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September 12, 2026
Chapel Hill, NC

Hunter & Kristin

Things To Do

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is best known for being the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). The town is also recognized for its vibrant downtown area, particularly Franklin Street. Furthermore, it is known for its rich history, beautiful campus, and welcoming and friendly atmosphere. If you are in town for the weekend here are some of our favorite places we highly recommend exploring!

Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery

100 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

aka TOPO is a destination spot. Their menu is loaded with locally-sourced ingredients, their acclaimed beer collection is brewed right on site, and their newly remodeled outdoor deck boasts a panoramic view of downtown.

Sup Dogs

107 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Known for their specialty dogs, hand smashed burgers, and tater tot platters. One of Hunter's favorite spots downtown, you might find him absorbed in Carolina basketball and a Nacho Burger.

Al's Burger Shack

516 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

A beloved local favorite known for its juicy burgers, crinkle fries, and laid-back front porch energy. (Kristin's preferred Burger spot)

Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant

140 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

In the mood for some sushi?! Check out Spicy 9, we love the Super Saiyan roll and the Crunchy Shrimp roll.

He's Not Here

112 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

A legendary bar frequented by UNC students and alumni alike; also home of the famous Blue Cup. Out back you'll find the Chapel Hill Postcard Mural an iconic spot for a photo.

Caffè Driade

1215-A, E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

A charming little coffee shop, nestled in the woods along the Bolin creek trail that we often walked to from our apartment for an afternoon pick me up.

Maple View Farm Ice Cream

6900 Rocky Ridge Rd, Hillsbourgh, NC 27278

Known for their award winning dairy products, beautiful sunsets, scenic farm land views, and delicious ice cream! Hunter's Favorite Order: Cookie dough in a waffle cone (plus a half gallon of chocolate milk) Kristin's Favorite Order: Mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone.

Two Roosters Ice Cream

409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701

Known for their fun flavors and friendly atmosphere, they even have a dedicated stand in PNC arena where they serve specialty flavors including Stormy Tracks and Slavin Sundae.

The Purple Bowl

505 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

The best smoothie bowl place in town!

Want to Enjoy Nature?

Occoneechee Speedway: Now a trail and surrounded by towering pines and sycamores was one of NASCAR’s first two tracks to open and is the only dirt track remaining from the inaugural 1949 season. Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area: Check out the scenic overlook on the mountain loop trail and fishing pond. Eno River State park: Check out the Cox Mountain trail or Eno Quarry Trail. Carolina North Forrest: A popular spot for mountain bikers, trail runners, or casual hikers. We often ran the Pumpkin Loop when we lived in Chapel Hill.

UNC Campus Sites to See

If your looking to walk around campus here are a few places to be sure to check out! The Old Well: Legend has it that if you take a sip from the well on the first day of school, it will bring you good luck during the year. Pickle Ball, Basketball, and Turf field: Looking for some outdoor fun, check out the South Campus Recreation Complex which has 5 Pickleball Courts available for drop-in play or Hooker fields for some football & frisbee. Corker Arboretum: You will see a wide variety of plantings including flowering trees and shrubs as well as bulb and perennial displays. The Bell Tower: Dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 1931, it is 172 feet tall with a Roman numeral clock built-in on each side. The UNC Basketball Museum: Located on the ground floor of the Ernie Williamson Athletic Center, celebrates the rich history of the men's basketball program honoring players who have gone on to have successful NBA careers, including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Vince Carter.