Chapel Hill, North Carolina Things To Do
Home to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is a vibrant college community offering both residents and visitors plenty of fun, excitement and interesting things to do. With a quiet, yet urban atmosphere filled with rich history, dynamic energy and stunning natural beauty, Chapel Hill is filled with great attractions, from a picturesque campus, charming downtown shops and championship college sports to interesting museums, exceptional dining and stimulating nightlife. No matter what your age or interest, Chapel Hill, NC offers an interesting and relaxing vacation experience in the heart ofthe South.
Chapel Hill, NC Attractions
Ackland Art Museum -
With a permanent collection of over 15,000 art objects from Asia, Africa, Europe and America, including a significant collection of Asian art, the Ackland Art Museum offers everything from painting and sculpture to contemporary art. Free admission. Open Wed.-Sat,10am-5pm; Thurs, 10am-8pm; Sun, 1-5pm.www.ackland.org
Carolina Basketball Museum -
This interesting museum honors the rich tradition of Carolina Basketball through interactive displays, memorabilia collections, uniforms, game paraphernalia, photos, and more. Open Tue-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat 9 am-1 pm. www.tarheelblue.cstv.com/museum
Kenan Football Center and Hall of Honor -
This unique attraction features a movie theater, football archives, interactive exhibits, multi-media presentations, and displays of historical artifacts, memorabilia, and vintage photos. Open Mon.-Fri, 8am-5pm; and on home-game days,up to 30 minutes before kickoff.Kidzu Children's Museum -
Kids will go wild for this engaging museum that features kid friendly, hands-on exhibits and fun programs. Best for children up to age 8. Admission is $4 per person; kids under age two enter free. Free admission Sundays. Open Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 1-5pm. www.kidzuchildrensmuseum.org
Charles Kuralt Learning Center -
This unique collection houses the contents of Kuralt's CBS News office, donated by his widow to the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The center includes everything from Oriental rugs, bookshelves, and fireplace to his audio tapes and awards. Open Tues and Thurs, 2-4pm and by appointment. www.kuralt.jomc.unc.eduMorehead Planetarium & Science Center -
The Morehead Planetarium was the first college planetarium and has a storied history training NASA astronauts as well as performing scientific research and offering activities and programs for the public. Admission for adults is $7.25; seniors, students and children, $6.www.moreheadplanetarium.org
North Carolina Collection Gallery -
Featuring an eclectic collection of artifacts and exhibits on North Carolina and University history, plus furnishings from the historic Hayes Plantation and library, this unique museum offers guided tours are available by appointment and self-guided tours at all other times. Admission is free. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat., 9am-1pm; Sun, 1-5pm.www.lib.unc.edu/ncc/gallery.htmlOrange County Historical Museum -
This museum highlights the history of Orange County from pre-settlement period through the 1950s with a collection of historical documents, furnishings and tools, including a set of Colonial weights and measures and Governor Thomas Burke's desk. Free admission. Open Tues-Sat. 11am-4 pm; Sun, 1-4pm. www.thehistorycenter.orgAyr Mount and Poet's Walk -
This Federal-era plantation home was built in 1815 and has been restored and furnished with period antiques, art, porcelain, and original family heirlooms. Occupied by the Ayr family until 1985, visitors can enjoy a tour of the home and meander along the one-mile walking trail along the Eno River. Plantation home tour available Mar. 21 to Dec. 20. Open Wed-Sat from 11am; Thu-Sun, from 2pm. Admission is $10 per person. The walking trail is free and open year round.www.ayrmount.comBurwell School -
This historic house was home to the prominent Collins family during the Civil War and housed the Burwell School for Young Ladies from 1837-1857. Visitors can enjoy a free, docent-led or self-guided tour that includes a range of exhibits, enjoy a range of cultural events, and experience family programs throughout the year. Open Wed-Sat, 11am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Closed mid-December to early February and major holidays. www.burwellschool.org
Occoneechee Speedway Trail -
