North Carolina Archives - Caffeinated Excursions https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/tag/north-carolina/ Blog of a Traveling Coffee Addict Fri, 16 Aug 2024 01:25:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://i0.wp.com/caffeinatedexcursions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/wp-1555570621336.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 North Carolina Archives - Caffeinated Excursions https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/tag/north-carolina/ 32 32 141833777 The Weekend Getaway Guide To Charlotte, NC: A City Fit For A Queen https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/the-weekend-getaway-guide-to-charlotte-nc-a-city-fit-for-a-queen/ https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/the-weekend-getaway-guide-to-charlotte-nc-a-city-fit-for-a-queen/#respond Mon, 22 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/?p=33961 Did you know that Charlotte is known as the “Queen City”? I think it’s a fitting nickname for North Carolina’s biggest metropolis. For one, it was actually named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Beyond that, Charlotte has a gorgeous skyline...

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The Weekend Getaway Guide To Charlotte, NC: A City Fit For A Queen

Published January 22, 2024

Did you know that Charlotte is known as the “Queen City”? I think it’s a fitting nickname for North Carolina’s biggest metropolis. For one, it was actually named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Beyond that, Charlotte has a gorgeous skyline, quaint neighborhoods, and lush parks. It’s no surprise that the Queen City was inspired by royalty!

Charlotte is one of my favorite American cities to visit for a weekend, but I have to admit I might be biased. That’s because I lived in South Carolina in 2017-2018; during that time, I drove up to Charlotte about a dozen times to eat, drink, and explore! That was right around when I started my travel blog, so I didn’t write a post about the Queen City back then.

Luckily, I found cheap flights to Charlotte for MLK Day weekend this year, so I made the trip back. I was overjoyed to find that many of the restaurants and bars I tried all those years ago are still going strong! The city has grown a lot since then, but it hasn’t lost that distinctive southern charm that makes Charlotte such a fun place to visit!

This weekend getaway guide is broken down into the following topics. To skip down to anything in particular, click or tap the corresponding link!

How to Visit Charlotte for a Weekend

I’ve always loved the Queen City for its blend of southern hospitality and urban beauty. It’s got hints of Nashville and Austin, but Charlotte is more laid-back and budget-friendly. For short-term visitors, Charlotte offers fabulous local cuisine, endless beer options, modern architecture, and a vibrant art scene.

Neighborhoods to See

There are three main neighborhoods I’d recommend focusing on for a two- or three-day trip to Charlotte. They are Uptown, NoDa, and South End. Read on to learn more about each one!

Uptown (Center City)

According to this source, Charlotte is the only major American city to have an “Uptown” but no “Downtown.” In other words, Uptown refers to the entire central business district, which is also sometimes called Center City. Uptown is easily identifiable on a map: it’s the area bounded by I-277 and I-77 shown below.

The modern glass skyscrapers in Center City are genuinely picturesque. They form one of my favorite skylines in the US! Uptown’s high-rises are elegant and tasteful, and they form a cohesive group. I never get tired of exploring on foot and admiring the cityscape from various angles and vantage points.

It’s also quite an experience to watch Uptown slowly light up after sunset! The Queen City sparkles and shines at night, especially the Bank of America Corporate Center’s distinctive silver crown. Exercise regular safety precautions in Charlotte, but I personally felt fine walking around this area in the early evening.

NoDa

NoDa is named after the neighborhood’s most important street: North Davidson. In recent years, the area has boomed in terms of housing. Despite that, North Davidson’s “village vibe” hasn’t changed much over the last six or seven years. You’ll still find cute little mom-and-pop retail stores, pubs, and petite older homes on the main strip.

I think a lot of people would describe NoDa as artsy and quirky. There are a ton of public murals to discover if you’re walking around the area. In addition, North Davidson is a hub of dining and craft beer! That’s why I recommend staying nearby if you can.

