The Scoop on Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Chapel Hill

Collectively referred to as the Triangle, Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh are an easy two-ish hour drive from Charlotte, and worth a weekend trip every once in a while. Many of our readers make the drive to one or the other for business trips, alum weekends or to drop off and then visit the kids in college, so we thought a round-up of scoop worthy stops was in store.

First up is Chapel Hill and its lovely neighbor Carrboro. As you are no doubt MORE than aware, Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina, so be prepared to see UNC and Tarheel blue everywhere you look. Here’s the scoop on the best places to eat, stay and play while you’re there:

Eat

Diverse dining options abound, and there are even some nationally recognized chefs cooking up talented (and tasty) dishes. Our picks for every meal:

Breakfast:
If you’re in the mood for morning coffee and a little history, start your day at the Carolina Coffee Shop on Franklin Street. It’s North Carolina’s oldest restaurant and a UNC institution.

Brunch:
If Sunday brunch is more your thing, sleep in and then head to Acme in Carrboro. Try Chef Kevin Callaghan’s version of Eggs Benedict with a layer of fried green tomatoes and the malted ricotta doughnuts.

Lunch:
The dinner options here are amazing, so we recommend a light, casual lunch to save some room. In downtown Chapel Hill, you can get a taste of “shack life” at Al’s Burger Shack – where the food is local, the living is easy and the burgers are juicy. Get a side of sweet potato fries and a local craft beer.

If shopping and sightseeing find you in downtown Carrboro instead, hit up Neal’s Deli. This family owned diner is known for its pastrami and farm-fresh sides like okra. It’s also very near the Carrboro Farmer’s Market which is an excellent place to browse.

Dinner :
If you ask a local for a dinner recommendation in Chapel Hill, nine times out of 10 you’ll hear Lantern. Owner Andrea Reusing is a nationally acclaimed chef and her menu blends Asian flavors with local NC ingredients. The ambience here is great for romance.

Take advantage of nice weather with dinner on the patio at Top of the Hill (or TOPO as the locals call it). It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and bustling nightlife down on Franklin Street. They make their own microbrews and the flatbreads are delicious.

Elaine’s on Franklin pairs local, seasonal Southern ingredients with a fine dining experience. We recommend an early reservation for their special prix fixe 3-course tasting menu. Their sommeliers offer wine pairings you won’t forget.

The Triangle is known for amazing Indian food, and Vimala’s Curryblossom Café in Chapel Hill is one of the best. Stop in for dinner and leave a few dollars for their Food for All fund. Chef and owner Vimala Rajendran is passionate about providing healthy food for everyone who stops by.

Drinks & Dessert:
What’s better than a bakery? A bakery with a full bar. Sugarland has decadent desserts and offers a variety of drinks to go with them. Try their yummy frozen martinis – it’s artisanal gelato blended with premium liquor.

Stay

The Carolina Inn has an awesome location right on the UNC campus. It’s a short walk from everything, including Franklin Street. This hotel is a beautiful option year-round, but it’s the perfect pick in the fall when they offer Fridays on the front porch with live music, the best food trucks and a great crowd. There are also several tasty restaurant options right on site and a proper Southern afternoon tea.

For a luxurious downtown option, we recommend The Franklin Hotel. The vibe here is chic and modern, and to make sightseeing easier, the hotel offers free parking and a free shuttle.

Play

Shopping
If shopping is on your fun to-do list, stroll the boutiques along Franklin Street in Chapel Hill and continue seamlessly into downtown Carrboro. For Carolina mom gear and Tarheel souvenirs, don’t miss Johnny T-shirt. Julian’s is also a must-see for Carolina’s signature argyle. This iconic store is decidedly upscale and has great gift options for the men in your life.

For women’s clothing and accessories, our favorite Triangle-based boutique is Uniquities. They offer the hottest designers and their warm and helpful staff will help you find just the thing for fall.

There’s a MONKEE’s of Chapel Hill if you want to check out how the Chapel Hill girls style their Monkee’s store ~ a lot of the same contemporary designers you’ll find at our local CLT and LKN versions, but also some new & different. While you’re there in Meadowmont Village, visit SOUTH for beautiful linens, china, stationery and more.

For cute and classic children’s clothing as well as gifts, visit Puddle Baby Boutique and the Purple Puddle (florist / paperie / gifts) in The Shops at Eastgate.

If you’re willing to venture a little bit outside of downtown, visit Southern Seasons. It’s a huge (and amazing) home goods, everything for the kitchen, and gourmet food store. You can shop a sugary candy bar, browse the aisles and eat at their bakery, deli, coffee shop or fine dining restaurant. Located in the University Place mall, it’s only about 3 miles from downtown Franklin Street.

Sightseeing
The university boasts several popular attractions to see while you’re there. Walk the winding gardens and nature trails at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. This fall, you can also catch the annual Sculpture in the Garden exhibition. Dozens of original works by North Carolina sculptors are on display.

Find the Milky Way at the Morehead Planetarium. They have several programs for kids but also offer a Starry Nights option for adults so you can finally learn to identify the planets, bright stars and constellations with the help of an astronomy educator.

The Ackland Art Museum offers great programs for adults. From tai chi and yoga in the galleries to live music and drawing classes, you can always find something fun to do at Ackland.

Sports
Obviously, first choice is to see the Tarheels play at the Dean Dome, but if you aren’t lucky enough to have tickets, the next best thing is to visit the free Carolina Basketball Museum right next door.

Andria Rosell is a writer, marketer and mom to two rowdy, little boys. Her family relocated to the Triangle from Chicago to escape the winters and explore everything North Carolina has to offer.