Trips out of Chapel Hill

If you’re looking to plan a trip around the conference, there are plenty of fantastic destinations in North Carolina. A few hours’ drive to the west, you’ll find the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville. A few hours’ drive to the east, you’ll fine the gorgeous Carolina coast, the Outer Banks, and Wilmington. All across the state, there are distinct natural wonders, historic sites, and fine food and culture. Come for the conference and stay to experience North Carolina!

Asheville
Quickly gaining renown as the gastronomical capital of North Carolina, Asheville is a hip mountain town with a relaxed vibe, scenic views, inventive gourmet food, and a robust roster of craft breweries. Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is close to plenty of camping and hiking spots, as well as other western North Carolina attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Biltmore Estate. Just a few hours’ drive west of Chapel Hill, Asheville would be a great detour on your way to or from the conference.

A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Sylva, NC

Seagrove
Seagrove is one of the largest communities of potters in the United States, and with one of the longest traditions of fine craft production. North Carolina is a state with a distinguished history of ceramics, and Seagrove represents some of the best of this history. Just a short 60 miles away, Seagrove makes for a perfect day trip destination. Check it out and bring back a piece of North Carolina with you.

Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a thin strip of land on North Carolina’s coast. With the ocean on one side and the sound on the other, the Outer Banks has a one-of-a-kind landscape, along with pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and unique destinations. In addition to swimming, fishing, and boating, the Outer Banks also offers historic sites like the Cape Hatteras Light House and the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, the site of humankind’s first flight. With North Carolina’s typically warm and mild autumns, a trip to the Outer Banks in late October or early November would still be a pleasant getaway.