Are you looking for things to do in Pittsboro, North Carolina? If so, you’ve come to the right place! This small town is full of things to see and do, from exploring the historic downtown to enjoying the great outdoors.

Carolina Tiger Rescue

Carolina Tiger Rescue is probably the most popular attraction in Pittsboro. This sanctuary is home to over 80 rescued tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, caracals, and other endangered species. They also offer guided tours where you can learn about the work that goes into caring for these animals. That makes it a great destination for family fun, field trips, summer camps, and corporate work groups. You can also volunteer as a caretaker or tour guide if you’re a real animal lover.

Lower Haw River State Natural Area

Lower Haw River State Natural Area should definitely be on your list of places to check out for those who love the great outdoors. It features a graffiti-covered bridge overlooking the scenic Haw River. It is great for hiking, as there are several trails that run along the Haw River. However, the river itself may be the biggest draw. Not only does it attract various wildlife, such as bald eagles and beavers, it is also a great fishing and paddling destination. You can catch catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, or white bass. Or experienced kayakers can test themselves against the Class II and III whitewater.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

If you’re open to a 20-minute drive, you can also visit Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Jordan Lake is extremely popular. This massive park covers over 14,000 acres and is an especially great place for camping and boating. It has over 600 campsites across five campgrounds. They offer RV hookups, showers, restrooms, and dump stations. There are currently 11 boat ramp locations, two of which are open 24 hours. There are also swimming beaches, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and horseshoe pits.

Fearrington Village

Just a short drive from Pittsboro is Fearrington Village. This unique community features the Fearrington House Inn and Restaurant, which is part of the Relais & Châteaux collection of gourmet restaurants and boutique hotels. The Inn has about 60 garden beds, making it a great stay for garden enthusiasts. If you’re really in the mood for pampering, there is also a spa. The village also features a farm with award-winning cows, plus goats, chickens, and donkeys (to protect the rest from predators).

Starrlight Mead

Starrlight Mead is another award winner in the Pittsboro area. It is a honey winery that has won at least one local craft beverage or wine award every single year since its inception in 2017. Unsurprisingly, it also gets rave reviews online. You can wet your whistle with a tasting or learn how mead is made with a tour. Starrlight Mead also puts on various events, including its annual “Mead Fest,” which includes live music and sword-fighting knights.

Chatham Beverage District

Last but not least, Pittsboro is also home to the Chatham Beverage District. This area features several local breweries and distilleries, including Fair Game Beverage Company, Haw River Farmhouse Ales, and Starrlight Mead (mentioned above). It’s a great destination for those who love craft beer and spirits. You can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to learn more about the beverage-making process. The Chatham Beverage District also hosts events throughout the year, including live music and food truck festivals.

Do you know of a great destination in Pittsboro we missed? Please leave it in the comments below! Or, share your experience at any one of the locations we mentioned below. And if you’re considering moving to the area or have other temporary housing needs, you might consider our rental homes.