This summer, go off the beaten path and explore the west end of downtown Chapel Hill. West Franklin and Rosemary contain world-class dining options and unique retail shops. Moreover, town-operated downtown parking is free on weekends in June and July!
Take a culinary trip around the world
The west end of downtown contains many different types of cuisine. You can enjoy Italian at 411 West,
Indian food at Cholanad, Chimney, and Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, authentic Turkish at Talulla’s, Asian dishes at Spicy 9, and American-inspired French cuisine at La Residence. We also recommend heading inside Blue Dogwood Public Market,
which is a community of small food businesses who celebrate local food. Other dining options include:
–Saturni
–Pho Happiness
–Italian Pizzeria III
–Bul Box
–Might As Well Bar & Grill
–The Northside District
–Mama Dip’s Kitchen
–Panera Bread
–Chipotle
–Trolly Stop Hot Dogs
–Tacos El Niño
Explore unique shops
Looking for unique clothing, home goods, and accessories? Our retail stores have something for everyone! You can find mystical, magical items at Quantum Soul, new and used music at Schoolkids Records, and play with adoptable cats at Cat Tales Cafe! Here are some other retail shops on the west end:
–Marshall Goods
–Uniquities
–Rumors
-Target
–Alumni Hall
–DB Sutton & Wine Shop
–Simply Audrey
–Spica Body Piercing
–Hill’s Family Asian Market
-Tienda Hispana La Nueva Guadalupana Mini Mart
Kick back alfresco
Ready to take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days? Many west end restaurants offer outdoor dining. Enjoy your meal and/or drink outside at:
–Carolina Brewery
–Mediterranean Deli
–Brandwein’s Bagels
–Que Chula
–Al’s Burger Shack
–Lantern
–Saturni
–Heavenly Buffaloes
–Pantana Bob’s
Cool off with a beer, cocktail, or non-alcoholic beverage
Thirsty? We can fix that! From breweries to bars, you can find whatever you need to cool off in the southern summer heat. (NA = Non-Alcoholic options)
–Beer Study
–Franklin Motors
-Boro Beverage (NA Options)
–Dead Mule Club
(NA Options)
–The Crunkleton
-Lapin Bleu
–The Baxter Bar & Arcade
–Perennial Cafe
(NA Options)
–Tea Hill
(NA Options)
–Tropical Smoothie Cafe
–Trophy Room
at the Graduate Hotel
–He’s Not Here
–The Cave
–Tin Cup Joe
(NA Options)
Grab a sweet treat
It’s not truly summer until you get some cool sweets! Head to The Yogurt Pump for some local froyo, Le Macaron for gelato and pastries, Crumbl for (giant) cookies, an acai bowl or smoothie The Purple Bowl, and Ben and Jerry’s for some good, old-fashioned ice cream. But not all at the same time…or maybe all at the same time. We won’t judge!
View the beautiful artwork
West Franklin and Rosemary are both home to great local art! Attic 506 is a local gallery which features exhibitions and video presentations. There are murals designed by local artists and bars and restaurants that also serve as gallery spaces.
Host an event
Summer is the time for weddings, retreats, and reunions. You can host your next event in downtown Chapel Hill in one of our west end venues. The Story is a newly renovated building featuring four spaces: the Ballroom, the Rooftop, the Game Room, and the Bridal Room. The PITCH is a private event space with a full bar, DJ booth, multiple stages with lighting, and capacity for up to 190 people. Included in the rental are chairs and tables, stereo equipment, stage lights, projector stand, and other necessities.
Enjoy a summer staycation
Summertime means lazy days and time to unwind. Kick back and relax with a mani/pedi at Bella Nail Bar. Need some extra “me time”? Get out of the house and let someone else cook and clean! Book a stay in one of our downtown hotels, where you can enjoy world-class comfort. The Graduate Chapel Hill, located at 311 W. Franklin Street, combines “classic style and campus spirit”. The AC Hotel Downtown Chapel Hill at 214 West Rosemary Street boasts a European soul…with Carolina on their mind!
Sport a new summer hairstyle, courtesy of one our downtown hair shops! From cuts, color, and everything in between, our local stylists can have you looking and feeling your best.
–DB Sutton & Co
–Moshi Moshi
–Grace Hair
–Wade’s Hair Studio & Co.
–Arrow
–to the woods
–Le Cheveu
–Legacy Cuts
–Chapel Hill Barber Shop
–Ocfi Salon by Cori
–Syd’s Hair Shop
If your summer look includes fitness, our downtown gyms and yoga studios can help with that! Spin into summer with a cycling class at Purvelo, attend a small group session at Chapel Hill Training, or work on your meditation and challenge your spirit at Franklin St Yoga Center.