We’ve explored just about every corner of the Triangle area, but Chapel Hill always gives us new reasons to fall in love. With its perfect blend of history, art, music, food, and small-town charm – plus just enough modern flair – it never feels stale and is an easy weekend escape from Raleigh!

Since our first visit back in 2004, most of our trips here have revolved around strolling Franklin Street, buying UNC merch, and cheering at college games. This time was different. We visited in partnership with Visit Chapel Hill with the intention of diving deeper into the arts, history, and culture beyond the campus and sports scene – and it completely shifted our perspective.

It all made us fall for Chapel Hill (and the nearby town of Carrboro) even more. How lucky are we to have a town like this just 40 minutes’ drive from Raleigh.

Whether you’re a UNC alum chasing nostalgia, a foodie hunting down the best BLT, or simply craving a weekend escape from Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Carrboro deliver. Here’s how we spent 36 hours soaking up the best of both towns – and how you can too.

Friday: History, Hoops, and a Sky Full of Stars

Start with a Walk-Through Chapel Hill’s Heart

There’s no better way to kick off your visit than with a free guided walking tour that peels back the layers of Chapel Hill’s story and history. We met Sally who runs the tour at the Morehead Planetarium Sundial on Franklin Street, just steps away from campus.

Wonderful mix of history

For 90-minutes Sally guided us along Franklin St and through the UNC campus sweeping us into a wonderful mix of history, architecture, and Tar Heel pride. You’ll leave knowing more about Carolina blue than just the color. It was one of our favorite things to do in Chapel Hill. Read our full review of this tour.

Lunch at Time-Out

Fried chicken biscuits & pulled pork

After the walking tour, we headed across the street to Time-Out, a Chapel Hill institution known for its Southern comfort food. Think fried chicken biscuits, pulled pork, mac ‘n’ cheese, and sweet tea done right. The old-school charm, fast service, and down-home flavors made it clear why this place is a student’s favorite.

Tyler Hansbrough & pumpkin pie

Take time to peruse the photos on the wall of basketball icons – including Michael Jordan – giving the time out sign on the premises. And discover why their chicken cheddar biscuit – over 5 million sold since1978 – made the Travel Channel’s Man Vs Food Adam Richmond’s best sandwiches in the USA series.

Step Into Basketball Glory

Next up: the excellent and free Carolina Basketball Museum, where the air is thick with championship energy. Whether you’re a die-hard Tar Heel fan or just appreciate sports history, this spot is a slam dunk. From Michael Jordan’s college jersey to iconic trophies, it’s a love letter to Carolina hoops.

Basketball glory

Be sure to keep looking down, as there are little displays nested into the floor telling stories of iconic moments from UNC games with memorabilia to match. I also really loved seeing the size of the player’s basketball shoes – they’re like small canoes!

An Afternoon at Ackland Art Museum

With art on our minds, we wandered over to the Ackland Art Museum, where the permanent collection spans everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary American masterpieces. While the main exhibition space was between installations during our visit, there was still plenty to take in – from African textiles to Rodin’s Head of Balzac bronze sculpture.

Ackland Art Museum

One piece that stopped me in my tracks was Women’s Dreaming by Australian Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye – a striking work full of movement and story. I also loved Peaches, a vivid oil painting by Huynh Lieu.

Peaces / Women’s Dreaming

If you go, don’t miss the small alcove near the gallery where William Hayes Ackland, the museum’s namesake and benefactor, is buried. A Tennessee attorney with a deep love for the arts, he believed the South needed more access to cultural education. When Duke University declined his offer—due to his unusual burial request—UNC stepped in. The result? A beautifully curated museum that’s been enriching minds since 1958.

Today, the Ackland Art Museum hosts 10–12 rotating exhibitions a year, with more than half the gallery space dedicated to special and traveling exhibits – so there’s always something new to discover.

Bookstore + Chocolate = Yes, Please!

