Considered to be one of the top places you can live for North Carolina residents, Chapel Hill is a town known for its laid-back atmosphere with a touch of modernism. Regardless of what your interests are, you’re bound to find something to enjoy, whether you’re in search of local legends or local ice cream.
Chapel Hill is also full of some of the best local businesses with people who will go the extra mile for customer satisfaction. Our dental practice in Chapel Hill offers quality dental services that focus on both your oral health and overall health. We’re proud to serve the Chapel Hill area and give you your first glimpse into this thriving community.
10 Places to Check Out in Chapel Hill, NC
There are a plethora of exciting events and fun places to check out in your free time, many of which are easy to travel to. Downtown Chapel Hill has plenty of public transportation to help you easily get from point A to point B to point C, so you don’t have to worry about finding parking. That’s why it’s known as a college town and a great area for small families.
Nature lovers will also appreciate the amount of trails and gardens available for public use. With all four seasons on full display in the state of North Carolina, there’s beauty to see no matter what time of year it is. Apart from the natural scenery, here’s a few more things that should be on your list when you’re ready to hit the town:
1. Franklin Street
If you’re looking for the busier parts of Chapel Hill, then Franklin Street is your one-stop shop for a taste of everything. You’ll find the area teeming with bars and restaurants of all types. You can get a taste of just about any of the popular local dishes and craft beers that residents have come to love. Franklin Street is also a great place to start making some new friends or bringing a few old ones with its bustling social life.
2. The Shrunken Head
The name might sound funny, but this one-stop gift shop is chock-full of souvenirs that the whole family can enjoy wearing or showing off to their friends. Located off of Franklin Street, The Shrunken Head offers not only quality gear but also fantastic customer service. It’s also a family-run business that is now known as a traditional stop for both visitors and residents to come to.
3. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Do you love space? If so, visiting the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is a must. Here, you can find plenty of exciting exhibits, science shows, guided tours, and planetarium shows that will appeal to the star-gazer inside of you. Even better, when you spend money here, you can do so with the knowledge that part of the proceeds go towards education in Orange County.
4. Carolina Basketball Museum
North Carolina is known for basketball. That’s why the Carolina Basketball Museum is one of the best places to visit if you’re a basketball fan. Built in 2008, it’s gone through multiple renovations to keep it up to date with the latest records. You’ll start your visit with a short presentation, and you’ll also get to enjoy a few interactive presentations as you walk the grounds.
5. Dean E. Smith Center
The Dean E. Smith Center is another great place for sports enthusiasts. Every home game that the Carolina basketball team plays happens here. In 1986, the Dean E. Smith Center was also declared the home of the Tar Heels.
The center has gone through a few recent renovations, and visitors can now catch a ride on convenient shuttles during various events held at the center.
6. Gimghoul Castle
If you’re a horror or mystery enthusiast, then you’ll be happy to know that Chapel Hill is home to Gimghoul Castle, which is known for its mysterious history. There are not only one, but two popular local stories associated with the castle and its grounds.
Construction started in the early 1920’s, and for the past 100 years, residents and visitors alike have been enamored with the site of this haunted relic. While the castle isn’t open to the public, you can get a good look at it from the road if you’re in the area.
7. Maple View Ice Cream
The winters may be cold in Chapel Hill, but the summers can get pretty hot too. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cool off in the area, including scarfing down a delicious helping of local ice cream down at the Maple View Ice Cream shop.
Located right next to Maple View Farm, this ice scream shop sells plenty of unique, seasonal, and classic flavors, such as banana pudding, cream cheese and jalapeño, and butter pecan. You can also buy cakes and different kinds of milk to take home with you.
8. Bolin Creek Trail
There’s plenty of beautiful natural scenery in North Carolina to enjoy, and there’s also quite a few trails you can walk to take it all in. Bolin Creek Trail is known for its easy walking paths, bike trails, and secluded areas. You can either have fun with the kids or enjoy the scenery in peace as you navigate the quieter areas of the trail.
9. North Carolina Botanical Garden
Another place that nature lovers will enjoy is the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Not only can you enjoy the beauty of the well-maintained grounds and literally stop the smell the roses, but you can also take classes in gardening and yoga. North Carolina Botanical Garden also supports nearby schools and encourages field trips for educational purposes.
10. Orange County Historical Museum
Chapel Hill is rich in both scenery and history. When you visit the Orange County Historical Museum, you’ll have the chance to learn about the Occaneechi as well as the customs and traditions that make Chapel Hill what it is today. You can also enjoy the museum’s culinary center and its creative take on heritage cooking.
Come See Us Today in Chapel Hill, NC
When you come to our neck of the woods, it’s easy to see why it’s known as “the southern part of heaven.” You’re treated like a part of the family, whether you’re kicking back with friends at your favorite golf courses or picking a new local restaurant to try. Once you’re settled, make sure to contact us to set up your first appointment! We at Integrative Holistic Dentistry look forward to seeing you.