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this four-mile trail runs through the areas where Native-Americans hunted and farmed, where native son, General Julian S. Carr trained his horses, and where the original NASCAR stock-car racers tested their driving skills during the 40's, 50's and 60's. Open daily, 8am-5pm. www.historicspeedwaygroup.orgForest Theatre -
This outdoor theater in Battle Park opened in 1916 and was rebuilt in the early 1940s. Both university and community groups perform a range of dramatic plays at the theater during the spring and summer. In addition to the theatrical offerings, visitors can meander the woodland trails that lead into Battle Park from the theater.Dean E. Smith Center -
Opened in 1986, the Dean E. Smith Center (or the Dean Dome) is a multi-use arena at UNC and home to the Chapel Hill Tar Heels men's basketball team. In addition to basketball games, the Dean Smith Center hosts a range of concerts and is the site of the commencement ceremonies for the UNC School of Law, UNC undergraduate commencements and local high school graduations.Franklin Street -
With loads of restaurants, cafés, boutiques, shops, museums, and fun events Franklin Street is a fun place to explore the history, culture and spirit of historic Chapel Hill.www.downtownchapelhill.com
UNC Sports -
From football to basketball the University of North Carolina Tar Heels athletics features some of the top athletic teams in the NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference, with both men's and women's varsity teams competing in 15 different sports.www.tarheelblue.comDuke Lemur Center -
Opened in 1966, the Duke Lemur Center is home to more than 300 different animals and 25 species, including lemurs, lorises, bush babies, and more. Open for tours daily, visit website or call (919) 489-3364 for more information about tour times and fees.www.lemur.duke.eduKenan Memorial Stadium -
Home to the North Carolina Tar Heels football team, Kenan Memorial Stadium opened in 1927 and seats more than 52,000 spectators for football games and other events. www.tarheelblue.cstv.com/facilities/unc-kenan-stadium.htmlNorth Carolina Botanical Garden -
With nearly 800 acres of nature trails, carnivorous plants, an aquatic plant collections, native plants, herb gardens, and outdoor sculpture the North Carolina Botanical Garden is one of the largest of its kind. Visitors can enjoy a free guided tours of the display gardens and Education Center and peruse the gift shop Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm; Sat, 9am-5pm; and Sun, 1-5pm.www.ncbg.unc.edu
Museum of Life and Science -
From crazy contraptions and a railway to the butterfly house and dinosaur trail, kids of all ages will enjoy this fun museum that offers a look into how the world works. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm.www.ncmls.orgDuke Homestead and Tobacco Museum -
Visit this historic 1852 homestead where Washington Duke grew and processed tobacco and enjoy a guided tour of the home, factories, and farm, watch an orientation film and peruse the onsite tobacco museum. Open Tues-Sat, 9am-5pm.www.ibiblio.org/dukehome/Coker Arboretum -
Located on the UNC campus, this five-acre garden was created in 1903 and contains more than 500 species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, including an impressive native-vine arbor and a stunning stream cascade. One-hour guided tours depart from the stone gathering circle at 11 am on the third Saturday of each month.www.ncbg.unc.edu/pages/38/Occaneechi Indian Village -
Situated on the banks of the Eno River, the Occaneechi Village is one of the last walled American Indian villages visited by European explorers in the 1600s. Today, visitors can explore a portion of the log palisade wall, visit two historically accurate Occaneechi dwellings and learn more about the village at the information kiosk. www.occaneechi-saponi.org
Johnston Mill Nature Preserve -
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy miles of intimate hiking trails traversing this 296-acre sanctuary that offers mature forests, picturesque creeks, and several historic mill sites all just minutes from downtown Chapel Hill. Open daily, dawn to dusk.www.trailsofnc.com/johnston_mill/University Mall -
Built in 1973 and recently renovated, this enclosed shopping mall is the largest in Chapel Hill and houses more than 60 stores, including Dillard's, Harris-Teeter, Kerr Drug, Rose's Store, and the Deep Dish Theater. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 1pm-6pm.www.universitymallnc.com
