Best of Chapel Hill 2026
Every July, Chapel Hill Magazine asks Orange County to vote on its favorites — the restaurants, shops, and services readers can’t stop recommending to friends. This year, when the results landed in the July/August issue, Carr Mill Mall took home Best Shopping Experience, and we weren’t the only ones at the mill celebrating.
Eleven of our tenants were named winners in their own categories, a reminder of just how much talent lives inside these old brick walls. This is a mill full of people doing work worth voting for.
This year’s winners
Anna’s Tailor and Alterations — Best Alterations
Ali Cat Toys — Best Children’s Store
Carolina Core Pilates — Best Pilates Studio
Carr Mill Mall – Best Shopping Experience
Gardenia Baby Blossom — Best New Business
Golden Fig Books — Best Bookstore
Narrative + Co. — Best Women’s Boutique
Rings True — Best Fine Jewelry
Sofia’s Boutique — Best Women’s Boutique and Best Fashion Jewelry
Tandem — Best Steak
Venable — Best Fried Chicken
Weaver Street Market — Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant or Patio and Best Gluten-Free Options
A century of showing up for this town
Carr Mill has been standing since 1899, first as Alberta Mill, spinning cotton for a growing textile industry. More than a hundred years later, the building still does what it’s always done: bring people together under one roof to make things, sell things, and build a life in Carrboro. This year’s wins are proof that legacy is still being written, one storefront at a time.
If you haven’t made it through all eleven this year, consider this your excuse. Stop in, say congratulations, and find your new favorite spot.
Thank you to everyone who voted — and to every tenant who made this the best year yet.
