a treat that was for sure!

[@mslcarmon]

Love the end credits😀. Happy Palm Sunday☀️

[@jessicapayne]

Hahahaha!!! I thought it would be fun for you guys to finally meet the full team, lol!!! So glad you enjoyed it - Happy Palm Sunday!!!!

[@tammyleviner3070]

Ohhh wow.. looks like a fairy tale!😮 I've never seen more beautiful cherry trees, they're stunning, its all stunning!💕 All the flowers, the tulip trees, the water falls.. its just something special to see!! I can only imagine what its like being there in the flesh!! I wonder if they allow weddings in the gardens?! I remember when The Wizard Of Oz only came on once a year, i was always so excited! The lamp is beautiful❤ Thanks for taking us along, truly enjoyed😊

[@jessicapayne]

Right?!! I haven't either - so when I saw them up close and personal like that, I was blown away. Absolutely stunning (as I kept saying, lol!!!). I believe that they do allow weddings there as there were many little areas throughout that would be perfect for a small wedding. I'm sure those spots book up quickly! And yes - the Wizard of Oz was our favorite as a family. We would get so excited each year. I still get excited when I see it - and I'll sit there and watch it likes its my first time (well......other than singing all the songs which Mark just loves, lol!!!). So glad you enjoyed the episode - thanks so much for watching!

[@tammyleviner3070]

Lol girl i sing along too.. especially the lollipop song!😄 I live in Tennessee, moved here almost 5yrs ago. Buy I'm originally born & raised just over an hour from Durham! Our families are still there. Little east southern town called Rockingham! But I took my dad to the VA hospital there I'm Durham several times, or i think it was in Durham lol bless his heart he went to so many different ones.. mainly Fayetteville NC. But yeah I'm a NC girl by birth😊

[@Shawnique35]

Don’t feel bad. I’ve lived in Durham for 44 years. I work down the street at Duke and I’ve never been either. Tulips are my favorite flower as well. You’re making me want to go!! So gorgeous ❤

[@jessicapayne]

Ok, well then thank you for making me feel better, lol!!! As I was walking through, I couldn't believe I've never been. Such a gorgeous place for sure. If you do go, it will be hard not to love it!

[@tatteredtammy]

You just be doing ALL THE THINGS!! I Love it❣️ The gardens were breathtakingly beautiful. Nice finds as usual. Thanks for taking us along. - The armchair traveler😊

[@jessicapayne]

Hahahaha I try!!! Weren't the gardens amazing? I just can't believe that I drive past that street at least 5 times a week and never knew all that was back there! But now that I know - I'm gonna be there all the time to see how the landscape changes over the seasons. So glad you enjoyed it! And I love "the armchair traveler" lol!!

[@lovehope3753]

I live in High Point, NC, and this will be on my to-do list for 2025. My first time hearing about this beautiful nature treasure. TFS

[@jessicapayne]

Oh you must go! I couldn't believe I was in Durham...or heck, even the United States. It's stunningly beautiful and you are going to love it!

[@deborahfletcher1180]

Wow! As always, it was worth the wait. The gardens were breathtaking. The food was amazing and the lamp was everything! The coffee cup was adorable. Those precious moments with sisters are the moments that make you heart beat a litter faster. Thank you Jessica for another beautiful journey. Oh, I love the team. lol

[@jessicapayne]

Hahahaha! I love that you guys watch all the way to the end. I felt it would be fun for everyone to finally meet the team behind the magic, lol!!! Thank you as always for watching - it makes me so happy knowing that you enjoyed it!

[@maryannmccurty5180]

Morning, love touring Durham with you…. I am a bit familiar as my son graduated NCS, we use to visit a lot ….. he is now in Concord. I would like to recommend to you a jazz album I know you would enjoy ( from the 60’s) Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Aderly. You could sample it on KZbin videos. I am already looking forward to next Sunday! Have a great week.

[@SUPWA21]

That's a great LP!

[@jessicapayne]

Oooo thank you so much for the recommendation, I will absolutely look it up on KZbin and see if I can find the album. There are several other record stores in the area and I'm looking forward to visiting them all. I dream of one day filling my bookshelves with all of the albums I've collected over the years. Thank you so much for watching as always - i so appreciate you!

[@rogerpatricaness8675]

Wow the entrance to the gardens! Love the outro of your many hats!

