March/April 2024

February 29, 2024/Chapel Hill Magazine/The Magazine

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It’s a pity I don’t remember my first visit to The Carolina Inn. It was the late ’80s, and the paint was barely dry in the Smith Center when my grandparents, Luke and Elaine, and my parents snuck a small toddler into a game. We ran into the late Coach Dean Smith in the inn’s cafeteria during our stay, and he signed an autograph – made out to Elaine and Jessica – on the hotel’s stationery. I cherish the memento that ties me to Chapel Hill and my late grandmother (whose indelible voice I can still hear from my preteen years yelling “Come on, Antawn!” at the TV).

It would be another 15 years before I got a chance to top that with a series of new Carolina Inn memories: There’s the quick trip with my mom when I made my college choice; the glorious sunset on our walk back to the inn is burned into my brain. And also the day before orientation when this nervous out-of-state student was comforted by a cookie at check-in. Or there’s standing during a double-overtime win against Clemson, returning with my parents (and without my voice) to their room to continue the celebration. A decade ago, I introduced my new boyfriend (now my soon-to-be husband) to my friends, Elizabeth and Matt, during Fridays on the Front Porch. A year later, we’d dance till our feet hurt in the Old Well Room with pals Kara and Graham at their reception.

I’m not alone in my fondness for the inn. For 100 years, it’s been the site of countless gatherings and celebrations, first dates and anniversary dinners. The last few times that Chapel Hill elected a new leader, Chapel Hill Magazine has convened the mayor and their predecessors for a photo at where else but the inn. (See Mayor Jess Anderson with her peers on page 54.) Over the years, we’ve held photo shoots in the parlors, hosted Women of Achievement luncheons and even threw our inaugural Best of Chapel Hill party (see page 42) there last July. We’re honored to feature the inn on page 116 and hope you’ll join us in celebrating its historic legacy and bright future as an anchor to so many memories. – Jessica Stringer, editor

CARRBORO

64 The Mill Town Sound
For one day only, music filled the streets of Carrboro during the annual festival

68 Dynamic Duo
This power couple of local politics says showing up and doing the work matters

76 Building Community
Carrboro’s highly anticipated $41 million dollar project is slated for summer

78 To Market, To Market
Celebrate 45 years of the Carrboro Farmers Market with four seasonal recipes from vendors

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

86 Embracing the Eco-Conscious
A guide to sustainable practices for a greener future

FEATURES

46 Road Trip
In need of a quick getaway this spring and summer? Our staff shares a few fave nearby destinations perfect for day or weekend trips!

54 The Mayors Club
We convened the former mayors of Chapel Hill in January at The Carolina Inn to welcome their newest counterpart, Mayor Jess Anderson

56 Mayoral Musings
Mayor Jess Anderson and former Mayor Pam Hemminger engage in a conversation with Chapel Hill Magazine’s Jessica Stringer about legacy, the challenges of leadership and the town’s evolution

HOME & GARDEN

100 That ’70s House
A family finds its retro groove in a rambling home in Lake Forest

116 Centennial Celebration
A brief retrospective of The Carolina Inn

126 Before & After
Local pros share their favorite makeovers

130 Bloom Where You’re Planted
A glimpse into four unique gardens on the Chapel Hill Garden Club’s biennial tour

138 Roots of Abundance
Two ‘farm friends’ combine the best of both of their worlds by cultivating a unique blend of Jewish traditions and sustainable farming

144 Building Dreams, Transf orming Lives
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County President and CEO Jennifer Player reflects on her organization’s 40th anniversary