See the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Museum of Life and Science and the Hayti Heritage Center, located in the 125-year-old St. Josephs AME Church, with its African-American archives and art galleries. Top 10 Best Scenic Drive in Raleigh, NC - July 2023 - Yelp 3901 Lexington Dr APT C, Raleigh, NC 27606 | Zillow The brochuremore, Very scenic, clean, and with a long trail. text-decoration: none It starts at NC 209 (Exit 24) and if youd like to hold off on starting, spend a little time in nearby Lake Junaluska. The rapids tumble into a waterfall in several places on the rolling, rustic landscape. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. It starts at US 70 in Durham or Scalesville Road near Summerfield. Scenic drives to consider in the Raleigh area are listed below. Originally founded in 1884 as a winter health resort for northerners, the town has a rich history and has seen lots of growth in recent years. Youll cross the Pigeon and French Broad rivers and pass through the towns of Crabtree and Hot Springs, among others. The scenic road also passes through the historic town of Warrenton, one that youll truly enjoy exploring! You will receive your first newsletter soon. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} North Carolina has so many hidden gems, in fact, that it can be difficult to know just where to begin. If you're planning a road trip to Raleigh, you can research locations to stop along the way. Well leave you to that but have just a few questions before letting you go. If you're seeking North Carolina fall colors, there are many beautiful, scenic drives in North Carolina, especially Western North Carolina, where you can experience vibrant fall foliage as part of a stunning landscape. text-decoration: underline So while you are popping in to shop while you drop, be sure to visit these other places. Take your time and discover the grandeur of this special place. Toxaway Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (not the one inside DuPont State Forest), and Dry Falls are just a few of the many beautiful waterfalls that make this worthy of this guide to road trips in North Carolina. 2 /10. Driving from Washington DC to Raleigh - Raleigh Forum .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Originally from Australia, he first moved to Raleigh in 2004 and fell in love with the city of oaks. McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks, RagApple Lassie Vineyard and Winery, and Shelton Vineyards are just a few of the amazing North Carolina wineries youll be telling friends about later. Drive time from Raleigh: 1 hour, 10 minutes. Re: Raleigh -> Outer Banks -- looking for back road drive. Here you will find museums and monuments dedicated to telling the story of the service of many of the men and women in the area who sacrificed, and they are one of the most moving things to see in North Carolina. He's a travel addict, sports fanatic, beach lover, and passionate craft beer drinker! Raleigh, NC to Savannah, GA. From inland Raleigh, along the Southeastern coast and finally landing in Savannah, this trip is full of . Eno River State Park 112 Hiking "Let's just say our group had to take the scenic route to find the trail again." more 5. The direct drive from Philadelphia to Raleigh is 422 mi (679 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 43 mins in normal traffic. The Tail of the Dragon is perhaps the most famous motorcyclist destination in the Eastern United States. 13 hours. Of the best road trips weve included, Central North Carolinas Colonial Heritage Byway feels like the most elusive. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Use the zoom controls to see the roads in more detail. Well, then you've come to the right place because we have the perfect waterfall road trip that will take you to some of the most scenic spots in North Carolina. Theres also the wonderful Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is where youll find a couple of our favorite Outer Banks hiking trails. Bentonville was the Civil Wars last major battle, as the hardened Union troops of General William T. Sherman overwhelmed General Joseph E. Johnstons outnumbered Confederates. Note: If you love water parks, check out Wet n Wild in Greensboro. Related post Date night in Johnston County. Raleigh to Nashville drive - plan a road trip Many of North Carolina's most popular scenic drives offer places where visitors can safely pull off to admire overlooks. So, without further ado, here are some of the best hidden gems that you'll want to explore in North Carolina: the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, Grandfather Mountain, the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Mattamuskeet, Lumber River, Merchants Millpond State Park, Mountains-To-Sea Trail, the New River, and Ocracoke Island. The church has been a venue for speeches and sermons by Booker T. Washington, Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted, but sometimes challenging due to shallow water. Folks who travel to the Outer Banks from the west might be familiar with this. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Theres interesting history here. Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!). Or maybe youre looking for a romantic day out, or you just want to take a road trip to a new town, down below weve got a place for you! Driving Time. "agent": "woocommerce-7.8.1-3.0.26" As you might have guessed from the article above, the state of North Carolina is best traveled by car. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Itll lead you to Asheboro and in between, is known as the Uwharrie Scenic Road. There are some great getaway ideas from Raleigh for everyone down below, whether you desire a beach break, youre a foodie, or youre into history, the arts, or sports. NC allows guests the chance to enjoy several different types of outdoor . It features all the scenic byways in our state. The town is now a thriving arts center with a honky-tonk feel. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Thats because US 64 runs into the Alligator River Route when it meets NC 94. 20+ Amazing Road Trips from Charlotte, North Carolina This road will also take you to where the Alligator River meets the Albemarle Sound. I have enjoyed the lake views, and the residential areas are good sightseeing along the trail. Day 1: Seattle, WA, to Bozeman, MT (10.5 hours): Interstate 90 starts right in downtown Seattle, and a few miles south lies Geraldine's Counter, famous for its French toast. Best Fall Foliage Getaways from Raleigh, North Carolina Plan Your Parkway Trip - Blue Ridge Parkway The Croatan Sound and bridge to Roanoke Island is where the Alligator River Route ends. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. 11 years ago. Ready to hit the road? These scenic roads run through the heart of Western North Carolina and near popular mountain towns like Asheville and Boone (and more). This guide will help you explore places within a 2-hour drive, places you can literally visit and be home again on the same day! text-decoration: none Drive time from Raleigh: 15 20 minutes. } Travel over Civil War battle sites and beautiful landscapes or attend one of many Civil War re-enactments to truly feel a part of what came before. However, you can follow the latter and remain on it for more than 40 miles until you reach Swan Quarter. The three schools along with Wake Forest University, 100 miles to the west comprise the dreaded Tobacco Road basketball gauntlet for visiting teams. text-decoration: underline Find a scenic drive or plan a road trip with myscenicdrives.com Find a Scenic Drive New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. "pluginVersion": "3.0.26" All Rights Reserved and. 25+ Best North Carolina Road Trips: Scenic Byways + Highways Start at Bennett Place, which has Civil War exhibits, then stop at the Duke Homestead, where family patriarch Washington Duke made the fateful discovery that his farm could produce a bright leaf tobacco that was popular among smokers. However, if you stick with us here, it will lead to some truly interesting places. } .content-area a { The Lafayettes Tour Byway follows the path of the Revolutionary War hero General Marquis de Lafayette during his 1825 US tour. 1. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ The lake is perfect for fishing. ), 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Stroll through Raleighs civic center, with the pillared North Carolina state Capitol, or delve into one of the nearby neighborhoods that form the bedrock of Raleigh such as Oakwood, with its distinctive Victorian homes and Confederate cemetery. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Searchable lists of Raleigh tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. For more options on the best scenic roads in North Carolina, check out the NCDOT scenic byways map. They promise an entire adventure. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; The below three towns you could easily incorporate into one day trip, going in a triangle like direction from Raleigh > Clayton > Smithfiled > Benson > Raleigh. When you arrive, I suggest grabbing a coffee from the cool local cafe, Bespoke Cafe, they will fuel you up for the day ahead. Its a place where you can experience vibrant art, live music, and the culinary scene in the Uptown Greenville and Dickinson Avenue Districts. Even if you havent, were confident that youll agree that these are the most beautiful North Carolina road trips that one can take. }); Blue Ridge Parkway Pierre Leclerc Photography / Getty Images No list of the best scenic roads in North Carolina is complete without the Blue Ridge Parkway. ), 25+ of the Best Restaurants in Wilmington (and Surrounding Beach Towns), People of NC: Firsthand Foods Co-Owner Jennifer Curtis, Linville Falls (How to See One of North Carolinas Most Popular Waterfalls! } Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 100+ Unique Things to Do In North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! The roadside Green Mountain Creek Falls sits along this way and is definitely worthy of a stop. North Carolina Scenic Drives And the town has a lot more going for it than just sand and ocean! The top stops along the way from Baltimore to Raleigh (with short