Whether you’re thinking about putting down roots in Orange or Chatham counties or just visiting for the weekend, pick up a copy of our 2026 Visitors & Relocation Guide, which is filled with helpful resources – from school info to a look at our real estate market to an ultimate checklist of things to do in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Chatham County.
Our job at Chapel Hill Magazine is to put out a publication aimed specifically at the residents of Orange County. But once a year we also 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.
This year’s guide provides readers with everything there is to know about living here, from our gyms, salons and retirement centers to our dining and entertainment scenes. Visitors can flip through the pages for ideas of what to see and do while they’re here, and relocators can use this issue’s directories and pages of important phone numbers to make the transition to their new home a breeze. Click on the image above to view the guide in full. If you’d like a hard copy for yourself or out-of-town guests, stop by our office at 1777 Fordham Blvd., Ste. 105, in Chapel Hill to pick up a copy.
Welcome to Orange County! We hope you enjoy it here.
Inside the Visitors & Relocation Guide
16 Wide Open Spaces
Downtown parking guide for Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Pittsboro
20 Topping the Charts
Our area is rated high on many local and national rankings
24 Local Lingo
Learn the phrases commonly heard around town
28 The Ultimate Orange County & Chatham County Checklist
Everything a local should do, plus seasonal favorites
40 Kidding Around
A few favorite ideas for kids
44 Worth the Drive
Ideas for spending time in downtown Carrboro, Durham’s Ninth Street and historic Pittsboro
48 Home Sweet Home
Insights about our real estate market and some of our favorite neighborhoods
72 Tar Heel Tour
Navigating UNC’s campus, events not to miss, athletics information and more
82 All the Best
The readers of Chapel Hill Magazine and Chatham Magazine vote every year on their local faves from best restaurant to best realtor
110 Local Flavor
Meet two tastemakers bringing fresh energy to our food scenes, plus our farmers markets
115 Dining Guide
Includes restaurants, delis and bistros in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Chatham County
134 Business as Usual
Meet local entrepreneurs, plus networking opportunities, a directory of business resources and stats
140 Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Three couples share why they chose to get married locally
143 Southern Hospitality
Find a wide range of lodging options from sleek boutique hotels to the perfect conference-ready business stay to quaint bed-and-breakfasts
145 Creature Comforts
A guide to area vets, animal hospitals, groomers, boarders, pet sitters, dog parks and rescue organizations
148 Step It Up
From gyms and running groups to yoga studios and personal trainers, there’s a wide variety of fitness options in our community
156 Take It Easy
Whether you’re looking for a simple manicure, just a trim or a day of pampering, these spas and salons make it easy to indulge in some self-care
168 In Good Care
The doctors, nurses and health professionals in our region have provided Orange and Chatham counties with some of the best health care in the nation for more than 70 years
188 Back to School
Fast facts on local school districts and a directory of other options
200 Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Meet a few local folks in the community
Special Advertising Sections
96 Chatham Co-op
Discover businesses and other towns in Chatham County
122 FACES
Meet local businesses in Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough
172 The Big Give
Our nonprofits: How they support the community and how you can get involved