While there’s plenty to recommend a visit to the heart of North Carolina any time of the year, springtime in this part of the world is something special. A road trip over the rolling hills of the state’s Piedmont region promises farm-fresh fare, an explosion of native wildflowers, and a bumper crop of newborn animals. Begin in historic Hillsborough, founded in 1754 along the Great Indian Trading Path. One of the superhighways of early America, the trail connected the Occaneechi, Saponi, and Catawba tribes and facilitated commerce between these peoples as well as European traders. Expect a rainbow of blooms on flowering plants along the Eno River and adorning the grounds of the 100-plus 18th- and 19th-century homes and other structures in the city’s historic district. Continue south to Chapel Hill, home of the University of North Carolina, where even the fire engines are painted Carolina blue and school spirit pervades iconic stops such as Sutton’s Drug Store, the Carolina Inn, and the original taproom of Carolina Brewery. Along the way, revel in baby goats at Spring Haven Farm, and pay a visit to the North Carolina Botanical Garden. For still more animal encounters and pastoral pursuits, plan a stay (as well as afternoon tea and dinner) at the renowned Fearrington House just north of downtown Pittsboro. Then head into town to shop the strip of independent boutiques before visiting nearby Starrlight Mead for a tasting at North Carolina’s oldest honey winery. • • • Ayr MountCourtesy Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation Ayr Mount Built in 1815 by Scottish-born merchant William Kirkland, this house—the first constructed of brick in the state’s Piedmont region—was meant to impress, and its location, at the intersection of the Great Indian Trading Path and the Eno River, ensured that travelers passing through Hillsborough would recognize Kirkland’s status and wealth. Today’s visitors will discover impressive architectural details, from 14-foot ceilings to elaborate plasterwork, and a host of treasures, including Duncan Phyfe furniture, Zuber panoramic wallpaper panels, and a map of the Carolinas drawn by Thomas Jefferson’s father, Peter. Hillsborough BBQ CompanyCourtesy Hillsborough BBQ Company Hillsborough BBQ Company After several years managing this popular Hillsborough restaurant, Jared Meyers bought the establishment and committed to making everything—from ranch dressing to banana pudding—from scratch. And while the hickory-and-oak-smoked proteins, particularly the pork, are the main event, the sides are breakout stars and include a trio of coleslaws, a baked bean medley, and poppable hush puppies (a cornerstone side in the state’s barbecue culture). Baby goat yoga at Spring Haven FarmCourtesy Spring Haven Farm Spring Haven Farm Ten years ago, the Crihfield family began welcoming the public to their Chapel Hill farm, and from the beginning the animals were the big draw. Visitors can commune with Flemish giant rabbits and diminutive Kunekune pigs, a trio of donkeys and a host of free-ranging chickens and ducks, along with Wilbur and Orville, a pair of Scottish Highland cows. But the undeniable stars of the show are the dozens of Nigerian dwarf goats, which eagerly participate in Easter egg hunts, yoga classes, and movie nights under the stars, as well as the barnyard piece de resistance: Baby Goat Zen, private 50-minute snuggle and play sessions with the kids. Vintage bottled sodas and Tar Heel pride at Sutton’s Drug Store Sutton’s Drug Store Established in 1923, Sutton’s Drug Store in Chapel Hill has been a gathering place for Tar Heel Nation for more than a century. The UNC faithful pack the small counter and dozen or so tables and booths for burgers and dogs, deli sandwiches (like the popular Reuben), and specialties such as chicken and waffle bites, pieces of chicken dipped in syrup and waffle batter then fried golden brown. Milkshakes are also a must, and a wall of vintage bottled sodas—Nehi, Moxie, Cheerwine—and buckets of penny candies offer nostalgia to-go. North Carolina Botanical GardenCourtesy North Carolina Botanical Garden North Carolina Botanical Garden Take a winding journey across the state at this expansive conservation area and display garden in Chapel Hill. Follow the boardwalk through North Carolina’s distinctive landscapes, beginning in the longleaf pine forests of the eastern sandhills, moving through the cypress groves of the coastal plain, then reaching the shady woodlands of the western mountains, lush with azaleas, rhododendrons, and ferns. Stroll the Piedmont habitat to identify spring wildflowers—Stokes’ aster, lobed tickseed, and prolific eastern columbine—that line the roadsides and blanket the meadows in this part of the state. Carolina BreweryCourtesy Carolina Brewery Carolina Brewery Just after graduating from UNC in 1995, fourth-generation Tar Heel Robert Poitras became an early pioneer in the state’s microbrewery movement, opening what is now Chapel Hill’s oldest brewery. In the last three decades, his craft beers have taken top honors at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, and his commitment to serving made-from-scratch dishes that match his artisanal pours has made the Franklin Street pub a dining destination. Stop in for a pint of Sky Blue Kolsch and a plate of the popular potato chip nachos. Carolina Inn LobbyCourtesy The Carolina Inn Carolina Inn Built in 1924 by UNC alum John Sprunt Hill, this