Our area is surrounded by small towns and iconic attractions that many people know very little about. Here are a few nearby destinations that deserve your attention the next time you want to head out for an adventure.
Triangle Media Partners Staff Picks
Our family enjoys the New Hope Valley Railway – it’s a fun train ride for the kids. Plan to arrive early to enjoy the model railroad and the outdoor museum. We also love going to Fearrington Village to visit the belted cows and goats as well as the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro – it’s perfect for curious kiddos to see all kinds of animals, big and small. Stop by The Table for breakfast or lunch before your visit – it’s got great gluten-free options! – John Michael Simpson, staff photographer
I’m from Graham, North Carolina, in Alamance County, and I love to go back and visit the Graham Cinema. It is still the same as it was when I was a child – stadium seating with just one movie screen and cost is $4 per person and $3 per kid. You have to call 336-226-1488 to hear the voicemail – there is always a joke. Promise, it’s so worth it!
The Burlington City Park is the best for kids, with a train and boat rides – plus the carousel is fabulous. Head over to Zack’s Hot Dogs after the park for its nearly century-old, famous grill menu.
If you enjoy visiting the Duke Lemur Center, you’ll definitely want to check out Burlington’s Animal Park at the Conservators Center. And did you know that Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails, which has a location in Durham and now in Raleigh, got its start in Alamance County? – Chris Elkins, Triangle Media Partners vice president
I love the Outer Banks, and one of my favorite islands to visit is on Cape Lookout. From Harkers Island, you can take a ferry or boat over to the cape, with the option to stop at Shackleford Banks, where you can explore and catch a glimpse of the wild horse herds that inhabit the island. Once you arrive at the cape you can climb the lighthouse (it’s scheduled to reopen in 2025 after renovations) and enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beach. After a day in the sun, stop by nearby Beaufort for a meal or shopping. – Renee Ambroso, digital content specialist & Heart of NC Weddings managing editor
The one destination I look forward to visiting every late spring or early summer is, hands down, Kure Beach, North Carolina. The little town is just south of Carolina Beach, a short drive from Wilmington, and only about three hours from the Triangle. It’s a quaint, quiet spot with a few local establishments near its fishing pier – first built more than a century ago, it’s the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coastline.
In the morning, if I don’t head the eight minutes up the street into Carolina Beach for a dozen freshly made-and-glazed doughnuts paired with a cup of ice- cold milk from Britts Donut Shop (if you know, you know), then I’ll stop in for a coffee from Happy Hippies Java Hut before making my way back to the beach, where we’ll spend most all of the day lounging surfside. We’ll order takeout from Freddie’s or hit up Jack Mackerel’s (a cup of its signature seafood chowder is a must!) for dinner before playing as many games as we can at the arcade – basketball and skee-ball are our favorite. Once we’ve had our fill of friendly competition, we’ll pass our tickets off to some of the kids who are checking out the prizes behind the counter, and then head across the way to Bud & Joe’s SandBar for a beer or two before turning in for the night. The best part? We get to do it all again the next day! – Amanda MacLaren, executive managing editor
Our family lives in a neighborhood across the highway from Fearrington Village. We love day trips, and one of the places we recently revisited was the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher near Wilmington. We went to see the new otter pups on exhibit and watched them slip down the slide and swim up to inspect visitors pressed against the glass. The alligators exhibit always delivers drama because they appear deceptively docile and sleepy just before they slip into the dark waters.
I was surprised to learn that you can book a sleepover for a group of 15-30 people in front of the 235,000-gallon Cape Fear Shoals habitat with sharks, eels and turtles to watch over you. Personally, I would watch the jellyfish tank, because it’s like a giant lava lamp. Snacks, craft supplies and breakfast are provided. Contact the aquarium for more details.
The aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, which provides year-round opportunities to come see all the fantastic exhibits, animals and fish! – Anna-Rhesa Versola, senior staff writer
My husband, James, and I love to visit Asheville any chance we get. It has a great small city vibe, amazing restaurants, art galleries and, of course, hiking in the nearby Pisgah National Forest.
A perfect day for me would be to book an early spot at Sauna House (it’s opening a Durham location soon, and I can’t wait!). Then I’d grab my dogs, Chico and Casper, and head to Burial Beer Co. (which also has a Raleigh taproom!) for lunch and whatever new IPA they’re pouring. Next, I’d take a stroll through Screendoor, a huge antique and vintage warehouse, or the charming used bookshop Bagatelle Books. Then I’d want to watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains at The Montford Rooftop Bar – I love that the bartenders use North Carolina spirits, like Sutler’s Gin out of Winston-Salem and Durham’s Krupnikas spiced honey liqueur, in their signature cocktails – and grab dinner at Plant, an award-winning vegan restaurant that has somehow perfected a cashew cheese that tastes exactly like brie. – Morgan Cartier Weston, Chatham Magazine executive editor & digital content director
I can’t even count all the times my friends and I have made day trips to Jordan Lake. The best thing about it is that these can be more like half-day trips – the public beaches have all the benefits of the North Carolina coast without having to drive three hours! The water is chilly, but a quick dip is the perfect way to cool down after a full day in the sun. I’ve also gone to see the sunrise during the winter, and found a dock to have a sunset picnic during the spring! Next thing on my bucket list is spending a night on the campground. The possibilities are endless; it’s an adventure in our own backyard. – Leah Berry, editorial assistant
I recently did a day trip to Winston-Salem with my pup, Olive. I started with a visit to the best little bakery, Bobby Boy Bakeshop, where I picked up a whole box of goodies to make it worth the drive. The highlights were the croissants and the morning bun. Wine lovers should know it’s attached to a wine shop, so pick up a bottle or two to bring home with you. We then strolled through Hanes Park (there’s a beautiful section along a creek) and down the Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail for some views. Next up was a pint at Incendiary Brewing Company (which is right next to pizza spot Cugino Forno, which also has a Durham location) where we sat outside and people-watched in the shade. Finally, we picked up brisket and some sides at East of Texas, a barbecue spot with a cool bar, to bring back to my partner who raved about the macaroni and cheese. – Jessica Stringer, Chapel Hill Magazine editor
Our family loves a drive to Fearrington Village. We enjoy eating at The Belted Goat, browsing the pretty shops, seeing the cute animals, and then my kids like to run the trails by the pond. – Ashlin Acheson, director of creative operations
Take It From An Expert
Words and Photography by Christina Riley
Christina Riley is a photographer and writer at the North Carolina travel website NC Tripping, nctripping.com.
