Driving down the majestic Historic Route 1 from Washington, D.C through Virginia’s rolling hills into Carrboro/Chapel Hill, North Carolina, historic plaques line the roads beneath tall pines, oaks and elms.

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Whipping up  a roadside lunch in the Virginia countryside

“It’s Carrboro — feel free”— that’s the motto of this progressive town. Fine restaurants, farmers markets and a number of breweries, Carrboro draws a creative community and a music scene to boot.  The main street leads into the neighboring town of Chapel Hill.  One might say Carrboro is the more quaint and grown up side of town, but of course Chapel Hill is lovely and close in proximity to the beautiful UNC campus.

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The living room at our quaint NC abode

Previously discovered through AirBNB, this was Andrew’s second visit to the inviting bungalow decorated with unique flea market findings and creative repurposing of industrial artifacts.

Roommates and longtime buddies are welcoming hosts to this shaded oasis. Just a five minute drive from the eateries and drinking establishments of downtown, one arrives to an inviting brick front patio with assorted wooden chairs, old fashioned Monterrey bicycles, a yoke above the front door and strung lights.

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Andrew working out front

Also on the property and available for a cozy night’s sleep is a hunter green tear drop camper which has been outfitted with charging outlets in the interior and a sweet kitchen in the back.

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Small fire pit next to the camper. The sign on the tree reads: “Welcome”

The entire house is full of neat artifacts and handiworks – both manly and low key, and also finely and tastefully selected.

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Wall of farm tools above a thick cutting board table. The note reads: “Remember happiness is a way of travel not a destination” – Roy Goodman

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Bar Trunk

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Beer barrels have been converted into bedside tables. An open suitcase hangs on the wall in the bedroom–doubling as a shelf.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The latest addition, and possibly my favorite, is this stars and stripes painted pallet fence surrounding the fire pit and camper.

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Hand painted among friends

If you want to book these friendly digs, click here for the cottage and here for the camper. Never used AirBNB? Get a $25 coupon here. 

And while you’re in the area, check out some of these spots below:

EAT.
  • Should you want to whip up your own meal, check out Weaver Street Market, a community-owned grocery store with a high selection of organic and local produce.
  • For a night out on the town, check out Lantern, just down the road in Chapel Hill. It’s Asian cuisine combined with North Carolina’s local ingredients and flavors. Notably, it has been named one of “America’s Top 50 Restaurants” and “best farm-to-table restaurants” by Gourmet Magazine and one of “America’s 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences” by Food & Wine . Try the pork and chive dumplings (the pork is sourced from local pastures) as an appetizer. The seasonal fried soft-shelled crab was phenomenal. For dessert and to celebrate Andrew’s birthday, we had the Yuzu pudding with fresh blueberries sided with two digestifs from their wide selection.
Drink.
  • Apparently bourbon country is turning to beer. Local breweries abound. Check out Yester Years Brewery; currently working on their first batch, they’ve got a great menu of crafts available (plus a nice wine selection) and coffee in the morning.
Shop.
  • In Chapel Hill, visit the Ackland Museum Shop for some really cool pieces both locally made and imported. It’s a small world as we discussed Duluth Packs with the Minnesotan native running the shop.

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