Looking for small-town charm, artsy vibes, and natural escapes? Head to Pittsboro! Nestled in central North Carolina, Pittsboro offers a delightful mix of historic streets, creative energy, and Southern hospitality. Whether you're exploring local art, sipping wine in the countryside, or hiking scenic trails, Pittsboro is a peaceful, welcoming retreat with a creative heart.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Pittsboro is in the spring and fall (March–May and September–November). These seasons bring mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and vibrant festivals—perfect for exploring the outdoors and the charming downtown.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Pittsboro is located at the crossroads of US-64 and US-15/501, about 40 minutes west of Raleigh and 30 minutes south of Chapel Hill.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), approximately 45 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: While there is no direct train service, regional bus routes connect to nearby cities like Chapel Hill and Durham.
Where to Stay
- Rosemary House Bed & Breakfast – A cozy, historic inn steps from downtown with charming rooms and hearty breakfasts.
- Fearrington House Inn – A luxury countryside retreat with fine dining, boutique shops, and a peaceful farm setting just minutes away.
- Chapel Hill Hotels – For more hotel options, nearby Chapel Hill offers a variety of well-known chains about 25 minutes away.
Top Attractions
1. Carolina Tiger Rescue
Rating: ★★★★★
Carolina Tiger Rescue is a wildcat sanctuary in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This 67-acre non-profit animal sanctuary provides home to rescued big cats such as tigers, lions, leopards, caracals, cougars, servals, bobcats as well as other wild animals. Their main mission is to save and protect wild cats in captivity, with the hope that one day all wild animals will live in the wild and not be abused by humans. They are also educating people about the threats these animals face in the wild, from the exotic pet trade, and by the entertainment industry. Carolina Tiger Rescue is against private ownership of wild animals and their use for entertainment purposes. They also oppose breeding wild animals against the species survival and population management plans. Carolina Tiger Rescue provides lifelong sanctuary to the rescued animals and conducts research to advance our understanding of wild animals.
Carolina Tiger Rescue, 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-542-4684
2. Fearrington Village
Fearrington Village is located on a former dairy farm in Pittsboro, North Carolina, just south of the charming college town of Chapel Hill. Fearrington Village is a copy of a traditional English village and was established in 1974 by R.B. Fitch and his late wife Jenny after they bought the two-centuries old dairy farm from Jesse Fearrington. From the rolling pastures and wooded acres, the Fitches created an unique community where residents can enjoy living, dining, shopping and relaxing. Today the community has grown to more than 1800 residents. The Fearrington House is an award-winning country inn and restaurant. The village also has a cafe and bar, chocolate and wine shop, a bookstore, a home décor shop, a garden art shop and more. Belted Galloway cows, added to the farm in 1983, are the village's iconic mascot.
Fearrington Village, Chatham County, North Carolina
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
3. Starrlight Mead
Starrlight Mead is a meadery or mead winery in Pittsboro, North Carolina, in the Chatham Beverage District. They offer tasting, behind-the-scenes tour and even classes on how you can make your own mead from honey. Check the calendar of their special events, such as their renaissance fair “Mead Fest”. You can become a member of their Mead Club and pick up a bottle or two using their website. The Starrlight Mead is available in a range of store all over North Carolina. Most people are surprised how refreshing and refined mead is when tried for the first time. It is far from the sticky sweet drink most people expect. Starrlight Mead is award-winning and comes in a range of flavors, just like wines made from grapes. The taste varies depending on the fruits added. Some are infused with spiced apple or with blackberry. There are also herb-infused meads such as seasonal favorite margarita-style “Honeyed Rita,” and special wines that vary depending on the varieties of honey they are made of.
Starrlight Mead, 130 Lorax Ln, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-533-6314
4. Mays Pottery (former Cooper Mays)
Mays Pottery (former Cooper Mays) is a pottery gallery and studio in Pittsboro, North Carolina owned and run by mother and son team Martha and Nathan Cooper. Their studio and gallery are located on the banks of the Haw River, not far from the town of Chapel Hill. Mays Potter consists of seven cabins and a kiln spread over ten acres of land. All pottery – dinnerware and one of a kind pieces - is hand-thrown. They do not use any other methods. Their work is easily recognized by the traditional techniques and ancient Japanese bamboo brushwork. The porcelain is crafted in a complex and detailed production processes that results in the most beautiful and functional porcelain pieces. Exceptional craftsmanship and vibrant colors set Martha and Nathan’s work apart from other artists. Their pottery is only available for purchase from their gallery.
