Nestled in the gorgeous Orange County of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is considered one of the coolest little towns in America. While Chapel Hill is a college town, it’s multicultural, charming, diverse, kid-friendly, carries a small-town feel, and is filled with things to do.
Historic Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill is simply amazing. Named after Benjamin Franklin, it’s a gorgeous, historic tree-lined street with more than 200 restaurants, bars, retail shops and service businesses. Annually you’ll see events and festivals, weekly there’s plenty of nightlife, and daily fun includes a comedy theater, sidewalk bistros, coffee shops, bookshops, cocktail bars and more.
What can you do there? SO MUCH! But for the sake of this blog, let’s just go shopping. Below we cover downtown Chapel Hill, the Southern Village in the south side of town, and give shout-outs to other shopping areas around town. Keep scrolling!
Oh, and if you’re looking for parking, check out Park on the Hill to find a map and locations. http://www.parkonthehill.com/
Southern Village
http://www.southernvillage.com/
Find this area on Market Street (off US Highway 15-501 South), Chapel Hill; south of town and is five minutes from UNC-Chapel Hill.
“This neighborhood was established in 1994 and has all the components of what is today called “New Urbanism.” Market Street, which is within walking distance to all parts of the neighborhood, has a variety of entertainment, food and shops.”
“Southern Village is a welcoming community with Market Street Merchants, walk-able village center and the Hyatt Place -Chapel Hill to extend your stay. Join us for outdoor movies and concerts on the Village Green, Wine Down Wednesday, Seasonal Markets and the many events throughout the year.”
Go to their website for a list of things to do and see, and sign up for their newsletter to get the latest.
Downtown Chapel Hill
http://www.downtownchapelhill.com/
East and West Franklin Street, and East and West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill. Don’t miss a thing by joining their mailing list on their website. Check out everything from Target to florists, planetarium gift shops to bike shops, bookshops and much more.
“Our Downtown launches entrepreneurial ventures, supports a thriving arts & cultural community, boasts world-renowned dining, and serves as the gathering spot for young and old; all while preserving and enhancing our community’s unique character.”
“This area features many college-style and upscale restaurants and eateries, stores, boutiques, memorabilia shops, and bars, nightclubs, and taverns. Numerous buildings feature murals on various subjects by local artist Michael Brown. More than 250 businesses. ”
We pulled out a few of the shops that dedicate space downtown to selling clothes and shoes, art, gifts, books, and jewelry. Grab some coffee at one of their award-winning coffee shops on Franklin Street, and let’s go shopping…
bevello
142 East Franklin Street
www.bevello.com
“bevello (with a lowercase “b”) is a one-of-a-kind boutique that focuses on providing an exceptional shopping experience for our customers. bevello promises to give you the respect you deserve and the help you need, all while making your time with us a fun, no-hassle experience.”
University Florist and Gift Shop
124 East Franklin Street
www.universityflorist.com
Where heavy metal meets floral design.
Creative MetalSmiths
117 East Franklin Street
www.creativemetalsmiths.com
“We work both with stones and all metal designs, specializing in wedding and engagement rings as well as in custom design and one-of-a-kind.”
Francesca’s
Carolina Square
133 West Franklin Street
www.francescas.com
“Our boutiques offer an eclectic mix of carefully-curated clothing, bright baubles, bold accessories, and playful gifts that are as fun to give as they are to receive.”
Fedora Boutique
151 East Franklin Street
www.fedoraboutique.com
“We cater to a unique personal style, and have an exclusive inventory which allows you to build a wardrobe that expresses your individuality.”
Light Years
121 East Franklin Street
www.lightyearsjewelry.com
“Light Years is proud to be locally owned and operated. While we continue to specialize in jewelry, we have added gifts, crafts and home accessories to our collection. Light Years promises to have a fun and interesting selection with friendly service and great prices.”
Gentlemen’s Corner
140 West Franklin Street
www.thegcorner.com
“Well-dressed and smartly-appointed men have come to know The Gentlemen’s Corner as the place for the finest clothes, accessories and service.”
Uniquities
452 West Franklin Street
933-4007
www.uniquities.com
“Uniquities features an edited selection of emerging to established designers.”