South End

This large commercial district southwest of Uptown is another destination foodies won’t want to miss! On this trip, I didn’t spend a ton of time in South End, but on previous visits I’ve been to a number of famous breweries and restaurants down here.

I did go back to one restaurant in South End I remember from all those years ago. It’s called Seoul Food Meat Company (website | location). They serve fusion Korean and American-style barbecue; it’s not like traditional Korean barbecue with miniature grills directly on the tables. Since I was here by myself, I ordered a few Korean-inspired tacos.

The food I got was light and refreshing compared to some of the heavier meals I’ve had in Charlotte. The only kind of odd thing was that they had a DJ blasting club music at 5:30 pm on a Sunday, so it was a little too loud for me.

Use the Lynx Light Rail

I was excited to try Charlotte’s light rail system on this trip, and I’m happy to report that I was very impressed! Back in 2017 and early 2018, the system was still partially under construction. These days, the Lynx Blue Line connects Uptown with NoDa and South End. Thanks to Lynx, I only had to take two Ubers this entire trip: from the airport to my Airbnb and vice versa.

Locating Lynx stops on Google Maps is easy. Simply turn on the “public transit” filter (more on how to do that here) and you’ll be able to see both the Lynx Blue and Gold Lines with all of their stops. I never took the Gold Line during my weekend stay, but I imagine it’s straightforward, just like the Blue Line.

At any station, you can purchase one-way tickets for $2.20 or day passes for $6.60 (as of January 2024). One thing to note is that the day pass expires at 3:00 a.m. on the day after purchase, so it’s not like you truly get 24 hours worth of rides from whenever you buy it. Once you board the light rail, you don’t need to tap on or off. You will only need to show your ticket to a fare checker if they ask for it. During my three full days in Charlotte, I was never asked to show my ticket.

All the attractions, restaurants, and breweries mentioned in this post are accessible via the Lynx Blue Line (plus at most about fifteen minutes of walking). I am not usually complimentary of American public transportation, but this system really exceeded my expectations! The light rail makes Charlotte significantly more affordable and convenient. You definitely don’t need to rent a car here to get around!

Where to Stay

I reserved an Airbnb in NoDa and found that neighborhood to be a pretty good fit for me. That’s because NoDa has so many different bars and restaurants! It was easy to walk back to the house after dinner without needing to call an Uber or ride the light rail after dark.

I will say that I didn’t see many hotels in NoDa, so Airbnb might be the main option here. If you’ve fallen out of love with Airbnb in recent years, I don’t blame you. In that case, you should probably stay at a hotel in Uptown. Alternatively, you may be able to find budget-friendly lodging further north along the Blue Line, closer to UNC Charlotte.

I think it’s hard to go wrong staying in NoDa, Uptown, or South End. If you’re in one of these three neighborhoods, you’ll always be within walking distance of great food and craft beer at the very least.

Eat & Drink in The Mill District

The Mill District refers to four neighborhoods northeast of Uptown: Belmont, NoDa, Optimist Park, and Villa Heights. All of these areas were historically known for their cotton mills and textile manufacturing. Nowadays, the Mill District is home to many of Charlotte’s most iconic restaurants and breweries. It’s a perfect place for foodies and beer connoisseurs!

Restaurants

I ate almost all of my meals in the Mill District on my weekend trip to Charlotte. I’m sure there are great restaurants in Uptown too. However, I got the sense that some eateries in Center City are upscale yet lacking in local flair. With that in mind, here are some of the restaurants I tried.

JackBeagle’s

Address: 3213 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.jackbeagles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackBeagles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackbeaglenoda/

This bar and grill in the heart of NoDa is at the top of my list because they’re famous for their gourmet mac-n-cheese! Order one of their local beers on tap, then take a look at their extensive food menu. Every meal looked mouth-watering, but I had to stick with their signature dish.

