Whether you're headed to the lake, planning a backyard cookout, or spending the holiday exploring Pittsboro and beyond, we've rounded up a few of our favorite Chatham County finds for the Fourth of July. From banana splits and barbecue to local brews and festive shopping, these are the places helping make summer a little sweeter this season.

1. S&T's Soda Shoppe | Banana Split

Three scoops of ice cream, plenty of toppings, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. If there was ever a dessert made for a small-town Fourth of July celebration, it's a classic banana split from S&T's.

2. The Sycamore at Chatham Mills | Watermelon Ember

Espolón Reposado, watermelon juice, lime, jalapeño syrup, and pineapple juice come together in one of the most refreshing summer cocktails we've found this season. It's equal parts sweet, citrusy, and just spicy enough for a hot July evening.

3. Nest at Fearrington Village | Hostess Gifts & Summer Entertaining Finds

Showing up to a cookout or holiday gathering? Nest is one of our favorite places to find thoughtful hostess gifts, beautiful serving pieces, candles, and home accents that feel just as special as the celebration itself.

4. Oh To Be | Fourth of July Finds

Looking to add a little red, white, and blue to your holiday weekend? Oh To Be is featuring festive Fourth of July décor, gifts, accessories, and entertaining pieces that are perfect for summer gatherings, hostess gifts, or adding a patriotic touch to your home.

5. Allen & Son Bar-B-Que | Eastern North Carolina Barbecue

No Fourth of July in North Carolina is complete without barbecue. Allen & Son has been serving up smoky, slow-cooked Carolina barbecue for decades and remains a local favorite for holiday gatherings.

6. BMC Brewing | New England IPA

Located at The Plant in Pittsboro, BMC Brewing's New England IPA is a summer crowd-pleaser. Juicy, hazy, and easy-drinking, it's the perfect local brew to bring to a backyard cookout or enjoy while spending an afternoon at The Plant.

7. The Preserve at Jordan Lake | A Holiday Weekend Tee Time

Long summer days and a round of golf go hand in hand. With rolling fairways, beautiful scenery, and a true community atmosphere, The Preserve at Jordan Lake is one of our favorite places to spend a Fourth of July weekend morning.

8. The Plant | Live Music, Local Brews & Summer Evenings

Few places embody a Chatham County summer quite like The Plant. Between local breweries, food vendors, outdoor gathering spaces, and live music throughout the season, it's one of our favorite places to spend a long holiday weekend. Grab a New England IPA from BMC Brewing, find a seat outdoors, and enjoy one of the community's most unique destinations.

If you're looking for Fourth of July plans, The Plant will be celebrating on Saturday, July 4, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM with live music, local vendors, food, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family. It's the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon and evening while supporting some of Chatham County's favorite local businesses.

One of the things we love most about Chatham County is that celebrations here feel a little different. They're less about rushing from place to place and more about gathering with friends, supporting local businesses, enjoying the outdoors, and appreciating the community we call home.

Whether you're enjoying a banana split in downtown Pittsboro, finding the perfect hostess gift, teeing off at The Preserve, or spending the afternoon at The Plant, we hope your holiday weekend is filled with great food, great company, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Hart & Jahoo.