Massage Envy


Trolley to Hit the Streets for August ArtWalk


On-Going Exhibits and Events


Listed below are Exhibits Closing Soon, Future Exhibits and Year-Round Activities Daily, Weekly and Monthly, plus Seasonal Events. (To submit an event or activity, email complete information to Listings Editor. For guidelines, click on Submit Event at the left.)

Exhibits Ending in July

Through July 29
Vapor Trail, an Installation by Renee Montague will be presented at her Studio Gallery at 132 W. King St. Hillsborough opening June 25 through July 29. The Opening Reception will be June 25 from 6:30-9:30 in conjunction with Last Friday Art Walk and festivities in historic, downtown Hillsborough. Ever lie in an expansive field, look up at the sky, watch the clouds? Montague creates an installation with this image in mind. Gallery hours are Wed – Fri 11 – 4 and by appointment. (919) 485-9754.

Through July 30
Drawings & Paintings by Joseph Bounds, Preservation Society of Chapel Hill, Horace Williams House, 610 E. Rosemary St., Chapel Hill. House hours are Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm and Sun, 1pm-4pm. Artist reception July 11 from 2pm – 4 pm. Free. (919) 942-7818.

Through July 31
“They Bite because They’re Alive”: Oil Paintings by Carrie Alter. ArtsCenter East End Gallery. Reception is Friday, July 9 from 6 – 9 pm during the 2nd Friday Artwalk. (ArtsCenter), 300-G E. Main Street, Carrboro. Open daily. Call (919) 929-2787.

Through July 31
“The Pastel Society of North Carolina Exhibit”: Works in soft pastels will be on display in July. ArtsCenter Center Gallery. Reception is Friday, July 9 from 6 – 9 pm during the 2nd Friday Artwalk. (ArtsCenter), 300-G E. Main Street, Carrboro. Open daily. Call (919) 929-2787

Current On-going Exhibits

Through August 16
“Communities in Action”: This exhibit is a component of “The Poor Among Us: Photography of Poverty in North Carolina” on view at the North Carolina Collection Gallery in Wilson Library. 4th Floor. The free public exhibit is on the UNC Campus. (North Carolina Collection Gallery), UNC Campus, South Road, Chapel Hill. Open weekdays, 9am – 5pm; Sat, 9am – 1pm; and Sun, 1 pm-5pm. Call (919) 962-1345 about this exhibit.

Through August 20
“Painter Jennifer Hahn and Sculptor Susan Wells.” Exhibition of their recent work. Opening reception will be on Last Friday July 30, 6:30-9:30. Jennifer Hahn has created paintings that focus on the endangered farmland in rural Orange County. Susan Wells’ current sculptural work is designed to energize spaces with clearing and connecting light. (Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery), 220-B S. Churton Street, Hillsborough. Open 1 pm – 5 pm Tuesday through Friday; 11 am – 4 pm Saturdays. (919) 643-2500.

Through August 29
“Fortune Smiles: The Tyche Foundation Gift.” This collection of fifty-one works of art will be unveiled in its entirety in this special exhibition. The Tyche Foundation gift includes drawings, paintings, prints, sculpture, calligraphy, and photographs. When viewed as a whole, the collection encompasses a wide stylistic range. Among the pieces included are a sensuous Greek head dating from 500 BCE, an exquisite and minutely-detailed Indian watercolor from the seventeenth century, and Edouard Manet’s first published etching (The Gypsies, 1862). Including nine examples of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century photography, twelve pieces of Asian art, and nine works by “old masters,” the Tyche Foundation gift is an astonishing collection of works marked by an uncompromising aesthetic quality. Ackland Art Museum, Franklin and Columbia streets, Chapel Hill. Hours are Wed-Sat, 10 am-5pm; till 8 pm on Thur; till 9 pm on 2nd Friday of month and Sun 1-5pm. Free. (919) 966-5736.

Through August 29
“An Eye on Nature”: Exhibit features selected works fy 2009 and 2010 graduates of the NC Botanical Garden’s Botanical Illustration Certificate Program. Opening reception is July 18 from 3 – 4 pm. < href=“http://www.ncbg.unc.edu”>North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill. Open Weekdays 8 am – 5 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 6 pm and Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm. (919) 962-0522.

Through August 31
“Masks by Paperhand Puppet Intervention” exhibition in the East End Gallery. (ArtsCenter), 300-G E. Main Street, Carrboro. Open daily. Call (919) 929-2787.

Through August 31
“Our Stories Project”. Installation documenting the visual history of Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the Main Gallery. For more information click (here. ArtsCenter Center Main Gallery. (ArtsCenter), 300-G E. Main Street, Carrboro. Open daily. Call (919) 929-2787.

Through Sept 10
“Esse Quam Videri: Muslim Self-Portraits” is on view at the Fed Ex Global Education Center. Artist Todd Drake has worked with Muslims in North Carolina to create self-portraits that share real, rather than seeming, reflections of self to a wider audience. Muslims from a variety of backgrounds and living in a variety of communities across North Carolina participated in this series by working collaboratively with Drake to realize their own vision.
Photographs, collaged images and self-drawn portraits were created with short essays to add context. (FedEx Global Education Center), corner of Pittsboro and McCauley streets. Open weekdays 8am-9pm and Sat 8am-4:30pm. Call (919) 962-2345.

Through Sept 30
“The Poor Among Us: Documentary Photographs of Poverty in North Carolina” is on view at the North Carolina Collection Gallery in Wilson Library. The free public exhibit is on the UNC Campus. (North Carolina Collection Gallery), UNC Campus, South Road, Chapel Hill. Open weekdays, 9am – 5pm; Sat, 9am – 1pm; and Sun, 1 pm-5pm. Call (919) 962-1172.

Through Sept 30
“See the World Through My Eyes: Travel Narratives from the Rare Book Collection.” Free exhibit at the Melba Remig Saltarelli Gallery in Wilson Library on the UNC Campus. (Wilson Library), UNC Campus, South Road, Chapel Hill. Open weekdays, 9am – 5pm; Sat, 9am – 1pm; and Sun, 1 pm-5pm. Call (919) 962-1143.

Through October 31
“Celebrating 100 Years of Service: The Orange County Public Library.” Did you know that where the Orange County Historical Museum now stands was once the site of two library buildings? Learn more about the history of the library at this special exhibit at the (Orange County Historical Museum). 201 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough. Celebrating 100 Years of Service uses photos, quilts, and text to bring to life the 100 years of the library serving the Hillsborough community. Displays discuss the history of the library and how it continues to bring the community together with its outreach programs. Free. Open Tue-Sat, 11 am – 4 pm; Sun, 1 pm – 4 pm. Call (919) 732-2201.

Through January 31, 2011
The award-winning creative arts progam Brushes with Life: Art, Artists, and Mental Illness, is showcasing the work of more than 50 local artists in its 16th exhibition. Media include watercolor, paper mache, acrylic, mixed media, sculpture, pastel, photography, textile, digital/computer art and poetry. Exhibition is on the third floor of the UNC Neurosciences Hospital and is free to the public from 8 am – 8 pm, seven days a week. Parking is available in the UNC Hospitals Dogwood Deck of Manning Drive and in nearby campus lots. Visit http://www.unchealthcare.org/site/aboutus/howtofindus for information call (919) 843-3794.

Upcoming Exhibits

July 30 – August 22
“Dream Nature” paintings by Jean LeCluyse and Ellie Reinhold and metal sculpture by Renee Leverty. Public is invited to the opening reception on July 30 from 6-9 pm as part of Hillsborough’s Last Fridays. On display at Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, 121 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough. Regular hours are 11am-6pm, Mon-Thur; 11 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat; and 1-4pm, Sun. (919) 732-5001.

