The quaint city of Eden, North Carolina, 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. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Eden, North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place! When you go explore the town, you’ll 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.
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, 656 Washington St, Eden, NC 27288, USA
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 takeout.
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.

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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 Bermuda grass.
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.
Frederick Steinhauer/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.
Martinsville, VA 24112, USA
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 at this log cabin rental in North Carolina. 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 Eden, 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.

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More to Explore

Things To Do In North Carolina

Danielle Schwartz | October 05, 2022

What are the most scenic towns in North Carolina?

The most scenic towns in North Carolina are:

  • Bath
  • Brevard
  • Edenton
  • Blowing Rock

 

Our state is full of great places to visit, so the next time you're ready for a trip, check out one of the most scenic towns in North Carolina. For fun small-town charm, head to lovely Brevard for a sweet downtown full of unique businesses. It's a great place for a pleasant afternoon stroll, and the town features amazing views of the nearby mountains as well. If the weather is nice, make your way to Edenton, where you can sail on a quaint boat to see the cute town from the Albermarle Sound. Another excellent town on the coast is Southport, which is a nice choice if you live in Wilmington. It's just a short trip to this beautiful town, and it's worth it for the views!

What are the best day trips in North Carolina?

The best day trips in North Carolina are:

  • McGailliard Falls Park
  • Lazy 5 Ranch
  • The North Carolina Zoo
  • Sand Dollar Island
  • Shatley Springs

 

If you're thinking about a vacation but don't have a lot of time to travel far, plan a day trip in North Carolina. You'll get to get away from daily life without leaving for long. If you're hoping for outdoor excitement, McGailliard Falls Park is perfect. You'll get to see the amazing 45-foot waterfall and see the old Meytre Grist Mill. If you're more in the mood for some major thrills, Hawks Nest Snow Tubing is a great place to find them. Try the Cheerwine Festival in June for another fun activity. The famous cherry cola abounds here, and it's an excellent place to take your family.

What is the oldest town in North Carolina?

Bath is the oldest town in North Carolina, and it's a great place to visit. When you're in the mood for some historical education, there's nowhere better than Bath! It was settled way back in the 1690s by Europeans and became the state's first port, making trade a very important part of the local economy. It was a good fit for trade because of the nearby Pamlico River, which leads to the nearby Atlantic Ocean. There are lots of historical sites to visit here, including St. Thomas Episcopal Church and the Palmer-Marsh House, which is now a museum and has been standing since the 1700s!

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Eden, NC 27288, USA