A Foodie’s Guide to Alamance County

(And Outdoor Adventures to Work It Off)

From farm-to-table dining to wood-smoked barbecue, there are chef-inspired restaurants and classic eateries to suit every taste in Alamance County. Wondering which spots should go on your must-visit list? Consider the following:

With a menu offering local farm fresh ingredients, the Eddy Pub is the place to go for gourmet pub fare. Dishes like the fried rice bowl with spicy kimchi, savory chicken and dumplings, and candy roast squash are favorites. Enjoy house-made pretzels and pimento cheese while dining on the deck patio, overlooking the Haw River.

Adjacent to the Alamance County courthouse, the Verdict will serve you with a delicious meal. With its casual dining space and Southern charm, the Verdict on the Square’s menu has something for everyone. Like the supreme court burger, loaded with bacon and cheese. Be sure to stay for the rebuttals, and the homemade desserts.

The Mark, located inside the Inn at Elon, a beautiful five-star hotel on the campus of Elon University, offers upscale American fare. The Mark serves delicious Southern dishes sourced with local ingredients. Sip a craft bourbon or enjoy tempting menu items such as shrimp and grits, short ribs, and local chicken with a honey and fig goat cheese stuffing.

At the Village Grill, escape to this “tropical” restaurant and enjoy dishes like key west chicken, a popular dish marinated with a house-made tangy sauce. Dine in the garden room and try a savory entrée like the lime cilantro salmon. To finish, the homemade key lime pie is, in their words, “like being slapped and kissed at the same time.”

Prego’s Trattoria is a family-owned Italian restaurant where each meal begins with delicious fried polenta served with savory seasoned olive oil. Try their house chianti and daily specials, like soft shell crab and asparagus gratinata.

Outdoor Activities in Alamance County

With 500 acres of land, Cedarock Park is a fun adventure for the whole family. You will want to explore the historical farm and enjoy visiting the farm animals. Cedarock Park also offers hiking, a playground, equestrian trails, fishing and disc golf courses. Several shelters are perfect for picnics. Be sure to take a short walk to the old mill dam and see the waterfall flowing over the dam–a great photo opportunity!

The newest trails can be found at the Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area where hikers will enjoy rolling piedmont hills, abundant creeks and streams, and some of the best views in the County.

Continue your nature trail search along the Haw River Land Trail.  The trail is part of the statewide Mountains-to-Sea trail which allows hikers to experience the beauty of the Haw River. Over twenty miles of Land Trail are open to the public in Alamance County, offering beautiful views of the river. Along the river you’ll have the opportunity to walk, picnic, fish and hike.

A visit to Lake Mackintosh Park is a great way to spend the day.  Lake Mackintosh covers over 1150 acres and has a shoreline of sixty-one miles. Kayaks, Jon Boats, and paddle boats are all available to rent. You’ll enjoy fishing from the water in a boat or from the shore edge, including pier and bank fishing. The kids will enjoy playing on the playground and walking along the path leading to the pier. Enjoy viewing the monuments located at the park which consist of decorative engraved memorials dedicated to the American soldiers of the Battles of Clapp’s Mill, Lindley’s Mill, and Pyle’s Defeat, all fought in Alamance County during the American Revolution. Experience a taste of history while you relax by the lake.