Things To Do

***THINGS TO DO***

Coker Arboretum & UNC's campus

If you're looking to explore a bit, we'd recommend a stroll around UNC's campus and Coker Arboretum, a beautiful garden with space for adults to relax and kids to run around (and also where we took our engagement photos!)

North Carolina Botanical Garden

If you're looking to get outside for a bit, this beautiful botanical garden is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown. It's free and open 9am-5pm Tuesday - Saturday and 1-5pm on Sundays.

Spring Haven Farm

This farm comes recommended as a fun spot with lots of activities for kids (goats! tractors! gem mining!). It's a 15-20 minute drive from downtown and is open 10am-6pm Wednesday - Sunday.

***RESTAURANTS***

Carrburritos

A long-time Carrboro staple for tacos and burritos with abundant salsa options

Luna Rotisserie and Taproom

A newer addition to Chapel Hill's restaurant scene with delicious Latin American food and great cocktails

Mama Dip's Kitchen

If you're looking for a taste of the South while you're in town, look no further than Mama Dip's for fried chicken, hushpuppies, and banana puddin'

Spotted Dog Restaurant & Bar

Casual lunch and dinner spot with excellent vegetarian and vegan options

Mediterranean Deli

The BEST spot for fast and healthy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, with tons of options to meet any dietary need. We're serving Med Deli at the welcome party on Friday but their menu is so huge that it won't feel redundant if you go on your own too!

Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen

This drive-thru is a short drive from downtown but worth it for the BEST biscuits

Carolina Brewery

A Chapel Hill classic and a great spot for pub food and local beer

Thai Station Restaurant

This used to be Ellen's favorite bar, The Station, in an old train station + railcar but it's now a Thai restaurant and rumored to be quite good!

***BARS***

He's Not Here

Chapel Hill's favorite dive bar with ample outdoor seating and giant beers, located just a block from the AC Marriott. Check out the 'Welcome to Chapel Hill' mural on the back of the building for a photo op :)

Vecino Brewing Co.

Serving beers from one of our favorite nearby breweries, Haw River Farmhouse Ales in Saxapahaw, NC

Beer Study & Baxter Arcade

Beer Study is an excellent bottleshop and is just down the block from Baxter, a barcade with cheap drinks and just about any vintage arcade game you could desire

The Crunkleton

The best cocktail bar in town! It's technically a private club so you'll have to join for $10 at the door (which also allows a guest to join you) but they have great drinks and it's not as pretentious as private club makes it sound

***COFFEE, ETC***

Open Eye Cafe

A favorite Carrboro coffee shop that Ellen has frequented since high school

Weaver Street Market

Check out the local food co-op for great prepared foods, coffee, and any grocery needs, plus a great patio

The Yogurt Pump

Yogurt Pump aka YoPo is a frozen yogurt shop and one of Ellen's old high school hangouts. It's just around the corner from the AC Marriot and also right next door to a Ben & Jerry's so it'll be easy to get your ice cream fix!