Rediscover Chapel Hill Mag Insert NovDec24_web-pages

REDISCOVER DOWNTOWN CHAPEL HILL (AGAIN & again)

D

owntown is where chance encounters happen – whether you’re grabbing a drink or a bite to eat with a friend, playing arcade games with the kids, teaching your youngest

Dungeons & Dragons, listening to a punk band, catching a movie or simply people-watching. It’s where communities come together to inspire and be inspired.

From TOPO to Sutton’s, Vimala’s to Local 506, and The Baxter Arcade to Med Deli, our downtown business owners foster strong connections with the community. We’ve also welcomed nearly 10 new businesses this year. Despite challenges like fires and power outages, our merchants remain resilient.

I believe downtown Chapel Hill is on the verge of a resurgence.

These 11 blocks offer spaces to gather, build community, create a sense of place and pride and celebrate our historic character.

At the heart of our downtown’s success is its ability to provide residents, visitors and employees with a safe, welcoming and vibrant environment.

A thriving downtown is essential for attracting new businesses and talent while supporting those already here. Our district is poised to become a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly hub for the arts, dining, retail, entertainment, business and urban life. Downtown is the heart of our beloved community, and there’s no place I’d rather be.

Jeri Lynn Schulke Executive Director Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership

2

DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

“I believe Downtown Chapel Hill is on the verge of a resurgence.

These

11 blocks are filled with spaces to gather,

build community ... and celebrate our historic character.”

SHOWN ON THE COVER: TALLULA’S RESTAURANT ON FRANKLIN STREET OFFERS TURKISH SPECIALTIES AND COCKTAILS. COVER PHOTO: JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

4

DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

JUNETEENTH

Andrew Lam

HOLIDAY PARADE

Mark Losey

PRIDE PARADE

TOWN PERSONNEL

Mark Losey

Samuel Cooke

“Have FUN and LET LOOSE during a cHAPEL HILL event!”

Sarah Poulton Senior Project Manager

Fun & Festive

Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, downtown Chapel Hill offers a delightful array of activities that capture the town’s eclectic spirit and warm hospitality. Downtown comes alive with artisanal markets, live music performances and parades. Throughout the year, community events fill the district with friendly faces. These events not only showcase our town’s creativity but also offer opportunities to connect with neighbors and visitors alike.

As a Chapel Hill native with 17 years of local government experience, my commitment to this community runs deep. Since becoming the downtown special projects manager in 2017, I’ve led efforts to improve

EXPLORE UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS HERE

infrastructure, update ordinances and support the businesses, property owners and visitors that help downtown thrive. Now, I use my expertise to provide historical context for public space challenges, bridge gaps for town staff and stakeholders and advocate for the

FESTIFALL

Mark Losey

PRIDE PARADE

Mark Losey

Samuel Cooke

needs of all downtown visitors.

HOLIDAY PARADE

MANCHESTER CITY VS CELTIC FC DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

5

“Discover the vibrant charm of downtown Chapel Hill, where

AY POR DIOS! 6

DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

John Michael Simpson

dining and shopping come together . ”

John Michael Simpson

SAVOR, STROLL & EXPLORE

TOP OF THE HILL

Discover the vibrant charm of downtown Chapel Hill, where dining and shopping come together for a memorable outing. Stroll along Franklin, Rosemary and the side streets, and enjoy a culinary adventure with local eateries, from cozy coffee shops and bustling brunch spots to upscale restaurants offering international cuisine.

Attend a downtown event, enjoy live local music or catch the big game at a sports bar–there’s always something exciting happening here.

SCOUT OUT WHERE TO DINE, SIP AND SHOP

Ernie Rogers Senior Engineering Coordinator With more than 21 years of experience at the Town of Chapel Hill, I’ve held roles ranging from traffic engineering technician to senior engineering inspector,

AY POR DIOS!

John Michael Simpson

MOMO’S MASTER

Shreyas Kothiya

which is part of my current position. Throughout my career, I’ve contributed to downtown’s transformation through projects like traffic and pedestrian design, streetscape enhancements and utility upgrades. My priority has always been collaborating with staff, community leaders and stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient projects that not only support future growth but also foster a

BRANDWEIN’S BAGELS

Brandwein’s Bagels

stronger, more vibrant community for all to enjoy.

FC SERIES

Andrew Lam

FESTIFALL MURAL

Mark Losey

Koala Craft

KOALA CRAFT

Downtown Chapel Hill is an excellent destination for families and kids, offering a mix of educational and fun activities. Start at the Morehead Planetarium, where children can marvel at the universe through engaging shows and interactive exhibits. Next, visit the Ackland Art Museum for family-friendly programs and workshops designed to spark creativity and curiosity. After a day of exploration, enjoy kid-friendly meals at local eateries, with options ranging from hearty burgers to delicious pizza. For a creative twist, visit Koala Craft for hands-on activities, such as making personal souvenirs. Or, tackle brain teasers together in an escape room at Tar Heel Escapes.

FIND MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

8

DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

ACKLAND ART MUSEUM Cody Johnson Owner of Chapel Hill Training and Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership Board Member For the past 14 years, I’ve been deeply involved with downtown Chapel Hill—from my days as a student to working, living and owning a business here. Downtown has always given me both opportunity and a sense of community. At Chapel Hill Training, I’m passionate about building connections through health and fitness, while providing stable jobs for residents. Through the partnership, I’ve helped shape downtown’s postCOVID growth, and I’m excited to keep championing its future alongside local businesses and residents.

Anna Routh Barzin

A FAMILY DAY OUT

“aN EXCELLENT destination for families and kids,

UNC Research

offering a mix of

educational and fun activities ...”

