Historic Hillsborough Guidebook
City/town information
Hillsborough is a small Southern town with a big history. The town itself is one of the oldest communities in North Carolina and was an important center of trade at the time of the American Revolution, serving briefly as the state capital when the then-capital of New Bern was held by the British.
Hillsborough is full of charming historic houses –– the downtown historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features more than 100 homes, churches and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, Hillsborough is a haven for artists and writers (having more Pulitzers-per-capita than any other destination in the world).
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Hillsborough
Hillsborough is a small Southern town with a big history. The town itself is one of the oldest communities in North Carolina and was an important center of trade at the time of the American Revolution, serving briefly as the state capital when the then-capital of New Bern was held by the British.
Hillsborough is full of charming historic houses –– the downtown historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features more than 100 homes, churches and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, Hillsborough is a haven for artists and writers (having more Pulitzers-per-capita than any other destination in the world).
Sightseeing
The Visitors Center is the top resource for info on local attractions. There's also a gift shop, a folk art gallery, and a video on historic Hillsborough for public viewing. In addition, the Visitors Center is located in the Historic Alexander Dickson House (late 1700's), one of the most historically significant buildings in town!
Hillsborough Visitors Center
150 E King StThe Visitors Center is the top resource for info on local attractions. There's also a gift shop, a folk art gallery, and a video on historic Hillsborough for public viewing. In addition, the Visitors Center is located in the Historic Alexander Dickson House (late 1700's), one of the most historically significant buildings in town!
Experience the small-town service and personal attention you’d expect, but with the wine expertise you may not! Hillsborough Wine Company features a huge selection and knowledgeable staff that are happy to help you grab a bottle to go or grab a bottle to stay.
Their tasting machines are state-of-the-art! And there are a handful of tables and chairs in the store and also a few comfy chairs for curling up with some vino and friends.
Hillsborough Wine Co
118 S Churton StExperience the small-town service and personal attention you’d expect, but with the wine expertise you may not! Hillsborough Wine Company features a huge selection and knowledgeable staff that are happy to help you grab a bottle to go or grab a bottle to stay.
Their tasting machines are state-of-the-art! And there are a handful of tables and chairs in the store and also a few comfy chairs for curling up with some vino and friends.
Ayr Mount is a Federal-era estate built in 1815 in Hillsborough, NC by William Kirkland. Kirkland named the house in honor of his birthplace, Ayr, Scotland.
Ayr Mount looks deceptively simple, even austere on the outside. There are no soaring columns proclaiming its classicism. On the other hand, Ayr Mount is far grander – especially in the interior – than one might expect from a first look at the exterior. The ceiling height of 14 feet is unusual for this period as is the elaborate Federal period woodwork and plasterwork found throughout the house.
Ayr Mount also was the first major residence built of brick in this area of predominantly colonial era wood frame houses. At the time of its construction at the end of the War of 1812, Ayr Mount was considered one of the finest residential structures in Piedmont North Carolina.
The grounds of the estate are free to stroll –– the poet's walk by the river, rolling fields, family cemetery, and picnic tables are open for one and all! Perfect spot for a picnic.
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Ayr Mount
376 Saint Marys RoadAyr Mount is a Federal-era estate built in 1815 in Hillsborough, NC by William Kirkland. Kirkland named the house in honor of his birthplace, Ayr, Scotland.
Ayr Mount looks deceptively simple, even austere on the outside. There are no soaring columns proclaiming its classicism. On the other hand, Ayr Mount is far grander – especially in the interior – than one might expect from a first look at the exterior. The ceiling height of 14 feet is unusual for this period as is the elaborate Federal period woodwork and plasterwork found throughout the house.
Ayr Mount also was the first major residence built of brick in this area of predominantly colonial era wood frame houses. At the time of its construction at the end of the War of 1812, Ayr Mount was considered one of the finest residential structures in Piedmont North Carolina.
The grounds of the estate are free to stroll –– the poet's walk by the river, rolling fields, family cemetery, and picnic tables are open for one and all! Perfect spot for a picnic.
