Think you know downtown's history, legends, hidden secrets?

Well, grab some friends and enter the annual Love Chapel Hill Scavenger Hunt on Friday, April 8 from 7PM to 10PM. Teams of 2 to 5 people will race around campus & downtown and compete to solve clues and win some great prizes from downtown restaurants and shops! This event is FREE and open to all ages. For more information, and to register your team, visit www.lovechapelhill.com.

FREE Marketing Seminar for Businesses

Main Street Goes Interactive: How Small and Large Businesses Use the Internet to Grow

1360 WCHL has commissioned an exclusive report on Interactive Advertising in Orange County… and are bringing to town the nationally renowned Gordon Borrell of Borrell Associates who will lead a one hour seminar that will give businesses a decisive edge when it comes to competing on the internet.

At the seminar, businesses will also hear an exciting announcement from 1360 WCHL. They are getting ready to launch something that they believe will be of significance to business owners - both as marketers and consumers.

When: Tuesday, April 12

Where: Aloft Chapel Hill Hotel

Times: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm

Please RSVP by email or phone: sdolan@1360wchl.com or call 919-933-4165.

New Parking Pay Stations for Downtown

New parking pay stations will be installed in downtown Chapel Hill this spring, making parking more convenient - you'll be able to pay with credit cards and mobile phones, as well as coins. Who carries cash anymore?

Last fall, the Town installed two pay stations to test them - then sought feedback. The new stations will be installed this spring and should be completed by summer, replacing about 240 single space parking meters with 40 multi-space pay stations. One pay station will be installed for every eight to 10 parking spaces in most applications. When you leave your vehicle, take note of space number on the curb. At the pay station, key in the space number and pay the amount for your allotted time. The Town made a YouTube video to show you how to use the new stations:www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MMrjGZnGFM

Interestingly - the new stations won't shoot out a receipt - a green way to reduce paper usage and litter on the sidewalks downtown!

REMEMBER: On-Street metered parking is FREE after 6 p.m. daily and all day Sunday!

For more information on all the parking options available downtown - CLICK HERE

Spring brings more than just beautiful weather, blooming nature, and UNC victories -- there is so much going on downtown this time of year. Sales, events, art exhibits, great food & drink specials, and so much more.

Check out this week's email:

What to Do & See Downtown This Week!

SPRING INTO THE NEW SEASON

Spring is here, Carolina blue skies abound -and all good thoughts turn to digging into the earth! The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership's groundskeeper B. J. Johnson, maintains the 60+ raised brick planters downtown year-round. But this time of year his hard work is evident to all. He's begun adding planting material to the planters and will soon complete the mulching process. Johnson plans to add the seasonal color in mid-April.

According to Johnson, the Downtown Partnership has updated its landscaping plans throughout the past year to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance in the downtown area that lasts throughout the entire year. Johnson is using more plant material native to this area as well as increasing the number of summer annuals planted for additional color. “I am a firm believer in the idea that the appearance of an area really impacts people’s feelings and perceptions,” Johnson said. “With all of the concrete and asphalt, it is great to have some interjections of nature and beauty blended in.”

Unfortunately, the urban environment often presents challenges for the landscaper as well as the plants. A truck bed is required for several important tasks, and the landscaper can only complete this work in the late hours of the night and the early hours of the morning. Additionally, B.J. must cope with a limited budget for each planting project. The plants, on the other hand, are frequently damaged by pedestrians and pets. Chaotic celebrations (we'll take those Carolina victories anyday!), poor pet behavior and litter accumulation all threaten the health of the plants and the overall appearance of downtown Chapel Hill.

However, Johnson said, “The work that goes into the downtown area from the Town and myself in keeping it clean and landscaped, gives downtown Chapel Hill the appearance that distinguishes it from other urban areas across the state.”

Johnson has worked as the Downtown Partnership’s main landscaper for the past three years. “I am really lucky and blessed to be able to do something that I enjoy,” Johnson said. “I believe the best part about the work is the satisfaction that comes when everything looks its best and knowing how many different people get to go by and enjoy it.” In addition to maintaining the beds downtown, B.J. sets up and takes down the 22' Christmas tree that the Partnership puts up every year at University Baptist Church to celebrate the holidays. Not to mention B.J. is always open to answering any questions and guiding a certain Partnership staff member through her gardening every season!

Thank you B.J. for all of the incredibly valuable (and hard) work you do!

Heard of Groupon or LivingSocial? The Chapel Hill - Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and 1360 WCHL have partnered to put the power of the radio behind local businesses. Together they are launching Our Local Deal, a daily deal source that generates revenue and drives new customers to local businesses They will go live with Our Local Deal in April, and are currently looking for businesses interested in attracting new customers. Here's What You Get: · 65% of total sales for Chamber members (compared to 50% with Groupon). Non-Chamber members will get 60% of total sales. · A full day of promotion and marketing for your business on 1360 WCHL; and your deal pushed to Chamber members, their employees, & WCHL listeners through e-mail, Facebook/Twitter. · Fast payment, within days of your deal (compared to 90 days with Groupon or LivingSocial) · New, truly local customers who can easily be converted into repeat customers for your business Here's How It Works:: · You sign up to offer a product or service at 50% off or more · No upfront costs · Consumers purchase the offer before the end of the day and share the deal with friends who might also like to buy · The consumer prints the voucher and redeems it as soon as the next day For more information, or to sign up, contact the Chamber at (919) 967-7075 or info@carolinachamber.org.

What to See and Do this Week!

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