detours) are Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and George Washington's Mount Vernon. The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and youre sitting in a lush, green Eden of your own making. Theres outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking the Greenville Greenway, agricultural experiences at local farms, plus antique and boutique shopping, live music concerts and festivals. Romantic movie lovers will be interested to know that in 1996 The Notebook was set in New Bern and written by New Bern resident, Nicholas Sparks! After traversing some of America's most storied highways and lesser-known roads, we've come up with this guide that features more than 25 NC scenic byways from the mountains to the sea! Searchable listings of Raleigh hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. ), 10+ Great Things to Do at Grandfather Mountain (and Nearby! Research Triangle Park itself the largest technology research and science park in North America, employing about 40,000 people sits on a 16-square-mile tract west of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. This city is very walk-able and just wandering around town is a great way to take in the pulse of the city. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ Read More: The Best Things to Do in Bryson City (Trains, Hiking, Whitewater, and More!). View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Stops and things to do on Philadelphia to Raleigh drive or road trip 11 of the Most Epic East Coast Road Trips From its southern terminus just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park through Asheville and the High Country, to Cumberland Knob at the Virginia border, theres so much to explore just on the North Carolina side. Once a navigational landmark for the Saura tribe, the Big Pinnacle can be viewed from the parks summit area which also provides panoramic views of the Piedmont and the Sauratown and Blue Ridge Mountains. About . The road remains unpaved in many spots but dont worry. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, This is a great guide! Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-North-Carolina on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. Historic Tapoco Lodge is a great base for exploring this NC road trip. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. The downtown area has been through major changes in recent years and weve grown to love how charming and vibrant and fun downtown has become with new restaurants, breweries, bars and cafes. You can also feel free to share any plans you have and any questions you have. Take a hike in Pilot Mountain State Park, then drive on up to Hanging Rock to explore waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic views. While on Ocracoke Island, you can explore Ocracoke Village, check out the lighthouse and Springers Point, and hire a boat to take you out to Portsmouth Island. } Raleigh can also be a starting point for a number of scenic drives. It is one of the three cities comprising the zone thats known as the Research Triangle, a name referring to the trio of major research universities that straddle the cities. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. NC Tripping offers access to a huge audience with multiple advertising options! From the NC Pottery Center, continue onto NC 705 toward the Whynot community. "source": "woocommerce", Start in Guilford County and ride along until Yanceyville. Other popular stops include Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and United States . Different Routes for Road Trips Across America - Thrillist This byway will also pass Clingmans Dome Road, which leads to the awesome observatory offering epic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. .inside-footer-widgets a { We would like to see some interesting and unusual sites and . Id recommend 4WD capability if youre feeling unsure. "version": "7.8.1", 8 hours 10 minutes. The route follows the Yadkin River before twisting away from that prominent waterway. Hopefully, youve enjoyed some of them already. The Nantahala Byway is named for the river it crosses, but also for the massive gorge that it passes through. Does North Carolina have any hidden gems? If you are driving through North Carolina and wondering, Are there any scenic roads near me? you can find all our favorite NC scenic byways via this list. Hi, were Caroline and Craig Makepeace, an Australian couple who have traveled to over 50 countries and lived in 5 and chose Raleigh as our home. While the route requires a little bit of time on the interstate (I-77) in Surry County, its a great mix of farmland and mountainous terrain with some foothills in between. The road is open. Before you set off, make sure you have the right auto coverage. Highlights along the way, besides the Uwharrie Mountains, include: And of course, if you keep driving into Asheboro and bring kids with you (or not), the NC Zoo is waiting for the whole family to enjoy. For those looking to explore more of the natural landscape of North Carolina, there are plenty of scenic byways to take you along the ecological and historical features