Happy #PlanForVacation Day! This is your annual reminder, after pushing through a busy holiday season and a hectic new year, to stop, take a breath, and start preparing for the moments that matter most in 2026: a romantic weekend getaway with your partner, that family trip you’ve been putting off, or simply just a quiet rural retreat where you can finally relax and unplug from the day-to-day grind.
There are many reasons to travel, but one in particular stands out as a major motivator for visitors in 2026: living like a local. The days of jam-packed itineraries and “must-see” listicles are falling away in favor of immersive, multi-day trips, often during the off-season and to destinations outside major tourist hubs (also known as “secondary cities”). Though the concept of “Slow Travel” has been around for over two decades, this movement has gained significant traction in recent years for several reasons:
Affordability: Off-peak travel and visits to secondary cities aren’t just a great way to dodge the crowds; they’re also more affordable, key for many visitors mindful of rising costs.- Sustainability: Concerns about the impacts of tourism on climate change and local communities have motivated many visitors to seek sustainable experiences that avoid overtourism and celebrate local cultures.
- Authenticity: In a post-COVID world that’s left visitors craving connection and a digital age where endless planning resources exist at your fingertips, the wheres and hows of travel matter far less than the why. Visitors want meaningful, personalized experiences and an authentic taste of the local scene.
We couldn’t be more excited to see the #SlowTravel movement take center stage in 2026, as our destination embodies the spirit of local, mindful, and leisurely exploration. Chatham County abounds with opportunities to experience our local scene, at your own pace, through charming farm stays, seasonal dishes, serene paddling trips, stunning local art shows, and cozy wilderness retreats, to name a few. Restaurants focus on farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with cuisines spanning familiar southern comfort food favorites and authentic pit-cooked barbecue to international flavors from Jamaica, Ireland, Szechuan, Polynesia, and beyond.
Locally owned restaurants, craft beverage makers, coffee shops, and stores and markets of all varieties are a Chatham County staple. Visitors can expect lovely chats with our shop owners and thoughtful recommendations tailored to their tastes and budget. Locavores will delight in farm-to-table offerings galore, with the chance to follow your meal from pasture to plate. Chat with farmers and artisanal product makers at farmers markets across our area. You may even spot one of our chefs selecting the perfect ingredients for that evening’s special.
There are many ways to add a personal touch to your Chatham County visit:
- Explore carefully crafted, bespoke local spirits during your private small-batch whiskey tasting with the head distiller at Fair Game Beverage Company. Savor a delicious charcuterie spread, get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, and even create a tailor-made bottle of whiskey blended to your taste, complete with a custom label.
- Indulge in an afternoon of high tea at Fearrington House Restaurant, a tradition steeped in southern hospitality, featuring specialty tea blends and sweet and savory bites.
- Experience kidding season at The Inn at Celebrity Dairy, with private barn tours offering your group a behind-the-scenes look at life on a family-owned farm, complimentary house-made gelato, and a chance to feed the baby goats!
Book a seasonal flower party (available mid-June through September) at Jordan Lake Farms for your next meetup, girls’ night, or corporate outing. Pick local flowers and build a beautiful bouquet to bring home. - Shop entire new collections and get personalized recommendations from the fashion rep (and occasionally, even the designer), with seasonal trunk shows at Dovecote and Thistle & Oak in Fearrington Village.
- Learn the basics of home meadmaking or brewing with hands-on workshops led by award-winning craft beverage makers.
- Skip the studio and bring the wellness retreat right to your Airbnb! Many of our local practitioners offer private, personalized yoga classes, spa treatments, and fitness instruction from the comfort of your own home (away from home).
- Add a special touch to gifts and giveaways. Local makers like Starrlight Mead and Mrs. Ruth’s Jams offer personalized labels.
Your Slow Travel adventure awaits in Chatham County. Contact us for recommendations tailored to your needs and preferences, local hidden gems, and travel tips for a seamless experience.
