With its centuries-old houses, a main street out of central casting and real estate that hasn't yet hit Chapel Hill prices, Hillsborough has concentrated a whopping amount of talent in its small town atmosphere. Writer's haven is an exciting new identity for Hillsborough, which has long been the pretty, provincial stepsister intellectually overshadowed by Durham and Chapel Hill. Crowther had lived in Hillsborough when he first moved to North Carolina, she said, and after they married, he wanted to return. Smith was ready to leave Chapel Hill. It's never had the feeling of town that Hillsborough or Carrboro does.
Downtown combines sophistication and small-town charm in equal measure.
Just about every place is within walking distance from the core neighborhood of antebellum and Victorian houses with their welcoming porches, embracing trees, romantic old grave yards. On Churton Street you can get a latte at Luigis, a facial at Ousia, a plate of eggs and sausage at Kelsey's and a bucket of live bait at the Dual Supply hardware store. In Hillsborough, readings, art shows and musical performances abound. This year, the town had a celebration of native son Billy Strayhorn. Some members of the Squirrel Nut Zippers live around town and play often.