22 Best & Fun Things to Do in Hillsborough (NC)

Hillsborough isn’t a stroke of luck sitting along the Eno River, but one of the oldest cities in Orange County, North Carolina, USA.

This city was established in 1754 and played numerous little but essential roles in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It was built along the Great Indian Trading Path, crossing the Eno River.

You will find Indian tribes, such as Occaneechi and Eno, noted by European visitors in 1701. Like most small towns in the US, Hillsborough, NC, has a lot to offer.

Beyond its quaint downtown streets with excellent shops and restaurants, it holds a considerable portion of North Carolina’s rich history.

Are you planning an exploration of Hillsborough? Here are the best things to do in Hillsborough, NC.

Things to Do in Hillsborough, NC 

1. Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

This is a small state park-managed site sitting on 190-acre land. With proximity to the Eno River, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area offers visitors the option to swim or fish. The Area’s pond is another option to enjoy water activities.

The main attraction is Occoneechee Mountain, the highest point in Orange County. It is as high as 350 ft from the river to an elevation of 867 ft.

Getting to the mountain’s peak, you will look down to scenic views, mountain laurels, and rhododendrons. Early spring will offer you a glimpse of downtown Hillsborough from the mountain peak. 

If you are a hiker looking for a place to train, Occoneechee Mountain is the place to be. The main trail is Mountain Loop Trail. During spring, walk through wooded areas and past blossoming rhododendrons. Taking the Overlook Trail rewards you with views of the areas below the mountain.

Check out the old quarry while on your hiking expedition. The Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Hillsborough, NC. Don’t forget your boots and trail runners.

Address: 625 Virginia Cates Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

2. The Riverwalk

Many North Carolina’s towns have a greenway, and in Hillsborough, it is called the Riverwalk. Taking a walk on the path is one of the best things to do in Hillsborough, NC. People enjoy walking through the paved walkway in the mornings, allowing the air to stroke their skin.

The Riverwalk keeps you around the Eno River for the most part. As you move from left to right, you continually wind around and over it. However, it officially starts from the Occoneechee village and ends at Gold Park.

Walking through the snaked pathway, you will notice that the streets are lined with informational placards. These placards detail the waterway’s importance and the life they look forward to.

At the many crossings, there are stunning bridges that help you crisscross the river. The path is also an aspect of the Mountains-to-Sea trail that traverses North Carolina. Keep in mind that while it is accessible, it is not endlessly flat.

If you are driving, park at your starting point so you can manipulate your way. When you get to the Weaver Street Market, stop in and grab something to eat. The Riverwalk is a wonderful to work out while enjoying some picturesque scenes.

Address: 115 Nash & Kollock Street. Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

3. Ayr Mount

Ayr Mount, considered a Central North Carolina premium home in the 19th century, is an old Federal-style plantation. It sits on 503 acres, with most of it left unfarmed. This is not a typical house you would find in a plantation home.

William Kirkland constructed the home and named it after his birthplace in Ayr, Scotland. Between March and December is the best time to take a guided tour and enjoy the deluxe of the interior.

While exploring the home is interesting, the main draw is the Poet’s Walk. It is a one-mile trail circling the grounds where writers and artists derive inspiration.

On your Poet’s Walk, you will walk past the home, through thinly wooded areas, and around a pond. In most parts, it covers large, charming green lawns that you wouldn’t resist sitting for a while. 

The tour takes you close to the trail that encircles the Occoneechee Speedway. Connect the trails by crossing the river; one or two people will always appear there, doing the same thing you came for.

One thing common about the people who have been there is the striking surrounding scenery that meets the eyes. In the evening, the destination can get crowded. This could partly be because it is free. So, it would be best if you came early.

Address: 376 Saint Mary’s Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

4. Occoneechee Speedway

There is much to say about the speedway tucked away along Eno River. Hillsborough’s Occoneechee Speedway was NASCAR’s premier superspeedway and was considered a risky track. It was used for racing between 1948 and 1968. 

Crowds of over 15,000 have been drawn to the dirt track, with stars like NASCAR’s first female driver, Louise Smith, and others racing down it. Now, the speedway is no longer used only for racing but has become one of the popular hiking and jogging trails in Hillsborough. 

If you peep through the center of the dirt track, you will find old goalposts from a local high school. There are also concrete bleachers and old concession stands. Two old cars in varied states of decline lay along the track.

Outside the track are extra trails circling the whole place, with one coming from Ayr Mount under it. Another highlight of the Area is the Mountain-to-Sea Trail that crosses North Carolina, noted by the white circle blaze. Moving from the parking lot to the track gives a better view of this spectacular trail.

