Where diverse paths meet on walkable streets.
Welcoming hearts, wonderful arts
Carrboro is a walkable, vibrant, cultural destination that draws thousands of annual visitors with its eclectic blend of strong community and progressive spirit. Carrboro is a former railroad and mill town with a unique charm and history.
The heartbeat of local agriculture
The Carrboro Farmers’ Market, established in 1977, stands as one of the oldest and most vibrant farmers’ markets in the Southeast. Held every Saturday year round and on Wednesdays throughout spring and fall, it features over 70 vendors—all from within a 50-mile radius—and some of the region’s greatest agricultural treasures.
Special seasonal events, like Tomato Day and Market Brunch, bring the community together. Weaver Street Market also offers a variety of local products in a quaint co-op setting.
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Culinary paradise
Farm-to-table isn’t a buzzword here—it’s a way of life. Each restaurant tells its own story through carefully crafted menus that celebrate both global inspiration and local bounty, with favorites like:
Acme Food & Beverage Co.
Contemporary Southern cuisine with a sophisticated flair
Glasshalfull
Mediterranean-inspired dishes and wine in a modern bistro
Pizzeria Mercato
Seasonally focused dining with constantly changing menu
Neal’s Deli
Nationally recognized artisanal sandwiches
IZA Whiskey & Eats
Artful sushi, elevated with local and seasonal ingredients
La Montaña
A Latin-Asian fusion restaurant with a casual, romantic, tropical setting
Grata Diner
Casual comfort food with gluten-free and vegan options
Tandem Creative New American dishes
Venable’s
Globally inspired comfort food
Tesoro Homemade pasta, seasonal plates, and classic sweets
Brews & beans: Craft beverage culture
Coffee culture thrives in Carrboro, with community favorites such as Open Eye Café, Gray Squirrel Coffee Co., and Carrboro Coffee Roasters, each offering their own unique cup of joe.
When the sun sets, Carrboro’s craft beverage scene shifts to its celebrated microbreweries. From the musically inspired flavors at Steel String Brewery and house-brewed beers at Haw River Tap & Table to our local non-profit craft brewery/cidery, Dingo Dog, there’s a pint—and place—for everyone.
The soundtrack of Carrboro
Music pulses through Carrboro’s veins, with legendary venue Cat’s Cradle at its center. For over 55 years, the Cat’s Cradle has been the Triangle’s premier live music venue. This iconic space has cemented Carrboro’s reputation as a critical stop on the indie music circuit. Nearby, The ArtsCenter presents an eclectic mix of performances spanning genres from folk and bluegrass to jazz and world music.
Throughout the year, festivals like the Carrboro Music Festival bring hundreds of free performances downtown. Other don’t-miss events are the
Shopping
The hub of shopping in Carrboro is the Carr Mill Mall, which features 20 stores and services and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Alberta Mill Complex. Nearby, you’ll also find North Carolina Crafts Gallery, This & That, My Muses Card Shop & Muse Art Gallery, FRANK Art Gallery, Sid’s Surplus, and more.
The Carrboro spirit
What truly distinguishes Carrboro is its unmistakable character—a blend of Southern roots and progressive values that welcomes everyone. Public art adorns buildings, alleyways, and house hidden gardens. Community-driven initiatives ensure Carrboro remains authentic to its unofficial motto of “Feel Free.”
Walkable wonderland
Carrboro’s compact, pedestrian-friendly design makes exploration a delight. The town’s commitment to alternative transportation is evident in its network of greenways, bike lanes, and walking paths that connect neighborhoods to downtown attractions. Parks and public gathering spaces like the Carrboro Town Commons provide green oases throughout the urban landscape.
Honoring the past, building the future
Carrboro’s rich Black history is woven into the fabric of the town, from the historic Rogers Road community to the legacy of Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten, the Grammywinning folk musician whose name graces one of the town’s most popular bikeways. Walking tours of the Northside neighborhood reveal the resilient stories of this historic Black community.
Today, this commitment to inclusivity continues with historic milestones like the election of Barbara Foushee as Carrboro’s first Black female mayor. Under Mayor Foushee’s leadership, Carrboro continues its dedication to equity and progress with initiatives aimed at affordable housing, environmental justice, and economic opportunity across all communities.
Make a stop at the town’s newest venue, the Drakeford Library Complex at the corner of S. Greensboro and Roberson streets.
Whether you’re savoring a locally sourced meal, dancing to live music under the stars, or simply enjoying the parade of interesting characters at a downtown café, Carrboro offers an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Come discover why visitors and new residents make the pilgrimage to this small but mighty town that defies easy categorization—except, perhaps, as simply extraordinary.
carrboronc.gov
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.
