The Graduate Chapel Hill, with its Carolina Blue guest rooms, college nostalgia and charm makes this a perfect getaway for friends and family.
Tar Heel fan or not, you’ll appreciate the signature Graduate touches and views from their suites, and their downtown Chapel Hill local. Order a craft cocktail and snacks from the Trophy Room and enjoy them on the outdoor patio or step out on the town for more dining options at some of Chapel Hill’s most iconic restaurants, bars, local boutiques, and attractions.
We’ve compiled a few local favorites to get you started.
(Views from the suite balcony at the Graduate courtesy Chela Tu and Maylin Tu)
Perennial Coffee’s light and airy garden inspired interior and exterior décor provides a relaxing and uplifting atmosphere. Look for seasonal fall uniquely created drinks soon, to complement their already delicious house made craft beverage menu of coffees, teas, and specialty drinks. Address: 401 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Visit the Ackland Art Museum for thought provoking exhibitions and extensive collection of spanning time periods and cultures. There are 7 current exhibitions on view including Focus on the Peck Collection: The Lone Traveler (through November 1), Care and Concern: Recent Acquisitions of Modern and Contemporary Art (through November 15), and Phaan Howng: Against Nature (through July 11, 2027) Address: 101 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill
Explore McCorkle Place on campus with historic landmarks and towering trees. The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Campus has been described as one of the most beautiful with its rich history, stone walls, brick pathways, and greenery. Located a few blocks from the Graduate is the oldest historic green space on the campus, where you’ll find Old East, The Old Well, Davie Poplar and the Unsung Founders Memorial. (Locals Tip: pick up a self-guided walking tour map of the campus from the Chapel Hill/Orange County Welcome Center or UNC’s Visitor Center- more details on these below). Address: The Northern Entrance and most iconic point of entry to McCorkle place can be found at the intersection of East Franklin Street and Henderson Street, downtown.
Carolina Brewery Brewpub for craft brews and seasonally inspired menus. Carolina Brewery was founded in 1995 and is the oldest operating craft brewery in the Triangle - Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. (Locals Tip: if visiting for a game, they offer complimentary rides to and from Kenan Stadium for football and Dean Smith Center for Basketball with purchase of food or beverage). Address: 460 W. Franklin Street.
The original Uniquities boutique was founded in 1992 by Julie Jennings and features women’s designer clothing and accessories. If you’re looking for what’s trending in fashion this fall, peruse their window display, and then go inside to meet the friendly staff ready to help with a new outfit befitting for your excursion in Chapel Hill. Address: 452 W. Franklin Street
Baxter Arcade for more nostalgic fun, check out this spot with its nerd-chic atmosphere that has a full bar, pool tables and a resident cat named PiePan. As soon as you walk in you'll be taken aback and back to the good ol' days with over 50 vintage and original arcade games and pinball machines. Address: 108 N. Graham Street, Chapel Hill
Mediterranean Deli is arguably the most favorite lunch and dinner spot on Franklin Street, although it has tough competition, will delight the Mediterranean palate with their fresh, handmade, in house, locally crafted offerings. Allow time to peruse the deli cases as you'll most likely have a hard time choosing what to eat. For Mediterranean specialties to go, stop by the store, just next door.
Nightcap at The Crunkleton or Good Fortune for craft-cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy a cozy, relaxing evening and quiet conversation. Addresses: 320 West Franklin Street and 405 West Franklin Street, respectively
Bonus: Directly across the street from the Graduate is the Chapel Hill/Orange County Welcome Center for more things to see and do.
Extra Bonus: Sculpture in the Garden at the North Carolina Botanical Garden is an annual exhibit of 50+ sculptures placed amid the natural landscapes of the gardens. On display now through Dec 6. Free and open to the public plus free on-site parking.
