Looking for some NC small towns to explore (Durham, Wilson: shops, transportation)

[boardmember10000]

When we moved in our previous owners left us this book called Day trips from Raleigh Durham (listing places 2 hours away).
Day Trips from Raleigh-Durham: Getaways Approximately Two Hours Away: Ralph Grizzle: 9780762722808: Amazon.com: Books

I think it's outdated (for the most part) by now but it looks like there is a similar book available from 2011 -

Day Trips from Raleigh-Durham, 4th: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler (Day Trips Series): James L. Hoffman: 9780762760077: Amazon.com: Books

I second the Saxapahaw trip.

[superk]

Try Davidson and Lexington, maybe Old Salem.

[dukebluebell]

Cameron (just south of Sanford) is great for antiques - 5 or 6 old "Main street" buildings turned into antique shops, with an adorable cafe in one of them. Good for a few hours and some beautiful antiques!

[lamishra]

I don't really find Chapel Hill charming at all, sorry! (but neither do I find Apex charming, either).

I like Saxapahaw (would love to move there)
Hillsborough
Edenton
New Bern
South Port
Mt Airy
West Jefferson (love....)
Black Mountain
Sparta
Beaufort

[VickiR]

New Bern is worth a day trip...sorry, can't remember how long it takes to get there.

Mt. Pilot (Mayberry) is worth a trip. About 2.5 hours to get there. While there, take a ride and drive to Floyd...love the small stone churches in that area.

Southport is a historic small town...Safe Haven was just filmed there. Wilmington is along the way. You should have enough time to visit both in a day.

Beaufort reminds me of Southport, near Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle.

Boone/Blowing Rock/Fleetwood is fun but a bit further.

Those are the places I go...may see you there!!!

Vicki

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by dukebluebell

Cameron (just south of Sanford) is great for antiques - 5 or 6 old "Main street" buildings turned into antique shops, with an adorable cafe in one of them. Good for a few hours and some beautiful antiques!

We used to go to Cameron for their big antique/street fairs twice a year. Haven't been since I stopped buying antiques, a few years ago. Cute town but only when the fair is there. Otherwise, not lots to see but a cute town.

Vicki

[rabbitsong]

We liked the country doctor museum in Bailey. It's off Hwy 264 heading towards Greenville.

The Country Doctor Museum

Also, near Goldsboro (Fremont) is the birthplace of Gov. Charles B. Aycock. (I went to high school at the school named for him.)

NC Historic Sites - Aycock Birthplace

Fremont is a beautiful little town. They just had their annual Daffodil festival last weekend. I lived there for 5 years in middle/high school. They don't have much open to the public, but the old homes are beautiful.

[Claire_F]

Originally Posted by VickiR

Mt. Pilot (Mayberry) is worth a trip. About 2.5 hours to get there. While there, take a ride and drive to Floyd...love the small stone churches in that area.

I believe you're referring to Mount Airy, which is near Pilot Mountain. They called it Mt. Pilot in the Andy Griffith Show.

[ucctgg]

Todd (3 hrs)

[kttpn]

Fun day is Smithfield --Ava Gardner museum and Smithfield BBQ, a quick trip to the Country Doctor Museum in Bailey, then the Airborne and Special Forces Museum in Fayetteville.

Also a trip to the NC potters around Seagrove.