July 30 – August 25
“Laura Farrow.” Cup a Joe features pottery and multi-media by Laura Farrow at 120 W. King Street. The show runs from July 30-August 25. opening reception on July 30 from 6 – 9 pm. Part of Hillsborough’s Last Fridays. Regular hours are 6:30 am – 6 pm, Mon-Fri; 7 am – 5 pm, Sat and Sun. For more information call (919) 732-8056..

August 27-September 19
“New Horizons” paintings by Loletter Guthrie, encaustics by Peg Bachenheimer and fused glass by Susan Hope.and Ellie Reinhold and metal sculpture by Renee Leverty. Public is invited to the opening reception on August 27 from 6-9 pm as part of Hillsborough’s Last Fridays. On display at Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, 121 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough. Regular hours are 11am-6pm, Mon-Thur; 11 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat; and 1-4pm, Sun. (919) 732-5001.

Year-Round Daily

Afternoon Tea Service

The Carolina Inn has partnered with Replacements, Ltd., to give its afternoon teas a unique charm with vintage cups and saucers, and teas from Taylors of Harrogate, plus elegant portraits of teacups by local photographer Catharine Carter, displays of lovely old china cabinets, and historical photos of weddings celebrated here. The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill. Mon-Sat, 3pm. Classic, $20; Royal, $26; . For reservations, call (919) 918-2735.

The Franklin Hotel now hosts Afternoon Tea at Roberts featuring exquisite hot and iced teas along with delicate tea cookies and pastries. Seatings are at 2pm and 3pm Fridays and Saturdays. Interested parties can call the hotel at (919) 442-9000 ext. 4093 or visit The Franklin Hotel. The hotel is at 311 West Franklin Street.

Cooking Lessons at A Southern Season (CLASS)

Chefs of all stripes (celebrity, executive, authors, etc) conduct classes most days of the week. A great way to learn new techniques and ideas, and to mingle with the glitterati of the kitchen. A Southern Season, Chapel Hill. Call for schedule and fees. (919) 929-7133.

KidZoom: The Power of Creativity!

Kidzu Children Museum’s first original exhibit by local artists, craftspeople, authors and others inspires children to exercise creativity in all areas of life and to imagine what the future can hold for their own community. KidZoom features three primary creation zones, all powered by children’s imaginations:
• “Green Thumb Garden-to-Table Market”.
• “Build-A-Dream Construction Zone”.
• “Kidoodle Moodle Art Studio”.
Kidzu Children’s Museum, Chapel Hill. Admission cost. (919) 933-1455.

Freedom’s Struggles: Reconstruction in Orange County

Permanent exhibit focuses on the reconstruction time period of Orange County immediately after the Civil War. Orange County Historical Museum, 201 N. Churton St. Hillsborough. Tues-Sat 11am-4pm, Sun. 1-4pm. (919) 732-2201.

Year-Round Weekly

Tour of the Gardens

Every Saturday (March to November), starting at the Totten Center, take a guided tour of the display gardens. North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill. 10-11am. Free. (919) 962-0522.

Year-Round Monthly

Art After Dark

Every second Friday, enjoy evening hours with live music, a cash bar and occasional talks by museum and guest curators. Ackland Art Museum, Chapel Hill. 5-9pm. Free admission. (919) 843-3676.

Tours of Coker Arboretum

Every third Saturday, an experienced tour guide will conduct a one-hour tour of this "jewel in the heart of Chapel Hill," a five-acre arbor and garden with more than 500 species of trees, shrubs and plants, created in 1903. Coker Arboretum, Chapel Hill. 11am. Free. (919) 962-0522.

Music in the Galleries

Every third Sunday, enjoy music in the galleries by a variety of performers, from classical quartets to live DJs. Ackland Art Museum, Chapel Hill. 2-4pm. Free. (919) 843-3676.

