Piedmont
VisitChapelHill.org; @VisitChapelHill
Chapel Hill and Orange County offer a blend of “small-town charm and big-city flair,” featuring the University of North Carolina (UNC) and a vibrant downtown. “From historic campus venues to modern conference centers, our area delivers an inspiring, intellectual atmosphere where business naturally meets world-class culture and leisure,” says Marlene Barbera, director of sales for Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau.
The Carolina Inn, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel located on the UNC campus, features 16,721 square feet of meeting and event space and 14,242 square feet of outdoor gardens and courtyards. A historic and AAA Four Diamond property dating back to 1924, it also includes the hallmark Front Porch, with a capacity of 500 people. The 172-room Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel has 19,564 square feet of event space, including a 6,900-square-foot outdoor deck and a 7,020-square-foot ballroom.
The UNC-operated and IACC-certified Friday Conference Center features 39,000 square feet of space across 26 areas, including a 400-seat auditorium and a 5,610-square-foot dining room for up to 400 guests. According to Barbera, the AAA Four Diamond Siena Hotel, Autograph Collection remains closed following a fire last year; it has no plans to reopen this year.
Chapel Hill’s culinary landmarks include two beloved 100-year-old institutions: Sutton’s Drug Store and the Carolina Coffee Shop. Kipos Greek Taverna and Mediterranean Deli recently welcomed customers back to its renovated and reimagined spaces. The restaurant offers private onsite dining and offsite catering.
