VOTE Chapel Hill as Fan Favorite Today, Tomorrow, and the Next Day! The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Chapel Hill as one of its 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Chapel Hill was selected for its stately charm, dynamic cultural offerings and its citizens' dedication to protecting and sharing its unique heritage.  From February 15 to March 15, you can vote online for Chapel Hill to be named Fan Favorite. Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two-night stay at any Historic Hotel of America. Vote at www.PreservationNation.org/.

Fall in love with Chapel Hill all over again when you watch this video from the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau - CLICK HERE!

Bourbons of Old & Bourbons of New 

Next up in The Crunkleton's Lecture Series; on Thursday, March 10 from 8PM to 10PM join Bernie Lubbers who authored Bourbon Whiskey Our Native Spirit: Sour Mash and Sweet Adventures. And enjoy barbecue brisket from The Original Q Shack. So, bring an appetite for beef brisket and a thirst for bourbon. The cost for a reservation is $45 in advance and $60 the day of the event. To purchase tickets, call  919-265-9413. As always, a portion of the proceeds from this Lecture Series event will benefit The Museum of the American Cocktail. For more information visit www.thecrunkleton.com.

After-Work Specials at La Residence

Enjoying drink specials on La Residence's outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful warm, spring weather coming our way! And don't worry - if that nasty cold weather creeps back, the patio is heated! TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY La Residence offers HALF-OFF bottles from the wine list; and all draft beers for $3. Chef Justin Cole has brought some items from the Dining menu and prepared a Patio Menu featuring lighter fare. Justin's work with COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE of Orange County (CSA) should get exciting as more fresh produce comes into season. Come Enjoy al fresco dining and the Lighter side of La Rez starting at 5pm. For more information visit www.laresidencedining.com.

Tribute Days at Starbucks

To mark 40 years, Starbucks is celebrating with a series of Tribute Days. If you come to Starbucks between 2PM and 5PM on March 10-12, you'll be treated to a free Starbucks Petites when you order any handcrafted beverage (while supplies last). Petities are Starbucks new, perfectly sized treats. There are eight different ones, and each is less than 200 calories - making for a well-deserved afternoon reward. Visit http://www.starbucks.com/blog/667/tribute-days.

Fun-A-Day Exhibit & Show

Nightlight Club is hosting an opening reception for the Fun-A-Day Art Show on Friday, March 11 from 5PM to 9PM. Fun-A-Day is an art exhibit composed of people creating something everyday during the month of February. Enjoy snacks, games, art-making, music and lots of creative, inspiring art! FREE. Stay for the late show at 9:30PM featuring Pontiak, White Hills, and Horseback; $7. Nightlight Club is located at 405 1/2 West Rosemary Street. For more information visit www.nightlightclub.com.  

Ackland Art-Ventures for Kids

On Saturday, March 12 from 10:30AM to 12:00PM  join Ackland for Magic Mountains, next in the popular series of engaging Saturday morning classes for 6-9 year olds taught by National Board Certified Art Teacher Tamela Davis and other educators. Children will explore art in the museum galleries and then go next door to a studio to practice new ideas and techniques they saw as they create their own take-home treasures.  Registration is required and limited and the fee includes materials. To register, call Beth Shaw McGuire at 919-962-0479 or visit www.ackland.org.

Wine Down Wednesdays at Kildare's

1/2 Off Wine by the glass or bottle all night! Come in after work and enjoy wine or a $3 Guinness with your 1/2 off entree guilt-free from 5pm -8pm Wednesday nights!  And don't forget to stick around for Game Night, the new Kildare's game which is an interactive cross between jeopardy and trivia, starts at 10pm! Visit www.kildarespub.com.  

St. Patrick's Day Treats at The Chocolate Door

Stop by The Chocolate Door and pick up some specially-made St. Patrick's Day items including pistachio yoghurt cupcakes, Irish sodabread cupcakes, Guinness Stout truffles, and chocolate stout cupcakes! Featuring handmade chocolates and truffles, over 25 permanent flavors plus seasonal specials, and coffee to go, The Chocolate Door is located at 516 West Franklin Street. For information visit www.thechocolatedoor.com.  

Just in: Appaman, Pink Chicken, and Winter Water all  available in store and online at GLEE KIDS!  GLEE KIDS features great designers making amazing things for kids, and they all have a story. GLEE KIDS shares these stories. Each brand is selected with love and care and the idea that greatness earns a smile. It spreads a little glee. GLEE KIDS is located in University Square. For more information visit www.gleekids.com.

Robin Lin Photography Special Offer

To support the amazing work of Doctors without Borders, Robin Lin Photography is offering a special deal: from now until October 31, 2011, there will be NO portrait session fees, in return for a minimum donation of $35 to Doctors Without Borders. Why $35?  According to Doctors Without Borders - A $35 donation can provide two high-energy meals a day to 200 children.  For all donations made over $100, customers will receive a matted 11�14 print (valued at $100)! Some restrictions apply. Robin Lin Photography is located at 157 East Franklin Street, Suite 7. For complete details visit  www.robinlin.com.

Summer Camp & Tutoring Services at Teen Center

Middle School Summer Camp spots are still open for rising 6th to 9th graders at Street Scene Teen Center! The structured, recreational curriculum includes arts and crafts, swimming, movies, field trips, games, character education, a book club, guest speakers and more. There will also be academic support for those attending summer school. The camp runs from Mon-Fri; 7:30AM to 5:30PM. $70 Resident; $84 non-resident per session.  Street Scene Teen Center is located at 179 East Franklin Street; in the basement of the Post Office/Courthouse. For more information and to register visit www.townofchapelhill.org. 

FREE After-School Tutoring in All Subjects: Street Scene Teen Center is currently offering free tutoring for middle-school and high-school students. Tutoring is done by UNC students at the Teen Center; Monday - Friday from 3PM to 7PM. For more information call 929-9675 or 968-2841. 

FREE Valet Parking Downtown!

Participating Businesses: 411 West Italian Cafe, Bonne Soiree,Carolina Brewery, Elaine's on Franklin, Mediterranean Deli & Catering, La Residence Restaurant & Bar, Lantern Restaurant, Talulla's Restaurant, Vespa Restaurant, West End Wine Bar, Cypress on the Hill , Mint Restaurant, FRANK: Franklin Street Arts Collective, R&R Grill, Salon 135, SANDWHICH, Spanky's Restaurant, Top of the Hill Brewery & Restaurant.

Click on photo!

 What does economic development in downtown Chapel Hill look like? Click on the photo and see!

 The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership is charged with leading and managing downtown through partnership efforts; marketing and promoting the assets of downtown; 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! Contact us at 967-9440 or partnership@downtownchapelhill.com.