A letter from Eryk Pruitt
Valentine’s Day gets most of the attention, but anyone who’s been in a real relationship knows that love is so much more than a single evening. It’s a sequence. A progression. Sometimes it can be a slow burn, sometimes it might be a sharp turn. Occasionally it will be a full emotional pile-up. But in every situation, it often calls for another round.
With so many stages of love, which venue in Hillsborough might be best for you “after dark?” The short answer is: all of them. The town ain’t that big and there’s nothing more romantic than a stroll from one joint to the other. However, let’s take a closer look and see what vibe might work for you in this High Holy Holiday of Love.
THAT EARLY SPARK: THE ROOKERY
The beginning of a relationship can be fragile. You’re still learning each other’s rhythms. You’re deciding how much eye contact is too much eye contact. You need an environment that gives you something to do if conversation falters.
On Valentine’s weekend, the Rookery provides that gentle cushion. On February 13, their Galentine’s Dance Party offers plenty of excuse to get that booty shaking. Valentine’s night brings some live jazz, which might be the ideal background noise for those intimate conversations. And Sunday’s Yoga with Meg might be either charmingly intimate or mildly hilarious, depending on your flexibility levels.
Young love thrives in these spaces which allow for awkward missteps. The Rookery is forgiving in all the best of ways.
THAT GROWN-UP MIDDLE: YONDER: SOUTHERN COCKTAILS AND BREW
Once you’ve gotten to know each other, date nights become less about performing and showing off, and more about sharing time with each other. You enjoy doing things together, not because you have to kill time, but because shared experiences are the whole point.
Yonder is built for just that stage. Whether you’ve been together six weeks or six decades, you’ll find yourself singing along with Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos on Friday night. Saturday’s pastry, jazz, and cocktail pairing with Genevieve Pastry is far more superior than an overpriced dinner in a crowded restaurant. And Sunday’s Six of Cups “Love Potion” apothecary event adds a touch of mysticism and playfulness for couples who enjoy trying something new.
YOU AND ME AND THE BABY MAKES THREE: ENO RIVER BREWING
For couples with young children, romance doesn’t simply disappear. It evolves. There’s nowhere better than Eno River Brewing when it comes to date nights with the little ones in tow.
Every night, ERB proudly features homegrown brews that can be enjoyed on their lawn overlooking the river while the children play. And this Sunday’s Derby Day celebration promises festive energy, great brews, and enough space for the whole family to kick back and have a great time. It’s love in its most practical form: sharing pints and sharing life.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END (HOPEFULLY NOT): NASH STREET TAVERN
Every town needs a place where the difficult conversations can be had. Nash Street Tavern, with its lively and unapologetically rowdy atmosphere, can provide ample cover for those difficult conversations.
Friday features live music from Taxicab Preacher. Saturday brings a pop-up Karaoke with Celeste, and Sunday offers their beloved Beer & Hymns gathering. In other words, if you need background noise for that difficult talk you’ve been putting off—or a place to make up while singing along off-key—this is your spot.
Not every love story is tidy. Good thing NST doesn’t judge.
WHEN THINGS ARE GOING VERY, VERY WELL: THE COLONIAL INN—SPENCER’S TAVERN
Sometimes the night is unfolds exactly as planned. A quiet bar. Small bites on the veranda. The perfect cocktail.
The realization that you’d rather not drive home.
Spencer’s Tavern at the Colonial Inn offers history, intimacy, and the very convenient option of booking a room upstairs. When romance turns a bit indulgent, this is where you are very lucky to end up.
Love in Hillsborough (After Dark) is hardly one-size-fits-all. It evolves. It adapts. It occasionally requires karaoke.
Wherever you find yourself this February—newly paired, comfortably smitten, navigating babysitters, closing a chapter, or preparing to smash—there’s a place for you in Hillsborough After Dark.
Joined by Dani McIvor, Executive Director of The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, BJ and Smita Patel , co-owners of Nomad and The Rookery and Eryk Pruitt, co-owner of Yonder Southern Cocktails and Brew visited 97.9 The Hill WCHL for News on The Hill with Andrew Stuckey. They discussed nightlife in Historic Hillsborough and previewed some exciting upcoming events. Click to listen to the radio interview!
“Hillsborough After Dark” is a series sponsored by Visit Hillsborough and highlighting some of the best our town on the Eno has to offer! Hillsborough has charm, history and — if you know where to look — some spectacular spots to visit After Dark! Check back to see what else Hillsborough has to offer, and for more local essays guiding your explorations and outings!
