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Leap Day Deals in the Triangle

Leap Day Deals in the Triangle

#004

Elana Etten
February 29, 2024

🌦️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 50^o and Mostly Sunny.

🤝Local Leaders Unite to Enhance Orange County's Visitor Appeal

🏆National Spotlight on Chapel Hill High’s Award-Winning Program

🎇Leap Day In the Triangle

🎭Opening Night on East Chapel Hill High Production

🗓️Chapel Hill Local Events

💫Just for Fun: Joke of the Day

Local Leaders Unite to Enhance Orange County’s Visitor Appeal

Photo credit: Town of Chapel Hill

The Orange County Visitors Bureau recently conducted a DestinationNext study, spearheaded by consultant Shelly Green, to gauge what makes Orange County a sought-after destination. With 228 local leaders participating, including business owners, officials, and tourism partners, the study aimed to understand the county's appeal to visitors and the community's support for tourism.

The survey revealed Orange County's strengths as a destination lie in its cultural and heritage attractions, outdoor recreation, and safety. Despite these positives, concerns were raised about regional mobility, event frequency, and affordable access to housing and healthcare. Interestingly, nearly 70% of respondents identified with more than one community within Orange County, indicating a broad engagement across the region.

Armed with this feedback, the Orange County Visitors Bureau plans to enhance its visitor attraction strategies while addressing the noted areas for improvement. This initiative underscores the importance of tourism in economic development and aims to foster a supportive and inclusive community for both residents and visitors.

Top Reasons People Are Moving to Orange County:

Cultural and heritage attractions
Outdoor recreation options
Safe and healthy community environment
Attractive dining, shopping, and entertainment choices
Strong support for tourism's economic role
Consistent backing from local governments
Diverse community engagement across Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Rural Orange County

National Spotlight on Chapel Hill High’s Automotive Program with Prestigious 2023 Award

Chapel Hill High School has been honored with the prestigious 2023 School of the Year title by Tomorrow’s Technician magazine and WIX Filters for its exemplary automotive technician program. The award, announced on February 19, recognizes the school for providing the nation's best technical training experience in the past year. This accolade highlights the dedicated efforts of students, faculty, and the administration in integrating traditional and hands-on learning in automotive education.

Automotive instructor Robert Ballard, a key figure behind the program's success, attributes this recognition to the collective support of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) team and the district. The program's impact extends beyond the classroom, engaging students in real-world automotive projects and collaborations with local community colleges and racing teams. This national acknowledgment not only boosts morale but also solidifies the program's reputation in the automotive industry, opening avenues for further growth and partnerships.

As part of the award, Chapel Hill High will receive a $10,000 donation and special gear from WIX Filters, with a ceremonial visit planned for April 11 to celebrate this significant achievement.

Leap Year Deals in the Triangle

Gif by nbc on Giphy

Hey, it comes along only once every four years, so it’s got to be special! If you’re looking for Leap Day deals on food, shopping, and activities, there are several options available across the Triangle area.

These deals and activities offer a variety of ways to celebrate Leap Day in the Chapel Hill and Triangle areas, from enjoying discounted food and drinks to participating in unique events. Remember to check the details and availability before heading out, as some offers may require proof of membership in loyalty programs or have other conditions.

Here's a comprehensive list of deals and activities you can enjoy:

Deals on the Eats

Businesses that are also found in Chapel Hill are in bold and italics.

1. Duck Donuts: Enjoy a cinnamon sugar donut and medium hot coffee or cold brew for only $2.29. (Durham)

2. Wendy's: Get a free Cinnabon pull-apart during breakfast hours while supplies last.

3. Chipotle: Reward members can get free guacamole.

4. Krispy Kreme: Receive a dozen original glazed donuts for $2.29 with the purchase of a regular-priced dozen donuts. If it’s your birthday, grab a free dozen donuts (Durham).

5. Insomnia Cookies: If your birthday lands on Leap Day, receive four cookies and a birthday party for free.

6. Noodles and Company: 29% off of orders worth $29 or more for Noodles Rewards Members. (Durham)

7. Marco’s Pizza: 29% off all menu-priced pizza online and through the app.

8. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: Members of the loyalty program get 96¢ small treats. (Wake Forest)

9. Hungry Howie’s: Special BOGO promo - buy one large pizza, get one for 29¢ (carry-out only from Monday, February 26 through Thursday, February 29, 2024). (Raleigh)

Shopping Deals

1. Staples: Launching a new Easy Rewards loyalty program, giving away 29,000 free passport photos nationwide and earn 29x points when you spend $29 or more.

Activities

1. Leap Day Party at Southwest Regional Library in Durham: A free Leap Day Celebration with fun, games, activities, and snacks.

2. Leap Day Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade Raleigh: Features $4 wells, a free skee ball tournament, and the opening of the 2020 time capsule.

3. Leap Year Thirsty Thursday hosted by Lowes Foods #167 - Chapel Hill: End February with ½ price Wine and Beer POURS.

ECHHS Performing Arts presents Is He Dead? by Mark Twain

Take in a little theatre this weekend out at our local East Chapel Hill High School! Enjoy Mark Twain’s comedy, Is He Dead? for only $7 per person if you buy in advance. Performances will be tonight, Thursday, February 29th at 6:30 p.m. and this weekend only on March 1st and 2nd at 7:30 p.m.

Synopsis:

When you're a poor painter and you're in love with a girl whose father is in debt, what can you do? Why, fake your own death, of course, & watch your estate's worth skyrocket! This comedic romp by Mark Twain went unproduced during his time because it pokes fun at a fictionalized version of the revered French artist, Jean Francois Millet. This 2017 adaption by David Ives is three parts mistaken identity farce, cross-dressing burlesque, and biting social satire about fame, greed and who decides the value of art.

This show runs for two (2) hours with a fifteen-minute intermission. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes before the curtain to allow for parking. Late seating is strongly discouraged. You can buy tickets here or in the Events links below 👇

The production will be performed at East Chapel Hill High School Performing Arts, Mainstage Auditorium, 500 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514.