12 Ways to Enjoy Chapel Hill and Orange County
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Experience Iconic Places
There are many unique to this area, but we’ll just mention a few to get you started. Sutton's Drug Store established 1923 serving up shakes, burgers & more. The Carolina Coffee Shop – longest running restaurant in North Carolina. The Cat’s Cradle celebrating over 50 years of top name and upcoming bands. Carolina Brewery, the oldest brewery in the Triangle. Julian’s, established in 1942, brings Ivy League style to Chapel Hill. Open Eye Café, brings international coffees to Carrboro and the Chapel Hill Post Card mural is probably the most instagrammable spot next to UNC's iconic Old Well on campus
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Walking Tours
Whether your interests lie in historical facts and places, African-American history, or botanicals, you are sure to find a tour that ‘speaks’ to your passion. If historical facts is your thing, join the ‘Free Walking Tour of Chapel Hill’ or 'Heart of the Hill' tours that cover UNC campus and Franklin Street history. For garden lovers, the North Carolina Botanical Garden offers general private guided tours for a minimal fee. For self-guided tours, you might consider “Histories of Home: A Walk with Northside Neighbors”, Historic Hillsborough Walking Tours which include historic buildings, cemeteries & gardens, and African American history, or a historic downtown walking tour of Carrboro. (Image courtesy Free Walking Tours)
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Live Performances
The sounds of live music can be heard just about any night of the week at many of our local bars and music venues. From our most well known venue, Cat's Cradle in Carrboro to the oldest bar and music venue in Chapel Hill, The Cave. Hillsborough puts out some great live music and local flavor at Nash Street Tavern and during Live & Local Saturdays at Hot Tin Roof, downtown.
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University of North Carolina
Walk the campus of the oldest public university in the country and look for historic landmarks like the Davie Poplar and the Old Well (Self-guided tours available). Visit the UNC Visitors Center for an hour long "Sense of Place" in-person walking tour hosted by student guides (registration required). Or catch a star show at the newly renovated, largest planetarium in the southeastern United States at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center
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Murals
Chapel Hill and Carrboro are very proud of their building murals. They define us as a community. There are over 30 murals in all, mostly in the downtown areas. Some have faded, some refreshed, some painted over. Local artist Michael Brown created the first mural, titled The Blue Mural in 1989. The most recent murals (2020) can be found in Carrboro: Elizabeth Cotten, Black Lives Matter and We are Community. There are a couple of outliers too, Children’s Faces can be viewed from Hwy 54 heading west, a tribute to legendary coach Dean Smith can be seen at the intersection of Smith Level Rd. and Hwy 15-501 S, and in Hillsborough, a tribute to Billy Strayhorn.
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Bicycling
Did you know there are miles and miles of biking trails in Carrboro and Chapel Hill? Both Carrboro and Chapel Hill are designated Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Communities by The League of American Bicyclists and UNC is recognized nationally as Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly University.
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Historic Places
While Carrboro and Chapel Hill along with the University of North Carolina have a long standing history, Hillsborough’s downtown historic district in itself is listed on the National Register for Historic Places and features more than 100 homes, churches, school and other structures from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Among those buildings, open to the public is the Alexander Dickson House, which houses the Hillsborough Visitor Center. There you can join a group tour or venture out on your own to other notable buildings such as the Burwell School, the Old Courthouse and the Old Town Cemetery. Learn more of Orange County's history at the Orange County Historical Museum.
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8
Shop Unique
When visiting a new town it’s always fun to seek out unique shops. Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro is home to more than 10 local and family owned shops ranging from beads & jewelry, boutiques and natural skin care to fine-fabrics, children’s toys and a card shop. For the selective antique buyer, check out Whitehall Antiques in Chapel Hill. And you’ll find the cutest boutique shops on Churton Street in Historic downtown Hillsborough.