If you also want to try the mac, you can get it either on a burger (the “Jack Mac Burger”) or as its own plate. As you can see from the pictures below, I opted to do both! I was scared it would be way too much food, but I managed to finish it all. The mac-n-cheese platters come in a variety of flavors; the portion is basically a large side dish. I went with their “Blue-Black-Mac,” which comes with Gorgonzola, bacon, and cracked black pepper.

In case these pictures aren’t proof enough, JackBeagle’s mac-n-cheese is rich and creamy. Their different flavors are all pretty unique. I found the Blue-Black-Mac to be excellent with those pieces of bacon and the strong taste of melted blue cheese. The Jack Mac on the burger was also delicious! If I had more time in Charlotte, I would come back to try additional flavors (especially the Thai Mac). As of January 2024, there are eight!

Cabo Fish Taco

Address: 3201 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.cabofishtaco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaboFishTacoNoda/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cabofishtaconoda/

Cabo Fish Taco and JackBeagle’s are both places I remember visiting pre-pandemic, so they’ve been a part of NoDa’s food scene for many years. I was especially happy to return to Cabo Fish Taco because this is where I met up with Andrea, an old friend of mine!

At this restaurant you’ll find classic Baja-style tacos, margaritas, beer on tap, and more. Their menu lists combo plates (e.g. two fish tacos with your choice of side), but you can mix and match. That’s what I did; I got one beer battered white fish and one beer battered shrimp. Both were cooked perfectly! If you’re craving good Mexican food in NoDa, Cabo Fish Taco won’t disappoint!

Haberdish

Address: 3106 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://haberdish.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haberdish
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haberdish/

I would describe the brunch I had at Haberdish as a genuinely fun dining experience! They serve Southern cuisine and have a huge menu of original cocktails. My server and bartender also went above and beyond to offer an excellent customer experience. If I had an extra day or two in Charlotte, I would’ve probably gone back to Haberdish to try something off their dinner menu.

For brunch, I went with their Nashville hot chicken and waffles. I also tried two different cocktails, plus a side of their creamy cheddar grits with shrimp and bacon jam on the side. The chicken impressed me, but the shrimp and grits really blew me away. It was so deliciously rich, with just the right amount of cheese. It wasn’t watery at all, and the shrimp were just a little blackened on the grill. That little bowl was a taste of heaven!

The cocktails at Haberdish also stood out. I ordered one stronger floral gin-based drink to start, followed by an autumn-y spiced punch. Neither one was too sweet, and both had interesting mixes of flavors. All in all, Haberdish was a little pricey, but I walked away really satisfied with the drinks, the food, and the hospitality.

Benny Pennello's

Address: 2909 N Davidson St STE 100, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.bennysva.com/locations/benny-pennellos/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennypennellos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennypennellos/

This cozy pizza shop is located right next to Heist Brewery in NoDa. I popped in one night to order a casual slice of pizza and a beer, but I wasn’t really prepared for how big that slice would be! Their website says the pies they make are 28 inches. On a side note, you can order an entire pie if you want, and the box is truly massive if you do! They probably have to get them custom-made.

A single slice at Benny Pennello’s is so big that it’s served on two paper plates. I thought the pizza was tasty, but it did take a while to come out. I think they’re cooked to order, and this place can get busy.

Oh My Soul

Address: 3046 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://ohmysoulusa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohmysoulusa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohmysoulusa/

This vegan South African restaurant immediately piqued my interest, so I had to check it out and get brunch here one morning. They’ve got a festive shop with pastel colors. It’s worth noting that their only seating is an outdoor patio area, but they had a covered heated tent (at least when I went).

The “Veggs Benedict” sounded appetizing, so that’s what I tried. I was surprised by how filling the dish was, given that eggs benedict is usually a light meal. It came with a lot of veggies, which helped balance out some of the more meat-heavy meals I had in Charlotte.

