What to Do & See Downtown This Week!

Another NEW Parking Lot is open - and this one is FREE! www.franklinstreetparking.com New Planetarium Show A new fulldome planetarium show at Morehead is bringing a new star to town ... Big Bird! "One World, One Sky" features the popular Sesame Street character in a fulldome planetarium show especially for young children. Now Showing: Saturday, May 27 at 10:30AM.   www.moreheadplanetarium.org  Estate Boutique Sale Up to 50% off on sneakers, denim, and apparel - all this week at Estate Boutique! Estate Boutique is a men's boutique carring cutting edge, creative, and influential lines like 10Deep, Diamond Supply, Stussy, G Shock, and more. Visit www.estateboutiquenc.com.  Handbell Choir Concert University United Methodist Church (150 E. Franklin Street) will host the Westminster Choir College Handbell Ensemble on Thursday, May 24 at 7:30PM. The Handbell Ensemble is one of the premier handbell choirs in the world. They have a wide assortment of bells, played by talented young musicians, and put on a fantastic show! Tickets- $10. Visit www.chapelhilluumc.org.  www.locally-grown.com  Kildare's Skillet Brunch Served until 3PM every Saturday and Sunday - and on Sundays only KIDS EAT FREE all day with the purchase of an adult entree. Kildare's now offers FREE rides to the pub after 6PM; call 932-7734. Visit www.kildaresirishpub.com for a listing of daily specials and events. Tex Mex Tuesdays  Every Tuesday at Four Corners features $2.50 Tacos- chicken, fish, or shrimp, $1.50 Margaritas, $8 Bud Light Pitchers, and Absolute specials too. The Grille at Four Corners Open Sunday 11:30AM-2AM; Mon-Sat 11AM-2AM at 175 East Franklin Street. www.fourcornersgrille.com  Aveda For Less Enjoy service specials Tuesday-Thursday before 5PM - haircuts $15; facials $30 Pure Focus; nails $35 mani/pedi + 1 free OPI Polish. Early Bird Specials Tuesday-Thursday before noon - simple highlight $15; haircolor $40; wax BOGO 50% off. Not Valid with any offer other and subject to change. Expires 6-30-12. www.avedainstitutechapelhill.com  Rooftop socializing at the West End Wine Bar. New Summer Arrivals Uniquities brings the laid back summer vibe with new styles from Rebecca Minkoff, Yosi Samra, Theory, Vince, Dolan, and many more. And Uniquities is throwing in the towel -- get a free Uniquities beach towel with a purchase of $200 or more (while supplies last)! www.uniquities.com.  Now Showing: Dine with the Chef at Cholanad Triangle Food Tours next "Dine with Chef" event is Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30PM with Chef Subash at Cholanad. The event is $35 and includes a three course dinner (wine is extra). The Cholanad menu is a contemporary, elegant, culinary interpretation inspired by the ancient Tamil cuisine. Reservations are required. Visit www.cholanad.com.  Send a Kid to Sea! Fundraiser Sunday's are Fund Days at Lucky Star Market! Join them on Sunday, June 3 from 9AM to 3PM (and every Sunday) for a yard sale, bake sale, and in-store event to raise funds to send a Chapel Hill High School student, who lives in the Northside neighborhood, to sea for a semester. She has been accepted into the Canadian tall-ship program, Class Afloat, for the 2012-2013 school year! She'll be setting sail in early September out of Istanbul for a unique and challenging junior year at sea, the student needs help funding her educational adventure! 100% of proceeds- go to tuition all day! Visit http://luckystarmarket.wordpress.com.  Thursday Salons at FRANK May 24 at 6:30PM -Mildred (Mama Dip) Council and Kevin Callaghan of Acme Food & Beverage Company bring tasty tales of locally sourced food. May 31, 6:30PM-The Monday Night Jammers, with Peter White, perform an eclectic mix of guitar and banjo folk classics and local songs. June 7- 6:30PM-Jan Butta, FRANK featured artist, shares her experience working in two dimensions. June 14, 6:30PM-Nerys Levy presents her video "Painting at the Bottom of the World: plein air painting in Antarctica".  For more information visit www.frankisart.com.   Storytime & Arts Events at Kidzu Friday, May 25 at 3:30PM - Painting in the P.M.:Art time geared to kids 5-8 years. Each month features different ways to getting paint on paper. Projects will be supervised by a staff member but painting is free-form. Sunday, May 27 at 4PM- Spanish-English Storytime with Craft: Free drop-in program. Sundays are always free thanks to Durham Regional Hospital. Wednesday, May 30 at 10AM- Messy Morning in the Art Room: Monthly art time for the youngest visitors (ages 2-5). Each month features different materials and supplies to create fun and messy art. www.kidzuchildrensmuseum.org  Fridays on the Front Porch Join the Carolina Inn on Friday, May 25 from 5PM to 8PM to celebrate the end of the work week. Enjoy delicious food, and live music from The Gravy Boys. Enjoy beer, wine, and a grill menu prepared freshly upon order coupled with Chef's hand-selected weekly feature. For your convenience, purchase food and drink tickets in advance. Visit www.carolinainn.com.  Enjoying patio dining at Kildare's Irish Pub on gorgeous spring evenings! Craft Fair & Dance Party  Nightligt Club hosts a DIY Extravaganza on Saturday, May 26 starting at 2PM with GYPSY Witch Collective and Cuke + Sew. They've teamed up on a special DIY Crafting Issue and a fun day of door prizes, raffles, and DIY stations. Special appearance by North America and a DANCE PARTY to follow! 7PM: Vegan and Meat Eaters Lasagna Potluck Dinner too! Visit www.nightlightclub.com.   Author Visit at Chapel Hill Comics Jeremy Whitley, author of Princeless- a great graphic novel for kids -will be signing books at Chapel Hill Comics on Saturday, May 26 from 1PM to 3PM. The shop will also give a FREE poster of the Princeless to the first 25 people who buy a copy of the book! Princeless is the story of Princess Adrienne and her guardian dragon, Sparky, as they begin their own quest in an all-ages action adventure designed specifically for those who are tired of waiting to be rescued... and who are ready to save themselves. Visit www.chapelhillcomics.com.  Family Day: Thoughts on Paper  This month's Family Day at Ackland Art Museum enables you to build museum memories with the children in your life while enjoying the vivid and lyrical drawings in Thornton Dial: Thoughts on Paper on Sunday, May 27. Join a tour at 2PM to discover lots of ways to interact with art, and enjoy Story Time together at 3PM. Hands-on activities at the Creation Station and Treasure Hunts in the galleries are available throughout the afternoon. Free and open to the public. Recommneded for children ages 4 to 8 years old.  Visit www.ackland.org.  Ackland Bags From Banners  Once again, Jennifer Collins-Mancour has taken a banner from a former exhibition (Fortune Smiles: The Tyche Foundation Gift) at the Ackland Art Museum and turned it into fun, functional, and beautifully constructed bags -each one unique!  Current Exhibit: Perspectives in Mentoring-The paintings of Anthony Ulinski and Deneé Black. Ulinski is an accomplished oil painter and teacher. Black, a talented mixed media painter, has been mentored by him for several years. The show features not only the cityscapes of both artists, but reflects the evolving nature of a mentoring relationship.  Visit http://acklandmuseumstore.tumblr.com/.   Free Valet Parking Downtown Enjoy an evening downtown with the ease and convenience of complimentary valet parking Monday - Saturday at one of 17 participating downtown businesses. Patrons enjoying other establishments can also use the valet service for $5.00. Valet stands located on both East and West Franklin Street. For details visit www.franklinstreetparking.com.    The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership leads and manages the downtown through partnership efforts; marketing and promotions; improving the visual appeal of downtown; and rebuilding downtown as a mixed use center of retail, service, professional, governmental, institutional, and residential uses.  Contact us at 967-9440 or partnership@downtownchapelhill.com.

Downtown Partnership Names New Executive Director

Board Chairman George Draper announced today that Meg McGurk, currently the Interim Director of the agency, has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership. "The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership has flourished under Meg's guidance with the creation and expansion of programming and events. Her experience and deep ties to the entire community are a great asset to the agency and the downtown community. She has greatly bolstered the relationships between our partners at all levels of the Town, University and business owners. We are confident that she will continue to place the agency at the forefront in its role as the advocate, leader, and champion of our downtown community," said George Draper. During her five years at the Downtown Partnership as the Assistant Director, McGurk has been instrumental in creating and leading both the LOCALLY GROWN Music & Movie series and the Real Change from Spare Change initiative to address panhandling and bolster homelessness services downtown. She's improved targeted marketing and programming efforts that maintain downtown as the social and cultural center of our community. McGurk has created an extensive network of volunteers and student interns for the agency whose efforts are centered on cleanliness initiatives, research, project development, and event assistance. She brings to downtown sixteen years of professional nonprofit experience and leadership; and outside of this agency, serves as a volunteer on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for Orange County and the PTA Thrift Shop Capital Campaign Team. McGurk has a Masters of Public Administration from NC State with a focus on local government relations and nonprofit administration.     "My heart is in Downtown Chapel Hill; from the moment I first arrived here fourteen years ago and landed my first job on Franklin Street coordinating the programming at the Street Scene Teen Center. I believe our downtown's history, vibrancy, and character combine to create a unique love that thrives in everyone who comes here.  I look forward to bringing businesses together for more engaging events, expanding programming that addresses the concerns of our business owners, and further strengthen the relationships between all of our partners," said Meg McGurk. The Downtown Partnership has named Bobby Funk to Assistant Director. Funk was previously Programs Director.  In his three years with the agency he has elevated the agency's visibility in the community as well as downtown businesses. His work has focused on the branding of downtown with design production and graphics including the interactive and comprehensive parking website at www.franklinstreetparking.com; the Downtown Business Guide & Map, and mobile app - Explore Downtown Chapel Hill. As Assistant Director Funk will continue to build on the success of the agency's cultural arts programming  including holiday concerts, and music on the street; as well as focus efforts on parking marketing and solutions, business relations, and engaged merchant services.

LOCALLY GROWN 2012 Schedule Announced

Chapel Hill takes on a different vibe right about now.  Many students have left town; the days grow a little longer and sweetly hotter; and time seems to slow down just a bit to let us all linger and enjoy the sunny days and cool nights. Starting Thursday, June 28 those cool summer nights come alive in Downtown Chapel Hill with the LOCALLY GROWN Music and Movie Series!   Now in its fifth year, LOCALLY GROWN offers the community a series of FREE live concerts and movies every THURSDAY evening on the Wallace Plaza, atop the Wallace Parking Deck at 150 E. Rosemary Street in downtown Chapel Hill. This summer's lineup includes three concerts of  locally-grown music acts and five family-friendly and classic films.   Complete details can be found at www.locally-grown.com.    The LOCALLY GROWN concert nights feature the New Belgium Brewing Company Beer Garden along with a selection of food from some of Franklin Street's favorite restaurants.  The first FREE concert on Thursday, June 28 at a 7:00 PM brings a powerful showcase of local, women-led bands: Lizzy Ross Band, Mary Johnson Rockers, and Birds & Arrows. On Thursday, July 26, Mount Moriah performs with Skylar Gudasz & The Ugly Girls; two bands who put a non-traditional take on classic American folk and rock.  And on Thursday, August 23, Mipso Trio performs with Morning Brigade; both bands are comprised of UNC students whose energized bluegrass and indie music has fans far beyond the campus borders.  Gates open at 6PM, shows at 7PM.   LOCALLY GROWN movie nights provide entertainment for the whole family with free popcorn, crafts, activities, trivia & costume contests, and more! The FREE movies start at sundown, so bring a chair or blanket, enjoy discounted food specials from participating Dinner & a Movie restaurants, and have a picnic dinner under the stars.  FREE parking tokens for movie goers provided by Town of Chapel Hill's Parking Services!  LOCALLY GROWN Music & Movie Schedule 2012:  Thursday, June 28 -Lizzy Ross Band, Mary Johnson Rockers & The Spark, Birds & Arrows  Thursday, July 12 - The Muppets (PG)    Thursday, July 19 - The Dark Knight (PG-13)  Thursday, July 26 - Mount Moriah, Skylar Gudasz and the Ugly Girls  Thursday, August 2 - Back to the Future (PG)  Thursday, August 9 - Gnomeo & Juliet (G)  Thursday, August 16 - Vertigo (PG)  Thursday, August 23 - Mipso Trio, Morning Brigade   LOCALLY GROWN  is presented by the Town of Chapel Hill's Parks & Recreation Department and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.  For more information please visit www.locally-grown.com.      LOCALLY GROWN SPONSORS:

What to Do & See Downtown This Week! (Hint: Celebrate Moms & Grads)

Congratulations to all the 2012 UNC graduates who will walk across that stage this weekend and get a much-deserved diploma! Downtown Chapel Hill welcomes all the families and friends that are coming to celebrate them. And don't forget mom this weekend - Mother's Day is also Sunday, May 13. We have a lot of ideas for gifts and places to eat to honor both grads and moms this week:

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What to Do & See Downtown This Week! 5/3/12

You'll be 'green' with envy if you miss out on the last few weeks of the Crook's Corner spring seasonal men; Aveda has a Bonus Week going on- perfect timing for getting a gift for Mom; Check out The Clothing Warehouse's first in-store event with live models, music, and more; and celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Kildare's...an Irish pub of course...with a nacho eating contest! What will you do & see downtown this week?

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What to Do & See Downtown This Week!

What to Do & See Downtown This Week!

Parking is FREE every Sunday in municipal lots and on-street meters! www.franklinstreetparking.com Glee Kids is Still Open!  On Tuesday, May 1 at 10AM Glee Kids will re-open with a new owner! The same brands you love will be there -- and Glee Kids will continue to carry the entire selection from Tea. www.gleekids.com  Early Voting Polls OPEN! Early voting locations are OPEN for the May 8 primary. Click here for where to vote early in Orange County. In previous years there has been an early voting location downtown -but this year it moves just off of Franklin Street to UNC's campus and will be at Rams Head dining hall off Ridge Road. There is parking available in the deck below the dining hall -- or enjoy a beautiful spring walk or bike ride across campus too! For more information on voting, the election, or one-stop registration CLICK HERE. Summer Style Essentials The school year is almost over, nothing but exams next week, so come and get your summer essentials at Uniquities! New arrivals from Vince, Zoa, Rebecca Taylor, Charles Philip flats, and colored jeans from AG! Visit www.uniquities.com.  Shows at Local 506 Friday, April 27 - Allo Darlin, The Wave Pictures, The Big Picture. Doors: 9PM/Show: 9:30. All ages. Tickets $8-10. Saturday, April 28 - L in Japanese Dance Party. Under age 21 only. Doors: 8:30PM/ Show:9PM. Tickets $10. Sunday, April 29 - The Deep Dark Woods, Be The Moon. Doors: 8:30PM/ Show: 9PM. This event is all ages. Tickets $8-10. Visit www.local506.com.   Art Reception at Kidzu Kidzu Children's Museum invites children and families to attend its second annual Mosaic Retrospective Exhibit and reception on Sunday, April 29 from 1:30Pm to 3PM. the reception celebrates a series of collaborative tile mosaic workshops over the past year in conjunction with local artist Jeannette Brossart. Tour the gallery, meet the artist, & kids can make their own mosaic magnet to take home!  www.kidzuchildrensmuseum.org   Get Beach Ready!    Spring and summer hats have arrived at Light Years! Along with new, bright sunglasses; pick out some fun, funky jewelry! Get ready for the beach at Light Years! And just in -- new spring flower designs from Shari Dixon jewelry. Located at 121 East Franklin Street, next door to Varsity Theatre. Visit www.lightyearsjewelry.com  The Artist Application deadline for Festifall is May 1st! Check-in at Topo Do you use Foursquare? Check in for the first time at @TheTopoftheHill for 50% off some deliciously cheesy sweet potato fries! #ChapelHill @TheTopoftheHill  Old Time Jam for All Nightlight Club invites all to bring their instruments every Wednesday at 6PM for an open jam session with some of the Triangle's best musicians. Free! Visit www.nightlightclub.com.  Now Showing: Southern Music on the Porch Maria Albani, Shirlette Ammons & Heather McEntire perform at The Center for the Study of the American South (The Love House) on Thursday, April 26 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM as part of the Music on the Porch series.  This outdoor music series brings talented and eclectic musicians from around the region together to play and engage in discussion about the creative process and how the rich culture of the South influences them.The Love House is located at 410 East Franklin Street. All are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, picnic, and enjoy an early evening of wonderful music, and engaging discussion. Visit www.uncsouth.org.   Yoga for a Good Cause!  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and in honor of this, Michelle Johnson, former volunteer, and employee of the Orange County Rape Crisis Center will be donating proceeds from her classes at Franklin Street Yoga Center, the last week in April to the OCRCC. To support Michelle the studio will be matching any donations Michelle makes to OCRCC.  Classes: Thursday, April 26th at 5:45, and Friday, April 27th at 9:15. Visit www.franklinstyoga.com.   Patio dining at Noodles & Company on a gorgeous spring day.  Fridays on the Front Porch The Carolina Inn kicks off the first Fridays on the Front Porch of the season Friday, April 27 from 5PM to 8PM. Celebrate the end of the work week by getting outside, enjoying delicious food, and listening to live music. Enjoy beer, wine, and a grill menu prepared freshly upon order coupled with Chef's hand-selected weekly feature. For your convenience, purchase food and drink tickets in advance at www.carolinainnestore.com.  Visit www.carolinainn.com.  Spring Opening: For the Birds Light Art + Design is holding an opening reception for their spring show on Saturday, April 28 from 5PM to 8PM. The exhibit runs from April 28 -June 2. Featuring new works by: Katherine Armacost, Amanda Barr, Peg Gignoux, Roger Haile, Mark Hewitt, John Webb, Anita Wolfenden - and many,many more artists. Visit www.lightartdesign.com.  It's Time to Train Better Whether you are looking for one-on-one, small group, or a class setting, Chapel Hill Training has just what you want and need. Private personal training starts with an assessment; then trainers will design a program based on what you need. Or experience Bootcamp; a group setting with a qualified trainer for an hour long workout that combines total body exercises with cardio spurts. Also offering nutritional counseling and triathalon/race training. Located at 400  West Rosemary Street, Suite 1003.  Visit www.chapelhilltraining.com.     Slow Art Day at Ackland The premise of Slow Art Day is simple: when we slow down to look at art, we really see it. Join Amanda Hughes, the Ackland's director of external affairs on Saturday, April 28 at 11AM for a "slow look" at pre-selected works of art at the Museum. After viewing the art, the group will stroll over to Spanky's Restaurant and enjoy conversation about the experience over lunch. Program and museum admission are free. Participants pay their own way at lunch. Visit www.ackland.org.   Grad Gifts Galore at bevello Looking for a unique and fun graduation gift? bevello has what you need for that graduating bombshell in your life. Congratulations class of 2012! Like Kai Body Lotion & Wash, Studded Bracelet, Jonathon Adler Capri Candle, cute Carolina Umbrella, Jonathon Adler iPhone 4 Cover Birds, Emergency Kit for Her... and much more. Visit www.bevello.com.  "Like" bevello Facebook page, and enter to win a $200 bevello gift card!  CHDP's Bobby Funk shaking President Barack Obama's hand after his speech Tuesday on UNC's campus! Environmental Film Festival On Saturday, April 28 at 6PM at Varsity Theatre: Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling and The ReCYCLEry host The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival -- the largest environmental film festival in the United States. Created eight years ago by a small group of riverkeepers in California, The Festival is designed to inspire by showing actions and ideas from around the globe on a wide array of environmental issues. Tickets are $10 - can be purchased at Lucky Star Market, 106 N. Graham Street. Visit www.snr.chcpact.org or www.varsityonfranklin.com. Zog's: Home Away from Home Offering pool tables, free darts, board games, magazines, and an arts & crafts box just waiting for you to create something - you'll feel right at home. Zog's also has specialty cocktails, monthly potlucks, TVs & projectors, and a record player for you to bring in your own vinyl. It's a dog friendly business with plenty of treats. And free pool every Sunday too! Located at 108 1/2 Henderson Street - upstairs. Open 5PM to 2AM every day, 21+.  And....you get to play FREE pool your entire birthday week!  Visit http://zogsbar.wordpress.com/.  Contemporary Menu Offerings Cholanad is focused on delivering the South Indian culinary experience in a fine dining atmosphere. Serving lunch and dinner daily, Cholanad is located at 308 West Franklin Street with convenient parking located next to the restaurant, and FREE valet parking. Enjoy daily drink specials, custom catering for your next event, and make reservations online.  View the LUNCH MENU & the DINNER MENU. Visit www.cholanad.com.  Moshi Moshi Means Hello Salon Moshi Moshi is a boutique salon in the heart of West Franklin Street. Services include hair cuts, coloring, styling, hair treatments, & straightening. Moshi Moshi also offers organic facials, make-up applications, waxing & tinting, and facial peels. All Moshi Moshi products are free of animal products and testing; sourced with natural ingredients and containers that are easily recyclable. To make an appointment online visit www.moshimoshimeanshello.com.   Deals at Chapel Hill Tire  Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center, a GreenPlus certified business, offers discounts on automotive services like oil changes and tire rotations to UNC employees & students as well as downtown merchants and employees. Take advantage of complimentary shuttle service to the surrounding area! They offer full service automotive repair, ASE certified technicians, and award winning service. Visit www.chapelhilltire.com.     The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership leads and manages the downtown through partnership efforts; marketing and promotions; improving the visual appeal of downtown; and rebuilding downtown as a mixed use center of retail, service, professional, governmental, institutional, and residential uses.  Contact us at 967-9440 or partnership@downtownchapelhill.com.

President Obama is Coming to Town!

President Barack Obama is Coming to Town! President Barack Obama will deliver a policy speech on student loans at Carmichael Arena on UNC's campus on Tuesday, April 24 approx. 1PM .The speech, Obama's first visit to UNC-Chapel Hill as president, will be open to all via ticket distribution on a first-come, first served basis. Complete details at www.unc.edu.  While here in Chapel Hill, the President will appear on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show that will be taped during the day on campus, along with musical guest Dave Matthews. Downtown merchants and organizations can expect a very heavy presence of local and national media downtown beginning now and through Tuesday. Also, expect a significantly higher number of people on Franklin Street in general shopping, dining, and enjoying our downtown! The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership leads and manages the downtown through partnership efforts; marketing and promotions; improving the visual appeal of downtown; and rebuilding downtown as a mixed use center of retail, service, professional, governmental, institutional, and residential uses. Visit www.downtownchapelhill.com.

What to Do & See Downtown This Week! 4/19/12

Parking is FREE every Sunday in municipal lots and on-street meters! www.franklinstreetparking.com  $5 'Whichburger Deal Today is Thursday which means at Sandwhich it's $5 'whichburger night from 5PM to 9PM! Top off the meal with a NEW salted caramel shake! Visit www.sandwhichnc.com.    Early Voting Starts TODAY! Early voting locations are open starting today -Thursday, April 19, for the May 8 primary. Click here for where to vote early in Orange County. In previous years there has been an early voting location downtown -but this year it moves just off of Franklin Street to UNC's campus and will be at Rams Head dining hall off Ridge Road. There is parking available in the deck below the dining hall -- or enjoy a beautiful spring walk or bike ride across campus too! For more information on voting, the election, or one-stop registration CLICK HERE. FRANK Off the Wall Party Join FRANK on Saturday, April 21 at 6PM to celebrate it's 2nd birthday at the Off the Wall Party where 100 pieces of artwork are donated by FRANK artists and supporting artists from the area. Only 100 tickets to be sold that will guarantee your taking home one of theses pieces of art. Frank Stasio will be emceeing again this year and the event is catered with an open bar. Art work is on display at FRANK and available for viewing now at www.frankisart.com.  Enjoying sidewalk dining at McAlister's Deli on a gorgeous spring afternoon! Funny Business Live! Mark Poolos is bringing his comedy act on Friday, April 20 at 9PM to The Thrill at Hector's. Get your tickets in advance because you don't want to miss this! Visit www.funnybusinesslive.com.  Celebrate Spring on the Patio The warm sunshine and spring flowers are beckoning you to La Residence's gorgeous outdoor patio for dining and drinks! Enjoy a new small plate menu featuring Pulled Pork Sliders, Black Angus Filet Burgers, Mussels in Lobster Broth, and much more. The menu features the option for a two-course or three-course wine pairing! Visit www.laresidencedining.com.   Book Nook Fun at Kidzu    Join Kidzu and Glee Kids for a free monthly reading series which promotes early literacy and brings books from the exhibit Book Nook to life. On Saturday, April 21 at 10:30AM in honor of Earth Day, enjoy a reading of Lois Ehlert's "Planting a Rainbow" at Glee Kids and then returning to Kidzu to decorate recycled containers and plant your own rainbows! Regular admission payment will be required at Kidzu if you plan to stay and play. Visit  www.kidzuchildrensmuseum.org.   Crunkleton Cocktail Benefit April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and The Crunkleton is partnering with the Orange County Rape Crisis Center to help paint the town teal to raise awareness and funds. Throughout the month, visit The Crunkleton to enjoy a SAAM Collins cocktail -specially created! The delicious housemade cocktail will be available all month and the cost is $10, with $5 going directly to the Center. On Wednesday, April 25th from 5:30PM to 8:30PM, The Crunkleton will host a benefit party for the Center, wrapping up the end of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. With 10% of the sales and all tips from the event going to the Center. Visit www.thecrunkleton.com.   Kids Eat Free at Brewery Every Monday is Kids Day at the Carolina Brewery. Kids 12 and under eat a free dinner off of the kid's menu, with purchase of adult entree.  Visit www.carolinabrewery.com.  Moving This Summer?  Getting ready for a move this summer - across town, across the Triangle, just need help moving furniture from room -to-room? Hire SWEEPS to do the work for you! Sweeps was started by UNC students in 2010 to provide work opportunities for fellow students, and have served 500+ customers. Sweeps can help with: moving, cleaning or yard work; event help; tech support and tutoring; odd jobs and errands; staffing; & more. Sweepers are matched with each client; and all jobs are $25 per Sweeper/per hour! Sweeps provides staffing, $150 per college student or recent grad placed for your company. Visit www.sweeps.jobs.   Choose Your Own Adventure! Join author Margaret Killjoy for an interactive reading of What Lies Beneath the Clock Tower, a radical steampunk choose-your-own-adventure novel on Tuesday, April 24 at 7PM at Internationalist Books. Become the protagonist as he gets embroiled in anti-colonial struggle between goblins and gnomes in the undercity of 19th century France! www.internationalistbooks.org  Now Showing: Ackland Film Forum Presents Director Todd Haynes weaves "the many lives of Bob Dylan" together using non-traditional narrative techniques in this showing of I'm Not There at the Varsity Theatre as part of the Ackland Film Forum on Thursday, April 19 at 7PM. The story of the iconic American singer-songwriter's life is told by six Dylan-inspired characters, each played by a different actor. Tickets: Students are free with valid university or high school ID, $4 for all others. Tickets are available at the Varsity Theatre Box Office. Visit www.ackland.org or www.varsityonfranklin.com.  Priceless Gem Tours of UNC The UNC Visitors' Center offers tours in the Priceless Gem Series (which takes its name from a line in the UNC alma mater "Hark the Sound") starting from the Visitors' Center, located inside Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Tours typically last 1-1.5 hours.  On Friday, April 20 -Experience a Carolina Classic campus tour on the hour, EVERY HOUR, 9AM to 4PM. Visit www.unc.edu/visitors/index.htm.   The Chapel Hill Recorder has created a brand new - and very fun- Mural Walking Tour of downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro! Download a copy  of the tour, enjoy the spring sunshine, and get walking! Downtown Scavenger Hunt On Saturday, April 21 from 2PM to 5PM, Love Chapel Hill will hold the third annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt. The scavenger hunt is open to all in the community - including UNC students, families, and anyone that wants to form a team of between 2 to 5 players. Teams must solve riddles to determine their next stop at various landmarks and icons throughout downtown and campus-taking photos of themselves at each destination. As you test your knowledge of Chapel Hill, you compete for prizes! Register your team at www.lovechapelhill.com.    Attic, Basement, Closet Sale! The Chapel of the Cross is holding it's annual "Attic Basement Closet (ABC)" sale on Saturday, April 21 from 9AM to 12PM. This event well known in the local community as the best sale of the year to truly find a treasure - turns the entire parish house and education building into a giant department store with rock-bottom prices, providing everyone with the best of buys! Visit www.thechapelofthecross.org.  NEW Arrivals at Uniquities Great new Spring arrivals from Yumi Kim, Amanda Uprichard, DVF, and Steve Madden Wedges! Get ready for spring! Uniquities is turning 20 this year and to celebrate- you get the gift! Spend $75 or more and receive a 20th Anniversary Tote. While supplies last. Not valid on prior purchases. Watch the Uniquities video created by the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership!  Visit www.uniquities.com.  Hip-Hop Show at Jack Sprat's As the SPRUNG series wraps up, catch one last show, a hip-hop showcase at Jack Sprat Cafe with local artists No9to5, Will Wildfire and SkyBlew on Friday, April 20 at 9PM. No9to5 is a hip-hop collective consisting of multiple performers -- like JSWISS, P.V., Cayso, Optimus Rhymes, Topiq, J. Rowdy, P-Rob and DJ 5K. Tickets are $5 for UNDER 21's at the door, or FREE if you already grabbed a SPRUNG ticket! Visit http://thrillcity.thrillife.com.  Fridays on the Front Porch returns to The Carolina Inn on Friday, April 27 at 5PM. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks on the lawn. Visit www.carolinainn.com.  Portrait Exhibit at Peacock Alley Portraits South will have a Spring Exhibition on April 19, 20, & 21 at Peacock Alley located in University Square. Portraits South markets the talents of nearly 100 artists who work in a variety of media including oil, pastel, watercolor, charcoal, pencil as well as terra cotta and bronze sculpture. Available for commission. Visit www.peacockalleygifts.com.  Family Day: My Favorite Art Build museum memories with the children in your life at the Ackland's monthly Family Day on Sunday, April 22 from 2PM to 4PM! Join a Family Tour at 2PM to learn more ways to interact with art, and enjoy Story Time together at 3PM. Hands-on activities at the Creation Station and Scavenger Hunts in the galleries are available throughout the program. Come to Family Day for a little while or stay for the whole afternoon -- it's all FREE! Recommended for children ages 4 to 8 years old. Visit www.ackland.org.  I Scream, You Scream... ...we all scream for ice cream! So why not have Ben & Jerry's cater your next event? They'll set it up, scoop it up & clean it up! With over 27 euphoric flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt & sorbet, which can be served in cones or cups, sundaes or smoothies, ice cream bars or ice cream cakes. They'll turn any size picnic, party, or meeting into an Ice Cream Extravaganza!  Beauty for the Earth at Aveda Now mid-way through the campaign- Aveda Institute Chapel Hill has a goal to raise $25,000 to benefit the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC), through a variety of student-focused activities. Specifically they are raising money for TLC's Clean Water Campaign which helps to protect the drinking water of six counties, located in the Triangle region. With a Fashion Night Benefit, Jeans for Green, and Tips for a Cause - you will benefit beautifully (get it?) and help the earth.  Visit www.avedainstitutechapelhill.com.  2011 CLUE: Here you can find the 'Cat in the Hat' and the cat in the window under the same roof. (ANSWER) Bela Fleck & the Flecktones  Béla Fleck is considered by many to be the most innovative banjo player in the world, transcending language and culture barriers and finding common ground with musicians ranging from African villagers to international superstars. Coming to Memorial Hall on Wednesday, April 25 at 7:30PM. To purchase tickets visit www.carolinaperformingarts.org or call the Memorial Hall Box Office at (919) 843-3333.    The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership leads and manages the downtown through partnership efforts; marketing and promotions; improving the visual appeal of downtown; and rebuilding downtown as a mixed use center of retail, service, professional, governmental, institutional, and residential uses.  Contact us at 967-9440 or partnership@downtownchapelhill.com.

What to Do & See Downtown This Week! 4/12/12

An event-packed weekend lays ahead for all young and old downtown! And the spring returns with some seriously gorgeous weather to warm us back up. So, get downtown and outside to enjoy the weather, food, events, spring gardens, and maybe conduct a science experiment or two! ENJOY:

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What to Do & See Downtown This Week! 4/5/12

Easter weekend brings many fun activities, egg hunts, brunch specials, special church services, and much more to downtown Chapel Hill! See the complete list at link below:

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What to Do & See Downtown This Week! (...while enjoying the sunshine!)

THREE downtown businesses are celebrating anniversaries this weekend - Back Alley Bikes turns 5, Nightlight celebrates 9 years, and Julian's raises a glass to 70 wonderful years on Franklin Street! All three are having parties in their honor - and YOU are invited! Plus a lot more is happening downtown this week and you can enjoy it all in the gorgeous spring sunshine!

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Julian's 70th Anniversary!

Founded in 1942 by Maurice Julian, nationally renowned haberdashery Julian's will begin the Celebration of it's 70th year on Franklin Street on Saturday, March 31 at noon, with the unveiling of a representation of the specially designed mosaic tile installation which has been commissioned to commemorate the occasion. Alexander Julian will introduce the new entrance design for 135 East Franklin St, which will be installed in time for graduation, as well as local artist Erick Davis, who has been working for over a year to produce the elaborate tile work which will beautifully reflect Julian's devotion to UNC. The entire Julian and Julian-Fox family will be there to greet and reminisce with friends and well-wishers, including many former student employees from the last 6 decades who are returning to help celebrate the occasion.

Spotlight on Tremayne Company

Fresh off the west coast, Tremayne Company recently relocated their California based design firm to East Franklin Street!  Focusing on on all sorts of media from print to web to logos and anything in between, Tremayne brings award winning design skills to Chapel Hill.  Be sure to check all of their media outlets from Facebook to Twitter to regular old website.  919-883-5455.  Stop by their office above Krispy Kreme or get in touch to see if Tremayne can help your business grow and thrive!!

And Then There Was One: The Poetry on the Hill Festival

Three rounds of nineteen powerful, emotionally-charged spoken word poems from nine young poets marked the Saturday night March Youth Slam contest; the culmination of the Poetry on the Hill festival. But only one would be named the victor. Congratulations Collette – you overwhelmingly deserved that perfect score of 10 from me!

The Poetry on the Hill festival was the first of its kind this weekend in downtown Chapel Hill – but it definitely won’t be the last! Created by members of the Sacrificial Poets and co-sponsored by the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, the all-day festival offered poetry and spoken word workshops and performances in Franklin Street businesses and organizations. The festival finished with an open mic – for participants to perform what they had created in the workshops – and the March Youth Slam event.  

Not even the pounding day-long rain or hail could stop the poets, and audience from turning out – we moved it all inside to the Street Scene Teen Center, a seemingly more fitting venue for the young poets.

I was hesitant to judge the competition but knowing nothing about slam poetry or the contestants turned out to be useful. I had no preconceived notions as to what to expect and I am still tingling with what I experienced.

I was blow away by the young performers, particularly the girls. At an age when standing in front of anyone to discuss intense, raw thoughts is not easily done – these young ladies stole the show. 

Ironically, words here will never do justice to what embodies a slam poetry event. Seeing is believing …and feeling. Mark your calendars now – the next open mic night is on April 4 at 6:30PM at Flyleaf Books…..AND GO! For more Sacrificial Poets events – click here. 

A HUGE thank you to Alyssa DeCaulp – the Sacrificial Poets Administrative Director, for her hard work and vision in creating, organizing, and putting-on this festival! 

And thank you to all the businesses downtown that hosted workshops – Ackland Art Museum, FRANK Gallery, Caribou Coffee, R&R Grill, and Street Scene Teen Center.

Before the night was over we had already begun to discuss holding another Poetry on the Hill festival in the fall. We don’t want to wait to build on something this powerful and successful!   A complete set of photos from the event can be viewed on our Facebook page.

~Meg

What to Do & See Downtown This Week! GO HEELS! 3/22/12

How Sweet the Sixteen Is! Go Heels! The Tar Heels take on Ohio on Friday, March 23 with tip-off at 7:47PM. Enjoy the evening downtown eating dinner, shopping for fan gear, and cheering for the Heels! Nothing beats watching the game with your fellow Carolina fans! And don't forget to stop by a UNC fan shop on Franklin Street to make sure you are properly attired before the game on Friday. Maybe you need a celebratory shirt - like Johnny T-shirt's NEW Sweet 16 Carolina tshirt!

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Downtown Scavenger Hunt: Merchant Promotional Opportunity

Merchant Promotional Opportunity: Downtown Scavenger Hunt

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Love Chapel Hill: Downtown Scavenger Hunt On Saturday, April 21 from 7PM to 10PM, Love Chapel Hill will hold the third annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt and they want downtown businesses and organizations to be involved! Love Chapel Hill is a downtown church that meets in The Varsity Theatre and has been a great supporter of downtown through a variety of initiatives including FREE FRANKLIN, Franklin Street Strangely Warmed, and LOVE LOCAL. The scavenger hunt is open to all in the community - including UNC students, families, adults, and anyone that wants to form a team of between 2 to 5 players. Teams must solve riddles to determine their next stop at various landmarks and icons throughout downtown and campus-taking photos of themselves at each destination. As they test their knowledge of Chapel Hill, they compete for prizes.  How downtown businesses & organizations can participate: (1) Provide sponsorship prizes, coupons, gift certificates, or put together a special prize pack of items from your business. (2) And if you provide a prize you can be a destination in the scavenger hunt! The Love Chapel Hill crew will craft a special riddle with your business as the destination for the teams.  Clue from 2011 Hunt: They've got the syrup and butter to smear. It's the favorite breakfast spot of William Shakespeare! All sponsoring business will be listed in promotional materials.  To be a sponsor, or for more information: Contact Matt LeRoy at Love Chapel Hill   Matt@lovechapelhill.com  919.448.8360 ANSWER: Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe  LOVE CHAPEL HILL      www.lovechapelhill.com  Downtown Partnership           www.downtownchapelhill.com      The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership is charged with bringing the resources of the Town, University, and the downtown community together to maintain, enhance and promote downtown as a social, cultural and spiritual center of Chapel Hill through economic development.

