Even without an organized Fearrington Folk Art Show, you can still find folk art and experience the hospitality of this close-knit community.
by Addie Ladner

And at under an hour from Raleigh, it’s worth it to take a day to explore Pittsboro and Chatham County for its warmth, creativity and scenic drives. Here are a few spots to check out in and around Pittsboro.

Clyde Jones’ Critter Crossing at the Haw River

A legend on the folk art scene, Clyde Jones is known for his large hand-carved and painted critters made from scrap wood. Though his work has wound down in recent years, some of Jones’ famous critters are on display outside his home near the mouth of the Haw River in the Bynum community. It’s believed that Jones has never sold, only given away, his work.
Bynum Hill

Fearrington Village

This community is a destination on its own, with restaurants, shops and gardens, including the popular Belted Goat cafe, McIntyre’s bookstore and Vollis Simpson’s whirligigs in multiple spots on the grounds. 
240 Market St.

French Connection

Score folk art for your yard, sustainable textiles from Europe and Africa, and more at this eclectic goods shop in a home built in the 1900s.
178 Hillsboro St.

ODDCO (Odd Company)

Shop from a wide selection of gifts, including screenprints, original art and jewelry at this unique shop.
684 West St.

Postal Fish Company

Enjoy fried oysters or seared scallops at this fish house specializing in Carolina-caught seafood, located in a former post office building.
75 W. Salisbury St.

The Rosemary House B&B 

This colonial home built in 1912 is a gathering place for folk artists and enthusiasts alike. It’s owned by Jamie and Heather Buster, who also have a folk art gallery inside called The Kindred Gallery. 
76 West St.

S&T’s Soda Shoppe

Try a classic hot dog and ice cream float at this old-fashioned diner that’s open for lunch, dinner — or just dessert.
85 Hillsboro St. 

Allen and Son BBQ

An apple fritter or BBQ sandwich from this classic walk-up joint just off Highway 15 is hard to beat.
5650 US-15 

Small B&B Cafe and Folk Art Museum 

This joint bed and breakfast and cafe also has a small folk art museum on the grounds. The cafe, a favorite among locals for their lemon ricotta hotcakes, is owned by folk art advocates Dave Clark and Lisa Piper.
219 East St.