Gather Together For the Ultimate Small-Town Getaway in Granville County

A hybrid of urban and rural, Granville County in North Carolina is an ideal place for gathering. Twenty minutes from the northern border and a short drive from the Raleigh-Durham airport, Granville County is dotted with the small towns of Oxford, Butner, Creedmoor, Stem and Stovall. Whether you’re exploring the county’s great outdoors or the heart of town, you’ll find the people and their local hangouts most endearing. So consider these suggestions a primer for how you can define your very own Uniquely Carolina experience.

Oxford itself — Just 3 miles off I-85, north of Raleigh and Durham — is one of those places that warms your heart with its quaint charm. It’s a place where neighbors wave at you from their front porch in hopes you’ll do more than just pass through town.

Oxford’s Main Street shines with an eclectic blend of charm and character. Highlights include the neon marquee of newly renovated art deco The Orpheum at Oxford, now an event space, and the award-winning Oxford Oaks Distillery with its signature restaurant Verdigris, where upscale dining meets farm-to-table flair.

Across the street, Strong Arm Baking Co. — which started as Julia and Thomas Blaine’s pop-up shop — became a brick-and-mortar business in 2020 after overwhelming support from the community. With treats including baked goods made from locally sourced ingredients, delicious lunches and occasional dinners, Strong Arm’s items are great for a variety of occasions — and they can also be found at farmers markets and other local retail locations.

If you really want to embrace the power of gathering in a small-town setting, The Hub On Main lives up to its name. Located in downtown Oxford, The Hub on Main is a lively market and incubator for small businesses, featuring local art, crafts, beer, wine and creative studios. It’s a one-stop destination to experience the heart of Oxford’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Oxford’s Wall Street presents an exchange on its own. Mara Shelton founded Tobacco Wood Brewing in 2018 with her husband, Paul, as North Carolina’s first female, veteran-owned brewery. At this popular spot, the menu features a rotation of craft brews and a casual selection of bites including sandwiches, flatbreads and “Landmine Nachos,” making this a favorite family-friendly Oxford hang.  

Being a picturesque place, Granville County offers adventure and beautiful scenery in addition to its charming downtowns and eateries. Around the western edge of Creedmoor’s city limits, Lake Rogers Park attracts people who want to fish, paddle and enjoy picnics in the park. From April to October, the lake’s amenities also include pedal boats, johnboats and NuCanoe rentals.

A result of good land stewardship can be found in the town of Stem at The Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area. From 2013 to 2018, seven tracts of family-owned land totaling 398 acres were purchased and designed by the Tar River Land conservancy, creating 5 miles of hiking and walking trails. From either trailhead, you can enter a hardwood forest and witness wildlife in action. Pro tip: Download the trail map and guide to get the most out of your visit.

For a mix of both outdoors and flavors, head to Butner and pop into Lake Holt’s Lakeside Grill for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner. Grab a seat outside and take in the scenery while you eat. You can also find an arcade for the kiddos below the restaurant, and Lake Holt hosts a Fourth of July fireworks show each year.

While you’re there — spanning 385 acres, Lake Holt provides optimal lake and land recreation, and it tops the list for birthday parties, family reunions and fun times. Featuring fishing piers, walking trails, boat rentals and party shelters, the lake also hosts community events throughout the year, including bluegrass jams the third Sunday of the month.

This story is in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Granville County Tourism Development Authority.