Morehead Planetarium has all sorts of interesting things to do for everyone of all ages. It has 6 different planetarium shows a day at various times. Advanced Tickets are required to be booked on their website.
For our sports lovers or anyone just curious about what is UNC basketball the Carolina Basketball museum is free and full of memorabilia and interesting pieces of history. Explore the beginning of Carolina Basketball and see the 2017 National Championship trophy for yourself. It is an audio visual experience with videos and important radio calls from UNC's history.
The Old Well is a symbol of the University of North Carolina. There is a water fountain there and it is said if you drink from it you will be a Tar Heel for life. Naturally, we all drank from it when we first moved. In the same quad as the Old Well is the Davie Poplar tree. The legend goes if the Davie Poplar falls so will the University. Many things have been done to preserve the tree. Another legend is if a couple kisses sititng on the bench below the tree they will marry. David and I did just that on one of his visits to Chapel Hill so it must be true.
Top of the Hill is one of Chapel Hill's most recognizable landmarks. It has been see on TV during many a Carolina game and is known for their beer which they brew themselves. On a beautiful day sitting on the balcony overlooking Franklin Street can't be beat. This is also a coveted spot to watch the UNC v. Duke basketball games as you can watch the craziness unfold below after a UNC win. Stop in to enjoy their delicious food and we recommend you try one of their famous beers.
No visit is complete to Chapel Hill without a visit to Time out. Time out was featured on Man vs. Food for their iconic chicken biscuit which comes on a square biscuit. You can get all variety of southern food like macaroni and cheese and fried okra. Laura recommends a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit as that is her favorite thing to order.
If you don't mind driving down Franklin Street just a little you can find another delicious Chapel Hill staple which is Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen. Do not let the small size fool you it has delicious breakfast biscuits. Cars will line up down the street to order. There is a small parking lot and a walk up window if you would prefer. They also have a delicious chicken biscuit.
Suttons Drug Store has been open in Chapel Hill since 1923 and while it no longer has a pharmacy it does have a food counter that is full of your typical american diner food including burgers, shakes, sandwiches and breakfast. You never know who you might see at Suttons it is a favorite spot for locals including basketball players. On the walls of Suttons are pictures featuring various patrons. Take a look at the photos and see what famous faces you may see. We as a family have gone to Suttons many times.
For a real southern meal go to Mama Dips. Mama Dips has been a staple in Chapel Hill since 1976. The food is delicious and serves breakfast. lunch and dinner. The chicken and dumplings is recommended.
Yogurt Pump or Yopo as it's known has flavored frozen yogurt. You can get toppings added. It is not a self serve frozen yogurt place. It is popular with students and our family as well. Feel free to check their website for their current list of flavors.
Fun for guests of all ages the Duke Lemur Center is a ticketed tour that takes guests inside the center and teaches them all about Lemurs. For those of us who grew up with Zoboomafoo he lived here and this is where the parts of the show that included him were filmed. Tickets do need to be purchased several weeks in advance as it is a popular attraction.
Duke Gardens is a beautiful space full of seasonal flowers and walking paths. See the various plants and flowers found native to North Carolina including Venus Fly Traps. Duke Gardens is a great place to take a blanket and hang out enjoying the sunshine. Duke Chapel is nearby to the gardens and is an example of gothic architecture. It is a popular spot to visit.
Duck Donuts got started in Duck North Carolina. You can customize your donuts however you want. They are delicious.
Saltbox is a local seafood joint known for their fried options, crab grits and hush honeys which are hush puppies covered in honey. Saltbox is popular and they cook the food to order and they do sell out of popular items. Plan to take your time if you end up coming here. The menu changes daily based on what is caught fresh that day. You can check their FB page to see what is available that day but be aware it is not always updated.
Nuvotaco is a fast casual known for it's interesting take on Mexican cuisine. They have a variety of meat options available including chili rubbed pork butt, a favorite of our family, chicken, duck and beef. Seafood options are available including shrimp, tuna and fried oysters. Vegetarian options are also available.
Guglhupf is a cafe serving german fare and is good for brunch. They also have delicious bakery items available.
Namu is a fast casual cafe, restaurant and beer garden serving delicious Korean food and normal cafe drinks. The matcha and chai lattes are recommended. The Bo's or Jo's specials are recommended they come with Korean bbq meat and various items including rice, dumplings and vegetables. The beer garden is located next door to the cafe and has all the same food.
Cookout is a fast food chain that got started right here in North Carolina. They have over 40 different delicious flavors of milkshakes to choose from. They are famous for their trays which are an entrée, two sides and a drink for around 5 dollars. You can even get a milkshake as your drink. The food ranges from bbq all the way to quesadillas.