Visit Hillsborough, North Carolina. The perfect weekend getaway. The Perfect day trip. Visit Hillsborough, a Unique southern town. Founded more than 250 years ago. Explore over 100 historic homes and structures. Take in the beautiful, historic architecture. Stroll on the scenic Riverwalk greenway. Hike to the top of Occoneechee Mountain. (Hillsborough is) A haven for artists and writers. Unique shops and restaurants you can’t find anywhere else. Great food, great beer, great people. The perfect weekend getaway (or) escape. Explore for the day, or extend your stay. Delicious (and/or) award winning, locally owned pubs and restaurants. America’s little literary town. America’s coolest small town. No ordinary small southern town. The (or) A Small town with BIG History. Variations: It’s just a stone’s throw; A charming southern getaway. It’s just a stone’s throw to a charming, southern getaway on the banks of the Eno River.
Do you recognize this street? This is Churton Street, the heart of our beautiful little town! ♥️ This street has grown and changed so much over the years, and our friends over at @ourstatemag have written an amazing article all about the history of North Churton. Click the link in our bio to read both articles - one about Churton Street and its history, and the other about things to do on Hillsborough’s main drag.
Photos by Alex Boerner, Our State Magazine.
Jan 7
Re-Invintaged Home Decor and More is a beautiful home furnishing boutique filled with handmade artisan offerings. But there’s so much more! They also offer gifts, candles, accessories, clothing, art, and so much more. Look out for their beautiful window display on Churton Street! @reinvintaged20
⭐️ Re-Invintaged is located at 120 S Churton St here in Hillsborough NC
🤎 Their hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-5pm and Sunday from 1-4
Jan 6
Spiral Studios @spiralstudiosjewelry is a shop that sells handmade sterling silver jewelry, with new pieces made every day! There are beautiful and creative pieces for every occasion - stop by and see what speaks to you!
📍Spiral Studios is located at 115 N Churton Street
🌀 They are open Monday-Friday from 10am-6pm and Saturday from 10am-5pm!
Dec 30
The @hillsborougharts Solstice Lantern Walk and Market is happening this weekend on Saturday December 20th from 5-8pm!
⭐️ Registration is required to attend this event. The cost is free with a suggested donation of $5-10 per person. You can register by visiting the HAC website.
🌙 The Solstice Market will take place at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion. For the lantern walk, you can walk at your own pace for the duration of the event!
Thank you to HAC staff for the footage of 2024’s Solstice Lantern Walk. 💙
Dec 19
You may know our friends at @hillsborougharts for the amazing events they organize, including the Solstice Lantern Walk (happening this Saturday!!) But have you been to the Gallery and Gift Shop yet? They feature a variety of pieces from 65+ local artists including pottery, metalwork, fiber arts, art prints, and so much more! Their shop is a perfect opportunity to find creative and high quality last minute gifts!
📍The HAC gallery and gift shop is located at 102 N Churton Street in historic downtown
✨They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 11am to 6pm!
Dec 17
Did you know Hillsborough, NC has a fun holiday tradition called Homes for the Holidays Gingerbread contest? Join in on the downtown walking tour by clicking the link in our bio for a map! Each gingerbread home is in the window of a business in town. 🍭
The homes will be on display until January 4. Vote for your favorite by December 25th!! ✨
Dec 11
Have you been to Uniquitiques yet? It is the most incredible hidden gem vintage shop, and a must-visit in town. Find everything from cowboy boots, to jewelry, to dresses and more! You may even run into a furry friend. 😉🐱 They also have one of the coolest holiday displays in town on their front lawn!
📍Uniquitiques is located at 125 E King Street in Hillsborough
⭐️ They are open 11-4, Wednesday through Saturday!
Don’t forget to shop and dine small this holiday season in Hillsborough ♥️
Dec 9
Kelly of @historichillsborough and Meighan Carmichael of @hillsboroughregroup joined Aaron Keck and @wchlchapelboro to chat more about Holiday Happenings in Hillsborough! There’s so much to do - Jingle and Joy weekend starts this Saturday, and Homes for the Holidays Gingerbread Competition begins on Sunday!
But the fun in Hillsborough doesn’t end there - once you’re finished visiting Santa, shopping for gifts, or dining out, check out some of the nightlife Hillsborough has to offer! Eryk Pruitt of @yonderbarnc walks you through it - check out the link in our Bio to read Eryk’s article and listen to Meighan and Kelly talk about holiday fun in town!
Dec 4
🎄✨ Jingle and Joy Holiday Weekend | December 6 to 7, 2025 ✨🎄
Celebrate the season in Hillsborough with two full days of festive fun for the whole community. Come enjoy the sparkle, music, and traditions that make this time of year special.
🎅 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Start the excitement at the Hillsborough Visitor Center with Photos with Santa, a cozy Reading with Mrs. Claus at 3:00 PM, a Multicultural Holiday Fair, free yard games, and sweet treats for sale.
At 5:00 PM, gather with the Color and Light Community Choir and walk together to the Historic Orange County Courthouse for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Watch downtown come alive as the lights turn on for the season. 🎄
✨ From 3 to 8 PM, step into Hillsborough’s past with the Tinsel and Traditions Home Tour. This ticketed experience offers a fresh take on the classic Candlelight Home Tours and gives guests a chance to explore local history in a warm, welcoming setting.
🎄 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
Wrap up the weekend with one of Hillsborough’s most loved traditions: the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade, complete with music, floats, and cheerful surprises.
The Running of the Elves begins at 4:00 PM, followed by the parade at 4:20 PM.
For details, check the link in our bio.
🎟️ Tickets are needed only for the Tinsel and Traditions Home Tour.
All other activities are free!!
Dec 2
🦃 Happy Thanksgiving Hillsborough! There’s a lot going on this weekend!
⭐️The final Last Fridays of 2025! This includes a free make your own paper lantern workshop at Snow Approach from 6-8pm. @hillsborougharts
✨It is also Small Business Saturday on November 29 - don’t forget to shop and dine small this weekend and during the holidays!
Nov 27
Just a reminder that this Saturday, November 29th is small business Saturday! ✨✨✨✨
Hillsborough is so lucky to have a range of unique and high quality local shops, restaurants, and bars in town. It’s always important to shop local, but shopping on Small Business Saturday is an extra special way to show your support.
This is also a great time to get those holiday gifts knocked out early! 👀
Nov 26
Happy Friday Hillsborough! Here are a few fun festive things going on this weekend ✨
⭐️Color and Light Community Choir Sing-along Fundraiser | November 22, 4pm | Eno House
@enohouseig
🎁Drop-in Card Making Workshop at Margaret Lane Gallery | November 22 between 10-4
@margaretlanegallery
⭐️Make and Take Folded Star Ornaments at Bull Town Fabrics | Nov 21 3-5pm and Nov 22 2-4pm
@bulltownfabrics22
As always, Hillsborough’s many shops, bars, and restaurants are ready to welcome you for the holiday season! Click the link in our bio for more information.
Nov 21
