Appreciate the clarification. My Durham friends say the Mexican flea market on Pettigrew St is the best place to go for Mexican food if you are ever back in the area.
Depends on which direction your 30 minutes down the road from Durham takes you what kind of vibe you get. One way is Raleigh or another is Carrboro both liberal enough. But if you go 30 minutes up to Henderson, Oxford, Roxboro and that is another kettle of fish. Highly recommend the book “Blood Done Sign My Name” by Tim Tyson — it a great read on civil rights and has a great background on that area in the 60s.