Address: 320 Elizabeth Brady Rd. Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

5. Last Friday Art Walks

With over seven privately owned art galleries and a dynamic arts council, searching out local art is among the top things to do in Hillsborough, NC. Take it further by partaking in their Last Friday Art Walks. 

This is a free town-wide monthly event to celebrate art in the community. The Hillsborough Arts Council hosts Last Friday Art Walks every last Friday downtown.

During the event, watch out for special exhibitions of local artists. Enjoy exhibits by the finest jewelers, restaurants, art studios, galleries, and boutiques.

The venue starts with an opening reception from 6 – 9 p.m. It is a new opportunity to connect with nature, art, and local history. Enjoy the live music and dance waves that add colorful tunes to the event.

Address: Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

6. U-Pick Farms

Hillsborough is experiencing a rise in agritourism due to its natural endowments. This is where U-Pick Farms come in. It is a beautiful farming marketing strategy attracting many tourists and farmers. 

Many farmers in Hillsborough offer U-Pick farming to let customers pick what they want to buy. While it reduces labor to farmers, it is fun for visitors who may use it as exercise.

Wildflower, blackberry, blueberry, and peach picking is the primary attraction, and people enjoy it. Enjoy the farm animals and the leisure walk accompanying your tour as you pick the fruits. 

If you find yourself around Firefly Farms during Halloween, you should attend one of its festivities with lots of fruits to pick.

Check out Eno River Farm’s strawberry patch and store. Remember to treat yourself to a scoop of delectable homemade ice cream.

Outside of downtown Hillsborough, you will find Fernrock Farm. It is a great place to go flower picking. Come pick your specialty flowers for your home or events.

Address: Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

7. Historic Buildings

Among what to do in Hillsborough, NC, is to tour the many historic buildings scattered all over Hillsborough. Many of these buildings are listed on the historic register. If you don’t want to take a guided tour of these buildings, you can fairly traverse them alone.

The Orange County Courthouse was constructed around 1844 and is still used for county judicial businesses. Along King Street is the Visitor’s Center, which used to be an old farmhouse, built around 1790 before moving to its present location.

Currently, it has become the primary center for information on local attractions. It is located in the historic Alexander Dickson House, one of the most historically significant buildings in Hillsborough. 

The Dickson House itself is a late-19th-century Quaker plan house. It is considered ‘The Last Confederate Headquarters’ because it was where Joseph E. Johnston stayed when he planned the largest troop surrender of the Civil War in 1865.

Look further into the location, and you will find an outbuilding believed to be the office of General Johnston and a 20th-century medicinal culinary and herb garden.

Move down to West King Street if you enjoy exclusive architectural constructions. There is the Twin Chimneys house, whose name came about because of the massive pair of chimneys on each side of the house.

8. Haunted Hillsborough Ghost Tours

The Haunted Hillsborough Ghost Tours, established in 2017, provides some of the best ghost tours in NC. They offer three walking tours around the historic downtown area. Ensure you add going on these ghost tours to your itinerary of what to do in Hillsborough, NC.

Hillsborough is the Triangle’s oldest town. Two hundred sixty years ago, it was believed that a town could acquire a few ghosts, and embarking on this tour will help uncover some of them. 

None of the stories you’ll hear is made up. They are told after extensive research and documentation. The Historic Ghost Tour is a 1.5-mile walk around downtown with more than a dozen stops at haunted houses and execution sites.

Join Enoch (the tour guide) for 1 hour 30 minutes on this tour. He will recount the tale of history, noting native and post-colonial legends and many local ‘haints.’ 

Another tour is the Haint Misbehaving Ghost Tour, a two-hour tour focusing only on local ghost tales and legends. The tour has unique, spooky tales you would love to hear. 

The third one is the Just Regulators History Tour, a 1 hour, 30 minutes daytime tour focusing only on events in the Colonial Hillsborough history. It does not narrate any ghost tales. But it is all about authentic, well-researched stories of notable events in the past and their historic sites.

So, get ready for spooky and local ghost tales. The tour guide is humorous and patient, willing to answer every question. Bring your torch for creeping around cemeteries and dark, eerie corners.

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9. Eno River State Park

 

After enjoying mouthwatering food from any of the restaurants in the town, it is customary to want to work it out. If you are an outdoor lover, you will love walking and hiking in Eno River State Park.

Although it is not situated exactly downtown, this Park is somewhat close to Hillsborough. You can access it by driving down Hwy 70 and passing by the Pleasant Green crossroads.