Mexican hot chocolate + churros + literary vibes? Say no more. If you’re seeking a drink break, Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews is a dreamy mix of indie bookstore, café, and bar. While we prefer the coffee more at other Chapel Hill coffee shops, I do love the vibe here, especially the floor to ceiling vibrant mural of Frida Kahlo.

Across the road is the Carolina Coffee Shop, a coffee shop we absolutely love in Chapel Hill for breakfast and coffee and the oldest restaurant in Chapel Hill full of charm and of course nostalgia!

Carolina Coffee Shop

Morehead Planetarium Magic

Did you know that astronauts once trained in celestial navigation right here at Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium? And not just any astronauts – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin among them! Just one of the many fascinating facts we picked up during our visit.

Inside the Gallery Room, you’ll find replicas of some of the original training equipment used during the space race era. But it’s not just a place to look back—the exhibits on the lower-level spotlight the incredible research projects happening at UNC today.

Gallery Room

I was especially captivated by one on sea turtles and their built-in GPS-like navigation system, which helps them return to the same beach where they were born—no matter how far they’ve swum. It’s a beautiful reminder of the magic of nature and the importance of staying connected to awe and wonder. Little discoveries like this are what help keep your soul grounded and your spirit lifted.

While we didn’t have time to catch a show in the Planetarium’s full-dome theater (it’s popular for a reason), we’ve definitely penciled it in for our next visit. The Morehead Planetarium is an iconic Chapel Hill experience – perfect for curious minds of all ages. Whether you’re stargazing, exploring hands-on exhibits, or diving into space history, it’s an inspiring stop that invites you to dream a little bigger.

Check-In at The Carolina Inn

After soaking in the sports nostalgia, we swung by The Carolina Inn, our beautiful home base for the weekend. This 100-year-old historic hotel (and now part of the Destination by Hyatt collection) oozes Southern elegance with cozy porches, charming rooms, and an unbeatable location right on campus.

I honestly couldn’t think of a better place to stay in Chapel Hill. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in the Triangle area, but none of that pretentiousness you want to associate with high end. It’s approachable, friendly, welcoming yet sophisticated and elegant.

Southern elegance

And of course, with the Carolina blue room doors and tasteful décor inside the rooms, the grand black and white tiled hallway perfect for cat walking and photos, stylish lobby area with inviting seating areas, and historic photos and stories lining the wall, you can’t help but feel like you’re a living part of the Carolina story past and present. Read our full review of the Carolina Inn.

Fridays on the Front Porch at The Carolina Inn

As the sun dipped low, the Carolina Inn’s front lawn came alive with live music, lawn games, and folks mingling over local craft beers. This beloved Friday tradition made us feel like Chapel Hill locals instantly. Fridays on the Front Porch happens every Friday April – May and August to October.

Fridays on the Front Porch

Dinner at Crossroads

Dinner at Crossroads was a true highlight of our stay in Chapel Hill. Just steps from our room, we settled in for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience Crossroads Chapel Hill, the signature restaurant at The Carolina Inn. The menu is seasonal and Southern inspired, but with creative twists that make every dish feel fresh and elevated.

Carrot & coconut soup / fresh oysters

From the first bite of our starters (carrot and coconut soup and fresh oysters) to our mains (Lamb shank / filet mignon) to the last sip of wine, each course was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated. We could taste the regional pride in every flavor, and we loved the uniquely crafted cocktails.

Lamb shank / filet mignon

Saturday: Carrboro Charm, Artisanal Markets & Greenway Cruising

We kicked off Saturday in the neighboring town of Carrboro (5-minutes away), a town that marches to the beat of its own indie drum and one we soon quickly fell in love with, regretting that it took us over 20 years to explore it properly.

Breakfast at Breakaway in Carrboro

The best place to start your day in Carrboro is with the local favorite at Breakaway who serve up fantastic healthy breakfast plates, coffee, and bikes on the walls. Yes, it’s the kind of quirky café you come to for great coffee, food and vibes!