Seagrove
Randolph County gets a lot of attention thanks to the North Carolina Zoo, but Seagrove is another excellent spot to visit in the area. Home to slightly more than 200 people, this is the handmade pottery capital of the U.S., thanks to the local clay’s rich minerals. You’ll find at least 100 potters and more than 50 studios within this small community.
Start by grabbing a map from the North Carolina Pottery Center. Then drive up and down “Pottery Road,” designated as a scenic road by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. You can also ask the kind people at the visitors center where to go, and they’ll then ask what you’re seeking.
Find just about any style, including popular ModdWare and one-of-a-kind agateware from Eck McCanless. Speaking of Eck, he is always happy to provide a demo, which is truly a wonderful experience.
When you get hungry, head to nearby Asheboro for a meal at The Table. The farmhouse-style restaurant keeps things as local as possible and also makes the best cinnamon rolls in central North Carolina. If you need another option, don’t count out the legendary fried chicken at Magnolia 23.
Beaufort
The Crystal Coast, located between Wilmington and the Outer Banks, is another incredible daytrip. In this stretch of coastal byways is Beaufort, a wonderful town full of charm and history. Take time to walk down the boardwalk that runs parallel to Front Street. The views of Taylor’s Creek and boats docked in the marina provide for a beautiful backdrop.
Learn about the area’s 300-year history at the Beaufort Historic Site and at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. It is the third oldest town in the state and was originally a fishing village.
Beaufort offers one of the easiest ways to see wild horses in North Carolina. You can sometimes see them from the mainland as they graze and roam the inlets and islands of the Rachel Carson Reserve. You can also kayak or hire a boat to take you across the creek and get a closer look.
Another option from Beaufort is to take a ferry to Shackleford Banks, where you can see more horses and explore the iconic Cape Lookout National Seashore.
After your adventures, enjoy a refreshing meal at Moonrakers in the Beaufort Historic District. The restaurant has some of the best views of Beaufort from its rooftop and a great local beer selection. Start your meal off with a delicious appetizer of whipped feta, and ask about the local catch of the day. Make sure to browse its extensive wine list with more than 90 selections – the restaurant earned an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine.
Halifax County
This county northeast of the Triangle is home to important North Carolina history and has lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Start in the county seat, Halifax, which is partly responsible for the “First in Freedom” state license plates that adorn our cars today. That’s because the Halifax Resolves, which ordered North Carolina’s delegation to the second Continental Congress, was signed here on April 12, 1776.
You can learn about this historic happening at the Halifax State Historic Site in town. The Underground Railroad Trail, another Halifax landmark, has a site here and at two other spots in the county.
One of the other locations is at the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail. Here you’ll find information about the enslaved people who built the canal, which ended up serving as an escape route for those seeking freedom.
History is just one piece of what makes the county special. The Sylvan Heights Bird Park is an 18-acre, primarily outdoor aviary with more 2,000-plus exotic waterfowl and birds. You can even feed flamingos and other birds in a designated area.
Medoc Mountain State Park is also in Halifax County, spanning 3,900 acres with more than 10 miles of hiking trails. The majority of the trails are short and perfect for less experienced hikers or families.
Wilson
This city, less than an hour east of Raleigh, is known for the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum. The 2-acre park is in the heart of downtown and features 30 kinetic sculptures. Each one was built by local farm machinery repairman Vollis Simpson, who used various discarded parts to tell a story of life in eastern North Carolina. Walk around this unique place, and you’ll see milkshake mixers, ceiling fans, bicycles and road signs that spin in the wind.
You can also walk around Lake Wilson, a scenic reservoir on the outskirts of town. The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House is also worthy of a stop. This unique piece of architecture preserves the area’s African American history, art and culture.
Afterward, grab some iconic eastern North Carolina barbecue (and fried chicken) from Parker’s Barbecue. This wood-fired barbecue restaurant has been smoking whole hogs since 1946, and there is an air of nostalgia as the entire staff wears 1950s-style paper hats.
Tailgate outside The Beefmastor Inn if you arrive early enough before they open. When you’re seated, prepare for one of the state’s finest steak dinners.
Southern Pines
Head south to Moore County and Southern Pines for a wonderful getaway. Sometimes Southern Pines is overshadowed by its more famous golfing neighbor, Pinehurst, but there’s a lot to do in the area beyond the links.
You can start your adventure here by searching for North Carolina’s oldest known longleaf pines at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. Its three access points and sandy hiking trails sit just a few minutes from downtown Southern Pines. Each trail is surrounded by towering evergreens, meaning that this state park is verdant throughout the year.
Downtown Southern Pines is packed with shops and great local food. Get in line for the delicious crepes coming out of Betsy’s Crepes for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, order ribs and an appetizer of Cajun crawfish fries from Chapman’s Food & Spirits. A stop at The Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant for a homemade scoop is a must. They also make great burgers if you’re looking for a full meal. Wash those incredible meals down with a frosty pint from Southern Pines Brewing Company before heading back home.
