Explore Chapel Hill’s Hidden Gems
Chapel Hill is home to a trove of historic, scenic and culinary landmarks. Check out these truly unique destinations that are just a few minutes from Glen Lennox, but a world away from ordinary.
Happy Cows Make Heavenly Ice Cream
Take a short drive or bike ride into Hillsboro, and you’ll find the Maple View Farm Country Store—its rocking-chair-lined porch full of families savoring scoops of homemade ice cream. All of Maple View’s dairy products are made from milk from their locally raised cows, which is whipped into delicious ice cream flavors like Carolina Crunch and Butter Pecan, as well as a rotating array of seasonal specialties like Banana Pudding and Lemon Grass. Not only are their ice creams revered for being hormone- and antibiotic-free—Maple View’s fresh flavors have earned countless accolades from national and local publications.
Herbal Teas, Hammocks and a Healthy Twist on Your Weekend
The Honeysuckle Tea House, nestled amongst blueberry fields and a chestnut oak forest backdrop, invites you to relax, unwind and connect with its botanical surroundings. Serving a wide array of beverages and foods from local farms, the tea house provides a place for visitors to spend the afternoon chilling in a hammock, take a hike on the ground’s extensive trails, or sit around a crackling bonfire and listen to local musicians.
Sips, Savories, Stogies and Sauvignon
Tucked away behind Whitehall Antiques off of Franklin Street sits Caffe Driade, an independent, locally owned and national award-winning espresso bar, teahouse and wine bar. Enjoy Caffe’s outdoor patio surrounded by sculpted gardens and fountains that back up to a trail system in the woods, or seek refuge indoors in its cozy atmosphere blending old world tradition with modern panache. Its menu can satiate your cravings any time of day—with handcrafted espresso drinks, whole leaf tea, scrumptious baked goods, and a thoughtful selection of wine, beer and cigars.
Soak in the Arts Without Draining Your Wallet
The Ackland Art Museum on UNC’s campus boasts a permanent collection with more than 18,000 diverse works of art — from North Carolina’s premier collections of Asian art and works on paper to European masterworks to North Carolina pottery. Each year, the museum also offers more than a dozen special exhibitions. These works of art are highly accessible to students and guests year-round—admission to the museum is always free!
Bask in the Beauty of The Botanical Gardens
A stroll through the North Carolina Botanical Gardens treats you to a visual feast of formal gardens, a collection of our state’s natural areas and dog-friendly nature trails. Admission is free, and from March through October, guided tours are offered on the first Saturday of each month at no cost. Highlights of the grounds include carnivorous plant collections, perennial borders, aquatic and herb gardens, an education center, gallery and gift shop.
For hours, locations, parking information, menus and event calendars, be sure to check out their websites so you can plan an unforgettable outing.