[@jessicapayne]

Wasn't that entrance stunning??? As I was walking up the sidewalk, I gasped and said "are you kidding me"? And then as I continued to walk through the gardens, I just kept getting surprised over and over again. So glad that you enjoyed it! And yes - I thought it was time to introduce the team to everyone, lol!!!

[@iamtarapayne]

Bloopers are my favorite. Love to see some BTS! Lol!! But seriously the Japanese gardens was absolutely stunning....who knew this was in your backyard. Just absolutely gorgeous

[@jessicapayne]

Hahahaha! They are my favorite as well and I love that you guys are sticking to the very end to see them each week, lol!!!

[@RozzDS]

I love Duke Gardens and always forget it is a great place to get some steps in!

[@jessicapayne]

Right?!! Miss Judy will love it too!!

[@mrc1111-x5y]

I just love your videos! I think I need that Judy Garland album! ❤ Thanks so much for your videos. It is a refreshing addition to this crazy world we live in!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you for saying that - it truly means so much! One of my main goals with this channel as well as my newsletter is for it to be a place to "escape" to a bit with all of the crazy things going on. So it makes me so happy to hear that you feel that on your side of the screen. I appreciate you being here, and watching, and commenting - thank you!!

[@rosanecorrea]

Love your videos!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!!! That really means a lot because I enjoy creating them this week.

[@elainerobinson214]

I found your channel as my sister and I were looking for some information on traveling to St Crois Virgin Island. I must say , it brought tears to our eyes…Your content and delivery is exquisite🎉. You are by far the best and you really show what the people need and want to see when choosing a travel destination, not to mention your playlist!!! As an avid music lover with thousands of songs in our repertoire, (my husband would’ve loved your choices) I was SHOOK….Very mature, with class, style and taste. I enjoyed that first video so much, I hurried and subscribed to your newsletter and your channel. We viewed several of your other videos and you are by far, the best KZbinr out there. Love it!

[@jessicapayne]

Oh my goodness - I am tearing up at your comment. Wow.........thank you!!!!! Truly. Thank you!!!! I work really really hard each week curating videos that I pray will reach the right audience - and clearly that prayer was heard. Music is very important to me because I feel like while I may not always be able to articulate how I'm feeling at every moment - the music can help me share that story. I spend hours listening to music and trying to find the perfect song to match what is going on, on screen. For you to notice that - just means everything to me and I so appreciate you taking the time to not only watch, but to also comment. Again, thank you thank you thank you - you've made my day!!!! 🥰

[@scarletscorpiana8985]

Loved the Gardens, Glad to see they allowed dogs my Frenchie would have fallen love. Great lamp. there is a Japanese art for of gluing back broken pottery and paining the cracks with gold. So don't worry and enjoy your gift. They then become more beautiful. Very soothing video.

[@jessicapayne]

I was really happy to see that they allowed dogs as well. I think I said hello to each and every one of them, lol!! I don't know if my heart will ever heal from the passing of my dog a few years ago, but I'm getting closer and closer to almost being ready to getting another one. And for sure I'll be bringing them along with me. Oh yes - I am familiar with that art. I've tried to get into a class to learn how to do it - but it sells out so quickly. I would love to learn in case I do happen to break any of my precious mugs....which is bound to take place! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!!

[@missjones8123]

Im so glad that the algorithm recommended this video i thoroughly enjoyed this i loved the bit at the end so cute! And wow that garden is breathtaking!!!!

[@markh2200]

And so glad you are here! Jessica has quite a variety of videos, some on thrifting, some on travel, some on home renovations, design, and more. If you get a chance to what more vids that she's created, I'd love to hear what types or topics you found to be most enjoyable! And if your answer is 'All/Any', that's fine too!

[@jessicapayne]

I'm so happy that you found me - welcome to the channel!!! We have a lot of fun here each week, so I hope that you continue to enjoy the episodes. And yes - the ending, I thought it was time for everyone to meet the full team, lol!!!!

[@thill5108]

The garden was beautiful!! I’ll have to visit!! Thank you for the newsletter.

[@jessicapayne]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it - wasn't it stunning?!! I'm so glad that I finally went, it was well worth the wait. And yay - happy you are enjoying the newsletter - I love writing them each week, so thank you!!

