Hillsborough, NC
“Hillsborough is no ordinary, small, southern town”, is the declarative boast of the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough. History, arts and culture are alive and flourishing in Hillsborough year round.
The Hillsborough Arts Council has been active in developing and supporting the arts locally for more than 20 years. In spring and summer on the last Friday of each month the town square comes alive with music, vendors and an Art Walk visiting downtown galleries, while sidewalk cafes provide food and drink to complement the festivities. Fall brings the annual Handmade Parade that rivals Macy’s, but with giant puppets created by the participants – some even on stilts- who take over Churton Street for the march and convene with observers to celebrate at the Burwell School, a local historic site. To brighten the winter months, the Arts Council presents Parlor Concerts, musical presentations that take place in some of the town’s historic homes.
The community history comes to life frequently during the year with Family History Days that re-create scenes from the Revolutionary War with reenactment and tours that highlight the period. Once the State capital, the town has a legacy of statesmen and heroes to celebrate.
There are walking tours throughout the year that begin at the Hillsborough Visitors Center which provides maps and historic information on homes and significant sites and sometimes a personal guide in period dress. The Halloween tours focus on the “haunting” aspects of town history and expand the fun to a “trick or treat” by all of the downtown merchants.
For more a more recent history experience, visitors and especially NASCAR enthusiasts, enjoy having a look at the Occoneechee Speedway Trail which includes one of the first two NASCAR tracks and is the only one remaining from the 1949 inaugural season.
Visitors find Hillsborough to be a friendly and welcoming place. It is home to a number of nationally recognized writers and artists who enjoy being a part of community activities. Visit a local bookshop and you may come away with an autographed copy of the work of a prize-winning author who just happened to stop by to say hello.
The Eno River flows peacefully through the town and adds to the beauty of its parks. A River Walk ushers visitors from the West End to the downtown area. Hillsborough is proud of its “walkable” nature and carefully maintains its very scenic environment.