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! 

Chapel Hill Ranks in Top 15 of America's Most Affordable Places to Live

Chapel Hill, where Briar Chapel is located, recently ranked No. 11 on a list of "America's Most Affordable Places," published by personal financial website NerdWallet.

The ranking is based on price variations in several categories – such as groceries, health care, utilities, transportation, goods and services – as well as U.S. Census Bureau data on median income. Places with the biggest difference between the income index and the cost of living index were ranked favorably as the most affordable places.

Read the full article.

For Sale: Custom Contemporary in Briar Chapel

We just learned that one of Homes By Dickerson’s recent custom builds has become available for sale, but hasn't yet been listed with the MLS.

Situated on one of the largest homesites in Briar Chapel with a wooded buffer in the rear, this 3931sf contemporary-style home has 4 beds, 4.5 baths, and a master & guest suite on the main level. The saltwater pools, fitness center, and trails are nearby.

The owners added a number of incredible features to the home, including:

• 10kW solar PV system
• Professional sound system
• Thermador appliance package
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Radiant floors in master bath
• Custom closets system
• HexaLED lighting 
• and more! 

This home is priced at $800,000. For more information, or to schedule a private showing before the rest of the world learns about it through MLS, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.

 This post was made with permission of the listing agent.

10th Annual Triangle Green Home Tour May 2-3 & 9-10

The 10th Annual Triangle Green Home Tour starts today! 

This free, self-guided event will feature over 30 green-certified homes across the Triangle, and will be held on May 2-3 and May 9-10, 2015 from Noon to 5pm.

The tour will allow you to examine a number of innovative green building features in a wide variety of homes in all styles and price points -- ranging from Habitat for Humanity and entry-level homes to custom luxury entries. 

Briar Chapel will have five homes on this year's tour, which are listed below:

• 110 Old Piedmont Circle (Homes By Dickerson) 
• 33 Old Piedmont Circle (David Weekley) 
• 23 Old Piedmont Circle (Saussy Burbank) 
• 77 Sagebrush Road (M/I Homes) 
• 1954 Great Ridge Parkway (Lennar Homes) 

However, it is important to remember that ALL homes in Briar Chapel are required to be green-certified upon completion. So, if there is a particular home for sale that you like that's not on the tour, Jen Winkler would be happy to arrange a private showing for you. Give her a call at 919-593-3662. 

To learn more about the tour, visit www.TriangleGreenHomeTour.com. Otherwise, Peter Winkler has some extra tour guides if you need one - just stop by his office at 307 Dark Forest Drive in Briar Chapel. You can also view a virtual list of homes on the tour by downloading the iPhone or Android app, or downloading the tour book. 

Green Tour Kickoff Brunch at Briar Chapel 

From 10:30am-Noon on Saturday, May 2nd, please join us at the Briar Chapel Information Center (16 Windy Knoll Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27516) for Brunch & Mimosas. You'll learn more about green building techniques and the benefits of owning a green home. The President of the Home Innovations Research Lab will be attending and has some exciting news to share!

Just Listed: 136 Owen Towne

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

Situated on a coveted homesite on an established street, the home faces Briar Commons Park and Amphitheatre and backs up to Adventure Park. This custom home features a number of upgraded features, including:

• beautiful site-finished hardwood floors
• granite counters
• undercabinet lighting
• granite counters in master bath
• dual shower heads 
• laundry sink 
• ample walk-up storage over 2-car garage 
• and more! 

This home is priced to sell at only $365,000 and refrigerator, washer/dryer convey. 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.

 

Meet Homes By Dickerson's Architect in Briar Chapel this Sunday from 1-3pm

In case you're going to be in town this weekend, please consider attending Homes By Dickerson's Meet the Architect event in Briar Chapel on Sunday, April 19th, from 1-3pm at their Sales Model & Design Center (307 Dark Forest Drive).

Drop in and enjoy some light refreshments while you tour their design center and watch Jeff Williams, Homes By Dickerson's registered staff architect, sketch new floor plans on his drawing board.

