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.