Mays Pottery, 4762 US-501, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-858-6264
5. Chatham Historical Museum
The Chatham Historical Museum is a small, intimate museum originally opened in the Chatham County Courthouse in 1990. It moved to the newly renovated historic courthouse in 2012 after the old courthouse burnt down. The museum features a range of permanent and temporary exhibits. Exhibits tell the story of Chatham County culture and history, from the Native Americans era in this area until this day. There are exhibits about personalities who played important role in the diversity and development of the county. The museum volunteers greet visitors and contribute to the preservation and appreciation of the county’s heritage. The museum gift shop offers County Courthouse maps, colorful posters, books and souvenirs.
Chatham Historical Museum, 9 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-542-6222
Where to Eat
6. S & T Soda Shoppe
S & T Soda Shoppe is a blast from the past and the Pittsboro icon. George Pilkington opened a pharmacy and soda shop in Pittsboro, North Carolina, in 1916, at the current site, where it worked until 1944. After his death, the shop changed many hands and many businesses and eventually became dilapidated. Gene Oldham bought the building in 1996 and meticulously refurbished and recreated the original furniture and woodwork. A tin ceiling was added, tile floor laid and a marble counter was made from three older counters. The soda shoppe opened in October, 1997. Gene named the shop S&T's after his two sons, Steve and TJ. The soda shop became again the heart of the community where locals celebrated holidays, rehearsal dinners and family reunions. It is elegant and timeless, but also homey and cozy. It offers a large lunch menu, more than 32 flavors of ice cream including sherbet, yogurt, and low-fat. Try also their funnel cake and apple turnovers. There is an elegant upstairs dining area for private events.
S & T Soda Shoppe, 85 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-545-0007
7. Postal Fish Company
Postal Fish Company is a Southern Atlantic Fish House in Pittsboro, North Carolina, in the Piedmont of North Carolina located in the old post office, a five minute walk from the landmark Pittsboro county courthouse. Spacious dining room has floor to ceiling windows and rock walls, with a window separating the kitchen from the diners. It is the place where folks drive for miles for the freshest fish imaginable. Chef-partners James Clark and Bill Hartley take turns every driving to the coast to buy seafood directly off the boats. They have a daily changing menu that often includes one or two rarely seen fish varieties. Some of the most popular dishes are Peel ’n’ eat N.C. shrimp that come chilled or wood-grilled. There are also Littleneck clams, steamed in beer, butter and scallions, oysters on the half-shell, Carolinas Shrimp and grits and much more. There is a full bar and a fantastic dessert list. No wonder the place is often packed.
Postal Fish Company, 75 W Salisbury St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-704-8612
8. AL Diner LLC, Pittsboro, NC
AL Diner LLC has been a favorite of Pittsboro, North Carolina since 1997. It is a friendly gathering place for locals and visitors, young and old. Previously called Stacy’s Diner, Al's has been in the same family for over 25 years. Folks come to Als for their quirky, nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional diner, with checkered floor, red chairs and formica tables, as well as for the delicious home-style country cooking. Everything tastes like grandma used to make it, whether you come for breakfast, lunch or supper. For breakfast, they serve eggs cooked any way you like them and homemade buttermilk biscuits with white paper sausage gravy. For lunch you can have chicken and rice with pinto beans, coleslaw and hush-puppies. There is a traditional American classic on the menu for every taste.
AL Diner LLC, 535 West St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-542-5800
9. Small Museum of Folk Art
The Small Museum of Folk Art was established around a core collection of 400 folk art pieces which were collected over a period of 30 years. The collection includes work by both prominent and emerging local artists who have seized the opportunity to follow their creative dreams. Although the museum is currently moving to new premises (Dec. 2021), they plan to start offering hands-on workshops and lessons presented by the exhibiting artists, as well as visits to the artists’ studios and storytelling festivals to help viewers to better understand and appreciate folk art. Please visit their website for more details and events.
Small Museum of Folk Art, 219 East Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312, 919 642 3866
Plan Your Trip