Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys in Hillsborough, NC

One of our favorite things about North Carolina is its incredible diversity. From Atlantic beaches to Western mountains to central metropolitans, there’s a destination suited to every type of traveler. If you’re partial to the Tar Heel State’s small towns, here’s one to add to the top of your “must-visit” list. Hillsborough, located within a 20-minute drive from both Chapel Hill and Durham, is the North Carolina town you need to quit sleeping on.

The town has been around for so long that some may have forgotten it, but it played a hugely important role in the Civil War. It was the site of the largest surrender of Confederate armies, which significantly encouraged the ending of the war. Today, the downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to more than 100 homes, schools, churches, and buildings built in the late 18^th and 19^th centuries. While history is definitely a hallmark of this quaint riverfront community, it is also known for gorgeous state parks and outdoor attractions, a lively arts and culture scene, and excellent local downtown shopping. Keep reading for the best things to do in Hillsborough, North Carolina.

What To Do In Hillsborough, North Carolina

Learn about Hillsborough’s history dating back to before it was even established (as Orange in 1754). The historic replica site depicts an Occaneechi village on the banks of the Eno River as it would have been in 1701. It’s a fascinating to get a glimpse into the past and learn about a native culture.

E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278

The replica site is located on Hillsborough’s Riverwalk, a three-mile paved trail along the Eno River that connects the town’s east and west sides. Accessible from downtown Hillsborough, the popular path lies between two other major attractions: the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area and the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, a 44-acre site that with a four-mile trail that includes the only surviving dirt speedway from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season.

320 Elizabeth Brady Rd., Hillsborough, NC 27278

The other terminus of the Riverwalk is Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, a secluded outdoor escape known for its two peaceful fishing ponds, three miles of hiking trails through rhododendron- and mountain laurel-laden forests, and excellent overlooks of the Eno River. It’s a great place to hike, fish, picnic, or just breathe in a breath of fresh air.

ncparks.gov; 625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278; 919-383-1686

Art is a big part of the community in Hillsborough and one of the biggest proponents of the arts is the Hillsborough Arts Council. The council sponsors several events throughout the year, but its most popular is the Last Fridays & Art Walk, a town-wide celebration that includes live music, dance, poetry, gallery exhibits, and makers markets on the last Friday of each month from March through October. If you’re not in town during that window, you can always stop into the council’s gallery and gift shop, which features buyable works from more than 65 local artists.

hillsboroughartscouncil.org; 102 N Churton St., Hillsborough, NC; 919-643-2500

Another place to tap into Hillsborough’s thriving arts scene is at the 1,000-square-foot exhibit space known as the Eno Mills Gallery. Hosted at the Eno Arts Mill, a historic mill that now serves as a multidisciplinary art gathering space, the gallery features the works of more than 30 Orange County artists who both work and exhibit in the space.

artsorange.org/enomill/gallery; 437 Dimmocks Mill Road, Suite 17, Hillsborough, NC 27278; 919-245-2129

History is a cornerstone of Hillsborough’s identity, so any visit requires some time reflecting on the town’s past. Start at the Orange County Historical Museum, which is in the heart of downtown Hillsborough and can provide a good basis of knowledge about the area. From there, hit other major points of interest including the Burwell School Historic Site, an important site in the struggle for women’s education in America, and the Alexander Dickson House, a significant Civil War-era home that now serves as the Hillsborough Visitor Center.

It’s easy to get sucked into the quaint window displays and charming streetscapes of Hillsborough’s historic downtown, so it’s best to plan ample time to explore all it has to offer. If you want a bit of a gameplan before going, bookmark Uniquitiques for one-of-a-kind vintage fashion and goods (including a killer boot collection); Carlisle & Linny for vintage jewelry; Re-Invintage and Dwell for home décor; Purple Crow Books for new reads from an independent seller; and Volume for a huge record selection with an attached taproom and lounge.

Where To Eat & Drink In Hillsborough, North Carolina

For more than 20 years, this neighborhood eatery and pub has been a local mainstay. Committed to excellent food, craft brews, and creating community, Nickel Pub doubled down on its mission by opening its own farm where it focuses on humanely raising animals. Everything on the menu is delicious, from the fried banana pepper appetizer served with smoked onion ranch to the burgers, but the signature order and best-selling item is indisputably the chicken wings. Choose from 10 housemade sauces, and revel in the crispy, juicy, saucy goodness.

thewnp.com; 113 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278; 919-932-0134

Right next door to Wooden Nickel is Kim’s Bake Shop, a pastry and dessert hub helmed by pastry chef Kimberly Mayer. Stop inside to sample the day’s selection from slices of layer cakes and pies to donuts, muffins, scones, and more. For more expertly proofed baked goods, head to the Hillsborough Bakeshop & Pasta Co., where you can start your morning with sourdough chocolate babka or a Swedish cardamom Kanelbullar, or visit for dinner to slurp down homemade pasta dishes like black campanelle with chopped shrimp, saffron cream, and Calabrian chiles.

