Everything a local should do, plus seasonal favorites

Seventies folk-rock, raucous Rolling Stones hits and groovy Bee Gees’ deep cuts hum through the analog sound system at Little Gem, one of Chapel Hill’s newest neighborhood bars.

Photography by John Michael Simpson

1 Join a guided tour at the Historic Chatham County Courthouse and Chatham Historical Museum

2 Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of cake at Nantucket Grill or a creative confection at Glasshalfull

Eva Green of Rabbit Patch Baskets grew up watching her mother skillfully weave baskets – a craft passed down through generations. *Photo by Susan Murray*

3 Stroll by Chatham Mills’ Pollinator Paradise Garden and its more than 225 species of perennials, trees, shrubs and grasses – 85% of which are native to North Carolina

4 Take a step back in Chapel Hill town history at the Horace Williams House, home to Preservation Chapel Hill

5 Rush Franklin Street after a UNC victory over Duke

6 Shop local with items made by local craftsmen like Eva Green

7 Savor small bites and cocktails at Little Gem in a tucked away spot in the Cedar Falls Courtyard

8 Order a coffee and a treat at The Chatham Rabbit in Siler City or at Davenport’s Café Diem in Pittsboro

9 Visit a local farm!

10 Enjoy a relaxing turn down Poet’s Walk at Ayr Mount in Hillsborough

11 Root for your local high school team at Cedar Ridge High School, Orange High School, Chapel Hill High School, East Chapel Hill High School, Carrboro High School, or, in Chatham County, Northwood High School, Jordan-Matthews High School, Chatham Central High School or Seaforth High School

12 Go antiquing at Countryside Collectibles Antique Mall or check out refinished furniture at Gathered Home Décor

13 Cheer on UNC during a game at the Dean E. Smith Center or watch it at Four Corners

14 Hang out with 12 adoptable cats at Cat Tales Cat Cafe

15 Try a Bell Tower Blueberry Wheat beer at Top of the Hill

16 Get crafty during an art workshop at Koala Craft

17 Learn about the historic Alexander Dickson House, which also serves as the Hillsborough Visitors Center

18 Drink from the Old Well

19 Play a round of golf at the newly renovated Finley Golf Club

20 Release some steam by ax-throwing at Chatham Axes

Chiroptera’s Finn Brown, Cass DeLuca, Mili Ruiz Vasquez and Avery Byrne onstage at Local 506 – one of their favorite venues to play.

21 Take a nature walk at the North Carolina Botanical Garden

22 Savor bold flavors from beloved local products like Big Spoon Roasters’ nut butters or Momma T’s Southern Indian Spices

23 See the Belted Galloway cows and stroll the walkable Fearrington Village

24 Use your Italian dinnerware purchased at the Vietri outlet store in Hillsborough

25 Enjoy the latest exhibition at the Ackland Art Museum or stroll through the artist-owned Frank Gallery in Carrboro

26 Pick up a six-pack at Beer Study or The Casual Pint

27 Greet the UNC football team, the Marching Tar Heels and cheerleaders during the pregame Bell Tower Walk

28 Relax on the lawn of Weaver Street Market in Carrboro

29 Groove to a favorite band at Cat’s Cradle or catch an up-and-coming hip-hop artist at Local 506

30 Catch an afternoon show at Morehead Planetarium & Science Center or go stargazing at Jordan Lake in the evening

31 Nibble on a nutty fruitcake at Southern Supreme Fruitcake & More

32 Visit Chapel Hill’s most perfect sunset spot – Merritt’s Pasture

33 Head to Chatham Park‘s Penguin Place for a beer from House of Hops, a sandwich at Café Root Cellar and some freshly made guacamole at Mi Cancun

34 Order a single, double, or, if you dare, a triple BLT at Merritt’s Grill

35 Buy a cut of meat from Cliff’s Meat Market

36 Hike the trails in the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

37 Look sharp in a Carolina blue tie from Julian’s

38 Slurp a milkshake at Sutton’s Drug Store

39 Gather the family and play a little Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering or board games at The Gathering Place

