HILLSBOROUGH & CARRBORO
(Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)
HILLSBOROUGH & CARRBORO 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
(Credit Shannon Kelly)
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.
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.
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 off 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.
Scan
to learn more at visitchapelhill.org/things-to-do