Visit Chapel Hill & Orange County, NC

Visit Chapel Hill & Orange County, NC Stay in tune with happenings in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough! Big News! Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. If you’re already here, WELCOME!

We are so excited to share that we have re-located to our new Welcome Center at 308 W. Visit us Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

As the Official Tourism authority for Orange County, NC we know the towns of Carrboro, Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina. Look to us for information on where to stay and what there is to see and do before making your plans

to visit. We are here to help with current happenings and general information. We look forward to seeing you!

Why the name "Hillsborough" ? “Hillsborough” was actually the fourth official name for a town whose name has been spelle...
01/06/2025

Why the name "Hillsborough" ?

“Hillsborough” was actually the fourth official name for a town whose name has been spelled in different ways.

Click below to start at the beginning and track the progression in this article courtesy of Orange County Historical Museum via News of Orange County

Following the last article which discussed why our county was called “Orange,” we thought that a look at how Orange County’s capital seat came to be designated “Hillsborough” was in

  Gather your people, pick your place, find a table, pull up a chair, order a beer, and get ready for some best ways to ...
01/04/2025



Gather your people, pick your place, find a table, pull up a chair, order a beer, and get ready for some best ways to entertain your brain in and around Chapel Hill.

Check out our Best Spots for Trivia Blog ⤵ + 10 questions for you about Chapel Hill and Carrboro - See if you can answer them!

Gather your people, pick your place, find a table, pull up a chair, order a beer, and get ready for some best ways to entertain your brain in and around Chapel Hill.

Mark your calendars and grab some tickets for 𝓐 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓶 𝓸𝓯 𝓗𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂: 𝓣𝓪𝓵𝓮𝓼 & 𝓣𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓞𝓾𝓽𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝓗𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓼𝓫𝓸𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 -  an Outland...
01/02/2025

Mark your calendars and grab some tickets for 𝓐 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓶 𝓸𝓯 𝓗𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂: 𝓣𝓪𝓵𝓮𝓼 & 𝓣𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓞𝓾𝓽𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝓗𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓼𝓫𝓸𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 - an Outlandishly exclusive evening at Hillsborough’s Colonial Inn, where the world of Outlander collides with the town's rich history.

General Admission provides full access to the entertainment for the evening, Includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverage, and samples of three premium whiskeys. This price includes tax.

Learn more and purchase tickets here: https://historichillsborough.org/event/a-dram-of-history-tales-and-tastes-of-outlandish-hillsborough/

🎊Happy New Year!🎊Here's your Ultimate 2025 Bucket List for Chapel Hill and Orange County - Winter/Spring EditionExplore,...
01/01/2025

🎊Happy New Year!🎊

Here's your Ultimate 2025 Bucket List for Chapel Hill and Orange County - Winter/Spring Edition

Explore, discover and be inspired. As the new year begins, it’s time to start planning experiences that will fill your winter and spring with adventure, creativity, and connection.

Start now ⤵

Explore, discover and be inspired. As the new year begins, it’s time to start planning experiences that will fill your winter and spring with adventure, creativity, and connection. From uncovering the hidden gems of North Carolina to immersing yourself in one-of-a-kind cultural events, there’s n...

Check Out What's Happening in January: MLK, Jr Celebration, S'mores at the Farm, Death of a Salesman, Franklin Street To...
12/30/2024

Check Out What's Happening in January: MLK, Jr Celebration, S'mores at the Farm, Death of a Salesman, Franklin Street Tour, Carrboro Film Fest, New Visitors Guide & More. (Photo MLK Jr. wikiimages pixabay) https://icont.ac/50VHJ

Have you ever wondered how Orange County got its name? Well it's debatable. Read more in this article from News of Orang...
12/27/2024

Have you ever wondered how Orange County got its name? Well it's debatable.

Read more in this article from News of Orange County courtesy of Orange County Historical Museum and let us know what you think...

Color or Fruit?

New Downtown Experience Launches!Thanks to a collaboration between  and  a self-guided tour is now available for downtow...
12/26/2024

New Downtown Experience Launches!

Thanks to a collaboration between and a self-guided tour is now available for downtown Franklin Street

Just look for vintage images on select buildings, scan the QR code to find the answer to "What's the story?"

https://chapelhillhistoricalsociety.org/welcome-to-franklin-street/
Tap for details ☝️

12/23/2024

Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday!

🎊New Year's Eve is fast approaching! Do you have plans yet? Click below for celebration options!
12/23/2024

🎊New Year's Eve is fast approaching! Do you have plans yet? Click below for celebration options!



Come explore the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough!

Chanukah Festivities at 1870 Farm 📍 1224 Old Lystra Road, Chapel Hill 🕎Chanukah Candle WorkshopDecember 23rd, 9 am & 5 p...
12/20/2024

Chanukah Festivities at 1870 Farm
📍 1224 Old Lystra Road, Chapel Hill

🕎Chanukah Candle Workshop
December 23rd, 9 am & 5 pm

🕎Fesitval of Lights
December 26th, 4 pm - 6pm

Tap for details ➡ https://www.1870farm.com/holiday (scroll down to the bottom)

ICYMIGreat piece on Visit Hillsborough, NC  by Southern Living !14 Best Things to Do in Hillsborough including the newly...
12/19/2024

ICYMI
Great piece on Visit Hillsborough, NC by Southern Living !

14 Best Things to Do in Hillsborough including the newly opened The Rookery

Give it a read >>>
https://www.southernliving.com/hillsborough-nc-8761070?

