As spring and summer start to heat up in the Triangle, the Pittsboro area may just be one of the best places to explore. This growing community, located less than 20 miles south of Chapel Hill, was founded in 1787. And from its early beginnings, it drew regular visitors thanks to its open market where farmers, medical practitioners, and jewelry makers sold their goods. It was also a draw for artists like actors and musicians, who found inspiration within the community. Today, it’s still drawing residents and visitors thanks to the unique opportunities that are found here.
If you haven’t spent time in this community, this summer is the perfect time to start exploring what’s there. Here are the 6 top outdoor activities in Pittsboro NC that you can enjoy this spring and summer.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
One of the biggest draws around the Pittsboro area is Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, a 13,900-acre state park that consists of more than 1,000 campsites and 15 miles of hiking trails as well as countless locations for boating, fishing, and swimming. In short, it’s a dream come true for outdoor lovers.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities for the summer, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area has numerous boat ramps, picnic shelters, beach accesses throughout the area, and bathhouses. Spend a few days camping at tent sites, or hook up your RV. There are showers and electric and water hookups to make your stay enjoyable.
Lower Haw River State Natural Area
The Lower Haw River State Natural Area is beautiful stretch of scenic land and waterway that is protected by conservation and preservation by the state of North Carolina. As a North Carolina Natural Area, it offers fewer facilities than are typically offered at state parks, making it a peaceful place for bird watching, fishing, hiking, and paddling.
This 1,025-acre location connects Jordan Lake State Recreation Area to the Haw River. It’s home to numerous rare and endangered specials, including the Cape Fear shiner minnow and Septmia’s clubtail dragonfly. While you’re hiking or canoeing down the river, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, osprey, river otters, turtles, and more.
Carolina Tiger Rescue
If you’re looking for an experience unlike any other, the Carolina Tiger Rescue offers outdoor activities in Pittsboro NC that are truly unique. The animals in this sanctuary have been rescued from roadside zoos, basements, entertainment facilities, and more, and today they live in large, outdoor enclosures where they are cared for by professionals.
The sanctuary offers guided tours where you’ll see tigers, cougars, lions, caracals, servels, and ocelots. It’s a two-hour walk through the sanctuary, where you’ll see how they are protected. Advance tickets are required 8 weeks in advance, and the cost is $18 for ages 13 and above, $12.50 for ages 4-12, and free for ages 0-3. It’s truly one of the best outdoor activities in Pittsboro NC.
Chatham Beverage District
Pittsboro has a rich history as a home to distinct libations. Today, the Chatham Beverage District is a shopping and dining area, including numerous wineries and distilleries. Within this open-air district, you can stroll, eat, drink, and shop throughout and sampling of shops unique to the district.
Sample drinks from Starrlight Mead, is an award-winning mead and honey wine maker. Sample a handcrafted whiskey from North Carolina’s 13th legal distillery, Fair Game Beverage Company Wine and Spirits. Grab a beer from bmc brewing or a hard cider from Chatham Cider Works. And grab a bite to eat from Copeland Springs Farm & Kitchen or the Lilly Den Farm food truck. Chatham Beverage District is a relaxing way to spend the day.
The Golf Club at Chapel Ridge
If you’re a golf lover, you’ll want to check out the Golf Club at Chapel Ridge, a championship course that is designed like traditional U.S. courses. This course was the master work of Bob Moore, ASGCA and Fred Couples, Masters Champion, 15-time winner of the PGA Tour, and member of five Ryder Cup Teams.
Grab supplies at the pro shop, enjoy a round of golf, and then enjoy drinks and dinner at The Ridge Bar and Grill to make the most of your day of golf. The club offers both individual and family memberships as well as lessons to help you step up your game.
Pittsboro Farmers Market
Pittsboro is known as an agricultural community, and thanks to numerous farms that are open to agritourism across the area, it’s become a regular draw for people looking for new opportunities to enjoy. And Pittsboro Farmers Market brings those farm goods to one convenient location within The Plant, an eco-industrial business park where Chatham Beverage District is also housed.
The Pittsboro Farmers Market, which is located under The Plant’s solar panels, takes place every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. It brings in vendors who grow, raise, and create an assortment of items like yogurts and cheeses, honey, jams and peppers, hand-dyed textiles, flowers, fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, meats, granolas, skincare products, and handcrafted goods. It’s a wonderful place to stroll through and support your favorite local farms. It’s one of the outdoor activities in Pittsboro NC you won’t want to miss.
Make Pittsboro Your Home
Once you’ve found all there is to enjoy in Pittsboro, you just may not want to leave this idyllic community. Fortunately, you don’t have to. Robuck Homes has luxury homes at Seaforth Preserve that will put you in the middle of it all.
Seaford Preserve homes provide you with upscale farmhouse style and country chic options. Enjoy large, wooded homesites from 1.5 to 8.5+ acres, plus 5 new floor plans and 15 exterior designs to ensure the streetscape is beautiful and diverse. Enjoy state-of-the-art scullery kitchen options, basement and flex space opportunities, space for a swimming pool, and multi-room owner’s retreats with full in-law suites. We also have options for a 4-car garage or detached garage plans available.
Get in touch to discover the charm of Seaforth Preserve and Pittsboro.