40 Dig into a North Carolina-inspired plate of poutine or a sky-high sandwich at Breakaway Cafe

41 Enjoy a cone at Whit’s Frozen Custard and head to Gold Park with a blanket

42 Find your new favorite vintage tee, bespoke candle or retro home decor at Reclamation, Marigold or Screaming for Vintage in Pittsboro

43 Watch a movie at the historical Varsity Theatre

44 Jam with live, local bands at Nash Street Tavern or Yonder: Southern Cocktails and Brew in Hillsborough or The City Tap in Pittsboro

More than 20 years ago, Loren Pease stumbled into her profession as a large-scale public artist. The Connecticut native worked in advertising before pivoting to a career as an art teacher.

45 Sip different flavors of honey wine at Starrlight Mead

46 See a Carolina Performing Arts show at Current ArtSpace + Studio or Memorial Hall

47 Bike the 198-mile system of trails in Chatham or take it easy on the Libba Cotten Bikeway in Carrboro

48 Belly up to the Lantern bar – or sit outside – for creative dishes from Andrea Reusing, who previously won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast for her blend of Asian flavor with North Carolina ingredients

49 Take a class with the Orange County Arts Commission

50 Learn and explore with your kids at the North Carolina Children’s Museum

51 Finish a blue cup at He’s Not Here

52 Peruse the murals during a downtown Chapel Hill walk, including this butterfly

53 Walk the sidewalks and gallery hop during Last Fridays & The Art Walk in Hillsborough or 2nd Friday ArtWalk in Carrboro and Chapel Hill

54 Spice up your next backyard barbecue with a savory spread of local items including peppers from Heartsong Farm, summer squash from In Good Heart Farm or a bushel of sweet corn from Howard’s Farm & Mema’s Fruit Shack

55 Enjoy a pickup game of mahjong or pingpong, take a Zumba class or watch a performance at the Seymour Center

56 Get educated in all things fromage at a Wedgewood Cheese class

57 Sip award-winning chambourcin at FireClay Cellars, the only commercial vineyard in Chatham County

58 Catch an independent film at the Chelsea Theater

59 Savor Eastern Carolina-style barbecue at Allen & Son Bar-B-Que or Hillsborough BBQ Company

60 Stroll on one of our many beautiful greenways, like the Tanyard Branch Trail, where metalwork art is on display by local artist Leo Gaev

61 Get local produce from the Carrboro Farmers Market, the Chapel Hill Farmers Market, the Eno River Farmers Market, the Fearrington Farmers Market, the Pittsboro Farmers Market or the Chatham Mills Farmers Market

Trey Tanner, Maria Jacavino, Norm Underwood, Chip Hoppin, Mike Benson, Jonathan Lillie and Jackie Tanner enjoy a round together
at Lapin Bleu.

62 Kiss your sweetheart below the Davie Poplar tree on UNC’s campus

63 Learn about the history of Tar Heel hoops at the Carolina Basketball Museum

64 Dance through an evening of music outside at Fridays on the Front Porch at The Carolina Inn (April-October)

65 Play your favorite old-school arcade game at The Baxter

66 Explore the great presents at This & That Gift Gallery or Show of Hands Gallery

67 Feel like family as you’re greeted by Vicenzo Marrone and Angelo Marrone at Italian Pizzeria III

68 Pile a cone high with Carolina Crunch from Maple View Farm

69 Watch a Carolina Hurricanes game among friends with a beer at Lapin Bleu

70 Pick your medium and let your creative self flow while enjoying a beverage at Wine & Design Chapel Hill

71 Enjoy the beautiful weather – and a pint – at Franklin Motors

72 Pose in front of the iconic “Greetings From Chapel Hill” mural by artist Scott Nurkin

73 Sip some bourbon at The Crunkleton

English teacher Brian Wasson, pictured here with one of his Chapel Hill High School classes, shapes young minds during the day and writes for that audience at night as the author of two young adult novels.

