Crimson Leaves & Cozy Reads in Hillsborough, North Carolina
Chapter 1
Get swept up in the charming, storybook allure of Hillsborough, North Carolina—where historic streets, shady river walks, and a thriving creative spirit invite you to slow down and savor every page of the experience. Our Hillsborough itinerary captures the town’s rich literary heritage, independent shops, cozy cafés, and hidden reading nooks tucked among centuries-old buildings and scenic trails along the Eno River.
With each trip Stay by the Book presents, we invite our travelers to read a novel set in (or inspired by) the region we are exploring prior to attending. On our first night together, we will gather for an informal book discussion, and your guides will weave in meaningful connections from the stories as we explore Hillsborough’s layered past and vibrant present. For Hillsborough, we have selected the following novel!
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
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UNC-Chapel Hill has a secret, and it’s dripping in blood and ancient magic. When seventeen-year-old Bree Matthews witnesses a demonic attack on campus, she accidentally unlocks her own dormant powers—and a flood of memories that suggest her mother’s fatal car accident was no accident at all. To find the truth, Bree must infiltrate the Legendborn, a secret society descended from the Round Table. But as she gets pulled deeper into their war, she finds herself torn between a handsome, duty-bound King and a dangerous, silver-tongued Mage—all while trying to survive a magical trial that could cost her everything.
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Get ready to step off the page and straight into the magic, because this trip transforms the dark academia world of Legendborn into your actual reality! We will explore the stunning, historic campus of UNC-Chapel Hill to walk in Bree’s exact footsteps, hunting down the real-life landmarks that inspired Tracy Deonn's thrilling urban fantasy. You will get to hike through the atmospheric, shadowed trails of Battle Park to stand before the eerie stone walls of Gimghoul Castle—the real fortress that inspired the Order's secret headquarters—and stroll beneath the ancient trees of McCorkle Place to see the iconic Old Well where hidden magic feels entirely possible. From exploring the campus gates to grabbing a bite on bustling Franklin Street where the characters fuel up between demon hunts, this trip turns a gorgeous North Carolina vacation into the ultimate immersive literary adventure. Spaces are filling up fast, so grab your copy of the book, pack your bags, and secure your spot on the tour today!goes here
Plots and Prose Reading Retreat
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November 13-15
Check in on Friday, November 15, between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Make your way from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to the boutique hotel where one of our tour guides will be waiting in the lobby to check you in and help you get settled before the adventure begins!
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Designed for Book Lovers
Connect with fellow book lovers as you tour locally owned bookshops, discover vibrant public art, and savor authentic local flavors. Between stops, stroll through bustling city blocks, relax in sun-drenched parks, and join in on a fun white-elephant book swap. You won’t want to miss this!
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Pricing Starts at $1,200
Luxuriate in your own room with a king-size bed and private bathroom. Bring a friend to share in the adventure in our two queen room with a shared bathroom. Are you a bestie trio? We understand how hard it is to find tours that allow up to three in a room, lucky for you we have an add on option just for you!
