Spring is Here!
March 26, 2022
Spring is Here – come see what’s blooming in Hillsborough!
This Sunday, March 20th, 2022, marks the first official day of spring! As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, make sure to get out and enjoy the season in Hillsborough through local parks, outdoor dining, public art, and more.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at these parks:
While River Park itself isn’t new, there is an exciting new project taking place at the entrance this season! The River Park Arch, designed by Raleigh-based installation artist Jonathan Brilliant, stands about fifteen feet high with two open dome-like structures at either endpoint. These base structures are inspired by the huts created by the Occoneechee that lived along the Eno River in the 17th Century. This project was initiated when an approximately 250 year-old, venerable Southern Red Oak on Calvin Street in West Hillsborough fell during Hurricane Florence in September 2018. The Hillsborough Arts Council and the Orange County Arts Commission invite the public to the River Park over the next several weeks to watch the progress unfold and to meet Brilliant, including during the Last Fridays Art Walk on March 25th.
Occaneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Occaneechee Mountain, managed by the Eno River State Park, offers three miles of trail, quiet ponds for fishing for bass and panfish, and of course the Eno River! There are large shady oaks on the grassy picnic lawn, perfect for enjoying this quick escape into nature.
…or enjoy outdoor dining and live music at these restaurants:
Spencer’s Tavern at the Colonial Inn is open and filled with regional charm designed to please every palate. What’s more, the Colonial Inn offers Courtyard Concerts at the Colonial – a unique setting for concert goers to experience their favorite local artists! Take a look at the concert schedule here. Blankets and chairs are recommended!
Yonder Southern Cocktails & Brew
Yonder serves as Hillsborough’s unofficial living room and arts space where folks gather to celebrate craft cocktails, beer, and local artists. Musicians perform three nights per week and monthly art installations make this place a comfortable, safe place for friends to gather and relax. Check out their calendar here!
And celebrate your weekends in Hillsborough this spring!
… with the Last Fridays & Art Walk:
Last Fridays are back, starting March 25th! Hosted by the Hillsborough Arts Council with support from the Town of Hillsborough Tourism Board, Last Fridays & the Art Walk occur on the last Friday of each month, March – November 2022, from 6-9 pm. The Last Fridays & Art Walk promote the work of local artists in participating downtown galleries and businesses. Many galleries host opening receptions and meet and greets with artists, offering light snacks and beverages. Each month is different, featuring entertainment like live music, poetry, makers markets, performance art, activities and crafts, and more! Additionally, there are fresh ways to connect and interact with nature, local history, and your community every month. The Hillsborough Arts Council invites you to come for dinner, catch some entertainment, shop, and explore Hillsborough. Visit their website for more information and to learn about the 20+ Art walk venues.
… and at the Eno River Farmers Market:
The original Hillsborough market was established in 1754. The market house was one of the first structures planned for when the town was surveyed and laid out. It was located on the northwest corner of “Courthouse Square,” which today is roughly the location of the 1844 Orange County Courthouse. Today, this downtown market tradition continues (264 years later!) in almost the same location. The Eno River Farmers Market offers farm fresh vegetables and fruit, cheese, pasture raised meat and eggs, wood fire baked goods, prepared foods and crafts from local growers and producers. While the market is open year-round, it will have longer hours beginning in April: 8am-noon every Saturday!
