by Laura
Harold and I first checked out The Carolina Inn after snagging a $75/night deal on Priceline. Apparently if you put in a bid for a 5-star hotel in Chapel Hill, there are no other options.
I’ve never been there on a weekend without seeing a wedding in progress. I’m guessing that the sheer volume of Carolina alums keeps that cash cow going. (Insert quality not quantity joke about Duke vs. UNC alums here.)
I’ve also spotted elaborate afternoon teas in the admittedly beautiful lobby area. Usually they compel Harold to reassure me that I’ll make friends, preferable female, who I can rope into that fun-filled activity sometime soon.
An Inn tradition that we’ve both enjoyed, however, is Fridays on the Front Porch. From 5-8 you can pull up a chair and enjoy live music and drink specials, which spill out onto the lawn. We’ve also gotten the $12 BBQ-style buffet, which translates to a sick amount of good-old Southern food.
Typical Fridays on the Front Porch scene, courtesy of The Carolina Inn
We’re just happy to be in a place that has a lawn, period, let alone a spacious one with room for entertainment. Unfortunately Fridays are often dampened by the downpours that seem to come every evening in August. But, since the Carolinians are used to it, they’ve got a tent for the musicians and towels to dry off chairs and tables ready to go.
Last time The Gravy Boys kept the crowd on their feet. You knew it was going to be a crazy night when the music kept playing past 8, all the way until about 8:45. If you’re in the mood to see a couple of kids maximizing their cuteness by doing versions of the jig, old ladies tapping their feet to some bluegrass, and grad students kicking back a few dignified beers, this is the place for you.
In the fall, they have a similar event on Saturdays before UNC football games. Since we won’t be rushing to catch kickoff, we’re anticipating being able to sit back, relax, and enjoy free live music while surreptitiously chanting “Go to hell, Carolina, go to hell!”
When the event is over, you’re also right on campus, and only a block from Franklin Street. Parking after 5 is much easier than during the day, making it simple to stop on by. We won’t share our secret, no-fail free spot, but the valet at the Inn who nicely clued us in will probably tell you, too!
Laura
Harold
