Greater Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC Area Guide

Chapel Hill was originally named after the New Hope Chapel, which marked the intersection of two main roads. Today, the Carolina Inn stands in its place. While the area was first settled in the late 1790s, a formal government wasn't put in place until about a century later. Most of the town's history is directly tied to that of the state university campus. Over the decades, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has become a leader in both academics and athletics, attracting elite students from around the country and the world. The surrounding town was created to serve the university and the students. Many residents work as professors, administrators or nurses and doctors at the university and its hospital. Residents and visitors enjoy access to the Ackland Art Museum, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and university lecture series. The annual Halloween celebration on Franklin Street always draws crowds.

Chapel Hill hosts a world-famous restaurant scene, attracting some of the best chefs in the country who focus on using local ingredients. Diners enjoy farm-to-fork eating and plenty of options for fresh, healthy foods prepared with expertise. Residents of the outer portions of Chapel Hill can always drive into the downtown area for a night of dining, but they also have some notable options right in their neighborhood. The Box Turtle Bakery specializes in whole-grain hearth breads that reflect seasonal ingredients. Shoppers can purchase at the bakery or visit the Carrboro Farmers Market to stock up on the latest creations. Choose between sourdough kamut English muffins, spelt tortillas or honey wheat rolls, all made with the best ingredients available. Residents also live within a short drive of the locally famous Allen and Son BBQ joint, which serves up eastern-style North Carolina barbecue. Its dishes tend to be simple and pork based. Don't worry about getting dressed up, just bring an appetite and dig into what most locals declare is by far the best food in the state. The parking lot fills with cars most days of the week, so be patient and know that you have a meal of pulled pork soaked in vinegar sauce, perfectly fried hush puppies and creamy coleslaw waiting. For a more upscale dining experience and a great date night destination, residents drive to the Top of the Hill restaurant off of Franklin Street. This local institution sits on the second story, providing diners with a great view of the main drag through town. Outdoor patios and seating fill up fast on a nice evening, with couples looking to share a glass of wine and watch the crowds below. In addition to great dishes like fish tacos and pimento and pork sandwiches, it also has its own distillery. Stop by and try the organic gin, whiskey and vodka, all made with local ingredients. While residents of outer Chapel Hill typically spend their free time gardening and farming, they do have the option of heading downtown for more entertainment options. In addition to a long list of bars and breweries, the town also hosts great local music venues such as Local 506 and The Cave. Locals can catch a movie at the Varsity Theater or get tickets to the latest show being performed by the PlayMakers Repertory.

Country roads crisscross the Outer Chapel Hill neighborhood, making it a driver-friendly area. Residents don't have a hard time parking in the neighborhood, although finding a spot can be difficult in downtown Chapel Hill. Just be sure to bring change for the parking meters. Hailing a cab can be fairly easy on the weekends when the downtown area really comes alive, but residents in the more rural outer neighborhoods should call ahead for a ride or use Uber to locate a driver. Locals looking to head out of town can travel a few miles north to connect with I-40, which runs across the entire state. Because the houses tend to be fairly spread out, walking may not be the most efficient way to travel the neighborhood, but the roads do host a crowd of dedicated long-distance bikers who use the uninterrupted country roads to work on their endurance. Public transportation also provides another option for residents. Bus rides in town don't cost a dime, but passengers in Outer Chapel Hill should schedule a pickup because regular routes don't extend that far into the county.

Residents enjoy free and easy access to the expansive Carolina North Forest, which occupies over 700 acres and provides miles of hiking trails. Dog lovers can also visit the Hank Anderson III County Park where dogs can roam off leash, and visitors can enjoy a playground, pond, picnic shelters and horseshoe pits. The more athletically inclined can also use the tennis courts, baseball fields and other multipurpose open spaces. An Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July Celebration, Halloween Festival and Carrboro Film Festival are all held at local parks.

The cost of living in Outer Chapel Hill does not vary significantly from the rest of the city. A one-bedroom residence rents for $670 a month. Passengers can catch the bus for free, and drivers pay about 10 percent less than the national average for a gallon of gas. When heading out for a drink, expect to pay $4 for a bottle of beer, although drink specials run throughout the week at most bars.

The neighborhood hosts a few small markets and gas stations where residents can pick up essentials, but for serious shopping, residents head south into Carrboro. This small town provides plenty of interesting specialty boutiques run by local entrepreneurs and stocked with merchandise created by North Carolina artists. The Vespertine serves as one such example. This charming shop encourages visitors to take their time, meander through all the nooks and crannies and pick up and examine all the items. From handmade cards and North Carolina-themed jewelry to fun T-shirts and whimsical household decorations, this store provides lots of great gift ideas. Just down the street at Scavenger Antiques, shoppers can sift through stacks of vintage clothing, military items, statues, jewelry and other rare finds. The owner attends the shop every day and knows the story behind each piece in the place. Even if visitors don't make a purchase, the educational experience can be well worth stopping by. Locals visit the Weaver Street Market for all their grocery needs. This local shop features the best in organic and local foods. The Carrboro Farmers Market opens on the weekends to serve customers and highlight locally farmed products.