Seasonal Events

Visit Outdoor Market Page Under Shopping

Citrine Salon


L’incontro pizzeria


The Shady Glen Bed & Breakfast


Eurosport Soccer Center


Phydeaux - A Unique Pet Shop


In the News


ONE


Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe


The Village Baker


Crepes Veronique


Kitchen


Plan Your Kid-Friendly Activities With this Handy Guide


Aveda Institute


Harry’s Market at Whitecross


Dean E. Smith Center


Fiesta Grill


Maple View Agricultural Center


Chocolaterie Stam


July is National Ice Cream Month


Chapel Hill Studio


Holiday Inn Express


Spring Hill RV Park


Birchwood RV Park


Wynne Residential Corporate Housing


Equity Corporate Housing


Chapel Hill InnTown


The Old Place


Barnhouse at Genesis Farm


Residence Inn by Marriott Chapel Hill


Microtel Inn & Suites


Holiday Inn Chapel Hill


Franklin Hotel (The)


Carolina Inn (The)


Rock Quarry Farm Bed & Breakfast


Hillsborough Farmers’ Market


Southern Village Farmers’ Market


South Estes Farmers’ Market


Carrboro Farmers’ Market


Whole Foods Market


Weaver Street Market


2010 Chapel Hill/Orange County Tourism Enewsletters


January 2010 Tourism Newsletter
February 2010 Tourism Newsletter
March 2010 Tourism Newsletter
April 2010 Tourism Newsletter
May 2010 Tourism Newsletter
June 2010 Tourism Newsletter
July 2010 Tourism Newsletter

Eno River Farmers’ Market


Transportation


Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Website
Terminal address 2400 W. Terminal Blvd., Morrisville. (Interstate 40 at Exits 284 and 285), RDU Airport; phone (919) 840-2123. Open daily, 24 hours. Located about 18 miles east of Chapel Hill, RDU Airport is the principal facility for the Research Triangle. Nine major airlines and 6 regional carriers offer service from RDU to 35 destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico plus London. For information about airport parking, call (919) 840-2140.

Airline Companies

CompanyToll-FreeWebsite
Air Canada(800) 247-2262Online
AirTran Airlines(800) 247-8726Online
American Airlines(800) 433-7300Online
American Eagle(800) 433-7300Online
Continental Airlines(800) 525-0280Online
Continental Express(800) 525-0280Online
Delta Airlines(800) 221-1212Online
Delta Connection(800) 221-1212Online
Delta Northwest(800) 221-1212Online
JetBlue(800) 538-2583Online
Southwest Airlines(800) 435-9792Online
United Airlines(800) 241-6522Online
United Express(800) 241-6522Online
US Airways(800) 428-4322Online
US Airways Express(800) 428-4322Online

Airport Shuttles

The distance from RDU Airport to Chapel Hill is 18 miles. Depending on time of day, a taxi ride will take 20 to 30 minutes and will cost about $35, excluding tip.

SuperShuttle:
SuperShuttle shared-ride van service. For more information, visit its Website here.

Local Taxi Services

TownCompanyPhoneWebsite
Chapel Hill007 Tailgate Transportation(919) 923-1479 
Chapel HillAazah Taxi Service(919) 942-7227 
Chapel HillAble Taxi(919) 699-1312 
Chapel HillAirport & Intown Taxi(919) 942-4492 
Chapel HillCarolina Taxi & Shuttle(919) 883-4677Online
Chapel HillChapel Hill Best Taxi(919) 967-7788 
Chapel HillChapel Hill Taxi(919) 933-9595Online
Chapel HillDestiny Transportation(919) 968-1139 
Chapel HillExpress Taxi(919) 233-6798 
Chapel HillSwift Taxi(919) 357-1085 
Chapel HillTar Heel Taxi(919) 933-1255 
Chapel HillZingo Taxi and Designatied Driving(877) 663-8462 
Chapel HillUniversity Taxi(919) 599-5540 
HillsboroughDoc’s Taxi & Transportation(919) 643-1843 
OtherRDU Airport Taxi(919) 848-8488 
OtherAmbassador Shuttle Service(919) 882-6555 
OtherCharlene’s Safe Ride(800) 835-8053Online
OtherLimousine Raleigh(919) 244-1608Online

Auto Rental

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Website
1400 East Franklin St, Chapel Hill; toll-free (800) 736-8222, phone (919) 967-5128.

