Our town wasn't born yesterday - which makes it ideal for history buffs looking to learn more about how we came to be. Now, go ahead and get to the bottom of things...
What if the first step of your day could take you back in time? Grab coffee and breakfast at Carolina Coffee Shop, the oldest restaurant in North Carolina. An institution since 1922, this is the perfect place to get your fill of history, first thing in the morning.
Stop by the front desk of The Carolina Inn, a.k.a. “the university’s living room” and grab a map for a self-guided tour. From there, you can wander the historic halls, library exhibit, and iconic grounds at your own leisurely pace.
Grab lunch while experiencing a long-standing Tar Heel tradition dating back 100+ years: Sutton’s Drug Store. Originally a pharmacy in 1923, this mainstay is still serving up delicious burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, shakes, and vintage sodas.
Head about 15 minutes out of Chapel Hill proper to the Orange County Historical Museum in Hillsborough. Here, you’ll find an interesting collection of permanent and special exhibits exploring Orange County’s history.
After the day’s through, how about sitting down somewhere special to reflect on everything you’ve seen and learned? Antonia’s invites you to sit down for fresh, elevated Italian fare on Hillsborough’s historic Churton St.
Another self-guided historic tour option is listening to the Soundwalk of Northside recording, which talks about the stories, struggles, and aspirations of Chapel Hill’s Black community.