Down the road, you will get where it is crisscrossed with Cole Mill Rd. Driving further left, you will find the entrance of the park.

Eno River is a famous park in North Carolina for hiking and playing in the water in summer. It has miles of accessible trails from three significant entrances. Enjoy a great moment of hiking in the park.

The atmosphere is family-friendly, and you will meet other cheerful faces there. Remember to take pictures as memorabilia of your wonderful Eno River State Park time.

Address: 6101 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC 27705, USA

10. Volume Hillsborough

This charming jewel is a cool place to bring out-of-town guests. It is perfect for sitting back and having a drink or just spending an hour relaxing on the sofa. 

Of course, you can browse new and used vinyl while on it. There is an eclectic selection of them; you may even find some old tunes from your youth. 

The place experiences a little crowd that is delightful to be with. Enjoy the nice tunes while relaxing or selecting a record. 

Inside, you will find exciting visuals with posters and artwork. On the outside, take in the striking murals on the outside wall. 

The owner tried his best to merge a local record store and a neighborhood bar, creating an inviting community hub. It is a unique place to be. They are sold at reasonable prices, too.

Address: 226 S Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

11. Downtown Hillsborough

Historical Downtown Hillsborough is networked with South Churton Street as its major street. Because of its small, intimate size, you can navigate the downtown area in a moment. It is one of the best places to visit in Hillsborough, NC.

Cross over the Eno River through a small bridge along one of the major highways. Moving down the road, you will pass through fast food restaurants to historical brick buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Crossing the bridge into town, right on your left is the free-covered parking deck. Next to it is the Weaver Street Market, where you can drop by and buy a few items. When you turn left, a traffic light points towards it, visible from the bridge.

Another few blocks, as you drive up, takes you to King Street. There, you can pack your car in the spaces by the roadside. Some parking is all day, while some are only three hours.

12. Uniquitiques

You may hardly resist getting inside when you see this cute little gem tucked away in East King Street. Going inside, you will even marvel more at the beautiful clothing and accessories. 

Locals and out-of-towners will love to shop in this extraordinary boutique. Uniquitiques is a treasure trove of clothes, boots, hats, bangles, pins, and a plethora of florally scented lotions. This fun shop also has furniture and unique gifts.

Teens and women can find vintage and antique clothing for their next party. Some are things you can find in your mum’s or grandma’s closet.

Address: 125 E King St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

13. Cup-A-Joe

For anyone who cannot do without coffee, Cup-A-Joe is a local coffee shop in Hillsborough to try. It is among the locals’ choices for a quick cup of coffee. 

The owners provide small tables along the sidewalk for customers to enjoy their orders. There is no better way to start your day or take a break from work than to stop in and enjoy a cup.

Add your favorite pastries to the order and enjoy the warm atmosphere. Away from food, the shop dedicated a corner to a rack of plants for sale. Next to the plants are comic books. They also sell branded T-shirts.

So come with expectations because there are plenty of activities at Cup-A-Joe. You can take a little of Hillsborough home if you are a tourist.

Address: 112 W King St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

14. Eno River Farmers Market

The Eno River Farmers Market in downtown Hillsborough offers fresh farm fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meat and eggs, cheese, cooked food, and wood-fired baked goods. You can also find local crafts and their vendors in the market.

The market operators select only local vendors selling local foods, produce, and crafts from Hillsborough. Most vendors sell items from their gardens. So, you may be restricted to what you can find here.

This downtown market was established in 1754, making it one of the first structures. It also makes it a historic site for tourists in the town.

There is always live music to keep the place bubbly while people do business. Even though it is a small market, it has a way of pulling the crowd. Ensure to check their time of operation for the month before visiting.

Address: 144 E Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

15. Eno Arts Mill

Hillsborough offers a myriad of activities for art lovers to explore. You will be strained to resist falling in love with a few pieces. There are many art galleries and studios when moving downtown.

One such is Eno Arts Mill in West Hillsborough, managed by the Orange County Arts Commission. Everyone from all backgrounds gathers to experience the visual, literary, and performing arts.

It was opened in 2021 and holds First Fridays every first Friday. It has a welcoming atmosphere. This event is characterized by poetry or music at the opening celebration for the latest exhibit.

Address: 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd #17, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

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16. Hog Day

The Hog Day BBQ Festival is one of the most significant events in the city. It is held every September and is a must-go spot for tourists. Attending the festival is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do in Hillsborough, NC.

If you are new to North Carolina, you may not know that the state is a BBQ hub. Hog Day promises treats to diverse barbecued meats, from pulled pork to steaks. 

