Welcome to Carrboro!
In 1882, the settlement that would become Carrboro began almost as an afterthought at the University of North Carolina railroad spur directly west of Chapel Hill. Once known as West End, the area was established because Chapel Hill didn’t want the railroad running through town. Soon, the mills came and a community grew.
Modern Day
Over the past 150 years, Carrboro’s commitment to historic preservation has helped give the town its unique vibe. It’s an eclectic mix of old and new where historic architecture and modern, progressive attitudes are celebrated.
The town’s namesake mill is the heart of Carrboro’s historic core. The nearby railroad depot, first textile mill, and a former grist mill were all added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and now house shops and restaurants. Pre-World War II commercial buildings on Main Street now serve as offices. Just to the north and south of downtown are scores of historic homes originally built around old mills.
A magical place where the past and present come together to create a unique, colorful, and exuberant experience.
Creative Carrboro
Carrboro is featured in the book, “The 100 Best Art Towns in America: A Guide to Galleries, Museums, Festivals, Lodging and Dining” by John Villani. Stop into one of the town’s many art galleries and crafts shops and you’ll see why.
Dining
Carrboro also boasts some of the best dining options in Orange County. Gabe Barker, son of James Beard award winning chefs Ben and the late Karen Barker, opened Pizzeria Mercato in 2015 and the restaurant continues to emphasize locally sourced ingredients from, where else, the Carrboro Farmers’ Market.
Other favorites include Tandem, Iza Whiskey & Eats, Venable Bistro, Coronato, Carrburritos, The Spotted Dog Restaurant & Bar, Acme Food & Beverage Co., and Glasshalfull, to name a few.
Events
Each year Carrboro hosts dozens of special events like arts, film, music, and poetry festivals, 5ks, and cycling events. Some of the biggest are the annual fall Carrboro Music Festival and LGBTQ+ Pride in June. Scan
to learn more at www.visitcarrboro.com
10 Things To Do
Carrboro Farmers’ Market.
Locally grown and nationally known. According to The New York Times-featured book, “Serious Eats,” the Carrboro Farmers’ Market is one of the top five best farmers’ markets in the country.
Carrboro Coffee
Carrboro Coffee Roasters offers delicious and distinctive coffees from the premier growing regions in Central and South America, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. Check out their signature coffee house, Open Eye Café, in the heart of town.
Cat’s Cradle
Cat’s Cradle has been the Triangle’s premier live music venue for over 50 years. Well-known bands as diverse as Nirvana, Public Enemy, John Mayer, Joan Baez, and Iggy Pop have all graced its stage.
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The ArtsCenter, Carrboro
The ArtsCenter offers year-round classes, performances, and art exhibits and serves more than 100,000 students and residents throughout the area.
Street Art and Murals
Amazing art is waiting around every corner in Carrboro. Matthew Willey painted the “Honey Bee Mural” in 2016 on the side of Fire Station #1 at 301 West Main Street. It is part of his The Good of the Hive Initiative which draws attention to the struggles of the honeybee. Fun fact, Carrboro was declared a Bee City USA in 2014.
Another significant mural is of Elizabeth Cotten. It’s located on the Carrboro-Chapel Hill line at 111 N. Merritt Mill Road and is part of a project that pays tribute to North Carolina musicians.
Shopping
The hub of shopping in Carrboro is the Carr Mill Mall which features 25 stores and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Alberta Mill Complex. Nearby you’ll also find NC Craft Gallery, This & That, My Muses Gallery, Sid’s Surplus, FRANK Art Gallery, WomanCraft Gifts, and more.
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Do In
Weaver Street Lawn
This cheerful co-op market offers a variety of local products. The lawn attracts families, students, and visitors throughout the year. Relax, enjoy a coffee or beer, and take in your surroundings.
Historic Downtown Self-Guided Carrboro Walking Tour
The Town of Carrboro has a self-guided walking tour of its historic downtown. We encourage you to download the brochure and map to make every step worthwhile.
for historic downtown tour details
Microbreweries
Carrboro has a great microbrewery scene with four craft breweries: Steel String, Dingo Dog, Craftboro, and Vecino.
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Anderson Community Park
This is Carrboro’s main park. It is located on 55 acres and offers the following:
• Baseball / Softball Fields (4 lighted)
• Multi-Purpose Field (1 lighted)
• Basketball Courts (2 lighted)
• Tennis Courts (2)
• Sand Volleyball Court
• Horseshoe Pits (8)
• 18-Hole Disc Golf Course
• Fenced Dog Park/Leash-Free Area
• 2.4-acre Fishing Pond
• Walking Trail (0.50 miles)
• Pavilion
• Picnic Tables
• Grills
• Open Space
• Restrooms
to learn more about the park
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YOUR VISIT
www.visitcarrboro.com PLAN
For travel and tourism assistance, contact the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau at (888) 968-2060, (919) 245-4320, or info@visitchapelhill.org.