Phở @ NoDa

Address: 2100 N Davidson St suite A, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.phoatnoda.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatatphoatnoda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoatnoda/

After a three-day weekend of large meals and non-stop beer, I was really craving something lighter for my final dinner in Charlotte before flying home. I walked over to Phở @ NoDa (which is technically in Villa Heights), ordered a bowl of seafood phở, and found it to be a nice change of pace. I am a huge “phở-natic,” so I’m always willing to seek out this Vietnamese noodle soup whenever I travel!

Breweries and Bars

Once you explore Charlotte for an hour or two, one thing will become abundantly clear: breweries and taprooms are everywhere! Beer is a huge part of the Queen City’s food and drink culture. Breweries are generally family-friendly, and many have huge indoor and outdoor spaces to sit, sip, and socialize. All of this is especially true of the Mill District, perhaps Charlotte’s most beer-friendly area. Read on to learn about some of the breweries here!

Birdsong Brewing Company

Address: 1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Website: https://www.birdsongbrewing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsongbrewing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsongbrewing/

At Birdsong Brewing the neighborhood of Belmont, I tried two different beers. Their Honey Pie Double IPA and the Jalapeño Pale Ale were both delicious, and the latter is a classic that I highly recommend! In fact, I’m going to see if any stores sell it near where I live in Chicago. The slightly spicy aftertaste in a refreshing, cold beer is just divine!

Heist Brewery

Address: 2909 N Davidson St STE 200, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.heistbrewery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeistBrewery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heistbrewery/

This huge, busy brewery in NoDa is hard to miss. I got a flight here and enjoyed all four taps I tried. I also saw other people eating meals at Heist, and the food looked amazing. Someone at a table nearby ordered a flatbread that made my mouth water. If you’re looking for a brewery with a top-notch food menu, Heist might be your best bet in NoDa.

Divine Barrel Brewing

Address: 3701 N Davidson St Suite #203, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://divinebarrel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineBarrelBrewing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divinebarrelclt/

Located on the far north end of NoDa’s little commercial strip, Divine Barrel is kind of tucked away. I figured it would be quiet when I went, but it was packed! They were hosting a chili competition, and everyone was given free samples of all the entries as well as tickets to vote for your favorite. Clearly, Divine Barrel knows how to attract a crowd!

I tried an “Ice Cream Paint Job” followed by a “There’s Been An Incident.” I must’ve been feeling adventurous that afternoon! They were admittedly both on the heavier side, but both pours were packed with flavor.

Free Range Brewing

Address: 2320 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.freerangebrewing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreeRangeBrewing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freerangebrew

I loved the farm-inspired décor inside the Free Range taproom, not to mention the fact that their brewing equipment was on display right next to the bar! I asked if they do flights, and my bartender told me, “not yet.” So I ordered two smaller glasses side by side: a Barracuda Bill’s and a Spruce Tonic. Both were light and satisfying, and the tonic had some herbal hints to it.

Idlewild Bar

Address: 424 E 36th St Unit 2, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.idlewildbar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idlewildbar/

The most noteworthy thing about this trendy bar is that they don’t have a set menu. Instead, you tell your bartender what you typically like to drink, and they whip up something you may not have tried before. I was served a rum drink that had a bit of spice and not too much sweetness. It was cool to have that back and forth with the bartender to explain what spirit you’re in the mood for, then narrow down what flavor profile you want.

Coffee

Having traveled quite a bit, I feel like cities that love beer tend to also have high-quality coffee scenes! The Queen City is no exception to that rule. Here are a few different coffeehouses to try!

Smelly Cat Coffee

Address: 514 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.smellycatcoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmellyCatCoffeehouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smellycatcoffee/

I distinctly remember trying Smelly Cat back in 2017, and coming back was such a treat! I ordered a spiced brown sugar oat milk latte. There was an open seat at the bar, where I savored each sip. Based on how busy it was, Smelly Cat seems like a favorite among locals. Luckily, the line moved fairly quickly.

