4. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Today, Chapel Hill and
the communities of
Orange County North
Carolina offer the culture
and vibrant businesslife
of a city, while being
surrounded by fields and
farms that haven’t
changed in a hundred
years.
8. Tar Heel Athletics
The University of North Carolina athletics department is
considered to be one of the best in the country.
9. Carrboro, North Carolina
• Located just onehalf mile from downtown Chapel Hill, the town of
Carrboro is a thriving community that began in 1882, when a spur from
the DurhamGreensboro Southern Railway Line was extended to link
university students with the outside world.
• Today it is home to Carr Mill Mall, a historic textile mill
built in 1899 and converted to a shopping mall.
12. Historic Homes and Historic Sites
• Horace Williams House – Only historic house in Chapel Hill opened to the public.
The original portion of the house was built in 1840.
• Ayr Mount Plantation – One of NC’s finest Federal era plantation homes (c.
1815), built by William Kirkland of Ayr, Scotland. Carefully restored and furnished
with period antiques. Guided tours available.
• The Burwell School Historic Site – Site of one of the earliest female academies
in North Carolina operated by the Rev. Robert and Anna Burwell from 18371857.
Guided and selfguided tours available of the house and the outbuildings.
13. Historic, Art and Sport Museums
• Orange County Historical Museum – Collection includes the only complete set of
Colonial weights and measures in the U.S. and the desk of NC Governor Thomas
Burke, who served from 178182.
• Ackland Art Museum – Museum's permanent collection of over 15,000 objects
includes the art of Asia, Africa, Europe and America, with works ranging from
ancient times to the 21st century.
• Chapel Hill Museum – Exhibits North Carolina history, art
and decorative arts with an emphasis on Chapel Hill and
Southern culture. Permanent exhibits highlight the lives of
singersongwriter James Taylor and playwright Paul Green.
• Kidzu Children’s Museum downtown on Franklin Street
has handson exhibits for kids up
to age 8.
14. Historic, Art and Sport Museums
• North Carolina Collection Gallery – Eclectic collection of artifacts and historic
displays related to people, places and events including historic rooms on the
history of North Carolina and the University of North Carolina.
• Morehead Planetarium & Science Center – Features public star shows in the 68
ft. domed Star Theater (with its worldclass Zeiss Model VI projector), a digital
theater, educational exhibits, Infinity gift shop and sundial rose garden outside.
• Kenan Football Center Hall of Honor
• Dean Smith Center Memorabilia Room
15. Gardens and More
• North Carolina Botanical Garden – The largest natural Botanical Garden in the
Southeast with nature trails, carnivorous plants, aquatics and herb gardens.
• Montrose Gardens – A mid19th century collection of gardens including a rock
garden, screen garden, sunny gardens with varied color schemes, and extensive
woodland gardens.
• Chatwood Gardens – Open for group tours by appointment only. Features
woodlands, traditional southern plantings, perennials, herbs, vegetables and a
walled Williamsburgstyle garden with a spectacular rose collection.
20. Dining & Nightlife
Over 270 restaurants and bars in Orange County offering cuisine of every type
with numerous awardwinning chefs
Two AAA Four Diamond Restaurants (Carolina Crossroads and Il Palio Ristorante)
and one Mobil Four Star winner The Carolina Crossroads.
Enjoy music at the famous Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro or The Cave in Chapel Hill.
Unique hickory smoked barbecue at Allen & Son BarBQ.
Brew pubs & Tap Rooms – The Carolina Brewery, Top of the Hill and Tyler’s
Famous Mama Dips chicken and dumplings.
Shrimp and grits at Crooks Corner.
Martini bar, dancing, soothing jazz and more.
Unique Cajun food at Tupelo's.
22. Top Notch Accommodations
• Orange County has 1,483 full service, limited service, extended stay and
B&B rooms.
• Two newest include The Franklin Hotel (67room luxury boutique hotel)
in downtown Chapel Hill and 108room Residence Inn Marriott.
• Chapel Hill is home to two AAA Four Diamond hotels. The Carolina Inn
(member of Historic Hotels of America) and The Siena Hotel. There are
four AAA noted properties in the Triangle and 23 statewide.
