Several months back, I stopped in Durham on the way to the Outer Banks. It’s about midway between my hometown of Charlotte and the coast. I didn’t feel like driving the entire six hours in one haul so I got a hotel room at The Durham and, honestly, I had a blast. I really enjoyed the city, and had several excellent meals there. While out and about I ran into someone who mentioned I needed to visit nearby Hillsborough NC. They said it had a little somethin’ for everyone.
I didn’t have time on that particular trip, but that stuck in my head. So, when I had the opportunity to return to the area, I was very excited. And, the small town delivers. It seems like such a great town to live in and it’s an amazing weekend road trip. There’s a lot of history, a quaint downtown, some amazing restaurants, a lot of outdoor activities (particularly for central NC), and the people are so nice and a lil eclectic.
So, I wanted to share my itinerary because I enjoyed the trip so much. If you go, let us know!
Friday Night: Arrival & Settling In
Check-In at The Colonial Inn
Arriving in Hillsborough NC on Friday evening, I checked into The Colonial Inn, a historic landmark dating back to 1838. The inn was decked out in Halloween accoutrement at the time but still exuded Southern charm. When you enter the inn it’s a little odd to be honest, but I liked it. You walk through the door right into the restaurant. The restaurant was crowded with good energy, and had these really pretty booths and an old fireplace. The bar to the left of the restaurant was great, too. In the bar, there’s this hole cut out of the wall but covered with a clear piece of plexi so you can see through the dry wall to the original two hundred year old beams that hold this building up. It was cool to see the framing of such a historic building.
Walking through to the back of the restaurant, you arrive at the front door. I checked in quickly and made my way through a big event space to the back building of the hotel where my room was. Despite this hotel being almost two centuries old, the rooms are fresh with a transitional design. They’re also very large. The shower was massive, which was a pleasant surprise.
The best part of this inn is that it is situated right on the edge of downtown Hillsborough NC, so it provided the perfect base for exploring the town’s historic homes and vibrant streets.
Dinner at The Nomad
First things first: it was supper time. I ventured right across the street to The Nomad, known for its eclectic menu inspired by global flavors. I started with the samosa, a crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, served with a tangy mango chutney. For the main course, I chose the butter chicken, featuring tender grilled chicken in a rich, buttery fenugreek tomato sauce, accompanied by basmati rice. The food was good and the atmosphere was nice, too. The building is older with exposed brick and some cool beams near the bar. And the cocktails were really nice, too! I had one with kiwi that was super refreshing.
Live Music at Nash Street Tavern
After dinner, I didn’t know exactly where to go, so I asked the bartender, and they suggested I head to Nash Street Tavern, a local spot with live music and a relaxed vibe. So that’s exactly what I did. It was several minutes down the road in another cool part of town. This is a true dive bar. Really chill inside, the light is low with a red glare, the bar is welcoming, and the best part was the music. The musicians there weren’t playing on stage though. They were all at a table near the bar playing their fiddles and banjos sitting down. It was almost like they were just guys that came for a beer and decided to play some music, too. Super laid back and a nice nightcap.
After a bottle of beer, I headed back to The Colonial to get some sleep.
A little note of positivity directed towards the Colonial Inn for how dark their rooms are. I don’t know if you have this pet peeve like I do, but I want my hotel room pitch black. The curtains were black out, there were no obnoxious blinking blue lights from a clock or tv to bother you. Just perfect for sleeping. Plus, the pillows were comfy which is a rarity these days!
Saturday: Exploring Hillsborough’s Sights, Flavors, and History
A Strong Morning Coffee and Croissant at Cup A Joe
I was very unaware how eclectic Hillsborough NC was! It’s got a lil’ hippie in it which I like. There were old timers with feathers in their caps sitting on the patio and what appeared to be younger college aged kids getting some studying done. The people combined with the funky atmosphere gave it a top tier coffee shop vibe. Sometimes in Charlotte we have these newer, more modern coffee shops that look beautiful but don’t feel cozy or established. I didn’t confirm and the following statement is solely based off of a feeling, but it felt like Cup A Joe had been part of the community for awhile.
I got what I always get: a hot oat milk latte. Then I paired it with a ham croissant. The latte was in the better half of lattes I’ve ever had and the croissant was flaky goodness. I would order again! After coffee, it was time to go see something I’ve seen many an Instagram and Tik Tok post about: The Occoneechee Speedway.
