United States North Carolina Things to Do and See in Chapel Hill-Carrboro By Laura Zavelson-Cox Laura Zavelson-Cox Laura Zavelson-Cox is a Durham native and the author of "Evenings for Two in the Triangle." TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/02/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Chapel Hill and Carrboro share a main street, a school system, and a local Chamber of Commerce. But they are each very much their own towns with their own personalities and governments. However, because of their proximity, it makes sense to cover the top things to do together. Here, in no particular order, are some recommendations. 01 of 10 The Old Well NCPIX.com View Map Address E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA Get directions Phone +1 919-962-1630 Web Visit website Visit the Old Well on the Carolina campus. This iconic campus fixture is the symbol of the university. Lore has it that drinking from it will bring good luck. While you're on campus, see if you can spot these other landmarks: the Davie Poplar Tree, Wilson Library, Memorial Hall, and the Bell Tower. 02 of 10 Eat Chapel Hill-Orange County CVB View Map Address 9872 NC-105, Banner Elk, NC 28604-8949, USA Get directions Phone +1 828-963-8228 Web Visit website Bon Appetit called our area the "Foodiest Small Town in America." The above link only covers a fraction of our fabulous restaurants. A more comprehensive list is coming soon. If you need a recommendation before I can get the article written, feel free to email me. 03 of 10 Jordan Lake NC Division of Toursim/Bill Russ View Map Address Jordan Lake, North Carolina, USA Get directions The Jordan Lake Recreational Area is less than 20 minutes from downtown Chapel Hill. It's a local favorite for fishing water-skiing, kayaking, and sailing. The 14,000-acre lake is also the summer home to a large population of bald eagle nesting pairs. 04 of 10 Fearrington Village View Map Fearrington Village is a collection of shops, restaurants, gardens, and homes centered around the historic Fearrington Inn and Restaurant. The Inn is a Relais and Chateaux property and always at the top of media lists for one of the best places to eat and stay in the world. Fearrington Village is also home to a herd of Belted Galloway Cows, known to local children as the "Oreo cows." Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Carrboro Farmer's Market Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau View Map Address 301 W Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510, USA Get directions Phone +1 919-280-3326 Web Visit website A Carrboro fixture since 1979. Open year-round on Sundays, and operating at multiple locations on summer Wednesdays and Thursdays. 06 of 10 The NC Botanical Gardens View Map Address 100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA Get directions Phone +1 919-962-0522 Web Visit website The 900-acre North Carolina Botanical Gardens has hiking trails, formal gardens, displays of native plants and a beautiful visitor center. 07 of 10 Carr Mill Mall and Main Street in Carrboro View Map Address 200 N Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC 27510-1833, USA Get directions Phone +1 919-942-8669 Web Visit website An old cotton mill, once slated for demolition--was reborn as the Carr Mill Mall and serves as the centerpiece of downtown Carrboro. Anchored by local co-op grocery Weaver Street Market, the building, shops and surrounding lawn are a hub of community activity. 08 of 10 People Watching at Open Eye Cafe View Map Address 101 S Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC 27510-2338, USA Get directions Phone +1 919-968-9410 Web Visit website Open Eye Cafe is a local coffee shop in the heart of Carrboro. Award-winning baristas. Free WiFi. Comfy couches. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Buy a T-Shirt on Franklin Street View Map Address 135 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3620, USA Get directions Phone +1 919-942-4563 Web Visit website Franklin Street is the heart of downtown Chapel Hill and borders the UNC Campus. A stroll down East Franklin from Henderson to Columbia will take you past upscale boutiques like Julians. It is also the place to pick up Tar Heel t-shirts and other Carolina mementos. If you get hungry you'll find plenty of restaurants along the way. 10 of 10 2nd Friday Art Walk View Map Address 101 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3400, USA Get directions Phone +1 919-966-5736 Web Visit website On the 2nd Friday of each month, the Ackland Arts Museum and local galleries in Chapel Hill and Carrboro open their doors. Many offer live music and refreshments. Often the artists are on hand to discuss their work. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit