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Things to Do in Chapel Hill near Briar Chapel

Chapel Hill Magazine recently published a list of things you must do in Chapel Hill, which we thought was worth posting. Please note we have made a few substitutions, based on our own experience of living in this part of the Triangle for the past 30 years.

ARTS / ENTERTAINMENT
- Attend a Carolina Performing Arts show at Memorial Hall
- Laugh at stand-up performers at DSI Comedy Theater
- Participate in the 2ndFriday Artwalk
- Get a book signed by an author at Flyleaf Books or McIntyre's Books
- Listen to a great band at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw
- Catch a movie at The Varsity or Lumina theaters
- View the latest exhibition at Ackland Art Museum or FRANK Gallery
- Watch your favorite band perform at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro
- Visit local art studios during the annual Open Studio Tours (Nov.-Dec.)
- Attend an outdoor concert at Briar Chapel's Summer Music Series (Jun.-Sept.)
- Catch a traveling Broadway show at Durham Performing Arts Center
- Take a walking tour of the colorful murals throughout town (download map)

SPORTS / OUTDOORS
- Attend a UNC Football, Soccer, Baseball or Basketball game (Go Heels!)
- Play a round of golf at UNC’s Finley Golf Course, or other nearby courses
- Catch the excitement at Tar Heel Town on a UNC football game day (Sept.-Nov.)
- Spend an afternoon among the memorabilia at the Carolina Basketball Museum
- See the caricatures of UNC icons on the walls at Spanky’s Restaurant and Bar
- Watch a game or Franklin Street celebrations from the balcony at Top of the Hill
- Rush Franklin Street after a UNC victory over Duke
- Hike the Occoneechee or Briar Chapel trails
- Go for a kayak adventure along the Haw River
- Go for a nature walk at the N.C. Botanical Garden
- Enjoy Fridays on the Front Porch at The Carolina Inn (Apr.-Oct.)
- Have a picnic in the Coker Arboretum
- Check out the local farm scene on the annual Piedmont Farm Tour (April)
- Go for a walk in Jordan Lake's Educational Forest, and lookout for bald eagles
- Relax on the lawn of Weaver Street Market in Carrboro
- Go fishing on the Eno River
- Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, an urban greenway in Hillsborough

FAMILY FUN
- See Paperhand Puppet Intervention perform an outdoor show at Forest Theatre
- See the Beltie cows & goats and stroll the walkable Fearrington Village
- Pile a cone high with Carolina Crunch from Maple View Farm
- Catch an afternoon show at Morehead Planetarium
- Watch an outdoor movie while floating in the saltwater pool at Briar Chapel
- Learn and explore with the kids at Kidzu Children’s Museum
- Camp out for a good spot at the Fourth of July fireworks at Kenan Stadium
- Ring in the Christmas season with Ira David Wood's A Christmas Carol
- Browse more than 100 artists’ booths during Festifall (Oct.)
- Take a tour of Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro

FOODIE
- Taste the Honeysuckle Sorbet at Crook’s Corner
- Order a Single, Double, or Triple BLT at Merritt’s Store & Grill
- Try a craft cocktail at The Crunkleton or the hidden Peccadillo.
- Shop local produce from the Carrboro Farmers’ Market
- Taste dishes by local chefs at the annual Pepper Festival in Briar Chapel (Oct.)
- Take a brewery or distillery tour of Carolina Brewery or Top of the Hill
- Wait in line on a weekend morning at Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
- Finish a 33-ounce blue cup of beer at He’s Not Here
- Buy a cut of meat from Cliff’s Meat Market in Carrboro
- Pick out gourmet gifts at Southern Season

CLASSICS
- Take a guided tour of the Old Chapel Hill Cemetery
- Drink from the Old Well
- Kiss your sweetheart below the Davie Poplar tree on UNC’s campus
- Get a milk shake and a hamburger at Sutton’s
- Celebrate Halloween in a big way on Franklin Street
- Dine at Carolina Coffee Shop, the town’s oldest restaurant
- Shop for a Carolina blue tie at (Alexander) Julian’s
- Walk around a historic neighborhood like Gimghoul to admire the architecture

2015 Parade of Homes Features 11 Green-Certified Homes in Briar Chapel

Now in its 32nd year, the 2015 Parade of Homes in Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties will be held over three weekends in October: October 3-4, 9-11, and 16-18, 2015 from Noon-5pm each day.

This is a free, self-guided tour showcasing the latest designs and technology trends being used today. Of the 56 homes on Parade this year, Briar Chapel has the following 11 entries:

• C5: 1475 Briar Chapel Pkwy by Homes By Dickerson - $697,479
• C6: 700 Tobacco Farm Rd by Drees Homes - $400,000
• C7: 1954 Great Ridge Pkwy by Lennar - $297,942
• C8: 29 Tyner Loop Circle by Terramor Homes - $511,349
• C9: 50 Mallard Landing Dr by Saussy Burbank - $279,780
• C10: 33 Old Piedmont Circle by David Weekley - $399,900
• C11: 65 Old Piedmont Circle by Garman Homes - $485,000
• C12: 23 Old Piedmont Circle by Saussy Burbank - $499,197
• C13: 164 Old Piedmont Circle by Homes By Dickerson - $496,400
• C14: 79 Old Piedmont Circle by Homes By Dickerson - $384,900
• C15: 638 Granite Mill Blvd by Garman Homes - $272,170

This exciting event enables builders to enjoy some friendly competition, as each home on the Parade is judged by a panel of industry representatives from other markets in our region. These judges examine the design, quality, and creativity that each entry demonstrates, resulting in a numerical grade for each house. Awards are given to homes that achieve the highest scores in each price category.