Earth Month: Aveda Launches Campaign for Clean Water

A few years ago I went to Aveda to get a new haircut. I walked in and turned myself over into the very capable hands of a young cosmetology student and I walked out with a fantastically short and cute hair do...with bangs. It had been approximately 20+ years since I rocked that style so many people noticed and asked what had prompted such a change. My response..."I got bangs for a Cause!" At that time Aveda had chosen to support Project Connect through their Tips for a Cause program and I was eager to support Aveda, not just because it benefits me beautifully (get it?) – it benefits the world.

From their mission statement: our mission at aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society...  

That first line alone draws me in – they put caring about the world first. So, it’s not surprising that Aveda does a significant amount of fundraising for worthwhile causes. Currently they have a world-wide goal to raise $4.5 million for the protection of clean water — a basic human right that nearly 900 million people worldwide fight for daily.

Our local Aveda Institute of Chapel Hill is no exception to this standard of supporting meaningful causes. During the months of March, April and May, they have a goal to raise $25,000 to benefit its Earth Month partner, Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC), through a variety of student-focused activities. Specifically they are raising money for TLC’s Clean Water Campaign which helps to protect the drinking water of six counties, located in the Triangle region.

On Wednesday, March 21 from 9:30AM to 5PM – Aveda will be doing a FREE SERVICES DAY offering free haircuts, express facials, and polish changes. These services are free – but donations will be accepted for the Triangle Land Conservancy.

Other activities include:

FASHION NIGHT BENEFIT -Hauns Korpela of Scott J Salon, NY, NY, together with the Aveda Institute Chapel Hill Student/Educator Team, will sponsor a Fashion Night Benefit Tuesday, April 24, from 6:30-10 pm at the University of North Carolina William & Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education, 100 Friday Center Drive. Institute students and Korpela will present a runway show that will showcase the “Colors of Life.” General admission and VIP tickets are available for the annual event.

JEANS FOR GREEN- For a $5 donation, Institute students and staff wear jeans during March, April, and May to raise funds for our Earth Month partner. Guests may also purchase a variety of Earth Month items, including a Light the Way candle. All donations benefit Triangle Land Conservancy.

TIP FOR A CAUSE- Donations in lieu of tips for services at the Aveda Institute Chapel Hill will be accepted in any amount to benefit our Earth Month partner.

BEAUTY FOR THE EARTH -On March 21, the Aveda Institute Chapel Hill will hold its annual “Beauty for the Earth” fundraising event, during which guests receive complimentary hair, face and nail services. Donations of any amount will be accepted for the free services offered this day. 

For more information about the Aveda Institute Chapel Hill Earth Month activities, call 919.869.8031, or visit us at www.avedainstitutechapehill.com. For more information about Triangle Land Conservancy, visit their website at www.triangleland.org.  

~Meg

What to Do & See Downtown This Week! GO HEELS! 3/15/12

Spring has brought us gorgeous weather downtown -- so outdoor dining & drinking spots are hopping! Stop by The Dead Mule, The Standard, SANDWHICH, West End Wine Bar, Crook's Corner, The Thrill at Hector's, Kildare's Irish Pub, Vespa Ristorante, Carolina Brewery, Talulla's and many more!

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Tar Heel 10-Miler: Merchant Promotional Opportunity

The Fifth Annual Tar Heel 10 Miler presented by CEP will take place on Saturday April 21, 2012 at 7:30 am. The beautiful course starts and finishes at Kenan Football Stadium and will take 4000 runners through downtown on Franklin Street and through the historic neighborhoods of Gimghoul, Greenwood and Laurel Hill.     On the Tar Heel 10-Miler website and in the runner's pre-race information e-packet - the race will highlight "Things To Do" and "Places to Eat" in downtown. This will be a list of restaurants, shops and museums Downtown.     Race coordinators would like to give downtown businesses and organizations the opportunity to offer a coupon or discount to runners presenting their race bib, encouraging them to patronize your business on race day.    Please email Amy Charney, Event Director, at amy@endurancemag.com if you'd like to have this enhanced listing or if you have ANY questions about the race and its impact on race day.  Visit www.tarheel10miler.com  for more information. The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership leads and manages the downtown through partnership efforts; marketing and promotions; improving the visual appeal of downtown; and rebuilding downtown as a mixed use center of retail, service, professional, governmental, institutional, and residential uses.     Contact us at 967-9440 or partnership@downtownchapelhill.com.

Training Invitation: "Be A Responsible Server" Program

Training Invitation:"Be A Responsible Server"  The Chapel Hill Police Department along with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division is inviting all to attend a "Be A Responsible Server" Program (BARS) for sellers and servers of alcoholic beverages.  The purpose of this training is to familiarize new and veteran employees of ABC outlets with alcohol laws and regulations.  This training will specifically deal with sales to underage, fraudulent identifications, sales to intoxicated persons and general ABC laws and regulations.  The training is free of charge and you do not have to register before the class.  As licensed ABC outlets in North Carolina, you are the first line of defense against underage drinking and irresponsible alcohol consumption.  It is important that you have the proper tools and knowledge to be effective.  Classes will be held on Thursday, April 19; Thursday, July 19; and Thursday, October 18 from 7PM to 9PM at the Post Office/Courthouse at 179 East Franklin Street.   For questions please contact Lt. Jabe Hunter at (919) 698-7286 or jhunter@townofchapelhill.org. The telephone number to the District IV ALE office is (919) 250-5934.  The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership leads and manages the downtown through partnership efforts; marketing and promotions; improving the visual appeal of downtown; and rebuilding downtown as a mixed use center of retail, service, professional, governmental, institutional, and residential uses.    Contact us at 967-9440 or partnership@downtownchapelhill.com.