It happens in the blink of an eye: You’re driving down Franklin Street, when suddenly the road curves around a bend, Crook’s Corner in the rearview, and spits you out in a different place entirely. Carrboro unfurls itself quickly, colorfully — a slice of small town just when you need it.
In 1882, Chapel Hill officials decided to build a new train station. They picked a spot directly to the west, just one mile from the University of North Carolina, far enough away that the noise wouldn’t disturb those on campus. The area known as West End soon carved out its own identity as a mill town, and academia spilled over the railroad tracks, bringing new growth.
Although the neighboring towns share a common collegiate thread, today their personalities diverge. If Chapel Hill is your classy, argyle sweater-wearing professor, Carrboro is your coolest, quirkiest friend wearing a band T-shirt. Here, live music venues attract national acts and award-winning restaurants entice out-of-town foodies.
Carrboro is certainly an old Southern town — but it’s one that’s just as hip as it is homey.
At Acme Food & Beverage Company, you can try the Carolina crab cakes and The Parkway cocktail — made with Bulleit bourbon, mountain apples, and local ginger. photographs by Anagram Photo
At CrossTies BBQ, diners eat pulled pork and fried green tomatoes in vintage train cars, a nod to the property’s history. In the 1900s, it was home to a railway station. photograph by Anagram Photo
Try the chicken salad at beloved Carrboro eatery Neal’s Deli. Like his father, legendary chef Bill Neal, owner Matt Neal likes to put his stamp on classic dishes. photographs by Anagram Photo
Across the street at Steel String Brewery, you’ll find creative and seasonal beers inspired by the agriculture of the Piedmont. photographs by Anagram Photo
Bring your coat to pick a pepper at the Carrboro Farmers Market. Now in its 40th season, the market is held every Saturday at the Town Commons. photographs by Anagram Photo
At Johnny’s Gone Fishing, a coffee shop and music venue, an iced coffee pairs perfectly with dessert — and a puzzle. photographs by Anagram Photo
North Carolina is known for many things, but nothing more important this week than the qualities of endurance, resilience, and hope.
By day, this adventure park in the Triad is a fall festival to die for. By night, the undead come alive for Halloween tricks. Welcome to one man’s vision of year-round merrymaking.
North Carolina’s border dances across the mountains as it traces four different states. Life here can be more remote, but good neighbors are never far away.
The Blue Ridge Parkway stands out among America’s national parks: Unfurling across six Appalachian mountain chains, it connects dozens of rural communities and binds together generations of families through shared memories.
