I wouldn't stay overnight but a good stopping point to rest and eat would be Wilber's barbeque in Goldsboro. Wilber's is a famous joint for Eastern style NC barbeque, where the whole hog is cooked over hickory coal. mmm mmmm

goNets, the kind of places you'd avoid in New Jersey by their look are the same kind of places you'd avoid anywhere else. If you go in and feel uncomfortable, leave.

You can't miss South of the Border at the NC/SC state line. The food is "tremendo" and they have a "asutadizo" nightlife! Stopped there on the way to Florida from Jersey one time and were "en choque". You have to see it to believe it.

Danna,
No need to make amends. You made your point (that I needed to contest a bit), but also gave me some good suggestions which I really appreciated, as I do your additional input.
I react the same way when people seem to be bashing my home (New Jersey).
So, although we're on different sides of the Mason/Dixon Line, we seem to be cut from the same cloth. Looking forward to heading down that way.
X.
you're right about avoiding the same sorts of places. Really I'm trying to find out good places to go to, rather than focussing so much on what to avoid. Taking care of the first will take care of the second.
Sant,
Wilber's bbq sounds like a good objective.
thanks to all.

Hi it is me again, Kay. I looked up some of the antique places and one of my favorites was Boones. They literally have several warehouses of furniture. They are very reputible,not the cheapest but you can negotiate. The antiquing is not your typical "antique mall" stuff. You will find the real deal in several stores.
Also at Boones they have what I would call "an attic room". It is filled with pieces that have not been restored or are damaged and they are not going to fix. If you find something you like think about what has to be done and use that as a negotiating. It worked for me. I found a piece of furniture priced at $600.00. I expressed an interest to the owner and then slowly looked over it (in front of him)and did not say a word. I gave the impression that I was trying to decide if it would be worth it, long story short he came down $200.
Of course I had to figure in shipping. But for me that is part of the fun...

I assume you are an adult, so make a decission already and stop having others look things up for you. If they can do it, so can you.

Fayettville is a horrible little town. I'd consider skipping it also. North Carolina has some beautiful geography (the mountains, the Outerbanks) but I95 doesn't go anywhere near them.