Experience Spring in Full Bloom in Chapel Hill & Orange County
Festivals, outdoor dining, scenic hikes, and vibrant downtowns
Spring is a spectacular time to visit the charming towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough in Orange County, North Carolina. With tree-lined streets in bloom, lush gardens awakening, and crisp spring air drawing hikers outdoors, this season brings our communities to life. Enjoy local festivals in April & May, dine al fresco on sun-soaked patios, and stroll through vibrant downtowns. Visit one of our many local farms for u-pick or cuddle with goats, or explore our bustling farmers markets, where you’ll find fresh seasonal produce, artisan goods, and a taste of the region’s agricultural roots.Whether you're seeking nature, culture, or simply a fresh perspective—Spring is calling you to Orange County.
Popular spring festivals and events to attend:
Revolutionary War Living History Day (April)
UNC Science Expo (April)
Tarheel Antiques Festival (April)
Tar Heel Ten Miler and Fleet Feet 4-mile Run (April)
Fields of Funk Beer Festival (April)
Piedmont Farm Tour (April)
Chapel HIll Garden Tour (April)
Last Fridays & Art Walk (April, May)
Carrboro Bluegrass Festival (May)
Preservation Fest (May)
Fridays on the Front Porch (May)
Art in the Garden Sculpture Exhibit (May)
Outdoor Fun Parks & Gardens
Ayr Mount and Poet's Walk
- 376 St Mary's Road
Ayr Mount is open to the public on select days from April through November. All guests are…
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
- 625 Virginia Cates Road
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area offers a quick escape into nature with its three miles of…
North Carolina Botanical Garden
- 100 Old Mason Farm Road
The Botanical Garden, one of the largest natural botanical gardens in the southeast, features nature…
Coker Arboretum
- 399 E. Cameron Avenue
Coker Arboretum is 5 acres of a wide variety of plantings including flowering trees and shrubs as…
Occoneechee Speedway
- 320 Elizabeth Brady Road
The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail is a 44-acre site on the National Register for Historic…
Riverwalk
- Nash and Kollock Streets
Riverwalk is a paved, accessible, urban greenway that stretches about 1.8 miles along the Eno River…
Eno River State Park
- 6101 Cole Mill Rd
Eno River State Park—like its namesake—flows near urban areas of Durham and Orange counties with…
Bolin Creek Trail
- 120 South Estes Drive
10' wide paved trail through meadow and wooded floodplain. Trail is 1.5 miles. Connects the…
Blackwood Farm Park
- 4215 NC 86 South
Blackwood Farm Park features approximately 152 acres of land located between Hillsborough and Chapel…
Morgan Creek Trail
- W. NC Hwy 54
10' wide paved woodland trail; one steep slope at a boardwalk section. 0.85 miles. The trail…
Outdoor dining Restaurants & Bars
Carolina Coffee Shop
- 138 East Franklin Street
Like the Old Well, Carolina football and basketball, Carolina Coffee Shop is another UNC tradition…
Carolina Brewery
- 460 W. Franklin Street
Since 1995, the locally-owned and operated Carolina Brewery has been proudly providing…
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
- 100 East Franklin Street
Whether you live in Chapel Hill, are just visiting, or are here to connect to your college roots…
Al's Burger Shack
- 516 West Franklin St
Delicious made to order burgers and fries, hot dogs and shakes from the best local ingredients. Try…
Acme Food & Beverage Co.
- 110 East Main Street
Acme Food & Beverage Company has been serving good Southern American cuisine, signature cocktails…
Antonia's
- 101 North Churton Street
Authentic Regional Italian Cuisine Prepared with Fresh and Local Ingredients. Check out their weekly…
Wooden Nickel Pub
- 113 N. Churton Street
The Wooden Nickel has been the neighborhood pub of Hillsborough since 2003, featuring some of the…
Glasshalfull
- 106 South Greensboro Street
Glasshalfull is a contemporary American restaurant, bar, and wine shop. Both the food and the wine…
Gray Squirrel Coffee Co.
- 360 E Main Street
At Gray Squirrel Coffee Co. we like to keep things simple: roasting in small batches with care to…
Franklin Motors Beer Garden & Gastropub
- 601 W. Franklin Street
Outdoor beer garden with roof deck also serving cocktails. A permanent food truck. Roquette, offers…
La Residence
- 202 West Rosemary Street
A Chapel Hill landmark since 1976, La Residence offers an American inspired twist on classic French…
Merritt's Grill
- 1009 South Columbia Street
Defining Genuine Southern Culture... Since 1992. Famous for its BLTs and delicious sandwiches…