The Spontaneous Road Trip Through North Carolina That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

If vacation plans are a while away, a spontaneous weekend road trip in North Carolina might be in order. Sometimes just a short journey can cure the need to scurry around and explore new sights, sounds, and smells. Take a look at these nine stops along a two-day excursion in the Tar Heel State. Click on the image below to examine the route.

1. Cuban Sweets: Whitsett

First stop - something for the belly from Cuban Sweets where Cuban-born and raised Amaury Gonzalez bakes delicious breads and treats.

The pastries are fabulous - get some to go with your favorite beverage. We like a slice of coconut cake. Read the menu on the Cuban Sweets website.

2. Amtrak Train Station: Burlington

Visit the railroad history in Burlington at this 18,000-square-foot building which is Alamance County's passenger station. Built in the 1800s, the Company Shops Station was opened for passenger activity in July 2003. Read the history at the Whistlestop exhibit.

3. Glencoe Mill: Burlington

For more interesting memories, Glencoe Mill Village Historic District is a walk back through time where the Baptist church is still active. The old mill ruins are along the Haw River where you'll also find the Textile Heritage Museum.

4. Raleigh Market: Raleigh

Find some treasures at the Raleigh Market, a huge indoor/outdoor shopping spot open every weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

5. Wilber's Barbecue: Goldsboro

Grab some food at one of the most recommended barbecue restaurants in North Carolina.

Imagine the flavor that comes from whole hogs cooking over an open pit of hardwood.

The barbecue plate comes with two scrumptious sides - for a bite of the South, try the fried okra.

6. Neuseway Nature Park and Campground: Kinston

Stop for the night at one of the RV or tent sites this lovely place hosts on 55 acres along the Neuse River. Visit the Planetarium, Health & Science Museum, and the Exchange Nature Center to see snakes, flying squirrels, and other live creatures. Read all about it on the Neuseway Nature Park and Campground website.

7. First Battle of Kinston Civil War Battlefield Park: Kinston

After a good rest and breakfast at the campsite, start your day exploring a significant, small Civil War site of the first Battle of Kinston, which was fought on Dec. 13 and 14, 1862. It is dedicated to the soldiers killed during the conflict.

8. John Bond Town Beach: Oriental

Spend the afternoon at this charming small-town beach and fish or build castles in the sand.

9. Silos Restaurant: Oriental

When the day ends, head out to one of the most interesting restaurants in North Carolina that is built inside farm silos.

The Pomodoro

with angel hair pasta is made to order with plum tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Add on some shrimp or chicken for a heartier dish.

From here you can stay the night or return home after this spontaneous weekend road trip in North Carolina. And if you want to continue, take the half-hour drive to the historic town of New Bern.

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