University Ford Rental
Website
102 Ephesus Church Rd, Chapel Hill; toll-free (800) 367-3027, phone (919) 929-0328. Open Mon.-Fri., 7:30am-6pm; Sat., 8am-1pm. We rent by the day, week or month, offering competitive rates. International and student drivers over 21 are welcomed. Local pick-up available.

Parking

Chapel Hill Parking
Website
150 East Rosemary St (Downtown), Chapel Hill; phone (919) 968-2758. Office open Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm. The Town of Chapel Hill offers more than 850 parking spaces throughout the central business district. Rates in the staffed facilities are $.65 per half hour (first 4 hours), $1.30 per hour (4-6 hours) and $1.80 per hour (over six hours). Additional charges may apply. The metered and pay-station rate is $1 per hour.
• For permits, citations and appeals, call (919) 968-2758, fax (919) 932-2926 or email parking@townofchapelhill.org.

Downtown Chapel Hill Valet Parking
Website
Enjoy downtown Chapel Hill with the ease of FREE valet parking at eighteen participating Franklin Street businesses. Valet stands are located on both East & West Franklin Street for your convenience. Drop-off and pick-up at either stand. Valet tickets are validated at each of the participating businesses. Patrons enjoying other establishments can also use the valet service for a $5.00 charge.

East End Valet Stand:
Monday to Thursday – 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM; Friday – 6:00 PM to 12:30 AM; Saturday – 11:00 AM to 12:30 AM.
The stand is located on the north side of the 100 block of East Franklin, in front of Spanky’s Restaurant.

West End Valet Stand:
Monday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
The stand is located on the north side of the 400 block of West Franklin Street, near the West End Wine Bar.
The Downtown Valet Parking Service is operated by Royal Parking, Inc. and managed by the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership. Please contact the Partnership at (919) 967-9440 or email partnership@downtownchapelhill.com

University Parking
Website
Public Safety Bldg, Manning Dr, UNC campus, Chapel Hill; phone (919) 962-3951. Visitors to the University may park in pay lots or in specially marked metered spaces along selected streets on campus. Metered spaces can be found along Country Club Rd, Raleigh St, Ridge Rd and South Rd. Parking lot attendants are on duty at the
• Ambulatory Care lot, Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm
• Dogwood Visitor Deck, at all times except major holidays
• Morehead Planetarium, Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm
• NC Highway 54 Lot, Raleigh Road at Country Club Rd, Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm
For more information, call (919) 962-3951 or fax (919) 962-2572 or tune your car or hotel radio to 1610 AM.

Buses, local

Chapel Hill Transit
Website
6900 Millhouse Rd, Chapel Hill; phone (919) 969-4900. Operates Mon-Fri, 5:30am-11:30pm, with limited evening and weekend service; closed on Town holidays. A completely fare-free system providing safe, convenient and reliable public transportation services to the residents and visitors of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the University of North Carolina (UNC). For route and schedule information, or for assistance in planning your trip, call a CHT representative. State where you’d like to go, and he or she will map your trip right over the phone, including routes, times and stop locations. Our Website above also features complete schedules, route maps, real-time bus information and a trip planner. Park & Ride locations:
• Carrboro Plaza Shopping Center—Intersection of NC Highway 54 West and West Main St.
• Eubanks Rd—Off NC Highway 86 North, just south of the eastbound exit (266) of Interstate 40.
• NC Highway 54 Lot—Friday Center Dr.
• Jones Ferry Rd—At the intersection of Old Fayetteville Rd.
• Southern Village—Off US Highway 15-501 South, 3/4-mi. south of NC Highway 54 West.

