Person Entering the Welcome Center Front Door

Our Welcome Center is open and many of our businesses are operating as usual. However some of natural areas, attractions and our businesses did suffer damage during Tropical Storm Chantal, particulary in the Eastgate Shopping Center and University Place. Before visiting any business, greenways and attractions, we encourage you to contact them directly or check their social media pages first.

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
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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

Coker Arboretum

  • 399 E. Cameron Avenue

Coker Arboretum is 5 acres of a wide variety of plantings including flowering trees and shrubs as…

Riverwalk

  • Nash and Kollock Streets

Riverwalk is a paved, accessible, urban greenway that stretches about 1.8 miles along the Eno River…

Bolin Creek Trail

  • 120 South Estes Drive

10' wide paved trail through meadow and wooded floodplain. Trail is 1.5 miles. Connects the…

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…

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…

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…

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…