74 Walk or bike along the banks of the Eno River on the Riverwalk

75 Try the fried chicken at Bestfood Cafeteria

76 Check out all the funky sculptures and international goods at French Connections or stop by Fragments for unique home decor and furniture

77 Celebrate a special occasion with dinner at The Sycamore at Chatham Mills and a nightcap at The Beagle

78 Go see and learn about the wild cats at Carolina Tiger Rescue

79 Paddle in a kayak or canoe out on the waters of the Haw River or rent a boat to cruise or water skin on Jordan Lake

80 Shop for trendy pieces at Uniquities, Monkee’s of Chapel Hill, Sofia’s Boutique, Whilden or Narrative + Co.

81 Catch a show performed by the Bouncing Bulldogs, a youth jump rope team of international acclaim

82 Grab an ice cream from S&T’s Soda Shoppe and stroll along Hillsboro Street

83 Have a pint at Carrboro’s Haw River Tap & Table or Pittsboro’s Havoc Brewing Company

84 Learn pottery or drawing in a class at the new, state-of-the-art location of The ArtsCenter

85 Visit the Old Chapel Hill Cemetery on UNC’s campus

86 Spend an afternoon shopping and sampling at The Plant

87 Head to Silverspot Cinema or The Lumina Theater on Terrific Tuesdays when tickets are a bargain

88 Sample treats like pumpkin doughnuts and apple turnovers at The Phoenix Bakery or tres leches cake and conchas at Carolina Cravings Co.

89 Get a book signed by an author at Purple Crow Books, Flyleaf Books, McIntyre’s Books, Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews or Circle City Books & Music

90 Choose a unique piece for your home from Whitehall Antiques

91 Explore a classic neighborhood like the Franklin-Rosemary Historic District or Gimghoul Historic District and admire the distinct architecture and beautiful homes

Stretching the limits of cheesy goodness – Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila’s signature queso turns a simple chip into a star-worthy bite

92 Wait in line on a weekend morning at Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen or have a late-night chicken biscuit at Time-Out Restaurant

93 Order a hot dog during the UNC baseball season opener at Boshamer Stadium under Carolina blue skies

94 Peruse the art at the Eno Arts Mill or take a class

95 Sip a smoothie or dig into an acai bowl on the patio at The Purple Bowl

96 Enjoy one of the rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists at the NC Arts Incubator in Siler City

97 Savor vegetarian-friendly dishes at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe and Spotted Dog Restaurant and Bar

98 Stop by SallyMack Life Furnishings for stylish home goods, jewelry and gifts

99 Cut and paste your heart out during Collage Night at Peel Gallery + Photo Lab

100 Stroll through the Northside neighborhood as you listen to an audio tour full of stories and history, told by longtime residents and community members

101 Beat your friends in a round of pool at Zog’s Art Bar & Pool Hall

102 Go on a burger tour with stops at Johnson’s Drive-In in Siler City and Buns and Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill

103 Choose among different tasty salsas at Carrburritos or queso at Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila

Sisters’ Voices, Leandra Strope’s all-girls choir, empowers young singers to express themselves.

104 Volunteer at the SECU Family House by preparing and serving meals or dropping off supplies to keep the pantry stocked

105 Start the day off right with a big breakfast at Breadman’s or Virlie’s Grill

106 Tour the Civil War-era Burwell School Historic Site, and learn about the bravery of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, who escaped life as an enslaved person to become a close confidant of first lady Mary Todd Lincoln

107 Choose your favorite cuisine ranging from Japanese and Indian to French and Italian and prepare a four-course meal with guidance from C’est si Bon! Cooking School chefs

108 Have a picnic lunch on a blanket in the Coker Arboretum with charcuterie from Wegmans

109 Take in a choir concert of a local group like Sisters’ Voices

Annual Must-Dos

Aysha Baker, Akayah Crutchfield, 5, and Alicia Evans at CORE’s annual Juneteenth Black Arts Festival. *Photo by Jamell Mumford*

Spring

Hunt for eggs and meet the Easter Bunny during the Community Egg Hunt at Southern Community Park

