Chapel Hill is a pretty magical place. It's ideal location is equidistant from both mountains and the coast, and its personality is the perfect blend of progressive thinking and southern culture. With a quietly influential music scene and a burgeoning tech industry (not to mention a healthy dose of UNC Tarheels spirit). It's no wonder Chapel Hill lands on many a "best small cities in America" list. Read on, and see why.
When you live at Briar Chapel, you don't just get to take advantage of one great city. You get the benefit of living near three, in what's called The Research Triangle: Chapel Hill/Carrboro, Raleigh and Durham. All are super close, and all offer great things to do. Here's just a start:
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Visit this breathtaking 110-acre conservation garden that offers tours.
workshops and classes for all ages.
Ackland Art Museum
This cultural art museum features a permanent collection of
18,000 works of art, along with an additional 10-12 exhibitions a year.
Morehead Planetarium & Science Center
One of the oldest and largest planetariums in the United States—
and the first in the South.
Al's Burger Shack
How good are the burgers here? Well, they were voted "Best Burger in
America" from Food & Wine Magazine and Trip Advisor. So that should tell you something.
Cat's Cradle
If you like live music, you'll love Cat's Cradle. It's known as The Triangles premier live music venue, having featured artists like John Mayer, Nirvana and Iggy Pop.
Weaver St. Market
Bring your family (including the furry four-legged members) to this locally owned co-op that sells natural and organic food daily, and offers music and events on the weekend.
Carrboro Farmer's Market
This year-round farmer's market features locally produced food from over 75 vendors within 50 miles of the country.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
One of the Top 10 public gardens in the country, with 55 acres of lush flora, curated across four main gardens on Duke University Campus. (Even more beautiful? Admission is free.)
Streets at Southpoint
This shopping and dining destination features more than 150 shops, distinctive restaurants, a movie theatre and more.
Carolina Theatre
It attracts more than 150,000 people for a reason—this historic theatre presents over 60 concerts annually, plus film festivals, daily film showings and an educational series for school children.
North Carolina Museum of Art
This longstanding cultural cornerstone of North Carolina features more than a dozen galleries, an outdoor park and trail system, and a live event schedule.
PNC Arena
Whether you're in the mood for a sporting event or live concert, this indoor arena is the place to be—serving as home of the North Carolina Hurricanes, the NC State Wolfpack and various musical events.
So Many Restaurants
Bring you inner foodie to downtown Raleigh, one of the area's greatest culinary hotspots, where you'll find a collection of restaurants by James Beard Award-nominated and winning chefs.
Falls Lake
Falls Lake State Recreation Area consists of seven individual parks, where you can hike, bike, boat, fish, picnic, camp and more.
Marbles Kids Museum
Have curious kids? Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on, interactive place that inspires children be creative thinkers and active learners.
(Adults have fun there, too!)
Whether you like documentary films or dance festivals, craft beer or live concerts, there's a festival or fair for you right in the area.
Bull City Food & Beer Experience
Come hungry to this one day of food sampling from more than 30 of the area's best
restarurants and food trucks.
Full Frame Documentary Film Festivals
A four-day international film festival that features over 100 documentary films,
including premiers and Academy Award contenders.
American Dance Festival
The New York Post has called this "The World's Greatest Dance Festival." Taking place
over two months, the festival showcases more than two dozen companies.
North Carolina State Fair
An incredible experience that lasts 11 days and attracts a million people. Expect rides
and games, live music, an agricultural expo and much more.
International Festival Raleigh
Three days' worth of cultural exhibits, art and international performances from more
than 60 ethnic communities in The Triangle.
SPARKcon
A three-day showcase of creative talent from across The Triangle, featuring more
than 2,000 artists and 200 events, from music and artisans to fashion visual arts.
Hopscotch Music Festival
It's been called "America's (Secretly) Best Festival with more than 120 bands, from all
genres—including rock, hip-hop and metal to folk, electronic and experimental.
Capital City Bikefest
More than 200,000 attendees (and motorcycle enthusiasts) convene for exhibits,
a ride-in bike show, food and drinks, music performances and more.
World of Bluegrass
It's the world's largest free urban Bluegrass festival, and it's right in Raleigh. Come watch
Grammy Award winners on the main stage at Red Hat Amphitheater.
Dreamville Festival
A multi-stage, one-day music festival hosted by North Carolina native J. Cole,
featuring performanes by various R&B, rap and hip-hop artists.