Tar Heel Express
Website
Phone (919) 969-4900. Bus service is provided by Chapel Hill Transit to many UNC home basketball and football games, and other major events on campus. The round-trip fare is $5, and a one-way ticket is $3. Services and prices are subject to change. See below for parking lot locations and service hours.
5th Quarter Bus Service (to and from football games at Kenan Memorial Stadium)
Website
• P Lot, Airport Dr and Estes Dr Extension—3 hours before and 3 hours after games.
• 725 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd Lot—3 hours before and 3 hours after games.
• Friday Center Park & Ride Lot, off NC Highway 54 East—3 hours before and 45 minutes after games.
• Jones Ferry Rd Park & Ride Lot—90 minutes before and 45 minutes after games.
• Southern Village Park & Ride Lot, off US Highway 15-501 South—90 minutes before and 45 minutes after games.
• University Mall (Dillard’s parking lot), off Willow Dr—3 hours before and 45 minutes after games.
Basketball Bus Service (to and from basketball games at the Dean E. Smith Center)
• Friday Center Park & Ride Lot, off NC Highway 54 East—90 minutes before and 45 minutes after games.
• Jones Ferry Rd Park & Ride Lot—90 minutes before and 45 minutes after games.
• Southern Village Park & Ride Lot, off US Highway 15-501 South—90 minutes before and 45 minutes after games.
• University Mall (Dillard’s parking lot), off Willow Dr—90 minutes before and 45 minutes after games.

Buses, intercity

Greyhound / Carolina Trailways
Website
1201 South Blount St, Raleigh; toll-free (800) 229-9424, phone. Bus service is provided by Carolina Trailways at terminals in Raleigh and Greensboro to other major cities in North Carolina and all points beyond.

Orange Public Transportation (OPT)
Website
600 NC Highway 86 North, Hillsborough; phone (919) 245-2008 or (919) 245-2006. Provides regular bus service on selected routes between northern Orange County and downtown Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. Transportation for medical appointments is available for pre-qualified Orange County citizens. Minimal fees apply for most services.

Triangle Transit
Website
4600 Emperor Blvd (#100), Durham; phone (919) 485-7433 (RIDE). Provides airport shuttle and regular bus service between the Research Triangle Park and Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh. Provides commuter bus service to Apex, Cary, Garner and Hillsborough, plus express commuter routes from Raleigh to Chapel Hill and Durham, as well as a vanpool program, online carpool matching, bicycle commuting, employer assistance with commuter benefit programs and more. Shuttle bus service to and from RDU Airport takes 45 to 60 minutes, with a transfer at the depot in Research Triangle Park. Each leg is $2 or $4 each way to or from the airport.

Passenger Rail

North Carolina’s Amtrak
Website
1553 Mail Service Center, Raleigh; toll-free (800) 872-7245, phone. North Carolina’s Amtrak, operated jointly by the State and Amtrak, is a fleet of two trains, the Piedmont and Carolinian, which provides daily service to Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte and nine other North Carolina cities, and to the Northeast. The closest train stations are in Burlington, Durham and Cary. Complete train and schedule information is available on the Website above or by calling the toll-free phone number. Reservations are required. Travelers should book early for the best fares. (As of this writing, a citizens’ group was also working to re-establish rail service in Hillsborough, which ended in 1964.)

Other Mode

Downtown Bicycle Rickshaws (Greenway Transit)
Website
1404 Angier Ave, Durham; phone (919) 957-8294. The first and only transport company in North Carolina whose vehicles run exclusively on human energy or biofuels (biodiesel, vegetable oil and ethanol, E85). The fleet includes Pedicabs (bike rickshaws) with service in downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro, plus limos, vans and buses.

Toots and Magoo Gallery


Shrunken Head Boutique


Chapel Hill Sportswear


Whitehall at the Villa


Trading Post (The)


Touchwood Antiques


Scavenger Antiques


Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales


Hillsborough Antiques Mall


Mina’s Studio


Forever Young Spa


Day Spa 255


Foster’s Market


Bookshop (The)


Trader Joe’s


Ultimate Comics


Shops at Daniel Boone Village (The)


