12 Things to Do in the Greater Chapel Hill Area

Things to do for the curious in Chapel Hill

The Town of Chapel Hill is famous for having a quaint feel with a modern vibe. When you’re here, enjoy the beauty, get a sense of history, and feel the energy of the present — all under a Carolina Blue sky.

History

The history of the town and the university are inextricably linked. In fact, the town was created to serve the university. The university’s Board of Trustees chose the area around New Hope Chapel as the site for the first state university and named a committee to lay out a town adjacent to the site. Named after New Hope Chapel, the town’s first residents arrived in 1795. Today, the historic Carolina Inn sits on the site where New Hope Chapel once stood. The Town of Chapel Hill was formally chartered in 1851.

Modern Day

The Town of Chapel Hill is often at the top of “best college towns in the country” lists. It’s well known for its award-winning restaurants and chefs, vibrant music scene, colorful murals, scenic beauty, lush parks, peaceful walking trails, and championship college sports.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Originally chartered in 1789, the cornerstone of the first building at the University of North Carolina (UNC) was laid on October 12, 1793. At the same time, an auctioneer sold o 24 nearby lots for what would become the Town of Chapel Hill. As the nation’s oldest public university, UNC is the only public school to have admitted and graduated students in the 18th century.

Dining

The Town of Chapel Hill boasts one of the best dining scenes in the Southeast, including the James Beard award-winning chef Andrea Reusing’s Lantern. Other delicious downtown options include Vimala’s Curry Blossom Café, 411 West Italian, Mediterranean Deli, and MOMO’s Master dumplings. Additional must-trys include Bluebird French Bistro, Elements, and Kipo’s Greek Taverna. And don’t miss the BLT at Merritt’s Grill or a yummy cheeseburger from the 100-year-old Sutton’s Drug Store

Events

Each year Chapel Hill hosts dozens of special events featuring arts, music, culture, sports and more. Some are the UNC Science Expo, Tar Heel 10 Miler, Juneteenth Celebration, July 4th Fireworks, Summer Forest Theatre Giant Puppet Pageant, Sculpture in the Garden, Festifall Arts Markets & More, and the Holiday Parade.

1 Franklin Street

Stroll Historic Franklin Street, the heart of social life in the Town of Chapel Hill. It is home to numerous co ee shops, bookshops, clothing stores, music stores, restaurants, and bars. Want to get into Franklin Street history? Register for a weekend guided tour at freewalkingtourschapelhill.com or a Hometown Ambassadors Tour at heartofthehilltours.com Ambassador tours leave from the Welcome Center at 308 W. Franklin Street on select Fridays, April–October.

2 Carolina Basketball Museum

This free museum in the Ernie Williamson Athletic Center looks at the history of the UNC Men’s Basketball program. It includes artifacts, championship rings, trophies, and interactive displays featuring the program’s greatest coaches, players, and games.

3 North Carolina Botanical Garden

The North Carolina Botanical Garden showcases the beauty of North Carolina’s native flora, from the mountains to the sea. Wander the Piedmont Nature Trails, main gardens, and Children’s Wonder Garden. Best of all, admission is free.

things to do in the greater Chapel Hill area

4 Kidzu Children’s Museum

The Kidzu Children’s Museum features hands-on activities and engaging exhibits for infants to tweens. Check out the tot plot, climbing wall, tree house, makery, graviton science area, outdoor learning garden, and more.

5 UNC Chapel Hill Tours

Explore UNC campus history, traditions, and more on your own or with a guide. The UNC Visitors Center Sense of Place Tour is an hour-long, guided walking tour. (Reservations required.) For a self-guided tour, scan the QR code. Be sure to include the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and free Ackland Art Museum.

7 Live Music

Chapel Hill’s indoor music venues include Local 506, The Cave, and The Kraken. Also look for concerts through the UNC Music School. Enjoy outdoor music at The Carolina Inn’s Fridays on the Front Porch (April-October), Franklin Street’s Downtown Live, and other spots around town.

8 Southern Village

Enjoy music and movies on the Southern Village lawn from spring through fall. Visit the twice-yearly Arts on Market, hear the North Carolina Symphony, or other community plays and events on the Green. Popular restaurants include Market & Moss, Al’s Burger Shack, Town Hall Grill, and Rasa Malaysia. Try a wine tasting at the new Rocks + Acid Wine Shop or an espresso, gelato, or wine at La Vita Dolce. The Southern Village Park hosts the Town of Chapel Hill July 4th Fireworks.

10 Shopping

There are several hubs for great shopping like the Shops at Eastgate, University Place, Elliott Road Galleria, Meadowmont Village, and downtown Franklin Street. You’ll find everything from unique jewelry, gift and clothing stores, to memorabilia shops, antiques and more.

11 Visit Neighbor Carrboro

Carrboro shares a border with Chapel Hill. Explore unique local shops and restaurants at Carr Mill Mall and on Main Street or relax on the expansive lawn at Weaver Street Market. Visit the popular Carrboro Farmers’ Market, the ArtsCenter, Cat’s Cradle, craft breweries and more.

6 Greenways, Walking Trails, & Nature Preserves

Get outside and hike the many miles of urban greenways and trails in our community. Along the way you can see public art and murals. There are natural surface and paved trails for hiking and biking. In Chapel Hill, walk the Bolin Creek or Morgan Creek Trails and hike the 673-acre George and Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve with paths and forests that surround streams, ponds, fields, and several historic ruins.

9 Coffee, Tea, & Breweries

The must-try co ee and tea shops include Perennial, 1922 by Carolina Co ee Shop, Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews, Tea Hill, Ca é Driade, The Poplar Cafe, and Coco Bistro & Bar. Like craft beers? Try a local brew at Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery and Carolina Brewery.

12 Explore Hillsborough

Hillsborough is steeped in history. Walk the Riverwalk or visit the renovated historic Colonial Inn. Explore the Orange County Historical Museum or the Burwell School Historic Site. The town is packed with great dining from Hillsborough BBQ to The Wooden Nickel to Nomad. Have a drink at Yonder or a sweet treat at Matthew’s Chocolate. Shop downtown vintage stores, art galleries, and gift shops. Need more ideas? Drop by the Alexander Dickson house, home to the Hillsborough Visitors Center.

visitchapelhill.org

PLAN YOUR VISIT

For travel and tourism assistance, contact the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau at (888) 968-2060, (919) 245-4320, or info@visitchapelhill.org.