acclaimed Chapel Hill hotel enjoys an unrivaled location at the heart of campus as well as pride of place in the school’s lore and culture. Often referred to as the university’s living room, its grand corridors are lined with a century’s worth of championship team photos and school memorabilia. Known for its distinctive architecture, evoking George Washington’s Mount Vernon as well as Greek Revival plantation houses, the AAA Four Diamond hotel has welcomed luminaries including President Barack Obama and musician James Taylor. Flounder at Hawthorne WoodCourtesy Hawthorne Wood Hawthorne Wood Chef Brandon Sharp’s roots run deep in Chapel Hill. While he was a UNC student, he worked in local kitchens and, upon returning to town after cooking in locales from New Orleans to Napa, he served a couple of years at the Carolina Inn. In 2019, he opened this polished local favorite featuring cuisine inspired by his years in California, such as Little Gem lettuce and Treviso salad and flounder with coconut-lemongrass broth. In recent years, the esteemed chef has added two more acclaimed establishments to his growing culinary empire: Bluebird, a buzzy French bistro, and Próximo, a cozy Spanish tapas joint. Sunrise Biscuit KitchenCourtesy Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen Owner David Allen learned the art of biscuit making from his grandmother and credits the Southern staple with giving her the grit to birth 17 children and live almost a century. In 1978 he founded his breakfast and lunch spot in nearby Louisburg and in 1984 opened this Chapel Hill outpost, the state’s first drive-thru restaurant. Pull up for a sack of hot, buttery sandwiches swaddled in wax paper (go for the favorite chicken and cheese or try the unexpected BLT) and picnic at tables overlooking Bolin Creek. Afternoon tea snacks at The Fearrington HouseCourtesy The Fearrington House The Fearrington House What began in 1980 with the opening of the now-acclaimed Fearrington House Restaurant by R.B. Fitch and his late wife, Jenny, has grown into one of the South’s most celebrated properties. Situated on the grounds of a historic dairy farm between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, this family-owned Relais Chateâux retreat combines the elegance of European country inns with the warmth and welcome of the Carolinas. Guests can choose from 34 elegantly furnished rooms and suites surrounded by formal gardens and shop the handful of upscale boutiques in the adjacent English-inspired village. Not to be missed are a visit with the iconic Belted Galloway cows, afternoon tea, and Chef Paul Gagne’s seasonal tasting menu (opt for the wine pairing). The PlantCourtesy Pittsboro-Siler City Convention Visitors Bureau The Plant Reinvention is rooted in the history of this social district just east of Pittsboro. In the mid-20th century, the site was home to one of the nation’s largest flower farms. In the ’80s, it became the location of a Cold War alloys factory. And in 2004, the industrial site began its transformation into a business park and gathering place featuring an art gallery, candle boutique, and (fittingly) a flower shop and plant nursery. Visitors can feast on jerk pork and oxtails at Kingston 99 Kitchen or carnitas tacos at Ta Contento. There are also plenty of pours on tap, from sake flights at Koshu Sake Bar to craft beers at BMC Brewing to honey wine tastings at Starrlight Mead. Summer Crab Cake at Cafe Root CellarCourtesy Cafe Root Cellar Cafe Root Cellar This Pittsboro spin-off of the longstanding Chapel Hill establishment is where chef and owner Sera Cuni pulls out the big guns, showcasing bold flavors and impressive portions. While the menu offerings change seasonally—if not weekly, depending on the local ingredients inspiring her creations—diners can count on finding a couple of longtime favorites: shrimp empanadas with avocado-poblano dip and the wonderfully large crab cake made with plenty of meat the way she learned in her native Connecticut. Hit the dessert case to snag treats like buttermilk pie and salted caramel cookies to go. Roman the lion at Carolina Tiger RescueCourtesy Courtesy Pittsboro-Siler City Convention Visitors Bureau Carolina Tiger Rescue In 1973, UNC professor Michael Bleyman established this facility outside Pittsboro to breed threatened and endangered carnivores. Over the years, the 55-acre site began accepting rescues and redefined its mission, discontinuing the breeding program and focusing on providing refuge to big cats and other exotic animals once kept as pets or held in failing, unaccredited zoos and parks (such as the one featured in the Netflix series Tiger King). Twenty years ago, the sanctuary began offering public tours, and today visitors may encounter 13 species, including tigers, lions, and cougars, as well as lesser-known cats such as servals and caracals. DETOUR: SAXAPAHAW A former 19th-century cotton mill and dye factory set alongside the Haw River is today home to a happening village of craftspeople just a half hour west of Chapel Hill. Peruse the artists collective and vintage record and clothing store, catch a show at the Haw River Ballroom, or enjoy an unexpectedly good meal at Saxapahaw General Store, “your local five-star gas station.” This article appears in the Spring 2026 issue of Southbound. The post Everything you need to see, eat, and do on a central North Carolina road trip appeared first on Atlanta Magazine. ...read more read less