Ackland Museum Store
101 S. Columbia Street
www.ackland.org/shop
“All proceeds from the Museum Store support the Ackland Art Museum’s exhibition and education programs.”
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Gift Shop
250 East Franklin Street
www.moreheadplanetarium.org
MORE SHOPPING IN CHAPEL HILL
Chapel Hill North
“NC Highway 86 North, just south of Exit 266 on Interstate 40. This shopping center features several major national and regional stores, and service businesses.”
Timberlyne
1129 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill.
Eastgate (http://www.shoppingeastgate.com), Rams Plaza (http://www.ramsplaza.com), Mariakakis Plaza, and Fordham Square
“North Fordham Boulevard (US Highway 15-501) and Ephesus Church Road, Chapel Hill. More than 60 businesses.”
Glen Lennox
“Northeast corner of Fordham Blvd (US Highway 15-501) and Raleigh Rd (NC Highway 54 East). Chapel Hill’s first shopping center (1950), Glen Lennox recently underwent renovations to offer a better selection of small shops and service businesses.”
Glenwood Square
“Southeast corner of Fordham Blvd (US Highway 15-501) and Raleigh Rd (NC Highway 54 East). Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Offers nine varied businesses. One mile from UNC campus and distinguished by its historic two-story clock tower.”
Meadowmont Village
http://www.meadowmont.com
“Meadowmont Village Circle, off Raleigh Road (NC Highway 54 East), Chapel Hill. About 15 businesses.”
East 54
http://www.east54.com/
“1113 Environ Way, Chapel Hill. Luxury condos, shops and dining.”
University Place
https://www.universityplacenc.com/
“201 South Estes Drive (at Willow Dr), Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill’s first enclosed mall. More than 60 businesses.”
Village Plaza, Gateway Commons, and The Galleria
“East Franklin Street at South Elliott Road, Chapel Hill. Village Plaza is actually four separate shopping centers. The six combined offer more than 40 businesses.”
Farmer’s Markets
http://www.visitchapelhill.org/plan-a-visit/attractions/c/farm-life-markets
“Held at Carrboro Town Commons, University Mall at A Southern Season, and Southern Village.”
Let’s Go Shopping in Chapel Hill
Nestled in the gorgeous Orange County of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is considered one of the coolest little towns in America. While Chapel Hill is a college town, it’s multicultural, charming, diverse, kid-friendly, carries a small-town feel, and is filled with things to do.
Historic Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill is simply amazing. Named after Benjamin Franklin, it’s a gorgeous, historic tree-lined street with more than 200 restaurants, bars, retail shops and service businesses. Annually you’ll see events and festivals, weekly there’s plenty of nightlife, and daily fun includes a comedy theater, sidewalk bistros, coffee shops, bookshops, cocktail bars and more.
What can you do there? SO MUCH! But for the sake of this blog, let’s just go shopping. Below we cover downtown Chapel Hill, the Southern Village in the south side of town, and give shout-outs to other shopping areas around town. Keep scrolling!
Oh, and if you’re looking for parking, check out Park on the Hill to find a map and locations. http://www.parkonthehill.com/
Southern Village
http://www.southernvillage.com/
Find this area on Market Street (off US Highway 15-501 South), Chapel Hill; south of town and is five minutes from UNC-Chapel Hill.
“This neighborhood was established in 1994 and has all the components of what is today called “New Urbanism.” Market Street, which is within walking distance to all parts of the neighborhood, has a variety of entertainment, food and shops.”
“Southern Village is a welcoming community with Market Street Merchants, walk-able village center and the Hyatt Place -Chapel Hill to extend your stay. Join us for outdoor movies and concerts on the Village Green, Wine Down Wednesday, Seasonal Markets and the many events throughout the year.”
Go to their website for a list of things to do and see, and sign up for their newsletter to get the latest.
Downtown Chapel Hill
http://www.downtownchapelhill.com/
East and West Franklin Street, and East and West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill. Don’t miss a thing by joining their mailing list on their website. Check out everything from Target to florists, planetarium gift shops to bike shops, bookshops and much more.
“Our Downtown launches entrepreneurial ventures, supports a thriving arts & cultural community, boasts world-renowned dining, and serves as the gathering spot for young and old; all while preserving and enhancing our community’s unique character.”
