The Pleasures of Pittsboro

Pittsboro, NC – If you’re looking for small village charm in the heart of the Triangle, look no farther than Pittsboro.

An Historic Downtown

Founded in 1787, Pittsboro was incorporated as the seat of Chatham County government. One hundred twenty five lots were laid out surrounding a public square bisected by four streets. Today, the downtown Historic District spans 59 acres and lists 92 principal buildings, 39 outbuildings, 3 cemeteries and a civil war monument.

The streets are punctuated with historic markers and the old buildings each have a story to tell.

The big news in the recent past was a fire that severely damaged the historic Chatham County Courthouse in the center of town. The Board of Commissioners immediately voted to restore the building to its former glory. That work is already under way.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Shopping, services and restaurants radiate out from the courthouse, giving Pittsboro a truly vibrant downtown.

There’s Urban Sampler, home to chic design and Virlie’s Grill, a local eatery where everybody knows your name. Old Pittsboro Antiques affords shoppers a chance to own a small piece of history, musicians flock to Sullivan Music, Bizu sells fine handcrafted jewelry and Antonella’s pampers customers looking for a European salon experience. Blissful!

One of the most popular destinations in downtown Pittsboro is the General Store Cafe. Locals prize the healthy, inventive, casual dining experience in an old-fashioned general store. From art to gardening and home furnishings, GSC delights visitors with things for sale and things to eat. They also have one of the best musical stages in the area making GSC a popular night spot.

I’d be remiss not to mention S&T Soda Shoppe, a Victorian charmer that’s the favorite haunt of my kids.

One more gem in downtown Pittsboro: French Connection. No, not the trendy clothing store. This is the place to go for fine imported furniture and antiques, plus some truly dramatic collectibles. You’re not going to find any of this stuff at the mall.

Getting Back to Nature

In addition to one of the most vibrant historic downtown districts in the State, Pittsboro is fortunate to be close to many of the area’s premier outdoor recreational attractions.

The Haw River rushes and bubbles to the east of town. It’s one of the best rivers in the Piedmont for canoeing and kayaking.

Then there’s Jordan Lake. The state-run recreation area encompasses almost 47,000 acres and offers boating, swimming, beaches & picnic areas, fishing, wind surfing, kayaking, water skiing, camping and bird watching. It’s also one of the region’s largest summertime roosts of the bald eagle.

Transportation

One of the reasons Pittsboro has continued to thrive over the generations is its location as a hub of area roads.

15-501 connects the center of town to Chapel Hill, a mecca of sports, culture and excitement.

US-64 also runs through town, affording easy transportation to Raleigh, Cary and Apex. It’s just a short drive to professional sports, world-class concert venues and the big-city vibe of the State Capital.

See Pittsboro on a map.

Living in Pittsboro

Wooded subdivisions dot the landscape around the town. There’s Henry’s Ridge, The Preserve, Legacy and my own neighborhood, Monterrane.

Real estate and homes around Pittsboro appeal to people who like the woodsy serenity of being surrounded by nature.

My Take on Pittsboro

What’s not to love? A cute, vibrant downtown, proximity to the best outdoor activities in the Triangle and good value, high-quality homes and neighborhoods.

If you’re thinking about living in the Triangle, you owe it to yourself to look at Pittsboro. Call, email or just visit – my office is at 73 Hillboro St. right in the center of town.