[@Kiya-p4h]

😊

[@SUPWA21]

Jessica that is one of the most beautiful parks/gardens I have ever seen...full stop...I was excited when I saw the vinyl! I still have ALL my LPs and they are cataloged and in numerical order. I have over 400...Once Mike and I were married we merged our collection. I have an old school turn table and some great speakers...I am going to set everything up again soon. My basement has flooded twice so I had to move things around and break down the system. There is also a shop in Hollywood called...As the Record Turns! A friend of mine owns it Gabrielle and I have purchased a number of items from that shop. The owners name is Kevin Donan. We graduated together...really nice guy. Kevin and his wife run the store. Look him up! At any rate...loved the park/garden stroll. I needed it this morning! I have never had a gin martini! I have some Bombay gin in the bar...🙂

[@jessicapayne]

Wasn't it wonderful?? I just couldn't get over how beautiful it was. I first gasped at the cherry blossoms......and then again when I saw the red bridge......and then over and over again throughout. It was marvelous and I can't wait to keep going back over the seasons to see how everything changes. Wait - you have over 400 albums all cataloged and ordered? I so hope that you will be in Ohio the next time I'm home. Because I'm coming over and bringing a bottle with me so we can listen to some music and chat it up. I guess Mom can come too, lol!!!!! And yes I will absolutely look Kevin up - thank you for the recommendation. Finally, this was my first gin martini and honestly, I don't think I'll go back to vodka. It was delicious!!

[@SUPWA21]

WOW...Gin martini...That's saying something...My Aunt use to drink Bombay gin I will check it out this weekend...I think I have er'thang!@@jessicapayne

[@SheilaMiller-od7qn]

Thanks so much for sharing such a wonderful day - I love your style!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!! I'm so happy that you enjoyed it. It was a wonderful (and unexpected) day - I love when that happens!

[@TableTalkwTraceyMarie]

Hey chick! Duke Gardens is so beautiful! You chose a great song to accompany the picturesque views. Who was the singer? My husband and I plan to visit Durham soon to check out a restaurant called Where’s the Jerk. They are known for their Jamaican food, seafood and their famous oxtail cheesesteak. I think they also have oxtail eggrolls. Have you ever been?

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!!! The first song is called Extraordinary Magic by Ben Rector. I stumbled upon it while researching music for this video, and the moment I heard it I said "that's it!". So happy that you enjoyed it. I haven't been to that restaurant yet, but it sounds like I'll have to add it to my list. Thanks for the recommendation!!

[@ms.ellaneous6406]

I am a new sub and so hooked on this channel. So Amazing!

[@joannaking6217]

That lounge seemed so relaxing! What was the name of it if you don’t mind me asking?

[@Jaanechan]

Glad to see you enjoyed your visit to the Duke Gardens. Have you had a chance to visit Missy Lane's Assembly Room in downtown Durham? I haven't been yet, but it is on my wish list. Since you have the record on your list, you might be interested in a tribute concert of Kind of Blue there in a few days (March 29th). 🥰In any case, I really enjoy your vlogs. Thank you.

[@jessicapayne]

Stop it right now!!! I haven't been, but it's on my list for sure. Let me go look and see if they have tickets available. Thank youuu! Also - I'm so happy that you are enjoying the vlogs. I have a lot of fun making them for sure!

[@angeladoles6655]

I live here too,so l will support you!

[@WeGonEatTV]

Just subscribed. Absolutely loved everything about this video. 🙂

[@jessicapayne]

Yay!!!! Thank you so much and welcome to the channel!! We have a lot of fun here each week and it makes me so happy to know that you will be joining in. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment - it means so much!

[@terribynoe6539]

Jessica, You and your content is the best. Both beautiful!

[@jessicapayne]

Ahhhh thank you for that sweet comment - it means everything. Truly!

[@ThePeerAdvocate]

Wow, your inbox is at ZERO. How do you do it? My is at like 10k+ #smh PS your vlogs are a breath of fresh air 😊

[@jessicapayne]

Well......it was at zero, lol!!!! I try to keep my work email down as much as possible, but my personal email, now that's a different story! Thank you so much for watching and for the lovely compliment. Knowing that my videos are being watched and felt as how I created and intended them to be, is just so cool!

[@lifewithlisa8954]

I’m new to your channel. I love your videos it’s very relaxing

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuuu and welcome to the channel! I'm so happy that you found me. I love hearing that you are enjoying the videos. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment!

[@Vanraba]

how can i get in touch with you my sister ? i want ask some things about Durham please

[@jessicapayne]

Hey there!! Feel free to reach out to me via my email provided on my home page. I’m always happy to help!

[@Vanraba]

@@jessicapayne thanks 🙏🏼, I will get in touch soon …. My name is Van and I am also a KZbinr out here in Brazil 🇧🇷