Art lovers will find plenty to do in Chapel Hill. Orange County has almost three dozen art galleries, and museums and galleries abound in the surrounding area, including the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. For those who want to make masterpieces instead of just admiring them, there are many outlets in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, an adjacent town with a flourishing art community.

The University also has a rich offering of performing arts. There are musical and theatrical performances throughout the year at various venues on and near campus, including the newly renovated Memorial Hall and the Paul Green Theatre, home of the University’s Depart of Dramatic Art.

Those looking for live music will find venues of all sizes in the area, ranging from the small, intimate club atmosphere at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro to the giant outdoor amphitheater in Raleigh. On any given night, you might find yourself listening to the next James Taylor, Squirrel Nut Zippers, or Ben Folds Five, all of whom got their start in Chapel Hill.