Lattes + signature Breakaway breakfast

I went for the Smashed Avocado Toast topped with an over-easy egg—a flavorful, feel-good start to the day. And Craig went for the signature Breakaway breakfast. Paired with a properly sized 10oz latte (can we please normalize this?), it was a breakfast worth savoring.

Carrboro Farmers’ Market Stroll

The Carrboro Farmers Market instantly transported us back to Australia—a place that’s both effortlessly cool and deeply rooted in community. It has that trendy, welcoming vibe without ever losing its homegrown personality, where connection is at the heart of everything.

We wandered through stalls brimming with organic produce, pasture-raised meats, handmade baked goods, craft hard cider, goat cheese, woven baskets, and the most vibrant bouquets of fresh flowers I’ve seen in a long time. It was a feast for the senses.

Amazing produce + flowers!

If you skipped breakfast, this is the perfect place to graze your way through the morning. Even though we’d just eaten, I couldn’t resist the rare treat of gluten-free donuts—yes, you read that right! I happily waited in line with coffee from the nearby cart, chatting with friendly locals who made the experience even sweeter.

Gluten-free donuts!

This farmers market has now earned the title of my favorite in the Triangle. Operating since 1979, it’s one of the oldest and most respected in North Carolina. All vendors (up to 70 of them) are original growers, makers, and producers located within 50 miles of Carrboro. Many of them are on-site and eager to talk about their products and practices—a beautiful reminder of what shopping local really means.

Pop into North Carolina Crafts Gallery

For handmade, local treasures, just cross the street is the red-bricked NC Crafts Gallery on the corner. This charming shop has been showcasing the work of North Carolina artists and makers since 1989. Since 2004, owner Sara Latta Gress has continued the tradition, curating a beautiful selection of pottery, textiles, paintings, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts—all handcrafted right here in the state. Each month Sara features a different NC artist with a display, shaown below:

I couldn’t resist picking up a pair of stunning earrings made from wallpaper scraps (fingers crossed it finally inspires me to pierce my ears).

Carr Mill Mall + Weaver Street Market Lawn

After the farmer’s market, stroll over to Carr Mill Mall, a charming historic cotton mill turned shopping destination filled with local boutiques, bookstores, artisan shops, and a quirky café resembling a Turkish Tea House. From handcrafted jewelry to vintage finds and natural skincare, this spot feels delightfully unique and community-centered—much like Carrboro itself.

Carr Mill Mall

It’s also home to Weaver Street Market, the iconic community co-op that the Triangle has been obsessed with for years. Grab a drink or something from the cold/hot bar and chill under the gorgeous oak trees on their rainbow-colored patio chairs. If the weather’s nice, you might find live music playing and kids running around with sidewalk chalk while parents sip coffee and soak it all in. It’s a vibe.

NOTE: if you park at Carr Mill Mall, do not leave the mall or Weaver St market – like cross the main road leave. The cameras will notice you and they will tow your car. They want the parking lot to be just for Carr Mill Mall!

Lunch at Merritt’s Grill

Back in Chapel Hill, we couldn’t resist the legendary BLT at Merritt’s Grill, and apparently, neither could the rest of the Triangle. We lucked out, arriving just two minutes before the line wrapped around the parking lot. Don’t stress though—this well-oiled BLT machine keeps things moving fast!

The star of the show is, of course, the BLT. You can build your own by choosing from a baby, single, double, or the mighty triple (that’s nine slices of bacon and three layers of lettuce). Pro tip: say yes to extras like avocado, cheese, or slaw for the ultimate upgrade.

Reubens are also a fan favorite, and their banana pudding comes highly recommended (gluten sensitivity kept me from sampling, but I fully trust the hype). Thankfully, their gluten-free bread meant I could still enjoy one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in ages. They offer a whopping 10 different bread options—Craig went with sourdough, and said it was perfect.

