Fall in Chapel Hill: Foliage, Festivals, Art, LGBTQ+ Tours & Local Flavor

Fall in Chapel Hill brings beautiful foliage, with vibrant colors transforming the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus and surrounding areas. Wander the picturesque campus seeing the Old Well, Coker Arboretum and the Morehead Patterson Bell Tower. Head into the Ackland Art Museum to see a wide stylistic range of art, from contemporary American photography to European paintings, from video installations to early modern portraits. View a new exhibit on Dutch castles through November 11.

Fall colors abound with a peaceful walk through the North Carolina Botanical Garden. From September 14-December 7, spy 50 unique art pieces scattered throughout the garden during the annual Sculpture in the Garden Tour. There are also 18 mile of walking trails in Chapel Hill, however, you need to check online for what’s open as some are still recovering from the summer storm Chantal.Then head to Franklin Street to browse boutique shops, sip a warm cup of coffee, or grab a Tar Heel t-shirt or local keepsake. Drop by the welcome center for a new mural map and you can see nearly 50 murals in Chapel Hill and neighbor Carrboro. Another must stop is Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews at 109 E. Franklin Street, offering coffee, wine, books and treats. Check the calendar for Epilogues “Queer Reader Book Club,” a monthly book club for LGBTQIA+ readers interested in queer literature. Another nearby activity is the Genre Nonconforming Book Club on second Fridays hosted by Flyleaf Books, which focuses on books by queer authors of any genre.

Additionally on Saturdays in downtown Chapel Hill, sign up in advance for a Chapel Hill LGBT History Tours: These tours explore the long and significant history of LGBTQ+ life and activism in Chapel Hill, starting at Rougarou Cajun Kitchen on Henderson Street. 

When the sun starts to dip, head to one of the town’s signature restaurants for dinner and drinks. If the nights are cool, many have outdoor firepits or heaters including the popular Carolina Brewery with local brews and American cuisine. A must -stop is the new Wedgewood Cheese Bar just over the border in Carrboro where Southern hospitality meets European ease. Enjoy cheese, charcuterie, and seasonal fare with a glass in hand—or shop their cheese shop. If a burger is what you crave, don’t miss the award-winning Al’s Burger Shack with it’s new expanded Puddin’ Beer Shack.

Al's Burger Shack

Staying at The Carolina Inn? Make sure you begin your weekend at Fridays on the Front Porch offering music and food on the lawn through November 21.

For more information click visitchapelhill.org or when you are in town drop by the Chapel Hill/Orange County Welcome Center at 308 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill.

Five Fun Fall Festivals

September 28. 28th Carrboro Music Festival.   All types of music!  Event features numerous venues throughout downtown Carrboro with dozens of musical acts as well as food, craft and non-profit vendors. Free shuttle bus from Carrboro Plaza Park & Ride. www.carrboromusicfestival.com.

October 11-12. Tarheel Antiques Festival. The Festival features antique and craft vendors, auctions, appraisal and Christmas themed activities and entertainment. 226 N. Lloyds Dairy Rd, Efland.   www.tarheelantiquesfestival.com

October 16-18. West End Poetry Festival.  Poetry readings and workshops, open mic and more in Carrboro.  http://www.westendpoetryfestival.org

October 18. Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival at Blackwood Farm Park at 4215 NC-86 between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough celebrates food, culture, and music. Music by Big Something , The Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Rissi Palmer, Kaira Ba, Nothing Good, Ben Sollee, and My Brother’s Keeper. Local chefs and food trucks as well as craft beers, curated beverages, and spirit-free options. saltsmokesound.com. 

October 18 & November 1. Festifall Arts Markets are Chapel Hill’s annual arts festival returns in October spanning two days each Festifall Arts Market will have its own theme with artisan vendors, music, performances, and more. October 18 is Carolina Day and November 1 is Dia de los Muertos. https://www.chapelhillarts.org/festivals-events/

Source: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors BureauVisitChapelHill.org; Photos by SP Murray