Head north on Highway 86 out of Chapel Hill or traverse the winding Old 86 out of Carrboro to reach Hillsborough, the seat of Orange county, known for is its charming downtown district, characterized by tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks, and a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. The town's commitment to preserving its historic architecture creates a welcoming and nostalgic atmosphere.

Hillsborough is the "inn keeper" for the Eno River Farmer's Market, Eno River Farm, and The Riverwalk. The farmer's market is open year round and loaded with fresh food, crafts, and music. Eno River Farms is a family run farm perfect for an outing offering seasonal veggies, plants, flowers, and of course, locally made ice cream. The Riverwalk is a 3.1 mile loop along the Eno River providing wide paths, boardwalks, and bridges to cross as you enjoy beautiful foliage and walks or runs in nature. To boot, The Riverwalk is a part of the larger North-Carolina-Mountain-to-Sea-Trail system if you are feeling extra adventurous.

Downtown just about everything is walkable and close knit, creating a sense of community where “everyone knows your name”. Just outside of the border, however, you’ll feel a sense of freedom and space as you drive down winding roads with rolling hills and beautiful pastuers where many have decided to build and be.

Like Chatham and Pittsboro, Hillsborough is learning how to blend progress with history and honor both. Words like progressive, sustainable, local, local, and more local, farm-to-table, and preservation come to mind when describing Hillsborough. It's become a haven for acclaimed artists, musicians, and authors who call Hillsborough home.

Hillsborough is an enclave, a smaller slice of Heaven, than its neighbors Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Durham. If quaint and quieter is what your are searching for, Hillsborough is a great place to call home.