He will also be answering questions about his profession and how he helps create custom designs & elevations for the builder's prospective buyers in Briar Chapel.

Please RSVP to Peter Winkler (919-360-1285) if you plan to attend.

Springfest at Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel this Sunday, March 29th

A couple of our neighbors will be playing at Springfest this Sunday, March 29, at Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel.

Music starts at 1pm with Jason Derrick, followed by Hal Mekeel's Doc Branch Band until 4pm.

Little Dippers Italian Ice, Carolina Brewery, and American Meltdown will be on hand to provide refreshing treats for all ages!

Groundbreaking of Briar Chapel's Commercial Parcels Underway

As a community that encourages connections and celebrates an integrated way of life, Briar Chapel residents are excited that construction has begun on Phase 1 of a 500,000 sqft, high-end commercial development including restaurants, retail shops, & offices. This initial phase is located at Briar Chapel’s main entrance along the 15-501 corridor.

Design and permitting for the commercial parcels are underway while the land is currently being prepared for vertical construction to start this Summer with businesses possibly opening as soon as early-2016.

We've learned from several sources that a variety of potential tenants have already expressed interest in the project, including a cafe, preschool, dentist, pediatrician, grocers, and other professionals. Please note that tenants will not be named until contracts have been signed and announced.

For more information about the project, including possible site plans, visit Montgomery's website or contact John Fugo at jfugo@mcarolina.com or 919-969-7301.

Disclaimer: The drawings and uses depicted here are proposed and hypothetical in their nature. The layouts, size, and positioning of all the buildings, as well as the exterior elevations, are all likely to change and/or be modified as approvals are achieved and tenants and uses are confirmed. Any information on such properties is presented to set forth certain prospective developments for general informational purposes only. See Montgomery's website for additional information.

7th Annual Briar Chapel Earth Day 5K & Kids Dash on Saturday, April 25th

We hope you will join us for the 7th Annual Briar Chapel Earth Day 5K & Kids Dash! Here are all the details...

Who: 100% of proceeds benefit the Abundance Foundation.

What: 5K (USATF Certification Pending) & Kids Dash
Where: Great Meadow Park - get directions here
When: Saturday, April 25, 2015 - race starts at 9am
How: Registration is $25 by 4/19 or $30 after 4/19 - register online or onsite at 8am.

Awards will be presented to the top 3 overall men and women and top 3 men and women in each age group.

Google Fiber Commits to Triangle Area

Google Fiber has just announced it is coming to the Triangle!

Last year, Google began working with cities in the Triangle region to explore the possibility of bringing super-fast Internet to residents and businesses. Based on the level of interest, enthusiasm and commitment shown by the community, they have chosen to bring Google Fiber to Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas.

Just how fast is Fiber? Really fast. It's up to 200 times faster than 5 Mbps broadband, and 50 times faster than 20 Mbps broadband. Meanwhile, Briar Chapel residents are currently relying on either Time Warner, AT&T Uverse or various satellite providers for Internet access.

Google Fiber costs $70 a month for up to 1,000 Mbps WiFi speed with no construction fee. The company also provides basic 5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed for free with a $300 construction fee. There's also a more expensive plan that includes cable TV.

Learn more about Google Fiber.

Just Listed: 83 Kimbolton Place

UPDATE: Jen put this home under contract!

Jen just listed one of McNeill-Burbank's popular "Bynum" models for sale in Briar Chapel.

Situated on an established street only one block from the clubhouse, saltwater pools, playground and community garden, this home features a number of upgraded features, including:

• beautiful site-finished hardwood floors
• screened porch  & grilling deck
• upgraded appliances
• farmhouse apron kitchen sink
• custom built-ins & wainscoting
• granite countertops
• frameless shower surround in master bath
• and more! 

This home is priced to sell at only $378,900. See more photos here, but you really have to see this home in person to appreciate the beautifully landscaped corner homesite and Craftsman details. To schedule a showing, please contact Jen Winkler at 919-593-3662.