“This area features many college-style and upscale restaurants and eateries, stores, boutiques, memorabilia shops, and bars, nightclubs, and taverns. Numerous buildings feature murals on various subjects by local artist Michael Brown. More than 250 businesses. ”
We pulled out a few of the shops that dedicate space downtown to selling clothes and shoes, art, gifts, books, and jewelry. Grab some coffee at one of their award-winning coffee shops on Franklin Street, and let’s go shopping…
bevello
142 East Franklin Street
www.bevello.com
“bevello (with a lowercase “b”) is a one-of-a-kind boutique that focuses on providing an exceptional shopping experience for our customers. bevello promises to give you the respect you deserve and the help you need, all while making your time with us a fun, no-hassle experience.”
University Florist and Gift Shop
124 East Franklin Street
www.universityflorist.com
Where heavy metal meets floral design.
Creative MetalSmiths
117 East Franklin Street
www.creativemetalsmiths.com
“We work both with stones and all metal designs, specializing in wedding and engagement rings as well as in custom design and one-of-a-kind.”
Francesca’s
Carolina Square
133 West Franklin Street
www.francescas.com
“Our boutiques offer an eclectic mix of carefully-curated clothing, bright baubles, bold accessories, and playful gifts that are as fun to give as they are to receive.”
Fedora Boutique
151 East Franklin Street
www.fedoraboutique.com
“We cater to a unique personal style, and have an exclusive inventory which allows you to build a wardrobe that expresses your individuality.”
Light Years
121 East Franklin Street
www.lightyearsjewelry.com
“Light Years is proud to be locally owned and operated. While we continue to specialize in jewelry, we have added gifts, crafts and home accessories to our collection. Light Years promises to have a fun and interesting selection with friendly service and great prices.”
Gentlemen’s Corner
140 West Franklin Street
www.thegcorner.com
“Well-dressed and smartly-appointed men have come to know The Gentlemen’s Corner as the place for the finest clothes, accessories and service.”
Uniquities
452 West Franklin Street
933-4007
www.uniquities.com
“Uniquities features an edited selection of emerging to established designers.”
Ackland Museum Store
101 S. Columbia Street
www.ackland.org/shop
“All proceeds from the Museum Store support the Ackland Art Museum’s exhibition and education programs.”
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Gift Shop
250 East Franklin Street
www.moreheadplanetarium.org
MORE SHOPPING IN CHAPEL HILL
Chapel Hill North
“NC Highway 86 North, just south of Exit 266 on Interstate 40. This shopping center features several major national and regional stores, and service businesses.”
Timberlyne
1129 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill.
Eastgate (http://www.shoppingeastgate.com), Rams Plaza (http://www.ramsplaza.com), Mariakakis Plaza, and Fordham Square
“North Fordham Boulevard (US Highway 15-501) and Ephesus Church Road, Chapel Hill. More than 60 businesses.”
Glen Lennox
“Northeast corner of Fordham Blvd (US Highway 15-501) and Raleigh Rd (NC Highway 54 East). Chapel Hill’s first shopping center (1950), Glen Lennox recently underwent renovations to offer a better selection of small shops and service businesses.”
Glenwood Square
“Southeast corner of Fordham Blvd (US Highway 15-501) and Raleigh Rd (NC Highway 54 East). Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Offers nine varied businesses. One mile from UNC campus and distinguished by its historic two-story clock tower.”
Meadowmont Village
http://www.meadowmont.com
“Meadowmont Village Circle, off Raleigh Road (NC Highway 54 East), Chapel Hill. About 15 businesses.”
East 54
http://www.east54.com/
“1113 Environ Way, Chapel Hill. Luxury condos, shops and dining.”
University Place
https://www.universityplacenc.com/
“201 South Estes Drive (at Willow Dr), Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill’s first enclosed mall. More than 60 businesses.”
Village Plaza, Gateway Commons, and The Galleria
“East Franklin Street at South Elliott Road, Chapel Hill. Village Plaza is actually four separate shopping centers. The six combined offer more than 40 businesses.”
Farmer’s Markets
http://www.visitchapelhill.org/plan-a-visit/attractions/c/farm-life-markets
“Held at Carrboro Town Commons, University Mall at A Southern Season, and Southern Village.”