Whether you’re thinking about putting down roots in Chapel Hill or just visiting for the weekend, pick up a copy of the Visitors & Relocation Guide 2018, which is filled with helpful resources – from school info to neighborhood profiles to an ultimate Chapel Hill checklist. (We also encourage visitors to check out the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau – with information and statistics, a daily calendar of events and tons of itinerary suggestions, it is an invaluable source in planning your stay.)
Here at Chapel Hill Magazine, our job is to put out a magazine aimed specifically at the residents of Orange and Chatham counties. But once a year we also partner with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce to produce a guide just for visitors and folks who are new to the area, and we have so much fun introducing these readers to all the wonderful things about our towns.
We hope you enjoy clicking through the 2017 guide above. If you want a copy to keep around your home for reference (or for out-of-town visitors), purchase a copy for the shipping cost by calling 919-933-1551, or stop by our office at 1777 Fordham Blvd. in Chapel Hill (behind the SunTrust Bank!).
Inside the Visitors & Relocation Guide:
10 LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE EDITOR
12 WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Recent acclaim for Chapel Hill and Orange County
14 NEED-TO-KNOW NUMBERS
18 GETTING AROUND
Downtown parking guide and local lingo, decoded
22 PARKS & REC
Eight things to take advantage of
24 THE ULTIMATE CHAPEL HILL CHECKLIST
Must-see attractions and experiences
36 STAYCATION
You don’t have to go far to have fun outside Chapel Hill
50 THE RELOCATORS
Six residents share what they love about life on the Hill
54 CHAPEL HILL HISTORY
One native reflects on her family’s roots
56 BUSINESS RESOURCES
62 THE BEST OF CHAPEL HILL AWARDS
Results from our annual reader poll
74 VIEW FROM ABOVE
New development and old college-town charm captured by drone
80 OUR UNIVERSITY
A tour of UNC and how to get tickets to games
86 FOODIE FUN
A collection of culinary-centric experiences and entertainment, including farmers markets
90 TASTE
A complete guide to area eateries
102 ANNUAL EVENTS
A full calendar of can’t-miss happenings
106 CHAPEL HILL SWAG
The ultimate guide to shopping local
108 MOVING ON UP
Starting your home search? Check out this Q&A with Realtor Jaye Kreller
124 LODGING GUIDE
Hotels, motels and B&Bs
128 WEDDED BLISS
Three couples share why they chose to tie the knot in town
130 LOOKING GOOD
A listing of spas and salons
136 WORK IT OUT
A directory of fitness and wellness centers
140 TAKE CARE
UNC Health Care and other area services have a tradition of excellence
146 OUR TOP DENTISTS
156 RETIREMENT, SOUTHERN STYLE
Why one retired couple chose Chapel Hill and a guide to continuing care retirement communities
166 CLASS ACT
A directory of area schools
184 DELICIOUS DISHES
Meals and desserts we’ve enjoyed recently