We have a long weekend next weekend and thought we would take a drive from Virginia Beach to our neighboring state. We have never really visited anyplace in NC, just drove through for trips down south.
We thought perhaps we would focus on the Raleigh/Durham area but that is still up for discussion. Basically we just want to get out and see some things (historic sites, free things, unique locations) and find some great food (hole in the wall places are fine).
So any NC locals with any insight on a few stops that would make for a fun trip to get out and about next weekend, it would be greatly appreciated. We are open to all types of food, and any type of activity but we are on a bit of a budget so keep that in mind. No $200 meals or lavish outings. The kids will not be accompanying us so we are open to anything.
Thanks in advance!
Weekend Trip VA to NC - Destination Unknown - Feb 17-20
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Asheville! Perfect. Good food at reasonable prices, some nice B&Bs, lots of art galleries & artist studios, Biltmore Estate for touring!
Downtown Raleigh has several good - free - museums. My favorite is the Museum of History. Some of my favorite restaurants downtown include - Caffe Luna, The Mint, 18 Seaboard, and Second Empire for a nice dinner.
We enjoy going to Duke Gardens in Durham - not a lot blooming this time of year, but always nice. A casual place close to the gardens is Nosh. In downtown Durham, we enjoy the Brightleaf Square area - check out Morgan Imports for fun and creative gifts - several good restaurants here. Eno River State Park (Durham) has some nice trails by the river. Our fav restaurant in that part of Durham is Bennett Point Grill. The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is really good - while not free, it is not very expensive.
For an interesting twist on going to the movies, check out The Raleighwood in Raleigh - you go early and order your meal and then eat while watching the movie.
Have fun!
Those are some great recommendations. I also like the NC Museum of Art.
http://ncartmuseum.org/