By : Minnie-Online.co.za

The college town has a lively music scene with musicians from different genres. Local acts have gone on to national fame such as Ben Folds Five and singer songwriter James Taylor. The scene also incorporates several independent record labels

The town is also noted for its trendy restaurant and bar scene. There are also a high number of independent coffee shops. Franklin Street, named after Benjamin Franklin, is the main thoroughfare where friends gather to shop or have a meal. The Morehead Planetarium opened in 1949 and was a training center for astronauts involved on the Gemini, Mercury and Apollo missions. The center has interactive exhibits and star shows with lots of special events and educational programs.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden is run by the University of North Carolina, which is the oldest state university in America. It covers approximately 900 acres and contains fourteen collections and garden areas. It was opened in 1903 and was the brainchild of Dr William Coker, who went on to become the University's first Botany professor. Admission is free and there is a wide variety of fauna to admire.

The Coker Arboretum is one of the highlights, an area of conifers, East Asian species and a native vine arbor. The Carnivorous Plant Collection is a favorite section with children from Chapel Hill North Carolina. It contains a venus flytrap and pitcher plants. There is also a poison garden, medicinal garden and a herb garden. Other displays include a fern collection, a biological reserve, a sensory garden and a garden with water features.

Festifall is an annual fair in October when streets are closed and families can enjoy the various stalls and entertainment. Food vendors sell international cuisine, including Chinese, Thai, Polish, Italian and Mexican. There is BBQ food and vegetarian and vegan options. Arts and crafts booths sell items from local artists and artisans, including jewellery, pottery, paintings and photography.

There are also traditional toy makers, candle makers and fabric designers. Non-profit organizations also have stalls to raise their profile in the Chapel Hill North Carolina community. Live music acts cover a variety of genres, including blues, rock, folk, R&B and jazz. Children from Chapel Hill North Carolina have their own area with a playground, puppet show and face painting and temporary tattoos. There are also children's books for sale and a big climbing wall.