The Triangle Weekender

Plan a Perfect Weekend in Chapel Hill, NC
Spend a weekend in Chapel Hill, NC exploring beloved homegrown eateries, local shops, music venues and more.
Lapin Bleu

Friday 

4 p.m.: Picture Perfect 

Peel Gallery, nestled between Carrboro and Chapel Hill on Rosemary Street, offers a charming collection of unique interior decorations, books, prints, stickers and greeting cards – all crafted by local artists.

Make your weekend in Chapel Hill artsy at Peel Gallery.
Photo by Lindsay Metivier

5 p.m.: Dine at the Dog

The Spotted Dog, which is located in the heart of downtown Carrboro, offers a diverse menu perfect for the whole family. Enjoy a serving of Carolina Crab Cakes, Pasta Alfredo, Spot’s Bean Burger or Baja Fish Tacos.

7 p.m.: Concert at the Cradle 

There’s no better end to a night on the town than catching a show at Cat’s Cradle. Choose your favorite of two possible bands and get ready to rock out in either its larger main room or cozy backroom, complete with mezzanine seating.

Saturday  

10 a.m.: Sunny Side Up

Start your morning off right with a quintessential North Carolina breakfast at Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen in Chapel Hill. You can’t go wrong with any of their homemade biscuits, but make sure to ask for a hash brown on the side.

Grab breakfast at Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen during your weekend in Chapel Hill
Photo by David Allen

12 p.m.: Tar Heel Tourism

While breakfast settles, join the buzz of students and locals strolling Franklin Street.

1 p.m.: Downtown Delights

Stop in at Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews. Browse its wide selection of new and pre-owned books, and make sure to try the cafe’s signature vegan churros. 

5 p.m.: Fries On Franklin

After exploring campus, round out the UNC student experience at Al’s Burger Shack. Al’s is considered by many to be the best burger joint in town, but the rosemary fries may be the star of the show.

7 p.m.: Cheer On Carolina with a Cold One

Take supper to go and head just a few doors down to Chapel Hill’s one and only official Carolina Hurricanes bar, Lapin Bleu, for a pint and a room full of friendly faces. If the Canes aren’t playing, you can still enjoy some of the best live music Orange County has to offer. 

9 p.m.: Movie Night

Swing by Silverspot Cinema at University Place to catch a new or classic flick – with a large popcorn, of course. Elevate your moviegoing experience with your favorite wine, beer or signature cocktail, like the raspberry lemon drop or strawberry mojito!

Thrift a new outfit from Rumors
Rumors co-owner Casey Longyear’s daughter Zelda Longyear-Stroud, 3, plays outside the clothing thrift shop on North Graham Street in downtown Chapel Hill.

Sunday 

10 a.m.: Coffees On the Lawn

Grab a coffee, a hearty breakfast or some of the best baked goods in town from Weaver Street Market in Carrboro, just steps from the beloved Carr Mill Mall, home to Golden Fig Books and Ali Cat Toys. Take your order to go or sit out on the lawn and patio under a shady tree.

12 p.m.: Grab a Bite

Spice things up with some South American cuisine from Luna Rotisserie and Taproom. Luna offers classic dishes like blackened pulled chicken empanadas and pork carnitas, as well as vegetarian options like palomitas and pimento cheese grits.

1 p.m.: Thrifty & Nifty 

Rumors is a local favorite when it comes to thrift shopping. Explore both their Chapel Hill and Durham locations and find the perfect piece (or two) to complete your wardrobe.

3 p.m.: Sunny Afternoon

Before you head home, take a load off at Steel String Brewery at Pluck Farm. While Steel String has a second location just off Main Street in Carrboro, Pluck Farm is sure to provide a relaxing afternoon in the country to end your perfect weekend in Chapel Hill.

Looking for more to do in the Triangle? Follow us on Instagram and explore our Ultimate Triangle Checklist for new ideas and travel tips!

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