The Triangle Weekender

Plan a Peaceful Weekend in Hillsborough, NC
Enjoy a weekend in Hillsborough, NC experiencing beloved restaurants, shops, art galleries and more.
Volume- TMP

Friday

4 p.m.: Delightful Decor

Browse homemaking essentials at 108 Churton. This cozy home and lifestyle shop has a little bit of everything, from women’s apparel and baby products to elegant home decor and jewelry.

6 p.m.: Dinner Downtown

Explore nearby colonial-era buildings and learn from dozens of historic markers on your way to Weaver Street Market – the perfect spot for families to relax on the patio after a day strolling through downtown. Peruse the market’s hot bar and choose from local favorites like its pulled pork, potato soup or buffalo chicken sandwich.

7 p.m.: Evening on the Eno

Stretch your legs after supper and go for a walk, run or bicycle ride on this scenic, urban greenway located just behind the market. The Riverwalk follows the Eno River and is open daily from 7 a.m. to a half hour past sunset. Swing by Eno River Brewing after your walk and enjoy a beer, wine, cider or speciality drink like its frozen lemonade or hot butter rum.

Saturday

10 a.m.: Berries and Cream

Start your morning off with a little fresh air and sunshine at Eno River Farm. Explore a variety of delicious products, like its homemade ice cream or pick your own seasonal berries.

Ava James Simpson, 3, enjoys ice cream and fresh strawberries at the farm
on St Marys Road, Hillsborough, NC. Photo by John Michael Simpson

11 a.m.: Busy Bees

Visit Bailey Bee Supply and learn what it takes to become a beekeeper. Already have a hive? Shop supplies or grab a jar of Bailey’s traditional or creamed honey to enjoy at home.

Noon: Classic Cuisine

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, swing by The Wooden Nickel Public House for lunch and request a seat on the front porch. Enjoy delicious, farm-to-table delicacies, refreshing craft beers on tap and delectable dessert options provided by Kim’s Bake Shop next door.

2 p.m.: Sweet Treat

After lunch, take a trip over to Hillsborough’s beloved chocolate shop, Matthew’s Chocolates. Pick your favorite chocolates or sorbet and take a stroll through Downtown Hillsborough, located just along the Eno River.

3 p.m.: Vintage Leather

Schedule an appointment to freshen up your wardrobe with a little Southern style from Uniquitiques. Try on your next pair of vintage cowboy boots and explore a wide collection of t-shirts, jewelry and accessories.

4 p.m.: Get Creative

Take a class or find inspiration in the gallery at Eno Arts Mill. The mill is a hub for local art, housing 10,000-square-feet of artist studios, workspaces and more.

Get creative at Eno Arts Mill during your weekend in Hillsborough
Photo courtesy of Eno Arts Mill

6 p.m.: Bob’s Burgers

Enjoy comfort food like burgers and chicken wings with a side of fries or okra from Big Bob’s City Grill. Big Bob’s is a dining destination designed to welcome everyone, offering vegetarian options, accessible seating areas and gender-neutral restrooms.

Sunday

10 a.m.: Southern Brunch

Enjoy a scratch-made southern breakfast at Village Diner, like its Millworker’s Breakfast – a scrumptious combo of eggs, stone-ground grits, a country biscuit and a choice of bacon or sausage patties.

Noon: Ice Cream Craving

Discover an ice cream-lover’s wonderland at Broken Spoke Farm, with homemade, small-batch flavors, with vegan options available. Past highlights included cereal milk, black sesame and chili chocolate and Oreo.

1 p.m.: Nature Walk

Hike or picnic at Poet’s Walk, the one-mile, dog-friendly walking trail through scenic fields and forests surrounding the historic Ayr Mount house. The home, built in 1815, was one of the first brick houses built in the area and is nestled amongst 285 acres of serene, protected land.

2 p.m.: Pit-Cooked Perfection

Swing by Hillsborough BBQ Company and treat yourself to the pork nachos, catfish bites or a rubbed brisket sandwich. This local favorite, and 2021 Best of Chapel Hill winner, serves up Southern classics with passion.

4 p.m.: Brews and Grooves

Browse classic vinyls at Volume Records during your weekend in Hillsborough

Volume Records & Beer welcomes casual collectors and vinyl-lovers alike. Savor a relaxing close to a perfect weekend and sip a refreshing cold beer while you choose the newest addition to your record collection.

Planning your next weekend in the Triangle? Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on Instagram or check out the Ultimate Triangle Checklist.

[adrotate group="2"]

Sign up for Our Newsletter

Get our editors’ picks for the upcoming weekend, the latest restaurant news and so much more in our weekly newsletters!