Enjoy free outdoor performances during the Freight Train Blues Concert Series in May and June at Carrboro Town Commons

Throw it back with old-school field games, arts and crafts, and more at The Marian Cheek Jackson Center for Saving and Making History during the Northside Festival

Run through town during the Tar Heel 10 Miler in April

Check out the local farm scene on the annual Piedmont Farm Tour in April

Take advantage of free cone day at Ben & Jerry’s in April

Bike, climb, dance and perform activities in the streets during Carrboro Open Streets in April

Join a group of Clean Jordan Lake volunteers to remove trash from the shores at the annual spring cleanup

Check out the Clyde Critters – the handiwork of late Bynum-based folk artist Clyde Jones – at the Chatham Arts Council’s ClydeFest in April

Meet your neighbors on Carrboro Day the first Sunday in May

Taste produce during Strawberry Jamboree at Carrboro Farmers Market in May

Shake your tailfeather at the Spring Chicken Festival, Siler City’s unique street fair

Come together and celebrate the diversity of our area during Community Organizing for Racial Equity‘s annual Juneteenth Black Arts Festival

Summer

Watch a summer movie outside under the stars on the Southern Village Green, Mosaic at Chatham Park or elsewhere around town

Commemorate Pride Month in June during Small Town Pride presented by the towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill

Stroll through downtown Pittsboro’s street fair Summer Fest in early July

Celebrate the Fourth at the People’s Parade on Weaver Street in Carrboro

Watch talented high schoolers taking part in the PlayMakers Repertory Company’s Summer Youth Conservatory on stage during performances of a musical

Get to Southern Village early for a good spot at the Fourth of July fireworks

Take a dip in the Hargraves Community Center pool

Savor tomatoes, the star food of the annual Acme Tomato Festival, and enjoy peak tomato season during Tomato Day at the Carrboro Farmers Market, both in July

See Paperhand Puppet Project perform an outdoor show at the Forest Theatre

Enjoy music, food and dancing at the annual Fiestas en la Calle in Carrboro in late August

Fall

Rock out to dozens of bands during the Carrboro Music Festival in September

Step back in time at Silk Hope’s annual Old-Fashioned Farmers Day in September

Experience local bands and a barbecue cook-off contest at Hog Day in September

Celebrate mead during Starrlight Mead’s annual Mead Fest in September

Check out the Chatham County Agricultural & Industrial Fair in September, featuring live performances, rides, children’s activities, food and more

Warm up your taste buds for the outdoor food festival, PepperFest, in Pittsboro

Camp, explore and groove at music festivals at Shakori Hills Community Arts Center, like the Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention in September and the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance in October

Browse artists’ booths in downtown Chapel Hill during Festifall Arts Markets on two Saturdays in October

Sip local brews during NC Beer Month in October

Spook your friends with Halloween fun on Franklin Street

Listen to music and sip beer and wine during the Bluegrass Festival at historic Moorefields in September

Attend readings, workshops and panels during the West End Poetry Festival in October

Check out the carved pumpkins on display across the Bynum Bridge and around Fearrington Village in October

Tour artist studios during the Orange County Artists Guild’s Open Studio Tour in November

Winter

Stroll the downtowns to check out decorated shop windows

Grab a seat for the Light Up The Night Holiday Parade in early December in downtown Hillsborough

Put on your antlers for the Reindeer Run 5K in Pittsboro

Tour the studios of more than 50 local artists in the self-guided Chatham Artists Guild’s Studio Tour during the first two weekends in December

Deck the halls with breakfast with Santa, cookie decorating, holiday tea and markets at The Carolina Inn in December

Sing along at the Bynum Front Porch Christmas Show

See Santa Claus come to town with a live-action performance of Miracle on Hillsboro Street in downtown Pittsboro

Nab a spot on the sidewalk for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade in December

View films at the Carrboro Film Fest in January

Catch public performances by touring bands, artists in residence, UNC faculty and students at the annual Carolina Jazz Festival in February