Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Mebane, NC

  • Published 2022/04/26

There’s nothing better than investing in memories with your kids.

We know you’re looking for days out within your budget when spending more time with family.

Mebane, North Carolina, is a hidden jewel of the South that provides one-of-a-kind boutiques, excellent eateries, and exciting events for all ages.

Mebane has something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or love indoors.

The city is located in Alamance County and partly in Orange County.

Congress named it for Alexander Mebane, an American Revolutionary War general and member of Congress.

The city grew out of an agricultural community and now boasts fun shops, delicious eateries, local artisans and craftsmen, and lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Interested to know more about this place?

Here are the 15 best things to do in Mebane, NC:

Stroll Over Clay Street

Searching for a fun way to spend a day in Mebane?

Take a stroll down Clay Street to eat at one of the many restaurants, including the famous Clay Street Tavern.

Antiques can be the thing to add a little flair to your new home, or you’re looking for a piece of furniture with a touch of history and character.

Either way, many antique shops in your area can help you find the perfect item.

Here you can find antique shops such as The Curious Peddler, Brick Alley Antiques, Sweet Grace Market at Melville Trading Company, and many more!

This downtown street comes alive in the summer with outdoor music events you won’t want to miss.

Read and Relax at Mebane Public Library

Mebane Public Library is a historic library in downtown Mebane, North Carolina.

It was built in 1898 as a Carnegie library.

The restoration of the building was completed in 1998.

There is ample parking. The building has been renovated to include many beautiful amenities that make it one of the best libraries you’ll find anywhere.

The library is a great place to spend an afternoon.

There are many current magazines to choose from and comfortable sitting, and friendly help if necessary.

Enjoy Many Activities at Lake Michael Park

Lake Michael Park is the perfect place to spend a beautiful day with your friends and family in Mebane, so bring your picnic basket, fishing pole, and canoe.

They have 3 miles of trails for hiking and biking.

Bring your friends or family to enjoy an afternoon hike or bike ride on the beautiful trails.

You can go fishing at one of our many fishing sites or bring your canoe or kayak out for a paddle on the 60-acre Lake.

Make sure you get your fishing license!

They also have a boat launch that can accept boats up to 17.5 feet in length if you want a more boating experience on the Lake.

You can even rent one of their three shelters for an outdoor family get-together.

Each shelter has picnic tables, charcoal grills, and nearby restrooms so you can enjoy a day out with all the comforts of home.

Learn History at Mebane Historical Museum

The Mebane Historical Museum is an excellent resource for learning about the history of Mebane and the surrounding area.

It protects, collects, and displays all aspects of Mebane’s cultural and historical past.

It engages the public with a diverse and lively collection through exhibitions, special events, and free public activities.

Concerts, talks, workshops, and other special activities are available at the museum.

Like most everything in the Mebane area, admission to the museum is always free!

Discover the Newest Cate’s Farm Park

Mebane’s newest park is here!

Cates Farm opened its doors to the public on January 21, 2021.

It has since built a reputation for being Mebane’s friendliest place to relax and rejuvenate.

They offer 2.0 miles of beautiful trails on their 54-acre property, formerly used as a pickle farm.

The park is pet-friendly and offers an outdoor meditation area, a welcome center, and a charming gift shop.

Our brand-new park is perfect if you love walking, running, and hiking.

They have a butterfly garden and wildflower meadow that will make you feel like another world.

You can also take your kids to our natural playground.

If you want to book an outdoor event space or use the existing barn on the property, it’s available!

Win Prizes at Buffaloe Lanes Mebane Bowling Center

You know what’s fun? Bowling.

Do you know what else is fun? Paying only $2 per game of bowling!

And at Buffaloe Lanes Mebane Bowling Center, you can do that!

They offer affordable fun for families, dates, and friends.

John Buffaloe founded Buffaloe Lanes Center in 1978.

The idea was simple: provide a place for people to have fun and enjoy themselves, regardless of their age or skill level.

Come in for a party or enjoy a few games with the kids.

With cheap games and kid’s prizes, they’re the best bowling center around for showing guests a good time on a dime.

Have Fun at Graham-Mebane Lake

The beautiful Graham-Mebane Lake is a fantastic place for the whole family to enjoy.

Everyone can enjoy a swim, relax on the beach, or have a picnic in one of the many pavilions and shelters.

Graham-Mebane Lake is a 650-acre reservoir in North Carolina, initially formed by Quaker Creek.

It serves as a source of drinking water for the citizens of Graham, Mebane, Green Level, and Swepsonville.

The Lake offers a wide range of activities, including sport fishing, boating, skiing, and paddle sports.

There’s something here for everyone!

They host several free family events throughout the year, so bring your friends and family and come make some memories!

Celebrate at Efland Cheeks Community Center

Are you hunting for a place to hold your next gathering? Everything you need is available at the Efland Cheeks Community Center!

The Efland Cheeks Community Center is in Richmond Road, Mebane, and it’s the perfect place for your kids to spend their summer.

Besides a large stage and a lounge, the community center also has a kitchen with appliances and dishes available for preparing and serving food.

But that’s not all! The community center is next to Efland-Cheeks Park, with several walking trails and sports fields.

The center aims to make a welcoming and comfortable environment where people may learn, grow, and contribute.

