Location: Hillsborough
Top Things to do in Hillsborough
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What to do and see in Hillsborough, North Carolina (NC): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina. The population was 6,087 in 2010.
Restaurants in Hillsborough
1. Ayr Mount Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 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 D2958ZXgarym
Ayr Mount is a striking, Federal-style plantation home built by merchant William Kirkland in 1815. The two-story brick home was home to four generations of Kirklands. The house showcases many artifacts, including original maps drawn by surveyor Peter Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson’s father. Visitors to the estate should allow themselves time to enjoy Poet’s Walk, a self-guided nature trail about one mile in length which encircles Ayr Mount and meanders past the Eno River.
2. Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By lsj615 - Nashville, United States
In the area for a family visit and had this destination recommend to us by friends. My wife and I are regular hikers in similar park settings in Tennessee so some of the negatives mentioned in the reviews - rough surfaces, noise, too many stairs and not enough switch-backs - either weren't surprises or for us not really negatives, A few of the reviews document the nature of the Mt. Loop Trail and the vistas from the Overlook very well, so read them. I would add a couple of items. We hiked west from the parking lot and stayed on the Mt. Loop Trail until it reached the connection with the Brown Elfin Knob Trail. We took the BEK Trail toward the Overlook. It is marked as a 0.10-mile trail. Actually, it is just about three times that distance to an intersection with a gravel road. Continue straight on the road and you will reach signage that directs you to the Overlook. It is spectacular and shouldn't be missed. We backtracked the BEK Trail and returned to the parking lot via the remainder of the Mt. Loop Trail. We estimated about a 3.4-mile trip in about 1:45 - a comfortable pace for grandparents. Some random comments - The Trail maps in the wooden stands are excellent., Take water and wear sturdy shoes, the terrain IS rugged at times. Trails (particularly the Mt. Loop Trail) are well marked with signage or blazes. If you are interested in fishing, the ponds are pretty inviting. NC regulations prevail. .
3. Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By _Shar_Bene - Glasgow, United Kingdom
A very nice walk by the Eno, good to get to know the area with the Occaneechi Village Replica site worth a stop.
4. Hillsborough Visitors Center
5. Gold Park
6. Orange County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
