One of my favorite places for a day trip is to Fearrington Village. It is located right outside of Chapel Hill and Pittsboro and the perfect place for a getaway without having to go too far. Fearrington Village includes a community of about 2000 residents, an inn, a spa, several restaurants, acres of gardens, an independent bookstore, boutiques, and walking trails to name a few. This time of year, there are great outdoor dining options, gardens to explore, and beltie cows and goats to say hello to while visiting. Here is an itinerary for a gorgeous afternoon day trip at Fearrington Village.
The Best Things to Do in Fearrington Village
Grab a coffee and a pastry from The Belted Goat
Start your trip out with a coffee and a chocolate croissant from the Belted Goat. While you are there, browse the market with the variety of prepared foods from Colin Bedford to Thomas Keller chocolates, specialty olive oils, affordable wines, and Fearrington’s house ground coffee.
Take a walk over to the see the Belties
Fearrington is famous for their Beltie cows and goats, plus the chickens and donkeys. The Beltie cows are a rare Scottish breed and have been a part of Fearrington’s barnyard since 1982. There are also Tennessee fainting goats and a rare breed of chickens, whose eggs are used in the Fearrington House Restaurant’s seasonal menu. And the three donkeys can be found in the pastures with the Beltie cows to protect them from predators.
Pick up a new book at McIntyre’s Books
This independent bookstore offers a great variety of books, with staff picks, featured authors and recommendations, unique gift ideas, and a sweet kids section of books and gifts. Curl up and start a book while you’re there.
Explore the English Gardens
The gardens and grounds around the Fearrington House Restaurant are some of the most beautiful. I love the English Gardens and I also like to peek in the herb garden for garden inspiration for myself as well.
Enjoy lunch al fresco
There are two fun dining options for lunch on site at Fearrington Village. Grab lunch at the Belted Goat and have a picnic in the gardens or in the field in front of the Fearrington House Inn. I’d recommend either bringing a blanket or pulling together the Adirondack chairs. You can also dine in the restaurant or enjoy on the patio between the Belted Goat and McIntyre’s Books. I ordered the tomato basil soup with a half of a grilled cheese sandwich, while Glory ordered the grilled pimento cheese sandwich with pasta salad. We’d definitely recommend both of these for a delicious lunch!
During warmer months, Roost Beer Garden is open on Thursdays and Fridays with wood fired pizzas and local beers and wine. Roost has an outdoor patio perfect for relaxing and doing a little people watching while waiting for your pizza.
Shop the Fearrington Village Boutiques
There are three boutiques on site: Dovecote, Nest, and Sprout. Dovecote features statement pieces and luxury basics with thoughtfully-curated apparel and accessory options from designers near and far. Nest is a charming lifestyle boutique focused on home, gifts, and celebration located next door to Dovecote. Sprout recently opened after the children’s corner in Dovecote was so popular. This shop features gift ideas for newborns to 4 years old, natural skincare, unique apparel, books, and games.
Have a Fearrington Happy Hour
Whether you decide to grab a drink from the Belted Goat to enjoy on the patio or want to head over to the Adirondack chairs again, Fearrington has a great selection of beers and wine to sip on for a happy hour. You can also grab a cocktail from the bar while you wait on the porch or in the sitting room. The drinks pictured here are the Spring Forward made with Citrus-Infused Gin, Cappelletti, Domine de Canton, and Champagne. The other is the Tall Violet made with Cucumber Mint Vodka, Yuzu, Sugar, Soda, and Butterfly Pea Flower.
Grab dinner at the bar at Fearrington House Restaurant
Fearrington House Restaurant is an award winning restaurant and has recently started serving a more casual menu at the bar. While the dining room requires reservations, there are no reservations required for the bar–though, I would recommend making one as it fills up quickly! The bar menu still features delicious, unique options like the savory cheese doughnuts and scallop toast.
What we ordered:
For starters, we had the savory cheese doughnuts and the smoked salmon salad with seed crackers. Whatever you do, order the cheese doughnuts! They are such a unique take for a starter!
For main courses, we had buttermilk fried chicken and the crispy cod with whipped potatoes. Both of these dishes are delicious and elevated comfort food, though the crispy cod was a favorite for the take on fish and chips.
For dessert, we had the strawberry shortcake sundae and it was so good! The cocktail pictured is a Mezcal cocktail called the Lemon Fumando.
Other favorites to do while you’re on site are afternoon tea service. This is by reservation and a really lovely experience! Their hot cinnamon tea is a favorite of mine plus their pimento cheese and egg salad are just divine. The Spa at Fearrington is another option if you are looking to relax. Make an appointment online for a signature massage or facial to kick off your day trip. And lastly, if you decide to make your day trip an overnight trip, the Inn at Fearrington is absolutely gorgeous! It is a fabulous experience to stay.
Now that spring is here, the grounds are exceptionally beautiful and it is a delightful spot to enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy the day trip and the experience that Fearrington Village offers!
Photos by GloryRoze Photography
Shop this Fearrington Village Travel Guide:
i can not wait to go back!!!!
Yes! It is truly such a lovely spot! I hope you can make it soon!