Try Different Wines at Iron Gate Farm Winery

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, Irongate Winery in Mebane is your place!

They offer a great wine coupled with a romantic setting.

Relax on a patio overlooking the vineyards or inside by the fireplace.

There’s also a tasting room where you can try out different wines and save your favorite glass as a souvenir.

They are closed on Mondays. Plan if you want to go during the week!

You can also find a great gift idea for your family and friends.

Bring a bottle of wine home when you travel back home.

They have a great mix of Sangria your family will love.

Have Fun at the Mebane Train Display

Are you looking for anything to do to make you feel like a kid again?

Check out one of the happiest attractions in Mebane – The Mebane Train Display.

Mr. Tommy Long gave a collection of trains to the city of Mebane, and the Mebane Train Layout was conceived and erected to display them.

Mr. Long has one of the most valuable collections in Alamance County, valued at over $250,000.

The layout is now preserved in the basement of the Mebane Public Library.

It would be fantastic to find a new location where people could come in and experience this incredible exhibit!

Buy Antiques at The Curious Peddler

Are you looking for an antique store that goes beyond the ordinary?

Owned by an expert collector and former antique dealer, this shop is the perfect place to go if you are looking for great value and a warm welcome.

The staff at The Curious Peddler is knowledgeable about the antiques and collectibles they sell, and it’s always an adventure to browse their vast selections.

The business is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, which only enhances the experience.

If you live in Mebane, North Carolina, and want to add vintage decor to your home, this is a must-see!

Buy Your Favorites at Solgarden

We bet you didn’t know that Solgarden is one of the most affordable places to shop in Mebane, NC.

Solgarden is an in-store shopping experience located at 115 N 4th St, Mebane, NC.

The shop specializes in providing beautiful, handcrafted home decorations, toys, and sterling silver jewelry.

Wait- there’s more!

They also have excellent, colorful clothes, jewelry, and other accessories that look great on you.

You can even get a book that makes you feel like you’re reading a fairytale from when you were a kid.

Make a Side Trip at Tanger Outlets

How about a little something to get you through the day?

Tanger Outlets have all your favorite designer and name brands at affordable prices.

They’re the perfect place to find that special something for yourself or to stock up on gifts for people you love.

The best way to prepare for your vacation is here: from luggage carts and early-bird sales, a trip to Tanger Outlets in Mebane, North Carolina, will help you get ready for your vacation.

The center offers 20-70% savings off high-quality brands from the top department stores, including Nike, Gap, Banana Republic, Polo Ralph Lauren, Guess, J. Crew, Columbia, etc.

Each shop also has Shopper Services, where you may pick up a coupon book or join their TangerClub. Get a free coupon book!

Dine at Blue Ribbon Diner

If you’re looking for a place to please your seafood, steak, or chicken craving, look no further.

Blue Ribbon Diner in Mebane has got what you need.

They offer an incredible variety of menu items at an unbeatable price, so it’s a win-win every time!

They have delicious food, from meat and veggies to baskets!

Their homemade dressing and sauces have always been fresh and delicious.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Night view of Haw River Ballroom

zimmytws / Shutterstock.com

There are lots to do in Mebane, but you’re going to want to make sure you don’t miss all the awesome things nearby.

In Graham, North Carolina, these attractions include the Haw River Paddle Trail and Durham Performing Arts Center.

The Haw River Trail is a popular hiking trail in North Carolina.

The HRT begins in Haw River State Park and extends 40 miles north to South Mountains State Park.

Glass building of Durham Performing Arts Center

zimmytws / Shutterstock.com

In 2008, the Durham Performing Arts Center opened its doors.

It hosts more than 200 performances a year, including touring Broadway productions, family shows, comedy events, high-profile concerts, and the American Dance Festival.

People enjoying the greenery at Sarah P. Duke Gardens

gurezende / Shutterstock.com

We also have Sarah P. Duke Gardens, which you will like.

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, whether you’re a student at Duke or passing through Durham and need a place to relax.

The gardens, located on 55 acres of landscaped and wooded areas on the duke campus, feature 5 miles of allées, walks, and pathways that allow visitors to stroll through beautiful scenery.

Buy Locally Grown Products at Saxapahaw General Store

The Saxapahaw General Store in Mebane is a terrific place to get up with friends for coffee, live music, locally sourced food, drink, and shopping for products made in the area.

The owners envisioned a location where the community could gather for food, drink, and supplies, run by people from many backgrounds.

These people also have learned that they can impact the world by working together.

As they attempted to conserve local foods, good wine and beer, healthy snacks, and ecologically responsible dry products, they aspired to be a part of a new sort of local economy.

They aim to support other small businesses and encourage mindful farming.

They also planned to become part of a network of tiny communities dedicated to enhancing their quality of life and economic well-being.

Final Thoughts

When planning a vacation, many things might go wrong.

Spending more than you expected can leave you with few memories to show for it.

You can find yourself with a travel budget that is so small that it’s worth the trip.

Budget travel is such a great idea: You can still enjoy yourself, but you’ll do so in a way that doesn’t completely drain your bank account.

With these 15 best things to do in Mebane, North Carolina, you’re sure to have a stress-free, affordable holiday.

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