keep your eyes open when you start to get close to Chapel Hill on the Highway – there are so many beautiful fields of flowers next to the exit ramps
eat at Oak Leaf for lunch – the food is delicious and the atmosphere is fun too
do a wine tasting at Rock of Ages Winery
then enjoy wine on the terrace
watch a baseball game at the Durham Bulls baseball stadium – there’s a restaurant connected to the stadium in left field lounge (Tobacco Road) – that’s perfect if you want to eat real food and watch the game or if it’s just too hot
party with the locals at Fridays on the Front Porch – one of my favorite staples of Chapel Hill. This party that happens every Friday from May until September 5:00 pm to 8 pm brings out a lot of the locals for food, cocktails, and bluegrass. Plus it’s right next to Franklin street (the main street) so you can walk to dinner after the party.
I must give credit where credit is due. And even though David works at the University of North Carolina and I love their campus and colors, touring the Duke campus (UNC’s rival) is on my top things to do. The stone buildings and picturesque grounds are majestic and the Chapel is breathtaking. (the Chapel is closed during 2015 for renovations).
stroll through the Duke gardens. Dogs are allowed and there is a large grassy area with a lake that would be good for a picnic.
there’s also this red bridge that reminds me of the one at Monet’s house in France where you can look down at the swans and ducks, and there are Koi ponds with colorful fish.
have cocktails on the TRU rooftop – this little hidden gem is my favorite rooftop in Chapel Hill. It’s very close to Franklin Street but tucked away and equiped with lots of patio lights. It’s a great before or after dinner stop. They don’t accept cash so make sure you’re packing plastic.
look at some of the beautiful homes. My favorites are on Franklin street, in Southern Villiage, and the Country club neighborhood.
have drinks at the Counting House – this hotel has intriguing artwork throughout and pink penguins outside in the windows. It’s so fun to grab a drink and walk through to look at the art.
this is one of the many artworks in the hotel – plastic spoons all hanging by a thread with water that drips down like a fountain to make them flutter
catch the sunset at Jordan Lake
have one of the most delicious hamburgers at Al’s Burger Shack – and get their rosemary fries. Al’s is probably my favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill.
go for a walk at Merritt Trails
enjoy the murals that are painted on almost every building around town
