Last month, we kicked off our summer road trip series, Hit the Road, with an outdoor adventure to Asheville. If you checked it out, we’d love to hear about it.
This month, we’re continuing the series with a 30-mile trip to Pittsboro for a quick getaway. From tigers to fine dining, this small town offers a little bit of everything — making it the perfect end-of-summer vacay.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~40 minutes from downtown
Est. population: 4,221
Avg. high in July: 84°
🎟️ Things to do
Carolina Tiger Rescue, 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd.
We’ve got the eye…of the tiger. Take a walk on the wild side and schedule a unique guided tour of this sanctuary. Learn about what it takes to care for more than 50 exotic carnivores + experience up-close encounters with tigers, lions, caracals + cougars while hearing about individual rescue stories.
Starrlight Mead, 130 Lorax Ln.
Sip on something special at this award-winning mead winery. Take a free tour of the meadery then sip on a flight of pre-selected meads (honey wine) in the backyard by the fire pit.
Deep River Mercantile, 115 Hillsboro St.
Nestled in downtown is this modern-day general store, where you can shop goods like cookbooks, candles, gifts, and NC favorites.
McIntyre’s Books, 220 Market St.
Browse through a wide selection of novels at this cute bookstore located in Fearrington Village (we suggest grabbing a book by a local author).
🍔 Grub to eat
The Fearrington House Restaurant, 2000 Fearrington Village Center
Pinkies up for this fine dining restaurant located in the Fearrington Village. Enjoy a three- or four-course seasonal dinner sourced from local farms and on-site gardens like seared Halibut with curry + mango. For dessert, over-indulge on a lemon tart with yogurt sorbet + white chocolate.
The Modern Life Deli and Drinks, 46 Sanford Rd.
For a more casual dining experience, grab a spot on the patio to share a wood-fired pie and a fun, craft cocktail from this family-owned spot. Pop in next door to the other side of MOD for corn hole, pool, and live entertainment. We recommend trying the barbecue chicken pizza.
Carolina Cravings, 84 Hillsboro St.
Visit this downtown bakery + coffee shop to cure your sweet tooth. This shop specializes in southern baked goods with a multicultural twist. Pick up goodies like pie bars, macaroons, flan, and tres leches cake — or stay for a while and enjoy the warm atmosphere of this cafe.
The Beagle, 53 Hillsboro St.
On a light note… snack on charcuterie and small plates at this fun cocktail bar in downtown. This modern bar specializes in classic and innovative libations.
🏨 Overnight accommodations
If you get a wild hair and decide to turn this quick day trip into an overnighter, here are some spots to stay.
The Fearrington House Inn, 2000 Fearrington Village Center
Southern hospitality is included with your stay here. Every room at this historic inn is unique with luxurious features like garden views, antiques, and access to a full service day spa. During your stay, stroll through the Fearrington Gardens featuring 60 carefully curated garden beds, plus you might see belted goats and cows.
Rustic Home, address confirmed with stay
Embedded in lush woods is this charming cottage. Cuddle up with some coffee + a good book on the screened front porch and enjoy the privacy of five acres.
Quirky Tree House, address confirmed with stay
Stay in a refurbished shipping container with a deck view of art-filled gardens. This artful B&B is architect-designed and has a cafe on site that stays open until 2 p.m.
Forest Garden, address confirmed with stay
Sleep among the fairies at this one-bedroom cottage on 10 acres of land. This sweet spot is complete with architectural details, a water feature, and a garden view.
