Excited to share a travel diary + guide after my recent stay at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC.
A little less than two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to stay at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC. Even though I lived only 25-30 minutes from Chapel Hill growing up, I never really explored the area. Therefore, I was extremely excited for our stay and check out the town where the University of North Carolina is located. Even if you aren’t a fan of the Tarheels {Joshua is probably the biggest anti-fan} the college town is a must visit in my opinion. And the Carolina Inn is the perfect place to stay for a night or two!
So let’s dive into the trip + my recommendations for those visiting the area.
The Accommodations
As mentioned above, we had the opportunity to stay at the Carolina Inn. This historic Inn was built in 1924 and gifted to the university in 1935 {what an incredible gift, right?}. The North Carolina landmark is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. And, has earned the AAA Four Diamond Award since 1997. Needless to say, it is a pretty spectacular place to stay!
Guest Rooms: The Carolina Inn offers a variety of guest rooms including traditional, deluxe, superior, and premier options. All of which have the options of double, queen, or king size beds. We stayed in a traditional queen room and it was the perfect size. With an absolutely gorgeous bathroom!
Suites: There are three suite options. Premier Junior Queen Suite, Premier Junior King Suite, and Premier King Suite. All of which are wonderful options if you need additional space {they all have a separate living area} or if you’re celebrating a special occasion. The decor of these are so fun, the Premier Junior King Suite has my favorite living area.
THE DECOR
This beautiful inn is covered in historical charm. Throughout the inn there is a great mix of southern plantation home style, Georgian and neoclassical touches. The combination of these three styles is so beautifully done and will inspire you to make a few updates around your home! Additionally, the inn is also rich UNC history. As you walk the halls, you will find photographs of UNC alumni and faculty. You’ll be amazed by some of the famous people you may never have realized graduated from the Carolina university. I certainly was!
WHERE TO EAT
We all know food is most important and can truly make or break you trip! Well just like their decor, the Carolina Inn does not disappoint when it comes to food! My mom and I both agreed the dinner we had at their restaurant was one of the best meals we’ve ever had!
Crossroads Chapel Hill: This is the restaurant on property that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sundays. Their menu items are regionally sourced. Which you can quickly taste, as everything tastes so fresh!
We enjoyed…
Rum-cured House Smoked Salmon – so light, perfectly done!
Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi – absolutely delicious! Easily one of my new favorite dishes. Unique and so satisfying!
Seared Diver Scallops – my mom had these and said they were incredible! She almost never finishes her meal and there was not a drop left!
Ice Cream Trio – if one of the flavors included is blueberry, you have to get this! The blueberry was truly one of the best ice creams I have ever had. Still dreaming of it!
Pittsboro Street Provisions: This is the Carolina Inn’s grab and go market. A great option for breakfast or an afternoon snack. We grabbed smoothies here one morning and were both blown away by them! We tried their peanut butter one with oats, incredible! Very different tasting {in a good way} and super filling! They also serve coffee and tea here.
WHAT TO DO
Explore the Campus: We did this both days! We lucked out and the weather was incredible, making it perfect for an hour or two of walking around campus. The University of North Carolina’s campus is truly beautiful. There are so many historic buildings and gorgeous green areas. Not to mention, some magical gardens throughout. Take just a few steps from the Carolina Inn’s front door and you’re right on campus. It is easy and truly a must do!
Afternoon Tea: The Carolina Inn offers traditional Afternoon Tea which can be served in their cozy hotel lobby, the elegant Piedmont Dining Room or garden terrace. Their tea offerings change with the season as does the house-made accompaniments. Although you can look forward to savory tea sandwiches, assorted sweets, and fresh baked scones served with fresh lemon curd, English Devonshire cream, jams and preserves.
Afternoon Tea is from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Thursday – Sunday. This is something I absolutely want to do on during our next stay!
Overall, The Carolina Inn is a magical place that takes you back in time! If you haven’t previously visited the inn, I recommend planning an overnight {or weekend} there soon. It is sure to be one you won’t forget! Perfect for a little get away with your significant other or a mother daughter trip. Mother’s Day is right around the corner after all! A night there would make for a great gift!
If you’re interested in checking out more travel reviews and guides you can find those here.
I was gifted an evening at The Carolina Inn + meals in exchange for a review. All views and opinions are of course my own!
Now this is a place I would love to stay! It looks so relaxing and such a sight to see:) Hope you enjoyed!
xoxo, Hannah
And you absolutely should gal! It is truly amazing! We definitely enjoyed it!
xo Laura Leigh
This is such a cute place to stay! I love that they have afternoon tea! I always enjoy a good tea time!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
It really is the sweetest. Right there with you gal! It is such a fun experience every time.
xo Laura Leigh
That place looks nice to stay at. I love all the decor.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
It is beautiful! Highly recommend.
xo Laura Leigh
I love all of the beautiful decor! It looks like a wonderful place to stay, I’ll need to check it out!
Isn’t it amazing? I was truly blown away by every little detail. You will definitely have to plan a stay there.
xo Laura Leigh
Wow this is beautiful! I need to add to my list!
Yes for sure!
xo Laura Leigh
Looks like such a lovely getaway! Beautiful decor!
Absolutely was! Perfect spot for a little getaway.
xo Laura Leigh
What a beautiful place to stay! I would love to visit there!
It truly was! You should definitely plan a trip!
xo Laura Leigh
Southern charm around every corner at that Inn!! I know you and your Momma were loving it!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Really is! We definitely were. You know me, give me all the southern charm haha.
xo Laura Leigh
This is so picturesque! I can’t believe we lived in NC for three years & never visited that area!
Isn’t it? You will definitely have to make a trip back!
xo Laura Leigh
Wow this post is giving me MAJOR wanderlust! I would LOVE to visit this place sometime!!!
Ah yay! You’ll have to plan a trip gal! I am positive you would absolutely love it.
xo Laura Leigh
This place is so dreamy and charming! I love all the little details and that food looked DIVINE!
Truly is such a charming inn! The food, oh goodness!!! Could not say enough good things about it.
xo Laura Leigh
The Carolina Inn is such a beautiful place! It looks like you had a great time.
We did for sure!
xo Laura Leigh
It’s so beautiful! I’ve always wanted to visit Chapel Hill!
Isn’t it?! You absolutely should Michelle!
xo Laura Leigh
This looks so lovely!
It really was! Highly recommend spending some time there!
xo Laura Leigh