If you could stand at one end of Franklin Street and see all the way to the other, you’d pretty much be taking a glimpse at the soul of Chapel Hill. Commonly known as The Strip, the street running from downtown Chapel Hill to Carrboro manages to capture and display a taste of what visitors and residents seem to love about the area – diverse restaurants, unique shopping, a flourishing local arts scene and the down-home charm of old North Carolina.

On The Strip

What you experience in Chapel Hill all depends on where you end up on The Strip. And when. In April, Franklin Street turns into Apple Chill – a multi-block party of ethnic foods, live music and performances. In October, the street is home to Festifall. There are games, artisan displays and more food and shopping.

Carolina on His Mind

With the Chapel Hill-Carrboro region as the childhood home of singer/songwriter James Taylor, it’s no surprise that the area has deep roots in good music. The Carrboro Music Festival is held in June on Fathers Day. The festival celebrated its 11th year in 2008, with 170 bands performing on 23 indoor and outdoor stages. But on an ordinary evening, the local clubs are the best place to enjoy the music of your taste.

Last year 10,000 people came for the fourth free festival that takes place throughout town from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. The streets are full of artists, homemade food concessions and, of course, music, music, music.

Galleries Galore

In Carborro, there are 13 galleries all within walking distance of each other. Galleries have found a niche in Chapel Hill, as well. The galleries each promote their own work at the annual 2ndFriday Art Walk, held August through October. Residents and visitors alike tour art galleries, meet artists from all walks of life, watch art demonstrations and enjoy browsing, all in a festive atmosphere that includes music and refreshments.

Musing Around the Museum

For those who want a taste of preserved culture, Orange County is home to seven museums that showcase everything from football memorabilia to Native American artifacts. The museums include the Ackland Art Museum, Blue Heaven, The Chapel Hill Museum, The Kenan Football Center Hall of Honor, The Memorabilia Room, The North Carolina Collection Gallery and The Orange County Historical Museum.

Art Programs

Thankfully, to enjoy the art culture in Orange County, you don’t have to just admire another person’s art. There is an abundance of art programs that add to the quality of life. You can join one of the 46 traditional arts and crafts classes offered at the Chapel Hill Museum through the Chapel Hill Museum School of Traditional Arts, Crafts and Culture (CHMSTACC or “Chimney Stack”). Similarly, The Arts Center in Carrboro is another place to catch a number of cultural events and art classes.

The Show Must Go On

If you still don’t have enough to do, then you can also catch a play at the Arts Center in Carrboro from the local theater company. The University of North Carolina’s PlayMakers Repertory Campaign draws thousands a year to performances at the Paul Green Theater on the UNC campus.

With such a rich blend of art and music, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro region is the place to get a satisfying taste of good old North Carolina culture.