Location: Chapel Hill
Top Things to do in Chapel Hill
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Chapel Hill, United States
Calling itself "the southern part of Heaven," the town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina is home to the grassy malls and brick walkways of the University of North Carolina's historic campus. The presence of the country's first public university has allowed a vibrant arts and culture scene to grow in Chapel Hill. Check out a concert by a local band, watch the star's fly at the Morehead Planetarium or catch a varsity game pitting the wildly popular Tarheels against their historic Southern rivals.
Restaurants in Chapel Hill
1. The Carolina Basketball Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By David E - Beaufort, South Carolina
I rated this a 5 as a Tar Heel fan, a little prejudiced but never the less, this is a well organized exhibit. There are a lot of self activated presentations giving the great history of this program. Also some very interesting memorabilia.
Note: It closes at 5 pm except on nights when there is a home game when it stays open until an hour before the game. It’s free and definitely a must do to start off your game!
2. Carrboro Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By bamboola - Midwest
Our son lives in the neighborhood and frequents the market every week. We walked through the market, but being tourists, we didn't buy anything. However, we were very impressed by how welcoming the vendors were. Some even hugged me when my son introduced me as "the visiting mom."
I will definitely return to the market when I visit again in the summer when more options are available. A very enjoyable Saturday morning outing.
3. University of North Carolina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By Adam R - Annapolis, Maryland
For complete transparency, I have travelled to UNC multiple times for collegiate competition AGAINST Uncle. However, it is a beautiful, friendly, accessible campus. It is beautifully kept and it is near food, entertainment, bookstores, unique shops...and the climate...wow!
4. Womancraft
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Bcobert - Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Lovely, charming gift shop for the home, kitchen, for kids and women. Much of the usual craft stuff: soap, boxes, plates etc. but some eclectic items. Level of skill ranges from wow! to ok. Same for the prices. We always find something here and walk out smiling. Staff is charming and helpful.
5. Dean E. Smith Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By TarHeel
In full disclosure, I am a long-time ushers at this venue. It's great for history and competitive basketball but is showing it's age a little. If you're a fan of UNC basketball, check for the non-ACC games or the exhibition game at the start of the year. It's getting easier to get tickets as the prevalence of televised games is diminishing attendance. The staff and volunteers work hard to maintain a family atmosphere, so definitely let us know if someone is being drunk, rude or both. The concourse level can get quite crowded. They do try to make the games lively with the pep band, piped in music, videos, and more. There are also different food options and a store in the building that sells UNC merchandise. Parking can be an issue but check out goheels.com ahead of time to find out where to park. New for 2017-2018, they are now implementing a clear-bag policy like many professional sports venues. Know that ahead of time, since you won't be able to bring in huge backpacks or purses.
6. The Artscenter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By TarHeel
We got tickets to see a curated show from The Monti, a local nonprofit that hosts storytelling events. This particular event was open seating, so I don't know what the arrange is for other shows. The seats are on raised floors that slope down toward the stage, which forms the point in a "V." We sat up front but even the back seats are in relatively close proximity to the stage. They offer food and drinks in the lobby, plus have some artwork to peruse. This is a nice place for an intimate performance.
7. North Carolina Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Reviewed By banjoal - Hillsborough, North Carolina
My workplace utilized the Botanical Garden for a work retreat last month and the experience was fantastic. The setting was sublime and the facilities perfect for our needs. The staff of the garden were very accommodating and easy to work with in making our event a success. Highly recommend!
8. Downtown Chapel Hill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 319 reviews
The iconic Main Street where Tar Heels live, work, and play. With over 95 cafes, restaurants and bars, of which more than 75% are locally & independently owned, Downtown Chapel Hill is one of the best destinations for dining in the Triangle.
Reviewed By authored - Springfield, Virginia
We have spent many afternoons and evenings in the stores and bars along Franklin Street. It has a genuine major university atmosphere most of the time. You are guaranteed to see a lot of undergraduates at their best (or worst). It helps to be of drinking age to fully appreciate this area!
9. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Educational and entertaining programs for all ages that teach and explore the science of the universe.
Reviewed By D2958ZXgarym - King, United States
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center stands at the very heart of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. In 1949, Morehead Planetarium was the first such facility to open on a university campus. Since then, the planetarium and science center have been educating students and general public alike with a variety of daily programs. The Planetarium also played a special role in NASA’s space programs -- astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Apollo-Soyuz programs, as well as early space shuttle missions, came to Morehead Planetarium for training in celestial navigation. Films shown at the full dome theater are changed with some frequency. Some are aimed at younger visitors, some are intended for older audiences.
Visitors to the planetarium might be interested in knowing that the UNC-Chapel Hill Visitor Center is located in the west wing of the Planetarium building. The center welcomes guests to the first public university in the United States and provides visitors with walking maps of the campus. The Planetarium is a short walk from many of the University’s iconic landmarks: Old East (the cornerstone of the first building was laid in 1793); the Davie Poplar (the tree under which William R. Davie, the “Father of the University,” rested while selecting the sit for the first buildings); the Old Well (the official symbol of the University); “Silent Sam” (a Civil War memorial erected in 1913 to honor the 321 UNC alumni who died while serving the Confederacy); Wilson Library (which houses the North Carolina Collection, the Southern Historical Collection, and the Rare Book Room); and the Bell Tower (a 14-bell carillon built in 1931).
10. Cameron's
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By mbaChapelHill - Chapel Hill
I have not been to the new location, but their inventory is always interesting. If you don't know what to buy someone, you can almost always find something here.
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