Banana pudding

Finally ticking Merritt’s off my Chapel Hill bucket list felt like a rite of passage. Sorry it took us so long—I feel like a true Triangle local now. Oh, and don’t miss the peaceful, bamboo-shaded seating area tucked out back. We didn’t even notice it until we were leaving—but it’s the kind of secret spot you’ll want to linger in.

Optional: Franklin Street Murals Walk

Murals around Franklin Street

If you’re up for it, grab a mural map from the Welcome Center and walk Franklin Street and Rosemary St to spot murals and peek into shops (and pick up your UNC merch). The mural map is well marked and has QR codes listed for each mural to tell you more about the art and the artists. It’s a great peak into the culture of Chapel Hill – what students and residents alike celebrate, contemplate, and desire to change.

You can extend this mural tour into Carrboro as well. We visited a few in the morning in between stops at breakfast and the farmer’s market.

Bolin Creek Trail Bike Ride

We ended our afternoon on two wheels, cruising the shady Bolin Creek Trail, a beautiful greenway that winds through the woods, past a gentle creek, and alongside water tanks now transformed into bright, eye-catching public art.

Starting at Umstead Park, we rode the full 2.2-mile stretch to the Chapel Hill Community Center, where we paused to admire a sweet little rose garden before turning around. On the way back, we made a must-stop at one of our favorite hidden gems in the Triangle: Caffe Driade.

What makes this coffee spot so special is its setting—tucked deep in the forest just off the trail, with rustic wooden decks and tables scattered through the trees. It’s peaceful, whimsical, and full of that Chapel Hill charm signature. And yes—the coffee is just as good as the vibes.

Dinner at Hawthorne & Wood

Dinner that night was at Hawthorne & Wood, one of the most acclaimed fine dining restaurants in town – another top tip from our friend Marcus. You can feel confident that it will be good when owner Executive Chef Brandon Sharp’s has earned a Michelin star.  

Our server Vicki was excellent as she guided us through menu choices and what could be made gluten free (almost everything and they have a dedicated fryer) and what wine would pair well with our food.

We settled for a bottle of blended red from Washington State, and to start with the General Tso’s cauliflower. little gem salad, crispy vera luce pork belly followed by the flounder with coconut-lemongrass broth and pan seared beef tenderloin. Hawthorne & Wood is stylish, thoughtful, and still welcoming—like everything else in Chapel Hill.

Nightcap: The Crunkleton

If you’re into expertly crafted cocktails, the original Crunkleton in Chapel Hill is a must. Locals have long said, “You’ve got to go to The Crunkleton,” and now we know why. The vibe was warm, rustic, and effortlessly cool. With every step toward the bar—where we eventually settled in for the night—we fell more in love with the atmosphere.

Think Jackson, Wyoming cool: moose and deer heads watching from the walls, a towering shelf of whiskeys and rare liqueurs, and bartenders in bow ties mixing drinks with precision and style. It’s a little bit cowboy, a little bit classy, and 100% Crunkleton.

If you’re up for adventurous cocktails, this is the place. I tried one with ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce…and loved it. We even bumped into our friend Marcus Ginyard who had guided us to many of the places we visited), ended up with an unexpected bonus cocktail, and spent the evening swapping stories with a wedding party and UNC alumni in town for a reunion—just the kind of spontaneous fun that makes Chapel Hill magic.

Creative cocktails

Sunday: Gardens, Cats, and a top burgers

Breakfast at Crossroads

Our final morning began with a relaxing buffet breakfast back at Crossroads—fresh pastries and cereals; a wide range of hot food including omelets, bacon, and sausage; and an entire table dedicated to sweets and cakes! Was I jealous my gluten free body could not indulge? More than a little, but my expanding waistline is happy! Just like the Carolina Inn, it was a classy start to the day. Only brunch is served on Sundays.

