HILLSBOROUGH

Hillsborough at over 250 years old, is the birthplace of the North Carolina Regulators, home of Mary Todd Lincoln’s confidante, Elizabeth Keckley, and eternal home of William Hooper, signer of the Declaration of Independence who was laid to rest in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery here in 1790. Hillsborough is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover Historic Hillsborough.

HILLSBOROUGH DINING

Wow, here’s a sampling. Panciuto's chef, Aaron Vandemark, was nominated as a semifinalist each year from 2011 - 2016 "Best Chef: Southeast” by the James Beard Foundation, and by Food and Wine Magazine for "The People's Best New Chef 2011.” The Wooden Nickel is the kind of bar where you’re just as likely to find a bunch of bikers as you would be to chat with a Ph.d candidate in Shakespeare. It’s beer and bar food and fun. On Churton Street is James Pharmacy, a local seafood joint located in the town's former pharmacy. Saratoga Grill: Think fresh mesquite and charcoal grilled seafood, beef and steak, high quality ingredients and snappy service. Find Antonia’s Italian restaurant and Radius Pizza. Around the corner is Cup-A-Joe, best coffee in town or any town. The list goes on and on. Enjoy!

WEST HILLSBOROUGH AND NASH STREET

West Nash Street, just west of downtown Hillsborough, is one of the hippest streets in Hillsborough. A great place to "hang" and relax, enjoy home brews, award-wining barbecue, music, custard and people watching. The newest entry to Nash Street is the corner Nash Street Tavern, featuring a diverse selection of craft beers and personally selected wines - they also showcase local and regional bands. Just a few doors down is Hillsborough BBQ Company offering pit-cooked whole hog BBQ as its specialty and Whit's Frozen Custard makes their custard fresh everyday.

HILLSBOROUGH FARMERS’ MARKETS

There are two: Hillsborough Farmers’ Market located at UNC Hospitals and the Eno River Farmers’ Market right downtown. Veggies and fruits, flowers, jams and baked goods, honey, herbs, plants. What you can’t find at one you can get at the other, and visa versa. Special chef events and tastings. Music every Saturday.

RIVERWALK

Riverwalk is an 1.8-mile commuter and recreational trail near downtown Hillsborough. It follows the Eno River and is handicap accessible, with paved paths, boardwalks and two 100-foot bridges. The trail is open from Gold Park to River Park through Hillsborough’s historic downtown. The final phase will run south to Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area and east to the Historic Occoneechee Speedway trails and the Poet’s Walk at Ayr Mount. Riverwalk is part of the state’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Free parking is available at Gold Park or at the Eno River Parking Deck beside Weaver Street Market.