Chapel Hill, North Carolina is the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). UNC-CH is the oldest public university in the United States, chartered in 1789 and opened to the first student (Hinton James, who, legend says, walked here from Wilmington) in 1795. According to the 2000 census, its population is 48,715.

With a liberal arts college at its heart, Chapel Hill is truly a "college town". Full of professors, students, and professionals from the nearby Research Triangle Park, it is also considered one of the most liberal towns in North Carolina. In the past few years, the town planners have attempted to ban automobiles and gas-powered lawn equipment from the city. US Senator Jesse Helms once suggested erecting a fence around the town instead of building a new zoo in Asheboro.

Downtown Chapel Hill is centered around Franklin street, which houses a variety of restaurants, shops, theaters, clubs, and bars. Franklin street is the most amazing place to be when an event is being held at the Dean Dome. Not only do students participate in the fun, but it seems that the entire community comes out to support the Tar Heels.

Get in

Triangle Transit Authority, (919) 549-9999. Routes between Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill as well as Research Triangle Park and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport .For information on routes, schedules and fares, check GoTriangle.org for a helpful trip planner.

Activities

There are few places more beautiful than Chapel Hill, especially in the Spring. When the chill has left the air, and the dogwoods are blooming, take a walk on the campus of the nation's first public university. Afterwards, head to Franklin Street for dinner, then watch the Tarheels play basketball in one of the bars.
If the basketball team is at home, tickets can usually be scalped in front of the Dean Smith Center.  • If you are in town later in the year, try and catch a football game at Kenan Stadium. Kenan Stadium is truly a great place to bask in the sun and enjoy a Saturday afternoon. Chapel Hill is a town built around the University. Visit the University of North Carolina website at http://www.unc.edu or the official athletic department website at http://www.tarheelblue.com.
 • The Cat's Cradle - If you're in the mood for live music, then this is the place. Lots of local bands, with occasional visits by groups that hail from exotic locations such as Wisconsin.
 • Play Golf. The course belonging to the University, Finley Golf Course, was recently named the 11th best collegiate course in the nation. It is both beautiful and challenging. Try to play during the week, as prices can get fairly high on the weekends.
 • Halloween on Franklin Street. On Halloween night, Chapel Hill hosts a huge street party with thousands dressing in costume and hanging out on Franklin Street. Restaurants and bars stay open late (but they won't let you use the bathroom there, you have to use a port-a-potty). And some of the best parties of the whole year occur on this night.
 • See movies out on the lawn at the Lumina movie theater in the summer. The theater is located in Southern Village. Bring a group of friends or someone to cuddle with!

Dining

Chapel Hill has the normal selection of bars and fast food joints that you'd find in any college town, but is also home to several upscale markets (A Southern Season is based here) as well as many great restaurants. Many restaurants are located on Franklin Street and surrounding areas.
 • Patio Loco. Best Mexican in town. Lunch Inexpensive. Best Patio Dining.
 • Squids Restaurant. A don't-miss for seafood lovers.
 • Armadillo Grill, Franklin Street.
 • The Rathskellar, 157-A E. Franklin St., 942-5158. With over 50 years of service, the "Rat" qualifies as a bona fide Chapel Hill tradition. Their popular lasagna, "The Gambler" steak dinner, and desserts have been made by the same cooks for half a century and served by the same staff for decades.
 • Hector's, Franklin Street. Until 4AM. Greek-inspired food; try the burger-in-a-pita. Gets busy after 2AM.
 • Time-Out Chicken and Biscuits, Franklin Street. Open 24 hours.
 • I Love New York Pizza, Franklin Street (just outside He's Not Here). Until 3AM.
 • Lime & Basil. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
 • Kurama. Good and inexpensive sushi/seafood.
 • Breadman's Amazing Breakfast all day long served by Chapel Hill Grads.
 • Gourmet Kingdom. Outstanding Chinese buffet.
 • Mama Dips. Best southern food in town, one of Dean Smith's favorites; expect racially discriminatory service towards non-African American people... so be warned!

Drink

 • Don't miss the world famous He's Not Here . This is where Michael Jordan comes when he's in town, but you'll keep coming back for the 32 oz Blue Cup.
 • Top of the Hill is another popular bar and restaurant, both with students and alumni.