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9
Craft Beers & Cider Trail
Just within a two-mile stretch between Chapel Hill and Carrboro lie six distinct craft breweries. Begin your tasting tour at Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery, make your way down Franklin Street to Carolina Brewery, and then head into Carrboro to the neighborhood brewery, Vecino Brewing Co. Try a funky free-spirited brew at Steel String, a Mukimono Belgian Wit at Craftboro Brewing Depot and end at our newest brewpub, Dingo Dog. For a slight detour north of Hillsborough, visit the tasting room at Botanist and Barrel for dry fruit wines, ciders & sours every Thursday -Sunday afternoons. Be sure to check out our numerous bottle shops and taprooms too.
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Art Galleries & Museums
For an eclectic experience, the permanent collection of the Ackland Art Museum consists of more than 18,000 works of art, featuring North Carolina’s premier collections of Asian art and works of paper as well as significant collections of European masterworks. For modern and contemporary fine art galleries, check out the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts in downtown Hillsborough. You’ll not find better artisanship than at FRANK in Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Crafts Gallery and Womancraft Gifts in Carrboro, and Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery in Hillsborough
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11
Local Dining & Farmers' Markets
Hailed as "America's Foodiest Small Town" by Bon Appetit magazine, Chapel Hill is a hot spot for local farm to table cuisine. From all-natural beef burgers at Al’s Burger Shack, BLT’s from Merritt’s, contemporary Italian faves with local ingredients at Il Palio, you’ll find a dish to your liking. Check out Eno River Farm and Maple View Farm Ice Cream Country Store to continue the flavor tour. Visit three county farmers’ markets to see where many local chefs shop.
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12
Outdoor Spaces
With our average winter climate in the 50’s and summer in the 90’s, we can enjoy the outdoors most all year round. Here are some of our favorite spots. Located on the University of North Carolina campus, the Coker Arboretum is 5 acres of flowering trees and shrubs, grassy areas and benches to relax. Just off campus is the North Carolina Botanical Garden, 1100 acres of garden and conservation areas plus a nearby trail system. Hillsborough has RiverWalk that edges the Eno River and is part of the Mountains to the Sea Trail. Both Carrboro and Chapel Hill have an extensive park system, trails and greenways for walking and biking.
Make your Daytrip a weekend getaway. We have accommodations to fit any budget.
Stay here...
Visitors to Chapel Hill now have another option for lodging in downtown Chapel Hill. The new AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown invites you to
Located in the East 54 mixed-use development with shops and restaurants at the corner of Hamilton and Raleigh Roads. Mix and mingle at their
Fully renovated. Well-appointed guestrooms including 7 luxury suites. The Carolina Inn is a AAA Four Diamond hotel and is listed on the
Minutes from the University and next to the UNC Friday Center. The Bistro is open for breakfast and dinner. Outdoor lounge with firepit.
Just a short walk from the scenic UNC-Chapel Hill campus, the former Franklin Hotel is now the Graduate and tailor-made for Tar Heels
Located just .5 miles from UNC Chapel Hill. 142 rooms including 56 suites. The Hampton Inn & Suites invites you to stay with them in the
Clean, quiet rooms. Outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, 24-hour coffee in the main lobby. 24-hour fax and copy services. Kids up to 12
Upscale Hotel in Charming Chapel Hill. Whether you're visiting the University of North Carolina, in town for business, or on a fun weekend
Offers complimentary daily hot breakfast buffet, Monday - Wednesday manager's reception and local shuttle service. Theater/billiard room,
Retreat to our modern guest rooms, re-charge at the new Blue Corners Bistro & Bar, featuring tapas style sharable plates, or re-energize in
Recently renovated, The Siena Hotel is Italian boutique hotel is part of the Autograph Collection. Home to Il Palio, the only AAA Four
You’ll receive a heartfelt welcome, whether your travel is for jovial celebration, quiet leisure or gratifying business, to the most beloved
Located near the intersection of Interstate 40 and Fordham Boulevard, this hotel is just 10 minutes from downtown Chapel Hill, four miles