Venture just outside Hillsborough’s historic district to try the incredible stuffed pupusas at Samantha’s Pupusas. The Salvadorian delicacy is a masa or cornmeal patty or dough cake that’s stuffed with fillings like meat, beans, cheese, and veggies. Visit with a friend or two to try as many of the filling options as you can manage. The Revuelta with fried pork, beans, and cheese is a favorite.

facebook.com; 117 Cornelius St, Hillsborough, NC 27278; 919-241-4644

You don’t have to be a full-time wanderer, or even leave North Carolina, to try flavors from all over the globe. The Nomad takes diners on a culinary adventure that’s different each time you go. Start your meal with Indian pakoras pastry stuffed with spicy chorizo, then choose your region for dinner. Entrées range from Greek chicken souvlaki to Szechuan fried rice.

thenomadnc.com; 122 West King Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278; 984-217-0179

Eastern North Carolina barbecue is in a class of its own, and you can’t leave Hillsborough without trying the local delicacy. The best place to get it is Hillsborough BBQ, where you can chow down on hickory-smoked and chopped pork in their thin, vinegar-based sauce served alongside red, white, or yellow slaw. Other regional favorites to try include Brunswick stew, hushpuppies, corn pudding, fried okra, and collard greens.

hillsboroughbbq.com; 236 S. Nash St., Hillsborough, NC 27278; 919-732-4647

If you’re looking to whet the whistle, head to Yonder, a place that considers itself Hillsborough’s unofficial living room. Stop in for handcrafted cocktails, beer, and wine in the company of live music and rotating art installations. Eno River Brewing, which opened in 2023, is the place to go for local craft brews that rotate on a regular basis. The newest place to venture is The Rookery, which opened in December 2024 and features both a quaint garden and a comfortable lounge.

Where To Stay In Hillsborough, North Carolina

Located in the heart of downtown, the Colonial Inn has been around since 1838 and is now one of the oldest buildings to operate as a boutique hotel in the state. In 2020, the historic inn was lovingly restored to its former glory, and today there are 28 gorgeously furnished rooms to choose from, as well as an onsite restaurant called Spencer’s Tavern where you can have lunch or dinner.

colonialinn-nc.com; 153 W King Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278; 984-789-4455

The wood-burning oven of a downtown Hillsborough pizzeria will close this month after more than a decade of slinging pies.

The popular Radius Pizzeria & Pub in the heart of foodie Hillsborough announced this week it will close, the last weekend of 2024.

Owners and married couple Kate and Mick Carroll announced the closing Wednesday morning, calling it a “bittersweet sadness,” while adding the pizzeria was filled with wonderful memories.

“Since opening our doors on March 26, 2013, Radius has been dedicated to providing our guests with welcoming dining experiences, featuring our signature natural fermentation dough, cooked on a brick floor by wood fire,” the couple said in an emailed statement. “Radius has enjoyed sharing globally-inspired comfort food; making all our dishes from scratch for a wide range of palates. Over the years we have been honored to be a part of countless celebrations, gatherings, and everyday meals with our valued patrons.”

Radius opened in an era of emerging wood-burning ovens in Triangle pizzerias, as local diners became accustomed to world class pizza. Radius introduced that style to the foodie paradise of Hillsborough, where just a few city blocks are packed with beloved neighborhood restaurants, bars and James Beard-nominated chefs.

The Radius owners said the decision to close was influenced by a desire to do more things outside the restaurant.

“The decision to close was not made lightly or easily,” the Carrolls said. “Radius has been our lives for these past 11 years, and while it has been a source of joy, connection, and community, Radius has also kept our family from doing many things. We are looking forward to having time and energy for ourselves, our family and giving our sons, Ronan and Wyatt, our best selves. We are incredibly grateful for the support and loyalty of our customers, who have made our journey so rewarding.”

Radius was known for its classic and creative pizzas, with bases beyond the traditional tomato sauce, with some pies made with smoky barbecue sauce, white wine and onion marmalade. The Hillsborough pizzeria was a destination for pizza lovers with dietary restrictions, as Radius was known for one of the Triangle’s best gluten free pies.

There are still more than three weeks of service for Radius, which will close Sunday, Dec. 29.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, who have been the backbone of Radius,” the owners said. “Working with so many talented people over the years has been an honor and a privilege for both of us. Our employees’ hard work, passion, and commitment have been instrumental in creating the warm and welcoming atmosphere that our guests have come to love.”

The News & Observer

919-829-4707

Drew Jackson writes about restaurants and dining for The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun, covering the food scene in the Triangle and North Carolina.