For many of you, travel plans for the holiday season have been adapted, altered or altogether cancelled. Traditions that were once annual staples have been put on hold until the next year. Take the opportunity to explore your own neighborhood, right here in Chatham County. Of the many local favorites hosting holiday open houses, The Bradford in New Hill is one of them! A luxurious event and wedding venue, the team at The Bradford welcome you to learn more about their story. Give the gift of exploration to your loved ones and book a private, socially distanced tour today. 

Once you’ve booked your seasonal tour, reserve a Christmas dinner, courtesy of The Fearrington House Restaurant. Look at that, your December calendar is starting to fill up already! 

More than ever, the saying, “no place like home for the holidays,” will ring true. A compromise for your Thanksgiving plans does not mean compromising for your favorite holiday traditions. For Thanksgiving weekend, we have your plans covered. Celebrate at the Pittsboro Christmas Tree Lighting then reserve a table at a local eatery or bring the taste of the season, and all the seasonings, home! 

This holiday season, shoppers can expect some delay in gift delivery as online retail is expected to grow by nearly 20 percent. With more and more people celebrating the entirety of the holiday shopping season in the comfort of their homes, offline sales are expected to decline, having a direct impact on smaller local businesses.

Because we all need more farm animals in our lives! Pittsboro’s Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge is a gathering place for species, both human and animal. On Saturday, October 31, visit the farm for a unique musical experience, shared with goats, sheeps and all your favorite fall treats. At 3 p.m., take a socially-distanced seat, and take in the fall weather in the most ideal autumn setting.

Pumpkin-picking season is almost ripe at Siler City’s Huckleberry Trail Farm. A Chatham County favorite, Huckleberry Trail Farm’s Fall Festival kicks off sweater weather for many locals. This year, the farm’s response to the current health pandemic will ensure the safety of employees and visiting guests, including several alternatives to many of the traditional activities typically offered. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. until October 31, the Fall Festival will be in full swing. Tickets are available now online! 

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop… too soon? The festivities are in full swing at Jordan Lake Christmas Tree Farm in Apex. Before you set out on finding the perfect tree, they’ve got a few summer activities up their sleeve. Open now, U-Pick Flowers appointments allow visitors the chance to bring their fall bouquet visions to life. Throughout September, the Falling For Fall event will open the farm up to vendors offering fall decor from candles to homemade pumpkin plushies!