Discover the best things to do in Hillsborough, from scenic outdoor adventures and historic landmarks to local attractions and dining hotspots.

🧁What is it that draws you into a locally owned bakery? The aroma of freshly baked goods as soon as you open the door? 🍰...
12/18/2024

🧁What is it that draws you into a locally owned bakery? The aroma of freshly baked goods as soon as you open the door? 🍰The sight of exquisitely decorated cakes and pastries promising pure indulgence? 🍪Or perhaps the nostalgia that brings back memories of baking in grandma’s kitchen, especially during the holidays?

Whatever it may be, follow us on a journey to experience all that and more! Satisfy your sweet tooth and start your own tradition with something handmade and lovingly made at one of these local bakeries in Orange County.

Tap below to discover 5+ local bakeries to try
https://www.visitchapelhill.org/blog/post/sweet-confections-discover-local-bakeries-in-orange-county-nc/

Tonya's Cookie Company
Guglhupf
Even Dough
Hillsborough Bakeshop & Pasta Co.
Kim's Bake Shop

What is it that draws you into a locally owned bakery? The aroma of freshly baked goods as soon as you open the door? The sight of exquisitely decorated cakes and pastries promising pure indulgence? Whatever it may be, follow us on a journey to experience that and more! Satisfy your sweet tooth and....

✨🌙 Join thousands of participants by lantern light on the darkest night of the year in Hillsborough! The Solstice Lanter...
12/16/2024

✨🌙 Join thousands of participants by lantern light on the darkest night of the year in Hillsborough! The Solstice Lantern Walk & Market is an annual event loved by both locals and visitors! Whether watching or walking, registration is requested. Tap the link for details:
https://www.hillsboroughartscouncil.org/solstice

Tickets are free with a suggested dontation of $5 - $10 per person which help support community arts programming through the Hillsborough Arts Council

Check out these amazing images from past years:
📸
1. durham__cool, 2023
2. Hillsborough Photography, 2022
3. Hillsborough Photography, 2022
4. Hillsborough Photography, 2022
5. Ivana Beverage, 2023
6. Hillsborough Photography, 2022

12/13/2024

401 Main in Carrboro is a pet friendly, local community hangout with live music, craft cocktails, good food and fun! Take a look...

Check out their December line-up....
Sunday Funday this Sunday, 12/15 with live music by Matt from Boston 3-5PM,
Winter Fest Ugly Sweater Contest Saturday 12/21 from 4:30-7:30PM with live music by Ari Pappalardo and Allison Hatfield *specialty holiday cocktails and prizes for winners of the Ugly Sweater Contest*,
and Sunday Funday 12/22 Allison Hatfield 4:30 - 6:30 pm

*Outside music weather permitting*

This is America at CURRENT ArtSpace + Studio | December 13th Violinist and producer Johnny Gandelsman developed This is ...
12/13/2024

This is America at CURRENT ArtSpace + Studio | December 13th

Violinist and producer Johnny Gandelsman developed This is America in 2020, out of a time of rupture and disconnection. Thinking about ways that one person could make a small difference, he brought together commissioning partners across 11 states and territories to commission 22 new works. He invited the composers, all US-based, to reflect on the time we’re all living in. Since that initial burst of creativity This is America has been performed throughout North America and grown to encompass 28 compositions for solo violin.

This is the first performance of a five-part series and will now feature an exciting local NC special guest musician: internationally acclaimed violinist and composer Jennifer Curtis!

🎫 https://carolinaperformingarts.org/events/johnny-gandelsman-violin-and-curator-in-residence-this-is-america-i/

📸

Join Speakeasy for Carrboro's newest Q***r Dance Party & Drag Show. Happening the 2nd Saturday of each month. Party star...
12/12/2024

Join Speakeasy for Carrboro's newest Q***r Dance Party & Drag Show. Happening the 2nd Saturday of each month.

Party starts at 9pm w/ iconic Durham-based Singer/songwriter and guitarist Emily Musolino.

The Drag Show, starring AmanDuh Barron, Kendoll, and Beyanka Bangsum, kicks off at 11pm.

Repost

Loved the Chapel Hill & Carrboro Parade!
12/07/2024

Loved the Chapel Hill & Carrboro Parade!

‼New Store Opening‼Newly opened The Soap and Shine located at University Place , Chapel Hill has a huge selection of han...
12/06/2024

‼New Store Opening‼
Newly opened The Soap and Shine located at University Place , Chapel Hill has a huge selection of handcrafted products by owner, Bree Cherner. Stop by her store or order online! https://www.thesoapandshine.com/

Handmade soaps
Bath bombs
Body butters
Sugar scrubs
Candles
Gift boxes

Sign up for a class! Learn to make bath bomps and sugar scrubs or take a course in candle pouring.

The Soap and Shine is located at
900 Willow Street, Unit 111
Hours: Tues - Sun from 10 am - 6 pm

Address

308 W Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC
27516

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

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Welcome to Chapel Hill & Orange County, NC

COVID19 Update to Visitor Center Hours (August 21, 2020). Our visitor center will be temporarily closed until further notice. However, our staff is available to help with questions, updates to what’s currently open and to provide information on the area. Call us at 919-245-4320, email us at [email protected] Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Or visit our website at www.visitchapelhill.org

As the Official Tourism authority for Orange County, NC we know the towns of Carrboro, Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina. Look to us for information on where to stay and what there is to see and do before making your plans to visit. If you’re already here, WELCOME and come see us at our visitors center. We are here to help with directions, current happenings and general information. See you soon!