MOREHEAD PLANETARIUM DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

9

JULIAN’S 10 DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

John Michael Simpson

“... downtown Chapel Hill creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger and savor every moment. ”

John Michael Simpson

UNIQUE FINDS

SIMPLY AUDREY

After indulging, explore the mix of eclectic boutiques and specialty shops, offering everything from unique gifts and artisanal goods to stylish clothing and local crafts. Whether you’re savoring world-class cuisine or searching for a one-of-a-kind find during a street festival, downtown Chapel Hill creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger and savor every moment.

Chapel Hill Training

LAUNCH YOUR DOWTOWN BUSINESS

CHAPEL HILL TRAINING

Julia Chiu

Owner of Tea Hill

I’m proud to be a downtown Chapel Hill merchant and thrilled to have served world-famous Taiwan boba milk tea here for the past five years. Chapel Hill’s flourishing, welcoming community embraced Tea Hill from the start, and we’re dedicated to returning quality tea and boba imported from Taiwan. Our customers love the authentic flavors and great

SUTTON’S

Andrew Lam

EPILOGUE

John Michael Simpson

that warmth by offering the highest

service, inspiring us to keep raising the bar and delivering the best experiences possible.

iGNITE InnovatION

THE PITCH

On West Franklin, The PITCH provides a versatile venue for events, meetings and content creation. Downtown Chapel Hill supports both new ventures and established enterprises, blending innovation with tradition to drive economic vitality and enhance the area’s unique character. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, or local commerce supporter, downtown Chapel Hill is where ideas flourish.

12 DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

Julia Lutz

Community Manager at the Junction I help bring downtown to life by building a dynamic coworking

DISCOVER WHY IDEAS FLOURISH DOWNTOWN

community. As the community manager of the Junction, my goal is to attract professionals to Franklin Street and Chapel Hill, connecting them with the heart of downtown.

My mission extends to creating a strong sense of community within our

THE JUNCTION

Jafar Fallah Photography

The Junction at 136 E. Rosemary St., operated by Innovate Carolina, offers creative spaces, coworking areas and services designed to foster inventive thinking and collaboration. It also houses Launch Chapel Hill, a startup accelerator and community of innovators.

THE JUNCTION

Jafar Fallah Photography

Kyle Maulucci, The PITCH Creator Studio

Have an idea? Downtown Chapel Hill is the perfect place to bring it to life.

Our vibrant district is not only a hub of local commerce but also a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit. The area supports a diverse range of businesses, from innovative startups to cherished local establishments, creating a dynamic environment for growth and creativity, all right on the doorstep of one of the country’s most prestigious public research universities.

space. Together, we frequently enjoy local bars and restaurants for after-work drinks, grab lunch, shop and immerse ourselves in Franklin Street’s lively atmosphere.

Innovate Carolina

“Downtown Chapel Hill blends innovation with tradition, driving economic vitality and enhancing the area’s unique character.”

THE JUNCTION DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM 13

“... A Memorable stay Southern hospitality.”

THE THECAROLINA GRADUATE INN 14 DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

The Carolina Inn

with a touch of

AC HOTEL CHAPEL HILL

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

GRADUATE CHAPEL HILL

Steve Freihon

STAY IN STYLE

Experience a serene escape in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill, where a selection of charming hotels offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Unwind in stylish accommodations that capture the area’s distinctive character, from the Tar Heel-inspired rooms at Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill, to the ultra-modern AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown and the historic Southern charm of The Carolina Inn. Enjoy easy access to Chapel Hill’s vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions, all just steps away from your cozy retreat. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway or a relaxing solo retreat, downtown Chapel Hill’s hotels promise a memorable stay with a touch of Southern hospitality.

FIND FOR YOUR IDEAL DOWNTOWN CHAPEL HILL ACCOMMODATION

Lieutenant Nate Chambers Chapel Hill Police Department

I’ve proudly served with the Chapel Hill Police Department for 19 years and now have the exciting role of leading our new downtown unit. Our team of two officers spans four patrol shifts, and we love visiting local businesses, meeting new faces and reconnecting with familiar ones. We work closely with the Crisis Unit to support the most vulnerable – those experiencing homelessness or substance use – by connecting them with resources like the CARE

THE CAROLINA INN

The Carolina Inn

team and SOHRAD program.

Whether people are biking, shopping or dining on Franklin Street, we’re always nearby, ready to help.

PARKING

Henderson St

rti

nL

ut

he

rK

ing

Jr

TOWN HALL

Bl

vd Top Of The Hill

Columbia Street

Pritchard Ave

Church St

NAVIGATE PARKING AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

W Franklin Street

Carolina Square

128 E. FRANKLIN STREET SUITE 240 CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514

Mallette St

Kenan St

DOWNTOWNCHAPELHILL.COM

Mit

che

ll Ln

N Ro

bers

NG

on S t

raha

Sun

set

mS t

Dr

Carrboro

Andrew Lam

Yates Court

The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to be a champion and advocate for downtown Chapel Hill through programming, marketing, business support, and community building.

Old Well

S Roberson St

S Graham St

Merritt Mill Rd

Cameron Avenue

Ma

W Rosemary St

P: (919)928-5637

UNC CAMPUS

North St

Navigating downtown Chapel Hill is simple with various parking options and clear wayfinding. Parking decks like the Wallace Parking Deck and the new 125 E. Rosemary St. Deck offer ample space and easy access to shops and attractions. Surface lots provide additional parking near key destinations. Metered on-street spaces are also available with clear signage. The downtown area is well-marked with directional signs and maps, making it easy to find your way to vibrant spots. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a night, downtown Chapel Hill’s parking and wayfinding ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

E Franklin Street

E Rosemary Street

Raleigh St