This Enchanting And Historic Town In North Carolina Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Whether you live nearby or not, the enchanting and historic town of Hillsborough, North Carolina, is worth the trip. The downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring homes, buildings, and churches from the 18th and 19th centuries. That hasn’t stopped its progress, however, as today Hillsborough comes alive with delicious dining experiences, inspiring arts, hikes, and entertainment. The town is located between both Greensboro and Durham, so if you happen to be traveling on I85 this is the perfect place to stop and rest. We have plenty of recommendations when it comes to things to do in Hillsborough NC, so let’s see what makes this charming place the perfect day trip.

Orange County Historical Museum, 201 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA

Orange County Historical Museum/Facebook

Orange County was founded in 1752, and the Orange County History Museum's building was constructed in 1934 as part of the New Deal programs, preserving history through permanent, current, and traveling exhibits. For more information please check out the website for the Heritage Museum of Orange County.

Town of Hillsborough Town Hall, 101 E Orange St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA

Warren LeMay, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Ruffin-Roulhac House was constructed about 1820 and is now the municipal building of the town of Hillsborough. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it belonged to Chief Justice Thomas Ruffin. Visitors are welcome to stop in and look around.

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Eno River Farm, 2127 St Marys Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA

Eno River Farm/ Facebook

Pick-Your-Own at Eno River Farm, or purchase fresh items in season from the produce stand and don't forget to try the creamy, homemade ice cream.

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Wooden Nickel Pub, 113 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA

Caroline Culler (User:Wgreaves), CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Since 2003, The Wooden Nickel Public House has provided the town with a community gathering space, a place for the owners to share their passion for food and craft beer. Visit this neighborhood pub where they treat you like family. To peruse the menu or learn more please follow them on their official Wooden Nickle Public House Facebook page.

The Wooden Nickel Public House/ Facebook

We love the fried banana peppers with smoked onion and ranch dressing, especially with a good cocktail. Also, don't forget to leave room for the desserts. With rotating specials each day there are plenty of sweet treats to enjoy whenever you visit the Wooden Nickel Public House.

Occaneechi Indian Village, E Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA

Gaurav, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know the Town of Hillsborough is built on the site of three Native American villages settled back to back from about 1000 to 1710 CE? This reconstructed 17th-century village is located on the banks of the Eno River near an actual former village site of the tribe.

Hillsborough Arts Council, 102 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA

Hillsborough Arts Council/Facebook

This active group of people creates events and all sorts of activities, such as the art walks and the monthly maker's marts. Sign up as a vendor or just see about the exciting upcoming events. To keep track of what might be just around the corner head on over to the Hillsborough Art Council website for more information.

Do you see why this enchanting and historic town is worth a visit? There is so much history, art, and good food it’s easy to see all the fun things to do in Hillsborough NC. There is almost too much to even list in this article because we didn’t even get to the hikes you can do in the area. So we suggest you download the AllTrails app and check out these 3 hikes.

• Chestnut Oak Loop in the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
• The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail in the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve
• Duke Forest Hillsborough Division at Gate 3 in the Duke Forest Hillsboro Division

For more information please check out our coverage of these three scenic hiking trails around Hillsborough North Carolina.

3 Scenic Hiking Trails Surround The Small Town Of Hillsborough, North Carolina