that make up this incredible state. Your journey also includes some time on Blue Ridge Parkway before turning onto NC 128 for the final ascent. Southern Pines is also nationally known and referred to as Horse Country for its abundance of horse farms in the area, plus theres nice parks and a growing number of craft breweries. Do you love waterfalls? } ); The NC 12 portion of the Outer Banks Scenic Byway starts at Nags Head and runs all the way down through Hatteras before hopping on ferries to Ocracoke Island and back to the mainland, where it meets US 70. JoCo is worth stopping in for a while. Stroll the 2 mile scenic Riverwalk and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cape Fear River. On this byway, youll cross Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolinas largest natural lake. If you're planning a road trip to Nashville, you can research locations to stop along the way. Set along the banks of the Neuse River in the coastal plains region of eastern North Carolina, Kinston is one of the oldest towns in the state and has been the county seat of Lenoir County since its formation in 1791. Youll pass through it via NC 24/27 before reaching the Pee Dee River and Lake Tillery. Youll also pass a few natural wonders, including some of our best State Park-managed lands. From cobblestone streets, to museums, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, eclectic shops, outdoor adventures and more than 40 wineries in the neighboring Yadkin Valley, Winston-Salem is worth a day trip from Raleigh. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Walk over from SUNdays to Crystal Pier for beautiful views of the beachfront, go for a swim, play in the sand, read a book. Smithfield has small-town charm. Named for the great impact that the Civil War had on the region, the Blue-Gray Scenic Byway is rich with history. This scenic road cuts through Ashe County, which is home to the largest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the state. The drive from Raleigh to Asheville is one of the best road trips in North Carolina offering you stops in many of the wonderful cities the state has to offer. } For many, there are few better ways to enjoy warm weather 2023 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Salem is the original, if quieter, half of the twin city. If so, wed love to know your favorites! You can send yourself an email as well. You wont travel to Fayetteville but to northeastern border counties and towns like Henderson, Halifax, and Scotland Neck. Much of the land along the Green Swamp Byway was popular for the timber and paper industries but today, preservation is the name of the game here. Complete with an old windmill and reconstruction of an old mill . ), 20+ Wonderful Things To Do In Banner Elk (Events + Food), 25+ Awesome Things to Do in Burnsville and Yancey County, Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City (10 Essential Things to Do), 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 20 of the Best Day Trips from Boone (Within a 2-Hour Drive), Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore! After all, there are a lot of stunning North Carolina weekend getaways worth exploring and Raleigh can't be close to everything. The lighthouses of Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras are two of the most recognizable places on this road. DuBois and Martin Luther King, Jr. With so much to see in and around Raleigh, North Carolina, you and your passengers are in for a fun ride. Grab a coffee . @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Scenic Drives near Raleigh, North Carolina Raleigh, North Carolina - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. The river winds through hills and bluffs with shrubs and pines that are ready to be hiked and enjoyed through one of five access points. 380 miles. This spectacular 469-mile scenic drive begins at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC and ends at Shenandoah National Park, Virginia and winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains alongside the Appalachian Trail. Being so close, this is one of our most frequent day trips from Raleigh and we always find something new to do. It takes you through impressive historical remains of North Carolina's 18th and 19th century. Durham continues to evolve. More than half of the Blue Ridge Parkways 469 miles run through North Carolina. Neither of these are in the GW National Forest, but they are both popular national parks that provide a very scenic drive along the crest of the VA mountains. padding-left: 10px; One time around, the entire trail is a little over 3more, Very scenic and nice for short walks or walks that I can stretch out into longer walks.more, Some parts are quite scenic and you get good views driving over the bridge.more, All in all, a pretty park with lots of wildlife and scenic views of the lake.more, It's scenic year round and has a tranquil feel about it.more. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Of course, this post is about road trips in North Carolina, after all, so keep moving north. We include US highways, NC state roads, and a few main thoroughfares through multiple small towns and cities. