Stuff your Stockings with these Local Experiences
The holidays are the perfect time for sharing old memories and creating new ones — which is why a local experience makes the perfect gift. With the world reopening and an abundance of unique places to visit around Chapel Hill, skip the material goods this year and give your loved ones an experience they won’t soon forget.
Gifts for Science Lovers
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is the oldest planetarium in the South and has captivated the imagination and curiosity of Chapel Hill locals since 1949. Perfect for either kids or adults, the newly renovated exhibit space offers live science demonstrations to educate kids of all ages, while adults can relax and appreciate the classic Morehead show “Carolina Skies” in the Fulldome Theater. Get tickets at https://moreheadplanetarium.org/visit/.
Gifts for Tar Heel Fans
UNC basketball games are legendary events that everyone in Chapel Hill should experience at least once. The Tar Heels boast one of the most successful and storied programs in the country. A new chapter in that story started this year when Hubert Davis took over the program. With icons like Michael Jordan and Dean Smith, nearly 2,300 wins and seven national championships, the sports fan in your life will love seeing the action unfold on the court before their eyes. Tickets are especially affordable during non-conference play, so grab tickets today to put under the tree.
Gifts for Music and Art Lovers
Cat’s Cradle is a nationally renowned venue for up-and-coming artists that once hosted Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, John Mayer and others on their way to stardom. Check out their upcoming concert schedule to find a show your loved one will dig. For those on your list wanting a more sophisticated cultural experience, Carolina Performing Arts (CPA) offers acclaimed musical and theatrical productions. This winter you can catch performances of “Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater” and “A Thousand Ways” through CPA.
Gifts with Local Flavor
Move aside Asheville, the Triangle is stepping up as the crafting brewery capital of North Carolina. There are many creative brew masters in the area who are creating innovative one-of-a-kind beers and ciders. In Chapel Hill we have Carolina Brewery, Craftboro, Dingo Dog, Steel String, Top of the Hill and Vecino. Venture a little further into the Triangle and you’ll find Bull City Ciderworks, Durty Bull, Fullsteam, Lonerider, Ponysaurus, and many more. Inquire about behind-the-scenes tours, gift cards, tasting flights or create your own walking tour from brewery to brewery.
Gifts for Nature Lovers
The gift of time is one of the most precious things we can give our loved ones. Carve out some quality time in the great outdoors for exploring our beautiful community with someone close to you. Occoneechee Mountain makes for a scenic, and not too challenging, afternoon of hiking. Nearby, the Historic Occoneechee Speedway trail gives you a chance to walk on one of the very first NASCAR tracks – right here in Orange County! Pack a thermos and a picnic and stroll through Carolina North, Battle Park or Merritt’s Pasture, which seems to stay green and full of life year-round.
Take the stress out of holiday shopping by finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list right here in Chapel Hill. Happy holidays!