As we approach the end of July, vacationing in Orange County this summer is on the rise when compared to last year. Visitors from all over the state are making Orange County their vacation destination.

Patty Griffin is the Communications Director for the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau. She says that travelling to Chapel Hill and Orange County this summer is coming back in style.

“Travel is going really well so far,” says Griffin. “Our occupancy seems to be running in the neighborhood of four to five percent ahead of last year at this time. Travel seems to be back.”

Griffin says that there are a number of reasons why summer vacationing to Orange County is on the rise this year.

“I think a lot of people coming to the area are visiting friends and family,” says Griffin. “A lot of people are having family reunions this time of year. We’re seeing tons of weddings. We’re seeing people visiting the University. Also, a lot of day trips, we’ve seen people travelling up from Charlotte or Pinehurst for the day. It seems to be a really, really busy time for Orange County.”

She also added that the restaurant scene in Orange County is a major draw for vacationers this summer. The restaurants and bars have been featured on Fodor’s Travel, Huffington Post, AAA World Magazine, Food Network, Food Republic, New York Times, and others.

For more ideas on what you can do in Orange County this summer, click here.

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