The Historic Occoneechee Speedway
This is more of a park and walking trail than it is an intact dirt track, but it’s still cool because there are some fun historical parts and pieces of the track lying around. You can see the old gates that welcome guests to NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season. There’s the original men’s room, concession stands, bleachers, start tower signage, and a couple cool—albeit rusted out—Nascars, including a 1940s Chevy Coupe Super Deluxe and a 1956 Dodge Coronet!
I thought it would be cool, so I had to bring the film camera out to take some shots of old cars with a camera from the same era. I made an Instagram reel if you have any interest in seeing how the shots turned out! It was an awesome feeling sitting in the bleachers there imagining all the sounds of the cars and crowd. It’s also just a great walk and the property borders the Eno River so you can make your way down by the water too if you’d like. If you like history and racing, it’s worth a quick visit.
Lunch at Los Altos
For lunch, I headed back into town for some food. Los Altos has an inviting patio behind all these snake plants, so you feel like you are dining in a lush, tropical outdoor area. I liked it a lot. I ordered what they’re known for, burrito and queso dip, and had zero regret. It wasn’t in my top three burritos I have ever had, but it was solid and combined with the outdoor atmosphere, I would definitely go back.
Shopping and Art
I’m not really a shopper, but I wanted to check out what downtown had to offer. One of the first spots I came across was Dwell, a really small but super interesting boutique offering a curated selection of home décor and gifts. You walk in and there’s beautiful plants, fun furniture and knickknacks. I got myself a pair of vintage metal cowboy bookends. I also stopped by the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts a couple doors down. It showcases works by local artists, and there were some ridiculously good paintings and sculptures. I got a print of a watercolor painting of a gray cat looking out of a front door. It reminded me of my own gray cat, Ringo, who likes to see what’s going on outside and what all the birds and squirrels are up to.
Vinyl and Beer at Volume
This store slash bar is AWESOME. I wish Charlotte had something like this. It’s a small space, chock-full of records with a small bar serving up craft beer. You can find old or new vinyl, listen to the hits, talk to the bartender (he knew so much about music), and sip on some delicious local beverages. It’s pretty great. While there, I met a couple from Hillsborough NC who recommended I visit a house nearby called Ayr Mount. I had to add that to my Sunday itinerary too (details to come!).
Finishing the Day at Eno River Brewing
To conclude the day, I stopped by Eno River Brewing, a local brewery known for its craft beers. It has a great outdoor area perfect for enjoying the surprisingly warm fall days. I got one small pour before heading back to The Colonial for supper and to do a little bit of work on our next issue of QCExclusive and get some rest! What a great Saturday.
Sunday: Historic Homes and Scenic Walks in Hillsborough NC
A Morning Stroll On The Riverwalk Greenway
Sunday morning began with another coffee and then a leisurely walk along the Riverwalk Greenway. This is a scenic trail that is so easy to get to – it’s right downtown – and follows the slow-flowing Eno River. It’s a great way to start the day. It’s very tranquil out there and I really enjoyed getting some shots of the river. In Charlotte, we do not have very many water features, so for such a small town to have such a beautiful river is pretty enviable.
Tour of Ayr Mount
Next, as promised, I went and saw Ayr Mount. This Federal-era house was built in 1815. The meticulously preserved architecture and period furnishings offered a glimpse into early 19th-century life. I walked the grounds, took some fun timelapses, sat in the backyard to take in the view, and even explored the Eno some more here. What a great property. Props to the couple that told me to check it out, because it was worth a visit.
One Last Sweet Treat at Town Scoop in Hillsborough NC
Before heading back to the Queen City, I decided that I had earned some ice cream. I stopped by the Town Scoop and got a scoop of some (basic but delicious) vanilla and then hit the road. It was a nice way to end the visit.
A Thing I Wanted To Do But Will Have To Go Back To Explore: Occoneechee Mountain
I have heard from friends how amazing the views are at Occoneechee Mountain. This is a natural area offering scenic trails and panoramic views of the Eno River. The trails, I’ve been told, meander through lush forests leading to overlooks that are pretty amazing for this part of the state. You don’t really think of breathtaking vistas when you are in the Raleigh-Durham area. Even without seeing it, I had to add it here as I have very reputable sources who say it is worth the visit!
Reflections on Hillsborough NC
Hillsborough may be small but it’s brimming with charm, history, and a vibrant community spirit. From its historic inn, diverse food and drink scene, and scenic trails to the rich cultural heritage, this town offers a delightful escape. My weekend in Hillsborough was both relaxing and enriching, and I will definitely be back to Hillsborough NC. When I do, you’ll probably be able to find me sipping a beer and listening to some records at Volume. What a spot!