Nested


Vietri Outlet


A Southern Season


Cameron’s


Hampton Pointe


Julian’s


Seagrove Pottery


Carr Mill Mall


Village Plaza, Gateway Commons and The Galleria


University Mall


Southern Village


Meadowmont Village


Chapel Hill North, Timberlyne and Cedar Falls Courtyard


Meadowmont Club of Chapel Hill


Community Center Pool


Orange County Parks & Recreation Dept


Johnston Mill Nature Preserve


Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Dept


Lake Michael Park


East 54


9th Annual 10 By 10 Festival at ArtsCenter


Triangle SportsPlex


A.D. Clark Pool


Finley Golf Course


Cedar Grove Golf Course


Homestead Aquatics Center


About the Visitors Bureau


The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, as Chapel Hill and Orange County NC’s official Destination Marketing Organization, is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of the Destination Marketing Association International, 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20036 USA, 202-296-7888.





The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our Visitors Center is open during the same hours and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (but closed on major holidays). The address is 501 West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. (See bottom of page for staff contact information.)

The Visitors Bureau is a department of Orange County Government under the Orange County Economic Development Commission (EDC) and has a 12-member board of directors.

Mission and Purposes

The mission of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau is to develop and coordinate visitor services in Orange County and to implement marketing programs that will enhance the economic activity and quality of life in the community.

The purposes for which the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau was formed are:

  • To position Orange County as a desirable meeting or vacation destination to select visitor markets, with careful consideration of the needs and assets of the communities that comprise Orange County.
  • To work in cooperation with community organizations to achieve an effective, coordinated and comprehensive marketing program with high-quality collateral materials, programs and services.
  • To serve as a countywide leader in developing strategies for consistently providing quality visitor services to the travelers who visit Orange County.
  • To encourage longer stays, increased spending and repeat visits of travelers to Orange County.
  • To examine the range of visitor services available, to identify unmet needs and to encourage private businesses to meet those needs, as appropriate.
  • To operate in a manner that contributes to the economic development and quality of life that comprise Orange County.

Vision Statement

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau will serve as a leader in tourism economic development through creative marketing, as well as active community and product development support.

Funding

No property taxes are used to fund the Visitors Bureau.

The Visitors Bureau is funded by occupancy taxes collected from guests of county accommodations. Orange County collects a 3% occupancy tax (effective July 1, 2008) from all guests, which the Board of Commissioners has dedicated to the operation of the Visitors Bureau. The Town of Chapel Hill levies an occupancy tax of 6% (which includes the county’s 3%) and allocates a portion of these receipts to the operations of the Visitors Bureau.

The bureau’s budget (2009-2010) is $942,000.

Administrative Staff

Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director
Linda Ekeland, Director of Sales
Patty Griffin, Communications Director
Tina Fuller, Administrative Assistant
Susan Rice, Visitors Center Coordinator

Our Affiliations

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau is a member of the following regional, state, national and international tourism- and business-development associations:

Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina
(formerly the North Carolina Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus)

Destination Marketing Association
(formerly the International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus)

U.S. Travel Association
(formerly the Travel Industry Association of America)

Annual Reports

Annual Report 2008-2009
Annual Report 2007-2008
Annual Report 2006-2007
Annual Report 2005-2006

Tourism Metrics

PowerPoint Slide Presentation

Welcome to Chapel Hill Slide Show

Welcome to Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

501 West Franklin Street – Chapel Hill, NC (USA) 27516
Toll-free (888) 968-2060 – Phone (919) 968-2060 – Fax (919) 968-2062
Website: visitchapelhill.org
Email: info@visitchapelhill.org

Glazed Expectations


Melissa Designer Jewelry


Goldworks


Dallas Pridgen Jewelry


Creative Metalsmiths


Callaway Jewelry & Spiral Studios


Black Mountain Gallery


Orange County Speedway


Movies at Timberlyne


Lumina Theater


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Did You Know?

On-going exhibits and events run for long periods of time, like a month or over several months. Examples are museum, art and photography exhibits, outdoor farmers' markets and the like. We list them here because run over a multiple day, week or month period.

Half of the U.S. population is within a two-hour flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which offers about 40 non-stop connections.

The Visitors Bureau was founded in 1992 with a staff of one (only an executive director). Today, the organization has a full-time staff of five tourism professionals.