We are officially moving to Chapel Hill, NC!! First order of business when we arrive in a couple weeks is to find a place to live. After that, there’s a whole summer to explore before we take S19 to college. I don’t even know where to begin!!
What to do first?!
Congratulations, @ChaosParent23! Sounds like exciting times! Cherish them!
Congratulations!!! Enjoy the process of exploring your new city 
Congrats! My youngest just graduated from grad school at UNC-CH, and is sad to be leaving CH. We have lots of fond memories there…such a great area. Enjoy!
@gosman any suggestions on where to eat & things to do?
I hope you love it! I went to UNC. In the Stone Age but still… LOL
I’m following this thread closely, and request regular updates. Raleigh and Chapel Hill are on our short list of retirement relocation cities.
Congrats it’s a great area! D just graduated.
Congratulations! I’m envious! My sister lives nearby in Carrboro (practically Chapel Hill) and I love visiting her. So much to do, and such a pretty setting.
Carrboro is one of the places we’re looking to live as well. It looks to me like the town of Carrboro is entirely inside the city of Chapel Hill, which is interesting. There are 4 Middle Schools and 3 High Schools in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School District. All good schools, can’t really go wrong there. So it’s going to take some time to get to know exactly where we want to buy a house, even though I’m not thrilled w/ renting for a year.
Just found this info about Jordan Lake. I had no idea about the Bald Eagles. https://www.ncparks.gov/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area/activities
I’m not sure how far Raleigh is, but I listened to this podcast and cried and cried. I’d love a chance to go to the restaurant.
Depends… about 30-35 minutes downtown to downtown. I’ll have to let my husband know, he loves all types of Asian food. I’ve never tried Laotian but that menu looks amazing.
The brother, sister, and parents sound like lovely and sweet people.
You will have no shortage of fabulous eateries nearby!
Renting for a year may be a good thing, as you’ll be able to identify your favorite neighborhoods. Sister and BIL lived in a nice-enough suburb near Raleigh but it just wasn’t “them”. A little too formal. There’s a wooded area in Carrboro with walking paths by a stream and pond where they frequently walked their dog for years. The nearby neighborhood has a wooded, rustic summer-camp feel. One day they saw a for-sale sign pop up on a house near the walking path and my sister called immediately. Within hours a gazillion people were in line to see it, but sister and BIL jumped on it right away…and have lived there happily ever since…a matter of being in the right place at the right time. So keep your eyes open!
We have time to check all of it out, and nothing could make me happier. Fingers crossed, this should be our last move.
I also found this article that made me very happy!
https://www.wheretraveler.com/raleigh-durham/7-independent-bookstores-raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-and-apex
@ChaosParent23 when we visited Goskid there, our activities were centered around campus events (football games, graduation, etc.) Tour the campus, it’s beautiful. The Carolina Basketball Museum was awesome–easy to spend a few hours there. We did check out Durham’s ball park and adjacent area (fun!)…and toured other colleges while there. Restaurants: off top of my head:
- Top of the Hill (TOPO) when in CH, one does, especially for sunset.
- Mediterranean Deli OMG. Best deli I've seen in ages....so. many. choices! You can also dine there.
- Tru is fun...sandwiches, salads, nice outdoor space.
- Kipo's....Greek....had great brunch food.
- Bin 54 Great steak house, great wine list $$$$$ but delish!
- Carolina Brewery good local brews, good bar food
- The Crunkleton is a great bar on Franklin St. We heard one of UNC's grad professor's band play there.
- Yogurt Pump (YoPo) Awesome frozen yogurt.....in either cone or cup....very big servings...yum!
Also, check out the beautiful Carolina Inn’s Fridays on the Front Porch. from 5-8. Always live music, food trucks, drinks…all ages welcome. Southern hospitality and charm.
All but Bin 54 are really walking distance from campus.
We are going to miss all the friendly, welcoming people in CH…Best wishes to you!
Thanks so much @gosmom !!!
I’ve seen the Med Deli’s Youtube… wow! That’ll be a stop high on the list!! And all of it really… there’s just so much! I mean, it’s a good problem to have! LOL
I’m getting the impression the whole triangle area really enjoys brunch!
Congratulations!! We are planning to move somewhere in the Carolinas as soon as DH finds a job. I’m getting the last projects done so the house will be ready to list.
It sounds like you have so many fun places to check out! Will your DS be anywhere close by for school?