About Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina, the flagship campus of the UNC system, the oldest public university in the US, and one of the top schools in the country. The town of Chapel Hill, named after the Anglican church New Hope Chapel, was founded in 1819 to support the activities of the university. While Tar Heel pride certainly saturates Chapel Hill, the town has a character all of its own. The scenic university campus seamlessly wends into downtown Chapel Hill, where restaurants, shops, and bars of all varieties dot bustling Franklin Street. Historic southern homes and buildings intermingle with new architecture, all set among the stunning natural beauty of central North Carolina.

See a map of the UNC main (North) campus where the opening reception and Friday workshops and tutorials will be held, and a map of the area around the Friday Center where the conference events on Monday-Thursday will take place (including markers for the two closest hotels).

Chapel Hill provides a reliable, free bus service, called Chapel Hill Transit. You can find real-time information using NextBus. See the Transportation page for further information about getting around.

While exuding a small town feel, Chapel Hill offers food, fun, and culture the caliber of a big city. Check out this recent New York Times travel piece, 36 Hours in Chapel Hill-Carrboro, N.C., for just a taste of what the town has to offer. While here for the conference, you will have the opportunity to dine at world class eateries, grab a drink at some blossoming breweries, and experience a wealth of museums and other cultural offerings. Venturing out to nearby Durham and Raleigh, the other two points of the Research Triangle, opens up even more enticing possibilities. If you’re around for Halloween (October 31), be aware that Franklin Street will shut down for a massive gathering of people to celebrate the holiday.

For general information on Chapel Hill and Orange County, check out the Chapel Hill Visitor’s Bureau website. For information about upcoming events in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, check out this events calendar.

Find more information on all of the sights and sounds in Chapel Hill:

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