One of my goals for 2021 is to visit all 100 counties in North Carolina and it has been quite a bit of fun to do! When I started writing about North Carolina, I wanted to share the best that my home state has to offer. It has been quite a fun experience over the last five years, and even more so this year, as I’m working to update existing travel guides with new information. I thought I’d do a quick check-in on how the 100 county tour is going and share some of my favorite things to do in North Carolina so far. You can find all of my North Carolina travel guides in one place here.
Things to do in North Carolina
So far, I’ve visited 16 counties. We had a couple of trips over the summer that were going to knock out several counties on out trip, and unfortunately we had to reschedule those trips. Here are the counties I’ve visited so far and the corresponding write-ups. Some more in depth write ups are in the works for those that don’t have their guides yet or if they need an update.
Carteret
David and I spent a beautiful late February weekend in Carteret county in one of my favorite small towns, Beaufort. One of my favorite times to visit the coast is during late fall or late winter because the weather is usually perfect and the towns are not crowded yet. Check out the full travel guide for what we did, where we stayed, and what we’ll do on our next visit.
Chatham
Pittsboro is such a quirky, fun small town about an hour from the Triangle. There are so many great shops, restaurants, and places to enjoy the outdoors in this quaint town. Check out the full travel guide here that includes where to stay if you decide to make it an overnight trip.
Chowan
David and I made an overnight stop in Edenton for a date night in one the prettiest small town in the South. This welcoming small town has a lot to offer and we highly recommend a night’s stay at the Cotton Gin Inn. Cheryl is a wonderful chef and served us one of the best meals of our lives.
Craven
On our way to Oriental, my friend Susie and I stopped in New Bern for lunch and to walk around the town. When I was in undergrad, I visited New Bern often on the weekends. It had been quite some time since I visited and I was so thrilled to spend some time exploring. I’m looking forward to a return trip soon to write up a full guide!
Durham
The Bull City is one of my very favorite spots in North Carolina! The city has so much to do, so much to offer, and so many wonderful people! I recently updated my travel guide to highlight 23 awesome things to do in Durham and I’m looking forward to spending more time there in to cheer on the Bulls and celebrate the end of the summer at the Unscripted pool.
Franklin
Earlier in the summer, David and I took a short drive to neighboring Franklin County to check out some of the revitalization happening on the Main Streets in the towns. It’s a great spot for a day trip with some gorgeous views of the Tar River!
Halifax
This is the county where I grew up, so I always look forward to stopping in our way to see my parents. Halifax has a lot to offer, including the Hen & the Hog restaurant in downtown Halifax.
Hyde
We ventured to our beloved Ocracoke earlier this summer and had a wonderful vacation. While this post is due for an update, you’ll get to see some of the best places in North Carolina highlighted in one article.
Mecklenburg
My friend Kayd moved to Charlotte from Chicago last year, so I have enjoyed going to visit her and checking off several places on our “must-visit” list we started when she decided she was moving. I just love all the patios in the Queen City and the various neighborhoods just have so much to offer! You can see a weekend itinerary from last year here, too.
New Hanover
It’s no secret that Wilmington is one of our favorite spots for a weekend getaway in North Carolina. Earlier this year, I spent an early spring weekend in Wilmington with my friend, Clarke, for a girls weekend and finally got to stay in Wrightsville at the Blockade Runner. And one of the best new restaurants in the state, Seabird, opened this year and it is a must-eat place the next time you are in town!
Northampton
My parents live in Northampton County and we always look forward to attending the annual oyster roast in Jackson. We visited to have lunch at the Bay Sire Bistro which has a perfect patio for people watching and delicious food.
Orange
I had a lovely experience visiting Hillsborough and staying at the Colonial Inn! Hillsborough is such a fun town with lots to do and wonderful places to eat. I also got to experience some spring time fun in Chapel Hill and used the opportunity to update my Chapel Hill travel guide.
Pamlico
My friend, Susie, and I went on a girls’ weekend trip to Oriental and I am still swooning over this beautiful, welcoming coastal town!
Pitt
I always enjoy getting back to experience Greenville, which is where I lived for 3.5 years while attending undergrad. This town has changed so much over the years and has delicious restaurants, great shopping, and a passionate university athletics program!
Wake
This one might not technically count since this is my home county, but you know I love Raleigh and its surrounding towns! Here is where you can find my posts of Raleigh and its suburbs.
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Which of these things to do in North Carolina would you like to try? Let me know in a comment below!
