The Jane Austen Summer Program is drawing ever closer, and if you’re already making plans to meet up with friends, we’ve got you covered. In 2016, we rounded up a few restaurants to try around the hotel, but here’s a more tailored list.
I want to eat someplace new: Oakleaf. This farm-to-table restaurant, a recent transplant from Pittsboro, opened this year. Oakleaf spotlights seasonal ingredients, with a menu that changes daily. Recent dishes included tagliatelle with spinach, ramps and Parmigiano. You’ll want to make reservations. 310 E. Main St., Carrboro. 0.1 miles from hotel.
I want to eat outdoors: Al’s Burger Shack. This fast-food joint specializes in, well, burgers, as well as hot dogs and milkshakes made from local ingredients. Next door to the main building you can grab a seat outside; some seats are semi-enclosed. (Note: Al’s offers a vegetarian burger.) 516 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. 0.2 miles from hotel.
I want to eat something fried (I’m in the South, after all): Bonchon. This chain serving made-to-order Korean fried chicken opened on East Franklin Street this winter. The menu includes Korean favorites such as bibimbap (rice with vegetables) and bulgogi (sauteed beef). 205 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. 1 mile from hotel.
I want a good cup of coffee: Gray Squirrel Coffee Co. This casual spot roasts its own coffee and offers drip coffee and espresso. Note the early closing hours: 6:30 to 3:30 during the week, 7:30 to 4:30 on the weekend. 360 E. Main St., No. 100, Carrboro. 367 feet from hotel (across the parking lot).
I want a glass of wine with dinner: Glasshalfull. This restaurant offers season American fare, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. The wine list includes vino from Italy, France, Argentina and Austria. 106 S. Greensboro St., Carrboro. 0.3 miles from hotel.
I want to grab a beer: Steel String Brewery. If you’re looking for craft beer, you won’t have to go far from the hotel. Steel String has a number of beers, including ales, sours and a coffee stout. 106A S. Greensboro St., Carrboro. 0.3 miles from hotel.
I want to buy snacks for my hotel room — oh, and I forgot socks at home: Target. If you forgot something at home or are looking for snacks, you can always visit the Target on Franklin Street. The national chain opened this store shortly after JASP last summer. This being a college town, it’s open until midnight daily. 143 W Franklin St, Suite 120, Chapel Hill. 0.6 miles from hotel.