Location: Hillsborough
Top Things to do in Hillsborough
The 10 Best Things to Do in Hillsborough, United States
Hillsborough in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Jogging Paths & Tracks. Discover best things to do in Hillsborough with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Hillsborough
1. Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By Mike D - High Point, North Carolina
The paved walkway made it easy to walk even with strollers, puppies on leashes Peaceful and educational placks tell you the history of the area. A concert at river park a "PLUS"
2. Ayr Mount Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Ayr Mount is an 1815 Federal-style plantation house built by William Kirkland of Ayr, Scotland. During a guided tour you will hear about the family who resided here for 4 generations, the interesting architecture, local history, and the restoration process. Purchased in 1985 by Richard H. Jenrette it is now furnished with original Kirkland pieces, museum quality antiques by Duncan Phyfe and others, plus beautiful decorative arts of the period. Conveniently located just minutes from Chapel Hill and Durham. Tours given March 15 through December 15 on Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat at 11 AM and Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun at 2 PM. (Other times by appointment only.) $12 Per person, cash only.
Reviewed By pja537 - Neenah, Wisconsin
We seldom travel that we don't take in at least one old house museum, and Ayr Mount filled the bill for a recent visit to Raleigh. That it had been restored by Manhattan investment banker Richard Jenrette promised it would be meticulously done was one of the reasons we picked it. We also had hopes that our tour guide, who was the property manager, would be able to present a full and interesting history. Both expectations, however, were unfulfilled. The guide never made it clear that Jenrette was a Raleigh native and provided only a patchwork story of the family that built the house in 1815 and lived there until 1985. It was also clear that the house was not a restoration but a home for Jenrette, complete with multiple modernizations and decorative features that were not in keeping with the style or history of the house. True old house lovers will find Ayr Mount more than a little disappointing.
3. Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By banjoal - Hillsborough, North Carolina
We did a training hike with the Boy Scouts here yesterday and the trails are fantastic! The summit trail has about 450-500 feet of elevation change, making it a nice challenge wearing a fully laden backpack. The trails are well maintained and clearly marked, with the majority being underneath the tree canopy making for a cooler hike on a summer day. There are 2 ponds that seem to have a reasonable amount of fish - we also took time to fish and caught some small bluegill that we returned to be caught again another day. The river frontage is also very nice and appears to have a great spot for fly fishing.
4. Hillsborough Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By banjoal - Hillsborough, North Carolina
The Hillsborough Visitor's Center should be the centerpiece of your tour of the Hillsborough Historic District. The center is on the corner of King St and Cameron St, 1 block off Churton St and is headquartered in a historic 19th century farmhouse that was moved to the site many years ago. The building was where General Johnson surrendered a large Confederate Army to General Sherman in 1865 in the closing days of the US Civil War, so it has quite a history. The center offers information, maps, bathrooms, drinking water and a place to rest your feet.
5. Gold Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Ruud J - Almere, The Netherlands
good place to go with the kids, there are some nice things to see and do,and there is enough space for many.
6. Old Town Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By banjoal - Hillsborough, North Carolina
The Old Town Cemetery in Hillsborough is a fascinating slice of history. The site dates back to 1757 and has over 180 grave markers honoring some of Hillsborough's more prominent families. There are also an undetermined number of graves that are no longer marked due to the passage of time.
William Hooper, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was once buried here and a marker honoring him still remains - his remains were re-interred at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in 1894. The cemetery is located behind the Presbyterian church at the intersection of Churton St and Tryon St in downtown Hillsborough and is easily a part of any walking tour of the area.
I highly recommend you make this part of a walking tour of downtown Hillsborough.
7. Occoneechee Orange Speedway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Rick B - Clayton, North Carolina
Put this one on your bucket list and soon. Historic Occoneechee Speedway is one of only three raceways on the National Register of Historic Sites. Yes this was a real Nascar Speedway and one of the originals. racing was done here yearly during the Nascar season from 1948 to 1968. Although now a walking and running track the configuration of the speedway and it's banked turns are still evident. Occoneechee Speedway was purchased by the Bill France family who changed the name to Orange Speedway located in Orange County NC. why? no one could consistently spell Occoneechee! Also on the grounds the grandstands still stand as well as the restrooms ((White and Black) it is the 50's south) the concession stand and press box, the starters stand and the ticket booth. Several trails traverse the area besides the track most of which originally were used by the spectators to get around to different areas of the speedway. Now why soon? Rumor has it that a new bypass around the town of Hillsborough is being planned and one of the routes will cut this property in half although the city is fighting the state over that route. Also while here you can hike a section of the NC Mountains to Sea Trail which passes next to the speedway.
There are Picnic tables along the Spectator Trace Trail that would be accessible with help it is all fine gravel. The only facilities is a port a john near the entrance and although accessible with assistance it is small and has no handrails inside. Oh if you are into NASCAR history don't miss this one!
8. Eno Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Contemporary Fine Art in the Heart of Historic Hillsborough
Reviewed By Jane H - Mebane, North Carolina
I believe The Eno Gallery is under NEW management. The location is excellent. On the corner of South King Street and Churton. There is FREE parking nearby. Jane H.Greetings, sorry for the delayed response... The gallery is owned and curated by Mark Donley and Tinka Jordy... thank you for your review! hope we'll see you again...
9. Burwell School Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Betty E - Hillsborough, North Carolina
I try to get as many folks to visit the Burwell School. The amount of history in this
building is incredible. The Burwells were ahead of the times as the school was for young women. The cost is free. You will hear about Mrs Burwell and her slave Elizebeth
Keckley and the fame that Ms Keckley earned
10. Orange County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By banjoal - Hillsborough, North Carolina
The Orange County Historical Museum features exhibits showing the history of Hillsborough and Orange County dating back to the pre-Revolutionary War period. Well worth the time to stop and visit. The staff are friendly and well education in the history of the area.
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