Hillsborough’s downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you’ll find coffee shops, art galleries, award-winning restaurants, unique retailers and delicious bakeries.

The Hillsborough Arts Council recently opened an exhibit of sculptural crowns and masks based on woodland spirits, the work of local author John Claude Bemis. It’s also a solid place to shop for gifts like Chapel Hill cards by printmaker Katie Hayes of New South Pattern House.

It’s exactly a three-mile shady stroll round trip from the Riverwalk trailhead at South Cameron Street to the dog-friendly Eno River Brewing, which often has food trucks, or you can get pizza delivered from West Hillsborough Pizzeria. Your dog will thank you for the exercise!

Shop for vintage and one-of-a-kind items like art, pillows, books and kitchen wares at Dwell. Or join the store’s newly formed book club. This spring, a group read “If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry” by Hillsborough’s own Molly Stillman.

Located in a former movie theater, Nomad serves up cross-cultural offerings from samosas and green Thai curry to mango lassi and fish and chips. Order a cocktail and enjoy the patio before heading a few doors down for live music at Yonder.

Vinyl lovers and beer enthusiasts will love Volume featuring a selection of both in a laid-back setting. Be sure to check out the mural honoring jazz great Billy Strayhorn on its exterior wall.

Studio 71 is a funky frame shop that’s covered in cool murals. Check out the latest art exhibit on display in the gallery, or bring in anything from T-shirts to travel postcards to be framed.

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