About The Plant
The Plant is a diverse 17-acre eco-industrial park located on the eastern edge of Pittsboro North Carolina. This unique campus is home to nearly two dozen like-minded small businesses focused on entrepreneurship sustainability and supporting Chatham County's local economy. What began as an old biodiesel plant on a former farm has been transformed into a vibrant community hub that has turned local commerce into a multi-faceted experience.
The Campus Experience
The Plant offers visitors an exceptional array of experiences all in one location. The campus features the Smelt Art Gallery axe throwing at Chatham Axes walking trails unique craft beverage experiences at multiple producers farm-to-fork eateries including Copeland Springs Kitchen and Kingston 99 Jamaican food numerous outdoor spaces for gatherings and events and much more. Additional businesses include Vortex Roasters coffee at Metal Brixx Cafe hemp products from Oak City Hemp and Hempsmith Carolina Hemp Tours a native plants nursery and Pittsboro eBikes. The property includes a giant chess set in the yard a stage for live music swings playground equipment and even a constructed wetland for environmental education.
The Chatham Beverage District
The Plant is home to the renowned Chatham Beverage District which includes Fair Game Beverage Company bmc brewing Starrlight Mead & Cider and Koshu Sake. This concentration of craft beverage producers allows visitors to sample spirits beers meads ciders and sake all within walking distance. The campus is part of the Chatham County Craft Beverages and Country Inns Trail making it a destination for beverage enthusiasts.
Fair Game Beverage Company
Fair Game Beverage Company is North Carolina's 13th distillery and a cornerstone of The Plant's beverage offerings. Head distiller Chris Jude specializes in small-batch spirits distilled from locally grown produce turned into delicious seasonal cocktails. Their spirit lineup includes the award-winning Flying Pepper Vodka Balancing Act Gin Amber Rum and Province of Carolina rum (a blend of artisan rums from North and South Carolina). They also produce house-made liqueurs from seasonal fruits and fortified wines that have gained regional acclaim.
The Tasting Room and Wheelhouse
Fair Game operates a Tasting Room featuring flights and cocktails where visitors can sample their spirits. The Tasting Room also includes a pantry stocked with North Carolina specialty food products including cocktail supplies like bitters syrups and shrubs plus shelves of pickles hot sauces crackers caviar chocolates peanuts mustards and jams including Cackalacky products. Adjacent to the Tasting Room is the Wheelhouse - the Events Bar space that serves as a versatile venue for gatherings. The Wheelhouse hosts private parties corporate events and regular community programming.
Music and Cultural Events at The Plant
The Plant has developed an active calendar of musical and cultural events making it a hub for arts and entertainment in Chatham County. Fair Game's Wheelhouse hosts Open Mic nights on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:30-9 PM welcoming all musicians to share their talents. Other regular events include monthly Trivia hosted by Erin Poetry Readings on the second Wednesday of each month from 6-7 PM Irish Music nights featuring traditional tunes and Improv Theatre performances.
Annual Festivals and Special Events
The Plant grounds host numerous annual festivals that draw visitors from across the region including Hemparoo PBO Pride Okra Jamboree PepperFest Mead Fest Death Faire and Chestnut Carnival. The campus also accommodates conferences workshops art openings birthdays weddings funerals and corporate gatherings. Every Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM the campus offers a special brunch experience with special menus drink offerings live music axe throwing and shopping. The Pittsboro Farmers Market operates year-round every Thursday under the solar panels.
Tours and Educational Opportunities
Fair Game offers public tours of their distillery on Saturdays at noon with additional tours available by appointment. These tours provide insight into the craft of distilling and the sustainable practices employed. Private whiskey tastings can be booked where participants build their own charcuterie boards and learn about flavor profiles from the head distiller with the option to purchase custom bottle blends. Carolina Hemp Tours offers educational experiences about hemp cultivation and products.
Sustainability and Community Values
The Plant was awarded the North Carolina Business Council 2023 Sustainable Business of the Year recognizing their commitment to environmental stewardship. The campus uses extensive solar power installations which also provide shade for the weekly farmers market. The businesses work collaboratively supporting each other and creating a model for sustainable local economic development. This commitment to sustainability entrepreneurship and community building has made The Plant a unique and beloved destination in the Triangle region.
Practical Information
The Plant is located at the end of Lorax Lane just off US Highway 64 on the eastern edge of Pittsboro. The campus layout encourages wandering and exploration with beverages from one venue welcome at outdoor spaces throughout the property. Ample parking is available and the entire campus maintains a family-friendly welcoming atmosphere. Most venues are dog-friendly in outdoor areas. Regular operating hours vary by individual business but the campus generally operates seven days a week with extended hours on weekends.