Parade Homes are highly sought-after showcase homes, due to the "extras" builders include in them in an attempt to win gold. Likewise, winning Parade homes tend to attract extra attention when it comes time for resale.

If you would like to preview these homes before any of them are sold prior to the Parade, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662. She will be more than happy to point out the various green features in these homes, as well as show you the amenities that residents enjoy throughout Briar Chapel.

Meanwhile, you may download the 2015 tour book or mobile app online.

8th Annual Pepper Festival in Briar Chapel on September 27th

Final preparations are underway for the 8th Annual Pepper Festival, which is taking place on Sunday (September 27, 2015) from 3-7pm at Briar Chapel's Great Meadow Park.

Although the festival had very humble beginnings, it is quickly becoming North Carolina's premiere local food festival of the season with 1200+ folks in attendance last year!

At the event, you can taste original recipes from 48 of North Carolina's best chefs, brewers & distillers, which are all incorporating Chatham County peppers in a competition for the best tasting sweet, smoky or spicy recipe.

The event will also feature a wide variety of activities, including great music with The Stacks, Brett Harris, and The Grand Shell Game. There will also be fun activities for the kids, as well as learning tents with mini-DIY workshops for the adults.

Tickets are $30 or $35 at the entrance, which includes all-access to food and entertainment. Kids under 12 get in free. Beverages are cash bar. You can purchase tickets online directly from the Abundance Foundation, or at the gate.

If you're a foodie, music and beer/wine lover, or just love all-things-pepper, I hope you'll join me for this family-friendly event in Briar Chapel! We'll even have a few high-performance homes open, in case you'd like to get here early and see our progress.

Just Listed: 1701 Briar Chapel Pkwy

Jen just listed one of Saussy Burbank’s popular "Bynum" models for sale in Briar Chapel.

Situated on an established street only one blck from the Briar Club, saltwater pools, playground & a community garden, this home features a number of upgraded features, including:

• custom built-ins
• granite countertops
• finished 3rd floor
• beautiful site-finished hardwood floors
• oversized screened porch & grilling deck
• beautiful site-finished hardwood floors
• fenced-in backyard w/ raised beds
• backs to beautiful community garden
• and more! 

This home is priced to sell at only $349,900. See more photos here, but you really have to see this home in person to see the beautifully landscaped homesite and Craftsman details. To schedule a showing, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

2nd Saturday Briar Chapel Summer Concert - September 12th w/ LEGGZ

Please join us on Saturday, September 12th from 6-9pm in Great Meadow Park as Briar Chapel hosts its next Music in the Meadow summer concert!

Bring a lawn chair and listen to some great 70s & 80s music with LEGGZ while enjoying tasty offerings from local food trucks and breweries, including: Capp's Apizza, YesterYears Brewery, and Little Dippers Italian Ice.

This event is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to bring a canned food donation to give to CORA Food Bank, a non-profit serving residents of Chatham County, which will be on-site at the event.

Just Listed: 469 N. Serenity Hill Circle

Jen just listed one of Homes By Dickerson’s popular "Oberlin" ranch models for sale in Briar Chapel.

This custom ranch home is situated on a homesite that overlooks green space and is only four blocks from the clubhouse and saltwater pools, and features a number of great features, including:

• granite counters
• stone fireplace
• beautiful site-finished hardwood floors
• undercabinet lighting
• beautiful built-ins in study
• dual shower heads in an extra-large master shower
• jetted tub
• central vacuum system
• fenced courtyard
• and more! 

This home is priced to sell at only $335,000. See more photos here, but you really have to see this home in person to appreciate all of the details and its location. To schedule a showing, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

2nd Saturday Briar Chapel Summer Concert - August 8th w/ Carolina Breakers

Please join us on Saturday, August 8th from 5-8pm in Great Meadow Park as Briar Chapel hosts its next Music in the Meadow summer concert!

Listen to some beach music by The Carolina Breakers while enjoying tasty offerings from local food trucks and breweries, including: Baguettaboutit, Bull City Street Food, Carolina Brewery, and Little Dippers Italian Ice.

This event is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to bring a canned food donation to give to CORA Food Bank, a non-profit serving residents of Chatham County, which will be on-site at the event.

Great American Backyard Campout in Briar Chapel

Last night, thousands of families set up a tent in the backyard or a local park to celebrate life in the great outdoors.

The Great American Backyard Campout is sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. It is an important part of the organization’s “Be Out There” campaign, which is dedicated to getting children outside so they can enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Camping out in the backyard is also a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn about the wildlife that surrounds us every day.