The event also features live music, highlighting various musical performances from the state and beyond. Visitors will also find happy vendors displaying handcrafted gifts and fun items for the kids.

This event is held in River Park, a large lawn on the other side of Churton Street, accessible from Weaver Street Market.

Address: 144 E Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA

17. Hillsborough Wine Company

This fantastic spot offers the option to taste your wine before purchasing it. Even if you are not a wine connoisseur, the staff can help you make the best choice. If you love wines, add visiting this wine company to your checklist of top things to do in Hillsborough, NC.

It feels excellent to stop at Hillsborough Wine Company, sit down, and enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the cheerful atmosphere. If you want a free wine tasting, visit on Friday nights. 

If you want to stock up your bar, they will offer you a good discount that puts a smile on your face. You can get as many kinds of wine as you desire. 

Feel free to walk in and treat yourself to this delightful secret treasure. Another beauty of the spot is its contactless pickup and free delivery.

Address: 118 S Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

18. St. Mary’s Chapel

This historic church has existed since 1759. It was built by the Anglican Communion and united with the Episcopal Church of North Carolina in 1819.

St. Mary’s Chapel is a great place to see due to its history as one of the longest-standing structures in the country. You will always be in awe of the history surrounding it and how it keeps standing tall and radiant.

The pretty little church is scenic. Take your time to walk around it and soak up the history. Somewhere near St. Mary’s Chapel is a cemetery with lovely views. It is closer to downtown Hillsborough than any other location.

Address: Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

19. Gold Park

The 24-acre Gold Park on Dimmocks Mill Road is a family-friendly park with amenities to keep you comfortable. It has fields for playing baseball, Frisbee, soccer, and any sport you want. Exploring this Park is one of the fun things to do in Hillsborough, NC.

Anything you want, Gold Park has it. Consider this wonderful place if you are on the Riverwalk and need somewhere to picnic.

You can also let your dogs down at the fenced dog park so they can be free and run around. Gold Park has swings for your little kids; for the bigger ones, it provides climbing areas and slides.

In addition to the beautiful amenities, the park is well-maintained and has bathrooms. The park, located outside of downtown, can be easily reached from downtown. There is plenty of free parking.

People who want to walk can use the trails and even find themselves on the Eno River. You will have a good time, no doubt about it.

Address: 415 Dimmocks Mill Rd Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

20. Burwell School Historic Site

The Burwell School is an American historic site and former school. The site is listed in the Nation Register of Historic Places and has continued to receive attention for ages. The Historic Hillsborough Commission Inc. owns and operates this wonder.

A visit to the site brings history alive. Its complex, multi-layered stories of freedom-seeking and oppression are worth exploring, having seen the likes of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly and Anna Burwell. 

During your expedition, you will learn more about these women’s stories. Burwell School operated between 1837 and 1857, with over 140 girls in attendance.

The historic tour will make you feel great, learning a lot about Hillsborough and the origin of some of the oldest colleges and universities. But the greatest of them is to learn about Margaret Anna Burwell, the mother of sixteen married to a Presbyterian minister. She started this school to support her husband’s income.

While the place accepts donations from kind visitors, they don’t charge people for touring it. It feels fascinating and imaginative listening to historians give the talk. It is open to the public.

Address: 319 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

21. Double R Cattle Services, Inc.

This family-owned and operated farm in Hillsborough specializes in grass-fed beef and U-Pick strawberries. Of late, they added pasture pork to the farm to give customers access to more options.

Double R Cattle Services, Inc., owned by Ritchie and Beverly Roberts, is where you should not hesitate to visit.

The beef is sold by the piece or the bovine, with diverse cuts for customers’ preferences. They also have trays of strawberry stock where people come to select what they want.

Address: 701 Ollie Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

22. Matthew’s Chocolates

Matthew’s Chocolates has been a haven for chocolate lovers for over ten years. It is located in a trendy spot in Hillsborough.

The owner, Matthew, pays attention to detail and beautifully designs his chocolate to delight the most discerning chocolate enthusiast. All his items are made in-house, with various flavors and types. 

You can also stop in to order delicious cakes and cookies and some frozen treats for your family. The chocolates are tasty and aesthetically enticing. 

When you need a special gift for your loved one, Matthew’s Chocolates is where to get it. What’s not to love about here? 

Address: 104 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

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Plan Your Trip to Hillsborough

If you plan to visit this dazzling North Carolina city, there are so many things to do as a family, a group, or an individual. Enjoy all the city offers; you deserve the fun.