Spend Friday evening on the lawn at the historic Carolina Inn at this quintessential Chapel Hill event. Between 5-8pm enjoy live music, food trucks, and a cold cocktail or beer before continuing the festivities a few blocks away on Franklin Street. Just down the street from the hospital, this has been a favorite after work activity for Josh and Bryna.
There are plenty of beautiful hiking trials in and around Chapel Hill. Bryna's favorite is Umstead State Park for the variety of trials available. Jordan Lake and Eno River State Park are also worth exploring. If you'd like to stay close by, taking Morgan Creek Trial to Merritt's pasture is convenient as well as beautiful (bonus points for spotting Rigsby on the walk as this is adjacent to our neighborhood!).
More than just delicious ice cream, Maple View serves up an idyllic bucolic experience. A quick 15 minute drive from Chapel Hill transports you to rolling fields and pastures of grazing cattle. We recommend bringing a blanket to spread out in the grass for an ice cream picnic. A warm weekend day could mean long lines for your sweet treat, but the ice cream and setting are worth it!
Enjoy the southern summer by eating and drinking your way around downtown Durham. There are so many amazing bars and restaurants to choose from, but here's a list of some of our favorites: -Corpse Revivier--a Grand Marnier slushie is perfect for the warm weather -Durham Hotel--go to the rooftop bar for oysters in the half shell -Bar Virgile--a Ramos gin fizz is necessary -Pizzeria Toro -Ponysaurus--fun brewery with lots of outdoor seating and rotating food trucks -Viceroy -Alley Twenty Six
A quaint town just down the road, downtown Hillsborough is the perfect spot for art lovers and history enthusiasts to spend a few hours. You can easily walk to various art galleries and historic sites. There's plenty of cute shops and restaurants to pop into along the way. Carlisle & Linny Vintage Jewelry is where Bryna stumbled upon a set of blue vintage coup glasses that started her collection of unique colored barware.
Pay Josh's alma mater a visit and enjoy a sunny day in the Duke Gardens. There's so many different beautiful blooms and areas to explore. You can also bring a blanket and lounge in the sun in one of the large grassy spaces in the gardens.