Moorefields was built in 1785 as a summer home by Alfred Moore, a Revolutionary military leader, founder of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and prominent jurist who ultimately served as the second and last North Carolinian on the United States Supreme Court.
The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 by Edward Draper-Savage, an artist and UNC French professor. The 70 acres of woodlands and permanent pasture at Moorefields are currently maintained as a wildlife refuge.
Open House afternoons are from 1 – 5 pm on the LAST SUNDAY of the month April through August)
Otherwise, Moorefields is open by appointment or for scheduled events.
Moorefields Foundation
2201 Moorefields RoadMoorefields was built in 1785 as a summer home by Alfred Moore, a Revolutionary military leader, founder of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and prominent jurist who ultimately served as the second and last North Carolinian on the United States Supreme Court.
The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 by Edward Draper-Savage, an artist and UNC French professor. The 70 acres of woodlands and permanent pasture at Moorefields are currently maintained as a wildlife refuge.
Open House afternoons are from 1 – 5 pm on the LAST SUNDAY of the month April through August)
Otherwise, Moorefields is open by appointment or for scheduled events.
Accessed via its entrance by Weaver Street Market (228 South Churton Street), the Riverwalk is a paved, accessible, urban greenway that stretches about 1.8 miles along the Eno River between Gold Park in western Hillsborough and trails east of town.
It is a popular trail for walking, jogging and cycling, and provides pedestrian connections between several neighborhoods.
The greenway is open daily from 8 a.m. until a half hour after sunset.
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Hillsborough Riverwalk
Hillsborough RiverwalkAccessed via its entrance by Weaver Street Market (228 South Churton Street), the Riverwalk is a paved, accessible, urban greenway that stretches about 1.8 miles along the Eno River between Gold Park in western Hillsborough and trails east of town.
It is a popular trail for walking, jogging and cycling, and provides pedestrian connections between several neighborhoods.
The greenway is open daily from 8 a.m. until a half hour after sunset.
St. Matthew's a gorgeous, historic church directly across the street. It has a beautiful graveyard featuring headstones and monuments from the 1700's - today.
It's worth a stroll across the street to admire the architecture and quiet beauty.
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
210 St Marys RdSt. Matthew's a gorgeous, historic church directly across the street. It has a beautiful graveyard featuring headstones and monuments from the 1700's - today.
It's worth a stroll across the street to admire the architecture and quiet beauty.
Each Saturday morning, local farmers and craftspeople gather to sell their goods at the Farmer's Market. All of 3 blocks away, it's a fun opportunity to meet some of the local community AND enjoy amazing baked offerings, coffee, and organic produce.
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Eno River Farmers Market
144 E Margaret LnEach Saturday morning, local farmers and craftspeople gather to sell their goods at the Farmer's Market. All of 3 blocks away, it's a fun opportunity to meet some of the local community AND enjoy amazing baked offerings, coffee, and organic produce.
Food scene
The Colonial Inn, an 1838 landmark in a quiet and sleepy southern town, was lovingly restored in 2020. The inn is one of the oldest operating hotels in the state and sits within one of the most historic town in North Carolina.
The Inn boasts Sunday brunches (call ahead!) and daily bar bites (starting at 3pm) or dinner (from 5pm).
The managers are friends - tell Elise or Rutland that Cooper sent you :)
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The Colonial Inn
153 W King StThe Colonial Inn, an 1838 landmark in a quiet and sleepy southern town, was lovingly restored in 2020. The inn is one of the oldest operating hotels in the state and sits within one of the most historic town in North Carolina.
The Inn boasts Sunday brunches (call ahead!) and daily bar bites (starting at 3pm) or dinner (from 5pm).
The managers are friends - tell Elise or Rutland that Cooper sent you :)
Classic Italian entrees, pasta dishes, & cocktails served in an upscale eatery with sidewalk tables. Lunch and dinner daily (except Mondays).
Brunch is served Sundays 11-2pm
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Antonia's Restaurant
101 N Churton StClassic Italian entrees, pasta dishes, & cocktails served in an upscale eatery with sidewalk tables. Lunch and dinner daily (except Mondays).
