Paris of the Piedmont

The Town of Carrboro, commonly referred to as the “Paris of the Piedmont” takes pride in being known as a community rich in cultural and economic diversity. Carrboro, a town of 21,554, is a known food mecca, with diverse restaurants serving locally grown food, a terrific farmers market and an organic co-op selling locally grown produce and meats. It’s also a town that’s nationally recognized for its music scene and visual arts, hosting a number of gatherings and festivals throughout the year that bring folks from across the state and beyond.

The Carrboro Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest farmer-owned and -operated markets in the country – and one of the finest, too. It’s been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1978, and was recently highlighted by Bon Appetit as one of the top markets in the nation. Weaver Street Market, Carrboro’s organic co-op, is another great source for local food, offering locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood – all produced sustainably. Carrboro has a number of topnotch restaurants as well with many chefs regularly building menus around local farmers’ market sources.

Carrboro is full of talented sculptors, painters, fiber artists and other artistic residents, and local talents are on display throughout the year at local galleries and eateries. Art tends to pop up in untraditional spots around town too, with large colorful murals scattered throughout downtown.

The ArtsCenter is a comprehensive center for arts, creativity and community, focusing on education and performance through its many offerings.

During warmer weather, the 2nd Friday Artwalk presents local and regional artists on display at downtown businesses.

Carrboro has been on the map for music aficionados nationwide for quite some time, and live music is served up nightly here in the Seattle of the South, a haven for music and other live entertainment. Cat’s Cradle has been packing music lovers in for more than 40 years. The Cradle presents some of the top up-and-coming acts from around the country and the world, and also hosts local acts, both well-known and not-yet-known. Considered a premier concert venue, the Cradle is regularly ranked in local and national lists of best places for live music. The ArtsCenter also draws big acts from around the country. The lawn in front of Weaver Street Market is a popular venue for official and informal performing artists.

Some of the most distinctive architectural treasures of Carrboro are its approximately 150 Mill Houses constructed in the 1910s-30s. Many of these homes have been restored.