Greetings from Chapel Hill - James Taylor Exhibit

A Few Facts about James Taylor’s Early Chapel Hill Life

A publication of Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau 308 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919)-245-4320 or info@visitchapelhill.org

James Taylor's Early Chapel Hill Life James Taylor’s father, Isaac M. Taylor, was Dean of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He and a man named Doctor Barry Hill built it from a two-year premedical program to being a full-on medical school.

UNC Campus: While in Chapel Hill, explore the heart of campus

and feel the history, vibrancy, and charm of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Along with its beauty, “Carolina” has a reputation as a place where science, research, and the arts of all kinds thrive. This history, a living, breathing presence on campus, connects our contemporary community to a legacy as old as the United States. The University of North Carolina was the first public university in the nation. In 1789, William Richardson Davie wrote the act that established the University.

In 1793, he and fellow trustees laid the cornerstone of the first building, Old East. https://unc.live/3J3WFKD James Taylor’s childhood home was on Morgan Creek Road in Chapel Hill. Taylor’s childhood experiences in this neighborhood heavily impacted many of the lyrics in some of Taylor’s most popular songs. “Copperline” tells the story of Taylor’s return to his childhood stomping grounds, “Carolina in My Mind,” Taylor’s “tribute song to his home state” is “known and loved by countless Carolinians.” In April, 2003, a bridge over Morgan Creek was dedicated to the musician and renamed the James Taylor Bridge. https://bit.ly/34YwMNK

Morgan Creek Trail: This is a 2.3 mile moderately trafficked out

and back trail located in Chapel Hill. This Trail features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. https://bit.ly/3M1ccN2

In James Taylor’s Welcome video for the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, he recalls: “What I remember most about Chapel Hill is the landscape and the surrounding country, tobacco barns, and pine trees.”

Exploring the Countryside: It is easy to explore Orange County’s

surrounding farmlands through this self-guided farm tour that takes you by fields and farms that have not changed in hundreds of years. Check out options here: https://www.visitchapelhill.org/agritourism

In James Taylor’s Welcome video, he recalls the sweet smell of honeysuckle in the springtime. There is really nothing like it.

Visitors can enjoy this sweet botanical at the NC Botanical Garden or on the many trails located throughout Chapel Hill and Orange County. https://ncbg.unc.edu

Honeysuckle Bloom: These blooms are usually red but some

varieties are yellow. In Orange County, honeysuckle normally blooms mid-spring and intermittently thereafter. Honeysuckle blooms: March, April, May, June.

Performing Arts In 2006, Taylor made a visit to Chapel Hill to receive UNC’s Lifetime Achievement Award and performed “Carolina in My Mind” with the North Carolina Symphony. “It’s strange but somehow compelling to come home and sing it,” he said. “It draws a line through my own personal history and connects me again to a place that I go to in my dreams, a landscape that will forever be a part of me.”

Memorial Hall: Visit this impressive performing arts center while

exploring the UNC campus. For information on current musicals, concerts, and performances in Moeser Auditorium, visit https://carolinaperformingarts.org In Taylor’s welcome video for the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, he encourages checking out the Carolina Inn and their front porch events.

Carolina Inn and Fridays on the Front Porch: Carolina Inn, at 211

Pittsboro Street, on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill, hosts Fridays on the Front Porch, a free outdoor concert series, every Friday from June to October, from 5 pm to 8 pm. Enjoy food trucks, bar, and local music during this family-friendly event. https://www.destinationhotels.com/carolina-inn James Taylor is highly encouraging of musicians and music venues, and says, “I believe 100 percent in the power and importance of music.”

Live Music: There are several places to take-in live music in the

Chapel Hill area, including regular street performers during Friday and Saturday ArtWalks, Cat’s Cradle, Local 506, The Cave, Yonder Bar in Hillsborough, as well as many local restaurants and bars. https://www.visitchapelhill.org/things-to-do/nightlife