Brunch is served Sundays 11-2pm
An integral part of Hillsborough, NC! Chill coffeehouse with rotating beans, light bites & sweet treats, plus local art & outdoor seating.
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Cup-A-Joe
112 W King StAn integral part of Hillsborough, NC! Chill coffeehouse with rotating beans, light bites & sweet treats, plus local art & outdoor seating.
The Wooden Nickel has been the neighborhood gathering place since 2003! Think Southern neighborhood pub, with jumbo wings, bespoke burgers, & an array of sauces –– along with lots of local & craft beers. (They even have a few vegan options!)
Cool fact: their beef and chicken is raised on their own free-range farm, a few miles north of town!
Our friend, Britton, is one of the managers there - be sure to tell him Cooper sent you :)
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Wooden Nickel Pub
113 N Churton StThe Wooden Nickel has been the neighborhood gathering place since 2003! Think Southern neighborhood pub, with jumbo wings, bespoke burgers, & an array of sauces –– along with lots of local & craft beers. (They even have a few vegan options!)
Cool fact: their beef and chicken is raised on their own free-range farm, a few miles north of town!
Our friend, Britton, is one of the managers there - be sure to tell him Cooper sent you :)
If you love good beer and good music, this is the place for you. Enjoy a fine brew while browsing their eclectic selection of records. There’s always something good playing.
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Volume Records & Beer
226 S Churton StIf you love good beer and good music, this is the place for you. Enjoy a fine brew while browsing their eclectic selection of records. There’s always something good playing.
Radius Pizzeria is a family owned restaurant located in the heart of downtown historic Hillsborough. They offer fresh, handmade wood-fired pizzas, salads, paninis, and pasta dishesIts –– their wholesome ingredients are sourced locally (and they have AMAZING vegan pizzas!).
Their full-stocked bar and friendly bartenders are also a hit.
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Radius Pizzeria & Pub
112 N Churton StRadius Pizzeria is a family owned restaurant located in the heart of downtown historic Hillsborough. They offer fresh, handmade wood-fired pizzas, salads, paninis, and pasta dishesIts –– their wholesome ingredients are sourced locally (and they have AMAZING vegan pizzas!).
Their full-stocked bar and friendly bartenders are also a hit.
Nomad at the Osbunn is located in a gorgeous old theater. Their very talented chef creates upscale, exotic selections from a number of geographies –– from Indian, to Thai, to Mediterranean. Their drink menu is robust and the ambiance is great. Some of the best food in Hillsborough by far!
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Nomad
122 W King StNomad at the Osbunn is located in a gorgeous old theater. Their very talented chef creates upscale, exotic selections from a number of geographies –– from Indian, to Thai, to Mediterranean. Their drink menu is robust and the ambiance is great. Some of the best food in Hillsborough by far!
Whit's Frozen Custard is a favorite! This shop is quickly becoming a staple and carries 2 rotating, fun (sometimes wacky) flavors in addition to your typical chocolate and vanilla.
If you're feeling really adventurous, get a large Whitser (a massive milkshake) with brownie bites, cookie dough, hot caramel, and more ...
NOTE: they usually carry a sugar-free and vegan option in the freezer!
Kathy Hupp
240 S Nash StWhit's Frozen Custard is a favorite! This shop is quickly becoming a staple and carries 2 rotating, fun (sometimes wacky) flavors in addition to your typical chocolate and vanilla.
If you're feeling really adventurous, get a large Whitser (a massive milkshake) with brownie bites, cookie dough, hot caramel, and more ...
NOTE: they usually carry a sugar-free and vegan option in the freezer!
Our local co-op grocery, where everything is local / healthy / good for the earth! They have great selection of produce, snacks, fine cheese, wine, etc AND a hot bar and salad bar if you're in the mood for something hearty and healthy.
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Weaver Street Market
101 E Weaver StOur local co-op grocery, where everything is local / healthy / good for the earth! They have great selection of produce, snacks, fine cheese, wine, etc AND a hot bar and salad bar if you're in the mood for something hearty and healthy.