Pittsboro is a small town in Chatham County, North Carolina, and the county seat. It is located just south of the charming college town of Chapel Hill. Pittsboro is home to the Carolina Tiger Rescue, a wildcat sanctuary that rescues and provides home to rescued big cats. Fearrington Village is an unique community and a copy of a traditional English village. The Chatham County Historical Museum is a small, intimate museum that features a range of permanent and temporary exhibits that tell the story of Chatham County culture and history.
1. Carolina Tiger Rescue
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.
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
3. Things to Do in Pittsboro: 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.
130 Lorax Ln, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-533-6314
4. Mays Pottery (former Cooper Mays)
Mays Pottery 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.
4762 US-501, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-858-6264
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5. Chatham Historical Museum
The Chatham County 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..
9 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-542-6222
6. Things to Do in Pittsboro: S & T Soda Shoppe
S and 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.
85 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-545-0007
7. Postal Fish Company
Postal Fish Co. 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.
75 W Salisbury St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-704-8612
8. AL Diner LLC, Pittsboro, NC
Al's Diner 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.
535 West St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-542-5800
9. Chatham Axes
Axe throwing has become a novel and highly popular form of active entertainment in recent years – so much so that there are widespread Axe Throwing leagues and world-wide competitions. If you would like to have a go at flinging an axe at a target, round up the family or a group of friends and stop by Chatham Axes to test your skills. The venue also offers instruction and competitive knife throwing, which you can try after your axe-throwing experience.
Chatham Axes, 215 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC 27312, 919 533 2011
10. 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
11. Fair Game Beverage Company
Located in the heart of Pittsboro’s Chatham Beverage District, Fair Game Beverage Company has something to offer for everyone. The company conducts tours and tastings and stocks a wide range of wines, ciders and spirits as well as an excellent selection of bottled specialty foods like mustards, pickles and more. They always have a great selection of local North Carolina ciders on tap as well as bottled ciders to take home with you. Their handcrafted small-batch spirits include an apple brandy, Tobago- infused vodka and a choice of delicious rums. The tasting room offers wine, cider and spirit tastings as well as cocktails and craft beers.
Fair Game Beverage Company, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC 27312, 919 548 6884
12. Things to Do in Pittsboro: French Connections
French Connections is a must-visit Pittsboro attraction for anyone who loves design and décor. The shop sells a large range of French and African fabrics, arts and crafts which have been sustainably sourced from France, Mexico and around 20 African countries. The eclectic mix of fabrics and designs run the full gamut of fine French pastoral fabrics to the bold and bright colors and tribal designs of Africa. French provincial tablecloths rub shoulders with beaded African baskets and hand-carved wooden elephants. Other finds include African jewelry, baskets, bowls and crafts. There is something for everyone at French Connections and very few visitors leave empty-handed.
French Connections, 178 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312, 919 545 9296
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13. The Golf Club at Chapel Ridge
The Golf Club at Chapel Ridge is a championship 18-hole golf course which offers members and guests a truly memorable golfing experience. Famous multiple-PGA winner Fred Couples had a hand in the design of the course which offers golfers a challenging but enjoyable game. Each of the holes has at least 3 different tee boxes to accommodate players of all abilities. Other facilities include a practice range and a short-game practice area along with golf lessons. There is a clubhouse and grill where you can relax before or after your game. Everything you might have forgotten to bring is available at the well-stocked Pro Shop.
The Golf Club and Chapel Ridge, 1010 Chapel Ridge Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312, 919 545 2242
