PNC Event: Hillsborough Ramble

Saturday June 6
11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Think you’ve seen it all? What about over 1,200 miniature American folk art building models? How about NC’s oldest Masonic Lodge? Ever attended a summer’s evening reception at Ayr Mount (1815)?Join PNC and our partners, The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, for an exciting tour showcasing ten historic properties, including several private homes.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

Save time at the door! Advance purchase recommended.

On-site tour tickets (via credit card at the link above) may be purchased at the registration desk from 11-3 at the Dickson House, 150 E. King Street, Hillsborough. No cash sales.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

TOUR MAP WITH ADDRESSES WILL BE PROVIDED AT CHECK-IN
Dickson House, 150 E. King Street, Hillsborough
THIS IS A BIG TOUR – WEAR YOUR WALKING SHOES AND BRING YOUR WATER
Be aware of uneven walking paths, stairs, and high-traffic roads. These historic sites and private homes are not fully accessible under ADA guidelines. Please also do not wear high heels or stacked shoes to protect the integrity of historic flooring.
GENERAL EVENT PARKING
Street parking is available around most sites. Vehicles are not permitted to enter driveways. Access to some properties requires walking approximately 50 feet down gravel driveways, and the sites are not ADA compliant. Guests should consider any mobility concerns and plan accordingly.

TOUR SCHEDULE

10:00-12:00    PRE-RAMBLE AT MOOREFIELDS
No check-in is needed; proceed directly to site.
Moorefields, 2201 Moorefields Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278 – PARKING ON SITE

The gardens and exterior grounds will be open to all ticket holders.
**Interior home tours will be offered at 10:00 am and 11:00 am for an additional fee of $10.00 paid on site. Limited to 15 people per tour on a first-come, first-served basis.**

Don’t forget to enjoy lunch on your own at one Hillsborough’s many incredible restaurants!

12:00-4:00      RAMBLE SITES OPEN
Check-in first to receive program and map (check-in open from 11:00-3:00).
Dickson House, 150 E. King Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278 – PARKING ON STREET

Ramble sites open for self-guided tours. Most are within walking distance of Dickson House, but attendees with mobility concerns or limited stamina can drive between certain sites.

4:00-5:00        RECEPTION AT AYR MOUNT
Ayr Mount, 376 St. Mary’s Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278 – PARKING ON SITE

GENERAL SITE MAP FOR PLANNING
Official map with addresses provided at check-in

TOUR DETAILS (IMAGES LINK TO MORE INFORMATION)

10:00-12:00 PRE-RAMBLE GARDEN TOUR AT MOOREFIELDS
Arrive early to enjoy the gardens at Moorefields, Hillsborough’s hidden jewel. Set on 70 acres of gardens, trails, woodlands, and pastures, the National Register listed property was built in 1785 just outside of town. Ramble ticket holders may tour the gardens and grounds at their leisure.

Two guided tours of the interior of the house will be offered at 10:00 and 11:00 for $10 per person paid directly to Moorefields. These tours are limited to 15 people each and will be first come, first served.

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
Make sure to grab lunch in Hillsborough before the Ramble!

11:00-3:00 REGISTRATION DESK HOURS
Pick up your ramble map at The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough. Tour the 1790 Alexander Dickson House and learn more about The Alliance’s work to preserve the rich history of Hillsborough.

12:00-4:00 HILLSBOROUGH RAMBLE
Ramble around town to see the many diverse tour sites, including (but not limited to!):

Visit the beautiful home of W. Steven Burke and Randy Campbell to view their collection of more than 1,200 miniature American Folk Art Buildings, the nation’s largest and only such collection. The buildings were created by Americans nationwide and represent communities both real and imaginary. They uniquely conjoin history, architecture, and folk art.

Pilgrim’s Rest/Hasell-Nash House (1819)

The Occaneechi Replica Village, constructed by the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation (OBSN) and Orange County to honor and inform about the area’s indigenous community. The village vividly portrays history through a scaled model of Occaneechi Town.

Tamarind (1908) – For Sale!

Masonic Lodge (1823)

The Colonial Inn (1759)

Dickerson Chapel AME Church (1790)

Burwell School Historic Site (1821)

Mangum-Ruffin House/Clarendon Cross (1878)

Bellevue (1800)

The “I House” (1902)

4:00-5:00 FINAL RAMBLE SITE AND CLOSING RECEPTION
Drive just out of downtown for a late afternoon reception at the stunning Federal masterpiece, Ayr Mount (1815). The Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation will host us for tours and light refreshments.

Preservation NC Rambles give you the chance to explore the historic homes and buildings of a NC community inside and out — and at your own pace! We’ve partnered with property owners and community leaders to share beautiful and interesting historic properties in a single day, many not often open to the public.