Director of the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau, Laurie Paolicelli, wants vacationers to know about what the county has to offer this summer. WalletHub recently released their analysis of the top 20 best “staycation” spots in the U.S. for 2014. On the list this year was two North Carolina cities: Raleigh and Winston-Salem.

While Orange County did not make the list, Paolicelli has a few reasons as to why it should.

“There is live music here almost every night. You have Friday’s on the Front Porch, Downtown Chapel Hill offering their music series at the Exhale Public Sculpture at 140-West,” says Paolicelli. “Weaver Street Lawn in Carrboro is always packed with everything from hula hooping, to food, to live music all summer long.”

Paolicelli also discusses the summer opportunities offered for younger residents of Orange County.

“You also have a real rise in kid’s activity, from the ArtsCenter’s summer drop-in classes, to events like the Venus flytrap exhibits and walks at the botanical garden,” states Paolicelli. Paolicelli also mentions the Ackland Museum is also holding their own events this summer to check out.

Paolicelli is encouraged and excited about the growth of Orange County and the many great events that are to come this summer. The live music events that took place last Friday indicate that staying in the area this summer might be the best choice.

“Wow, last Friday is a great example of just how many people are flooding Hillsborough for the music, for the art, and for the food. We have new restaurants opening up here what seems like almost weekly. DSI Comedy is operating all summer long to take advantage of 10 thousand summer school students on campus,” says Paolicelli. “We are not the sleepy towns we used to be.”

Related Stories
‹
21 Years of Music Celebrated in This Weekend's Carrboro Music Festival
Carrboro Music Festival, an annual celebration of Carrboro culture and music featuring around 200 acts performing across 29 venues. The event is coordinated through cooperative efforts from the Carrboro Recreation and Parks department, as well as the Carrboro Music Festival Planning Committee. The festival enjoys the full support […]
Hillsborough Mayor Calls for Release of 19-Year-Old Orange High School Graduate Detained by ICE
Hillsborough mayor Mark Bell has issued a statement in support of 19-year-old Isaac Gallegos, an Orange High School graduate and Hillsborough resident who is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gallegos has been detained since Wednesday, Oct. 7. Read Bell’s full statement below: On behalf of the Town of Hillsborough, I […]
Orange County: Chair of the Commissioners Jean Hamilton and State Senator Jonah Garson
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton and State Senator Jonah Garson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, October 14. In this extended conversation, they discussed a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap the income tax rate at 3.5% in the state. They talked about the potential implications of this for local and state governments to fund mandatory services for citizens, and more.
The Morning News: Election Approaching, Stolen Car Crashing - New Cradle Opening?
Get-out-the-vote efforts are underway for the 2026 election - including a concert at the site Cat's Cradle is developing as a third venue.
Early Voting in the 2026 General Election; Where to Go in Orange, Durham, and Chatham Counties
Early voting for North Carolina's general election begins on Thursday. Here is what you need to know to cast your vote.
97.9 The Hill WCHL Presents Tabitha Meeks and Jesse Fox at Cat's Cradle Back Room
For the first time in the history of 97.9 The Hill WCHL, we are presenting a show at Cat’s Cradle—and YOU are invited! On Sunday evening, November first, 97.9 The Hill WCHL Presents Tabitha Meeks and Jesse Fox at Cat’s Cradle Back Room. It will be an amazing night of community and live music with two of our favorite artists playing some of our absolute favorite songs. 
The Morning News: Faith Hedgepeth Trial, Affordable Housing, UNC Football
In today's news: the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial continues, and a local nonprofit cuts the ribbon on four affordable homes.
The Morning News: Orange County Property Revaluation, ICE Arrest, UNC Basketball
In today's news: Orange County gets an audit on last year's property revaluation, and UNC basketball gets a big exhibition win.
Local Government Meetings: October 12-16, 2026
This week in local government: property valuation in Orange County, Chatham Park in Pittsboro, and Churton Street's future in Hillsborough.
Orange County: Consultants Findings on County Tax Revaluation, What Happens Next
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, October 7. She discussed the finding's of a consultant's analysis of the count's most recent property revaluation. She talked about findings that weren't best practice, some of the moves going forward to ensure equity in future revaluation, and more.
›