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Explore Wilmingtons 16 breweries on a self-guided brewery tasting tour along the Wilmington Ale Trail. Were also fans of the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, which was once a NASCAR dirt track that hosted legends like Richard Petty! Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). The closest of our day trips from Raleigh is Cary. If youre ever traveling north or south on I-85 and need a break from the pace past Charlotte or Greensboro, exit around Concord and Cabarrus County onto NC 49. With the Pamlico Sound on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the views and experience are unmatchable. A boat needs a lot of tender loving care, even when its going to be out of the water for the winter. The brochure." more 6. Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station also sits off this scenic road and is a great place to stop and learn some important history. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Scenic overlooks are scattered throughout the route, with Huckleberry Knob and Santeetlah Overlook a couple of the best. The NC 194 was once known as the Old Buffalo Trail, a popular buffalo migration path. The park, which opened in 1959, seeking to reverse the brain drain of science and tech graduates from southern universities, is home to companies including Cisco Systems and Bayers Crop Science division. Shelley Lake Sertoma Park 60 Lakes Playgrounds "Very scenic, clean, and with a long trail. Six Montana Scenic Drives You Haven't Taken Yet - National Geographic . Plan quite a bit of time to enjoy Cherohala and try to see how long you can make it before crossing the border! Mitchell, you'll drive 52 miles between daring peaks and mellow valleys. But Fayettevilles ongoing revitalization also offers a vibrant and modern city with interesting cultural activities, historic sites and natural beauty. Read More: Eastern North Carolina Map (with 300+ Amazing Places Listed). 6 hours 30 minutes. Blowing Rock is a village in western North Carolina on scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. We offer a compact version of Go-North-Carolina for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. 15 hours. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do In North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List). Go kayaking or paddle boarding through the salt marshes on a guided tour with. Head west on Highway 40 and you'll quickly find yourself in the midst of North Carolina's organic farming belt. The stretch through North Carolina weaves you through breathtaking scenery, vibrant small towns, and hidden waterfalls. According to police, the crash happened just after 9:45 p.m. at Capital . Does your aluminum boat need a fresh new coat of paint? Read More: 20 of the Best Day Trips from Boone (Within a 2-Hour Drive). The route to the Outer Banks through New Bern, Beaufort (stop at Ft Macon), Cedar Island and Ocracoke is a beautiful way to approach the Outer Banks. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. 1. /***Underline Links***/ Raleigh, North Carolina - Scenic Drives Visit some of the finest examples of historic antebellum architecture at the, End your day with drinks/dinner whilst taking in sunset at one of the fantastic restaurants along the Riverwalk such as. When you reach the top, take a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Ride twists on two wheels in the mountains or treat yourself to simultaneous sound and ocean views on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway. .generate-back-to-top, text-decoration: underline Located on the Cape Fear River, Historic Downtown Wilmington is one of the oldest cities on the east coast with plenty of historical attractions, funky breweries, speakeasies and wine bars, farm-to-table restaurants, galleries, museums, Victorian-era homes and gardens. padding-right: 10px !important; Get more stories delivered right to your email. Central North Carolina is home to some of our busiest cities but also some beautiful scenic byways. Thus the name: Devil's Stomping Ground.Beginning in Pittsboro, the road takes Route 64 west to Route 902 (which becomes Route 1164). The heart of Chapel Hill is Historic Franklin Street, home to more than 200 restaurants, bars, and retail stores. Enjoy sundowner drinks at the bar on Crystal Pier. With so much to explore in North Carolina, its best to get in your car and take the scenic route! } Here you will discover 300 years of history, an impressive food scene, arts scene, and Kinstons musical roots run deep. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Along this road, youll also pass the Cradle of Forestry and rhododendron-heavy Pink Beds before running into the Blue Ridge Parkway. }, false ); Read more about How to Paint an Aluminum Boat, Read more about 4 Ways to Use Garden Row Covers. Located just 15-minutes northwest of Durham, Eno River State Park is composed of more than 4,200 acres and offers nearly 30 miles of trails along a swift, shallow stream.
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