Posted in North Carolina April 29, 2022 by

The Surprising North Carolina Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway

The quaint city of Eden, holding about 15,000 people since last count, is the largest city in Rockingham County. In 1967, the city was incorporated through the consolidation of Leaksville, Spray, and Draper. In the mid-18th century, William Byrd II, a planter of North Carolina and Virginia, owned the 70,000-acre estate that is now Eden. With his great vision, he called it “The Land of Eden,” with a dream to attract more people. A trip to the local museum will help highlight these events including the town’s history in textile mills and manufacturing from the late 19th and 20th centuries. Go explore Eden and be surprised at what you will find on this excellent weekend getaway in North Carolina.

The Eden Historical Museum tells the story from the Prehistoric Era — to the consolidation in 1967 of Draper, Leaksville, and Spray — to form one city. It also shares information about the town of Eden now.
Eden Historical Museum, 656 Washington St, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
The museum includes written historical recollections of the surrounding area. The staff has gone so far as to retype documents, from sources, they were unable to scan or copy. The vision is to expand the collection and folks are encouraged to share.
Many pictures in the Frances Photography Collection of the museum need identifying. Visitors are encouraged to peruse the binders in hopes they might recognize something or someone.
Eden Historical Museum/Facebook
These lovely ladies have already been identified as Susie Ivie, left, and Sallie Ivie.
Another piece of history of note is St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, built in 1926. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original church, which began as a Sunday School in 1906, sat two miles from this structure. Due to an increase in membership, work began to build this new church in 1924.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 600 Morgan Rd, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Nyttend, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Two local men were instrumental in the process. Architect J.W. Hopper created the Gothic design of the building, and contractor Jim Chatham was hired to build the new church. In addition, members of the congregation collected rocks from nearby farms to help, which now decorate the outside of the building and the sanctuary. This is how the building got its nickname of Rock Church.
Continuing down Memory Lane, if you are searching for a unique place to eat, check out Dick’s Drive In. "The place to be since '63!" The award-winning wait staff offers curb service and take out.
Dick's Drive In, 1004 Washington St, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Dick's Drive In/Facebook
The restaurant is known for its famous hotdogs and homemade barbecue. And be sure to try one of the freshly made desserts, such as peanut butter pie or pineapple cheesecake.
How often do you run into one of these? Eden Drive In Twin showcases movies under the stars. And the grill is open.
Eden Drive-In Twin, 106 Fireman Club Rd, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Eden Drive-In/Facebook
The features play on Friday and Saturday evenings, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to check out the website for the movie schedule.
Oak Hills Golf Club and Event Center is a TifEagle golf course, meaning golfers play matches on a fine-textured dwarf Bermudagrass.
Oak Hills Golf and Event Center, 436 E Stadium Dr, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Oak Hills Golf Club/Facebook
The day ends with a dip in the pool and savory delights from Santana’s Mexican Restaurant.
Another outside venture starts with Three Rivers Outfitters, open seven days a week, all year around. The company’s staff has joined with Troublesome Creek Outfitter, and together they provide a full-service outfitting company, offering shuttle services, canoe and kayak rentals, river camping, and boat and equipment sales and service.
Three Rivers Outfitters, 413 Church St, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Three Rivers Outfitters LLC/Facebook
Also, the experienced staff leads paddling trips and teaches canoeing and kayaking. If you need help planning a multi-day camping trip, or a guide for a group on the river, be sure to check out the website. The activities are wheelchair accessible, complete with a wheelchair lift on the bus.
More outdoor activities are found at the forested Smith River Greenway. This easy 2.6-mile out-and-back trail takes about an hour to complete.
Smith River Greenway, Smith Riv Greenway, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Jeffrey Schwartz/AllTrails
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the shelter; take a deep breath on one of the sandy benches located along the trail, and feel yourself relax while taking in the beauty.
When you're all tuckered out, settle into this 1840s Log Cabin Getaway.The cozy VRBO rental has three bedrooms and sleeps up to seven people.
1840's Log Cabin Getaway/VRBO
The picturesque, rustic space is located about 15 miles away in Martinsville, Virginia, secluded on 11 acres, backing up to the Mayo River State Park. Take in the view from the front porch rocking chairs, and dream of a poem about the past. If autumn brings a cold snap in the air, light a fire and sink into this cozy, leather couch while reminiscing about your excellent weekend getaway in Eden.

Are you ready to experience some fun at this excellent weekend getaway in North Carolina? Don’t forget to check for some local events including the annual Fall River Fest, the Charlie Poole Music Festival, the Eden Business Expo, and a block-style summer fest. For more information about Eden, visit Explore Eden.

 

Address: Eden, NC 27288, USA
Address: St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 600 Morgan Rd, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Address: Smith River Greenway, Smith Riv Greenway, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Address: Three Rivers Outfitters, 413 Church St, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Address: Oak Hills Golf and Event Center, 436 E Stadium Dr, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Address: Eden Drive-In Twin, 106 Fireman Club Rd, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Address: Eden Historical Museum, 656 Washington St, Eden, NC 27288, USA
Address: Dick's Drive In, 1004 Washington St, Eden, NC 27288, USA