Chapel Hill was named after the New Hope Chapel, which stood upon a hill at the crossing of two primary roads. Chapel Hill is nicknamed “the Southern Part of Heaven” and is best known as the home of the University of North Carolina, our nation’s first state university. Town lots were auctioned in 1793, when work began on the university’s first building. Along Franklin Street, the town’s center of activity, visitors will find foods to please every palate, specialty shops for the most discriminating shopper and a variety of nightlife.
The Town of Carrboro began its proud history in 1882 when a spur from the Durham-Greensboro Southern Railway line was extended to link university students with the outside world. The town was named after Julian Carr, owner of the local hosiery mill. Carrboro features unique retail stores, restaurants and a growing arts community. It is home to the famous Cat’s Cradle.
Historic Hillsborough, founded in 1754, celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2004. It is located about 15 minutes northwest of Chapel Hill and was laid out where the Great Indian Trading Path crossed the Eno River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the central district boasts over one hundred late 18th and early 19th century structures.