Briar Chapel's activity director organized a great campout for residents, complete with a storyteller, marshmallows for roasting, and fun games!

2nd Saturday Briar Chapel Summer Concert - July 11th w/ Old Habits

Please join us on Saturday, July 11th from 5-8pm in Great Meadow Park as Briar Chapel hosts its next Music in the Meadow summer concert!

Listen to Old Habits pick a little bluegrass music while enjoying tasty offerings from local food trucks and breweries, including: Baguettaboutit, Steel String Brewery, and Little Dippers Italian Ice.

This event is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to bring a canned food donation to give to CORA Food Bank, a non-profit serving residents of Chatham County, which will be on-site at the event.

Tarheel Youth Triathlon Race #2 Coming to Briar Chapel on August 2, 2015

Briar Chapel will be hosting the second race in the Tar Heel Youth Triathlon series this year on August 2, 2015.

The swim will take place in Briar Chapel's 25-yard saltwater pool using a time-trial start format.

After completing the swim, kids run to the transition area, which is located in the Briar Club parking lot and get their bikes to begin a one or two-loop out-and-back style bike course on Tobacco Farm Road and Briar Chapel Parkway.

After returning their bikes to the transition area, kids run either a 1K loop for short course or a 2K loop for long course on quiet streets near the Briar Club. They will finish near the Club.

All finishers receive a finisher medal. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 male and female overall and in each age group (6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15).

Ages 6 through 10 must race Short Course: 100 yard swim/2 mile bike/1k run
Ages 11 through 15 must race Long Course: 200 yard swim/4 mile bike/2k run
*Note that race age is determined as of December 31st of the current year.

For more information, visit the Kids Tri NC website.

Solar PV Seminar - June 14th at 4pm in Briar Chapel

Are you thinking of adding solar to your home? Do you have questions about the costs associated with residential systems, and how the government & utility incentives work? If so, then you'll want to attend the upcoming Solar PV Seminar in Briar Chapel.

Southern Energy's Graham Alexander will discuss the entire process and answer your questions. Briar Chapel homeowners who have already added solar to their homes will also be in attendance to share their experience and results.

• Date: Sunday, June 14, 2015
• Time: 4pm
• Location: 307 Dark Forest Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 

Here is a sampling of questions Graham will be addressing in this seminar:

• How much does a solar photovoltaic (PV) system cost? 
• Is financing available?
• How will a solar system impact my home’s value?
• What if I produce more energy than I need? 
• How much maintenance does a solar PV system require? 
• How will I know if my system is working?

If you are interested in attending the seminar, please RSVP to Peter Winkler at 919-360-1285.

Introducing 2nd Saturdays Briar Chapel Summer Music Series

Please consider joining us on Saturday, June 13th from 5-8pm in Great Meadow Park as Briar Chapel kicks off its exciting Music in the Meadow summer concert series!

Relax, sing, and even dance as The 919 Band rocks out while enjoying tasty offerings from local food trucks and breweries, including: The Humble Pig, Carolina Brewery, Little Dippers Italian Ice, and Cocoa Forte Cheesecake.

Please bring a canned food donation to help CORA Food Pantry feed families.

Capp's apizza Coming to Briar Chapel on Thursday Nights this Summer

Briar Chapel is pleased to announce that Capp’s apizza will be selling their delicious pizzas in front of the Briar Club every Thursday night from 6-8pm throughout the summer.

Capp's specializes in true artisan wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, utilizing all natural and fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from our local landscape.

In our opinion, what makes Capp’s Apizza unique is their mobile pizza oven, fondly named "Vesuvio." This wood-fired masonry oven was designed around the original ovens of Pompeii, the area just outside of Naples, Italy. The oven is fired using local hardwood (they prefer oak) and reaches temperatures between 850-1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Each personal sized, cooked-to-order pizza takes just 60-90 seconds to cook to perfection.

We hope to see you at the Briar Club on Thursday nights! Please plan on wait times between 15-20 minutes, and prices between $9-13 per pizza.

Become a "Resident for the Day" and Experience the Briar Chapel Lifestyle

As we tell all of our clients, Briar Chapel isn't just a neighborhood... it's a lifestyle!

So, we don't just show homes to prospective buyers when visiting this unique community.We also spend time exploring all of the opportunities the community offers its residents to be active, explore nature, engage with family & friends, and participate in enriching activities.

If you are looking for a new home, and would like to experience the Briar Chapel lifestyle firsthand, please consider registering to become a "Resident for a Day" and enjoy the following:

• One-day pass to enjoy the saltwater pools & waterslides. 
• Mountain bikes that can be checked out from the Info Center and used to explore our trails and the community (2 adult and 2 child bikes along with helmets available). 
• Map of our trails and fun ideas for ways to explore it, including a scavenger hunt and butterfly nets for the kids. 
• The ability to participate in one of our resident clubs, such as gardening, knitting, Mahjong or cards.
• Cool swag, including chairs, water bottles, books on the type of trees and birds native to our area, etc.

Registration also provides invitations to private events and notifications about new offerings as the community develops.

The pool just opened this week, so please be sure to contact Jen Winkler at Jen@TeamWinkler.com or 919-593-3662 to register today!