Hey folks, I’m almost out of North Carolina! I’ve been so blessed to live in a state that truly has it all. I’ve visited beaches, mountains, huge cities, and small towns. While I’m excited to move on, there will always be those places you dream about. Whether it’s an ice cream shop, restaurant, or farmers market, there’ll never be that exact experience again. These are the places in North Carolina that I’m going to miss the most.
Food and Drink
Habibi Grill and Bakery
Raleigh, NC
Located near NC State University, this small Middle Eastern restaurant is one I dream about every night. The food is stunning, with large portions and multiple courses. The service is excellent and friendly, and the price is college-student friendly. If you want Middle Eastern food, this is your place.
The Mad Hatters Ice Cream shop
Fayetteville, NC
Between the wacky theme of the shop and the amazing service, this ice cream shop is unforgettable. Try one of their dozens of flavors, and eat while surrounded by Alice in Wonderland decorations and memorabilia. They pride themselves on their variety and don’t shy away from unique flavors. Their queso ice cream was surprisingly good, and the dill pickle ice cream ran out before I could give it a shot. In my opinion, their odd flavors and options add to the wacky theme!
Don Ramon’s Taco Shop
Fayetteville, NC
A taco shop? How different can it be? I know, but listen, they put crack in there or something. I’ve tried dozens of Mexican restaurants in Fayetteville, and this is the one I can’t keep away from. Every Mexican restaurant I visit after this will be compared to this place, and I’m likely to find it incomparable. I recommend any of their burritos; I’ll be impressed if you finish it in one sitting.
Britt’s Donut Shop
Carolina Beach, NC
I’ve only been to this place one time, but once is all I needed. Going for $1.25 a donut or $12.50/dozen, this place knows exactly what it specializes in: glazed donuts. No sprinkles, no frosting, and definitely no fillers. Each donut is made in-house and ready to go as soon as it’s out of the fryer. These donuts are to die for, and if you’re on or near Carolina Beach, you have to stop by.
Reds Corner
Southern Pines, NC
I debated putting this under food or experiences because it’s both. Reds Corner hosts several food trucks, a bar, outdoor seating, and live music. Get your food, dessert, and a beer, then sit with your friends to enjoy the live music. The food is always delicious, but my true love is the ice cream truck. There’s nothing better than cooling down with an ice cream, laughing with your friends, and enjoying the music.
Activities
OC Aerial
Durham, NC
If you’re looking for an amusement park without the hot, sweaty lines and hundreds of screaming children, this is your place. OC Aerial is a cross between a climbing gym and a ninja warrior course. This place features bouldering, rock climbing, ziplines, slides, warped walls, and several obstacles from American Ninja Warrior. The obstacles are advanced, so I would recommend teens and up for this place. My friends and I had a blast, and we’re all 20-25, to give you an idea.
Going to the Beach
Carolina Beach, NC
Living close to the beach was a privilege I didn’t know I needed. I loved being able to go out and lay in the sun (under an umbrella), jump into the ocean for a quick cool down, and then come back out and do it all over again. I loved the boardwalk on Carolina Beach, with so many cute shops and good food. However, if you only care about the ocean, I would say find a less popular beach. Carolina Beach can be insanely busy in the summer months, and you’ll find yourself hard-pressed to find parking and a decent spot to lay out.
Grandfather Mountain Hiking Trail
Sugar Mountain, NC
This is the trail to remind you why you love hiking, or at least it did for me. Filled with cables to help you up steep rocks and ladders when you need to make a vertical climb, this trail isn’t for the faint of heart. I will miss this trail, dream about this trail, and constantly look through old videos I filmed on it.
A little tip: if you want the best parts of the trail, feel free to stop after McCrae Peak. It has all the fun and none of the length. The rest of the way to Calloway is a hike, but it is worth the view.
Bookstores
Barnes and Noble
Specifically the one in Fayetteville, NC
I know you’re all judging me right now, but let me explain. Every Barnes and Noble is good, but the employees can make it shine. Fayetteville’s employees do just that. Every time I walk in there with a question, I can always wander to the center desk and find someone happily willing to help or discuss book favorites or recommendations. I want to give a special shoutout to Jim, he’s a manager there and he’s one of the best people I know.
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Wake Forest, NC
This bookstore is located on the northern side of Raleigh and has several things going for it. The location is amazing; being located in Wake Forest gives it small-town vibes with all the convenience of a city nearby. There is a coffee shop directly attached to the bookstore, making it super easy to grab a snack and browse their books and wall of book recommendations. Also, If you live close enough, they have several book clubs, and I know there is one that will call your name.
Trope Bookstore
Charlotte, NC
This is such a unique little shop that you need to see it at least once. I don’t know if it was the money, time, or inexperience, but instead of going the traditional brick-and-mortar route, this owner opened a book-bus! It holds exclusively romances due to the limited space, but its selection is wide, and the owner is extremely knowledgeable about the stock. You have to follow their Instagram; they post their specific location every weekend!
Shopping
Biggers Market
Wilmington, NC
This is an amazing outdoor farmers market in Wilmington. This place has everything you expect like fruits, vegetables, jellies, and jams; and some of the unexpected like ciders, ice cream, and live music. Walk around and see what looks delicious to you! Just be careful, you’ll find yourself picking up more than your budget can handle.
Front Porch Sundays
Charlotte, NC
My friends and I were hunting down the Trope Bookshop when we accidentally walked into this place! Front Porch Sundays are a once-a-month open-air market in downtown Charlotte. They host local businesses and entrepreneurs, which means every dollar you spend goes right back into the community. They have everything from books, jewelry, art, and household decor! Wander through these endless stalls with your friends and see what you can find. Remember to wear good walking shoes!
A Conclusion on North Carolina
As you can see, North Carolina is full of fun places and experiences! There are places I missed, but I expect to be back in the future. Until then, I want to thank all the native North Carolinians (is that a word?) for all the hospitality. These are truly some great people, from the biggest city to the smallest town.
Does anyone have any places they miss in North Carolina, or anywhere they moved away from? Leave a comment below and let me know! Thanks for reading, and if you want more bookish and travel content join my newsletter. I send out reviews, events, activities, and more every month. Stay brave!
Who I am...
I’m a midwestern native and now travel across the United States. I spent my childhood dreaming of living the adventures in my books, and have made it my mission to bring these experiences to life.
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