2008 Woodie Awards
All In A Day's Trip: Not the Pits
Lindsey Hughes
Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: Life
Have a free day and you want to get out of Greensboro? If you don't mind investing an hour's drive, you should consider taking a day trip to Pittsboro.
Pittsboro may seem like typical small-town USA at first glance, but it really is very interesting, textured and entertaining in its own ways and has an overall vibe of artsy, southern charm.
When you first drive into the center of town you are greeted by a traffic circle with the old town hall situated directly in the middle of it. The unique traffic circle is a great metaphor for the interesting people and distinctive personality that makes up the town itself. Start off your day by stopping into the General Store Café and enjoying one of their delicious Belgian waffles. The General Store Café is a very popular spot in town, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's known for displaying eclectic works by local artists and craftsmen.
After breakfast, take a stroll downtown, making sure to visit the myriad of local shops and antique stores the town has to offer. While you're at it, visit the Side Street Gallery and take in the beautiful artwork on display. For lunch, head over to S&T's Soda Shop, which is one of the most authentic, American, antique-style soda shops you will ever experience. If you go to S&T's you must get an ice cream sundae or banana split. You will be shocked at the amounts they serve!
After lunch take a trip to The Carnivore Preservation Trust, a sanctuary for large cats such as tigers and bobcats as well as some more obscure animals, like binturongs and kinkajous. The Carnivore Preservation Trust is open for tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekends.
If you still have some time left in the day, take a walking tour around town to historical buildings, even on the American Tobacco Trail, which winds its way through Pittsboro via the old railroad tracks.
Want a creative activity? Stop at the Bead Hive, Pittsboro's own bead and jewelry-making shop, conveniently located downtown next to the General Store Café. The owner will help you make beautiful jewelry at a very affordable price. Before heading back home don't forget to stop at the local Al's Diner for a burger to go and a fresh cup of coffee.
Also, if you visit Pittsboro on the first Sunday of every month, you will find the main street lined up with local vendors and tents with activities for passers-by to participate in. While Pittsboro is a small town, it is covered with hidden treasures and fun things to do, so next time you have a day, take a drive and and see for yourself.
Pittsboro may seem like typical small-town USA at first glance, but it really is very interesting, textured and entertaining in its own ways and has an overall vibe of artsy, southern charm.
When you first drive into the center of town you are greeted by a traffic circle with the old town hall situated directly in the middle of it. The unique traffic circle is a great metaphor for the interesting people and distinctive personality that makes up the town itself. Start off your day by stopping into the General Store Café and enjoying one of their delicious Belgian waffles. The General Store Café is a very popular spot in town, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's known for displaying eclectic works by local artists and craftsmen.
After breakfast, take a stroll downtown, making sure to visit the myriad of local shops and antique stores the town has to offer. While you're at it, visit the Side Street Gallery and take in the beautiful artwork on display. For lunch, head over to S&T's Soda Shop, which is one of the most authentic, American, antique-style soda shops you will ever experience. If you go to S&T's you must get an ice cream sundae or banana split. You will be shocked at the amounts they serve!
After lunch take a trip to The Carnivore Preservation Trust, a sanctuary for large cats such as tigers and bobcats as well as some more obscure animals, like binturongs and kinkajous. The Carnivore Preservation Trust is open for tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekends.
If you still have some time left in the day, take a walking tour around town to historical buildings, even on the American Tobacco Trail, which winds its way through Pittsboro via the old railroad tracks.
Want a creative activity? Stop at the Bead Hive, Pittsboro's own bead and jewelry-making shop, conveniently located downtown next to the General Store Café. The owner will help you make beautiful jewelry at a very affordable price. Before heading back home don't forget to stop at the local Al's Diner for a burger to go and a fresh cup of coffee.
Also, if you visit Pittsboro on the first Sunday of every month, you will find the main street lined up with local vendors and tents with activities for passers-by to participate in. While Pittsboro is a small town, it is covered with hidden treasures and fun things to do, so next time you have a day, take a drive and and see for yourself.
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