Wander Through the NC Botanical Garden

Just a short drive away, the North Carolina Botanical Garden offers a delightful and peaceful escape. I can’t believe we haven’t visited before. They are one of the largest native plant botanical gardens in the Southeast and feature plants that occur naturally in the region, herbs, native habitats, the most diverse carnivorous plant collection in the southeastern United States, children’s wonder garden, and nature trails.

It’s small enough to see in less than an hour but leaves a big impact with its shaded boardwalks, various native plant trails, small historic cabins and cottages., garden sculptures, and interesting gardens like herb gardens, native American gardens, and poisonous plants!

Purrfect Company at Cat Tales Café

Back in downtown Chapel Hill, we were treated to an early visit to Cat Tales Café, a cozy coffeehouse-meets-cat-rescue where you can sip a latte while cuddling with adoptable kitties. Ilene and her team welcomed us with open arms, but let’s be real—the cats were the real stars of the show.

As proud cat parents to two adorable felines of our own, this was hands-down one of my favorite Chapel Hill experiences. I loved seeing how these precious cats have a safe, spacious environment to nap, play, and socialize (with plenty of toys and cozy corners) while they wait for their forever homes—and many of them get adopted quickly!

You don’t have to be looking to adopt to visit. If you’re simply a cat lover in need of a little feline therapy, this is the purr-fect spot. I was this close to leaving with cuddly little Bingo—he completely stole my heart. Just be sure to book in advance, as this hour of kitty bliss is super popular. And the best part? All proceeds go directly toward caring for the cats.

Burgers Al’s Burger Shack

We wrapped up our wonderful getaway in Chapel Hill by pushing our stomachs to their happy limits with lunch at Al’s Burger Shack—a beloved local hole-in-the-wall known for its juicy burgers, crinkle fries, and laid-back front porch energy. Because when you’re in the land of the “Best Burger in the USA” (yes, TripAdvisor gave that crown to Al’s chili burger), you indulge. Craig went all in on that famous chili beef burger, adding a pickle on top for good measure.

Each month, Al’s rolls out a unique “burger of the month” creation, and I’m so glad they do—because I was obsessed with May’s special: the Elote Burger, topped with a flavorful corn mix, roasted poblanos, creamy avocado, and habanero jack cheese that brought the heat in the best way.

Chili burger / Elote burger

Alfredo (one of the friendly staffers you have to chat with) also insisted we try the Mookie—a flavor bomb stacked with Wisconsin blue marble cheese, bacon-onion jam, and roasted garlic aioli. It was next-level delicious.

As someone with gluten sensitivities, I was thrilled to discover that everything on Al’s menu is gluten-free except the regular burger buns—which meant I could happily devour my burger on a GF bun and still enjoy the crispy crinkle-cut fries, tater tots, and a dreamy chocolate milkshake made with local Maple View Dairy ice cream.

Great fries, too!

We even got a sneak peek into their upcoming expansion—“The Pudding Shack,” a new bar and dining area with TVs for sports fans and a fresh vibe, set to open in just a few weeks. And we’ve got our fingers crossed for the rumored Apex location—yes, Al’s might be coming closer to home soon! No doubt about it: Al’s is officially going in our “Best Burgers in Raleigh” roundup—yep, it’s totally worth the 40-minute drive.

Final Thoughts on our 36 Hour Chapel Hill Visit

36 hours in Chapel Hill goes fast, but every moment is full of charm, flavor, and personality. Whether you’re wandering the halls of art museums, sipping wine on a porch, biking through mural-lined trails, or eating your way down Franklin Street, this town has a way of surprising you—in the best way possible.

It’s such a great and easy getaway from Raleigh and a wonderful way to get to know our Triangle neighbors on a deeper level. Follow in our footsteps, and tell us, what should we do on our next Chapel Hill visit?

Ready to plan your own Chapel Hill escape?
Bookmark this post, share it with your family and friends, and let us know which spots you discover. And don’t forget to subscribe to our email and follow us @ThisIsRaleigh for more local adventures!