The Hobbyist

Address: 2100 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.thehobbyistclt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehobbyistclt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehobbyistclt

I was pleasantly surprised by this chic, modern establishment in Villa Heights. They serve coffee, wine, and cocktails in a spacious setting. Although I only tried their coffee, I would’ve come back to try some alcoholic beverages in the afternoon or evening if I had more days in Charlotte.

Their black walnut latte sounded smooth and delicious, so that’s what I ordered. I always appreciate when lattes aren’t overly sweet, and that was definitely true at The Hobbyist. A sprinkle of black salt on top added an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile of this drink.

Pepperbox Doughnuts and Coffee

Address: 2810 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.pepperbox.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pepperboxdoughnuts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepperbox_doughnuts/

I tend to prefer coffee without typical breakfast pastries, but I decided to give Pepperbox a try. If I remember correctly, I ordered a snickerdoodle doughnut. It was light, fluffy, and fresh! It went really well with a cup of black drip.

& Coffee (Inside Urban District Market)

Address: 2315 N Davidson St #300, Charlotte, NC 28205
Website: https://www.udmmilldistrict.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbandistrictmarket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbandistrictmarket/

This was an interesting find because “& Coffee” is one of many stalls inside Urban District Market. This is a massive food hall, store, and cafe located in Optimist Park. Many (but not all) of the vendors here serve Asian cuisine. The lavender oat milk latte I ordered at & Coffee was pretty good. I’m intrigued and would love to try some meals from this new food court next time I’m in town!

Cultural Attractions in Uptown

My favorite thing to do in Uptown is just walk around, but there are some museums and parks to check out as well.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Address: 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.bechtler.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebechtler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebechtler/

If you happen to walk by the Bechtler, it’ll almost certainly capture your attention. The building’s orange brick exterior is striking, but most passersby are instantly intrigued by the glistening mosaic statue out front. It’s known as The Firebird, a permanent installation that’s come to represent both the museum and the city in general.

What makes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art amazing? Well, it’s got awesome pieces on display, but it’s not a sprawling museum that takes hours to see. If you’re looking for a little bit of local art and culture but don’t want to dedicate an entire afternoon to museum hopping, the Bechtler is a perfect choice!

Mint Museum Uptown

Address: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.mintmuseum.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themintmuseum/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themintmuseum/

The Mint Museum is right across the street from the Bechtler, and both focus on modern art. I would say the Mint Museum is much more comprehensive though. There’s a bigger variety of media and styles spread out across large galleries. I felt like I probably spent half an hour at the Bechtler and about two hours at the Mint.

If you find museums invigorating or have a special interest in modern art, you should set aside some time to visit the Mint Museum in Uptown. Much of the art here is impressive at first glance, but reading the placards about how they were made reveals just how extraordinary these pieces are. There’s a lot of intricate, detailed work at the Mint Museum that takes time to appreciate.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

Address: 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.nascarhall.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nascarhall/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nascarhall/

I will be completely honest: NASCAR is one sport I basically knew nothing about before visiting the Hall of Fame. With that in mind, I felt like entry here was a little pricey for a museum ($27 for a basic adult ticket with no add-ons as of January 2024). So is visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame worth it for those who aren’t superfans?

I enjoyed the experience and learned a fair amount from going. It was a good mix of actual cars, uniforms, memorabilia, trophies, and other accessories. I wouldn’t call the NASCAR Hall of Fame an absolute must-see in Charlotte, but I do think that kids with even a mild interest in cars would find it to be pretty engaging. For an additional cost, you can purchase ticket packages that include racing simulations. I didn’t, so I can’t tell you if they’re worth it or not. All in all, plan about 90 minutes to see all of the exhibits here without rushing.

Parks

The Queen City is known for its nature, and Uptown has quite a few parks to enjoy if the weather is good.

Romare Bearden Park

Address: 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do/outdoors-adventure/romare-bearden-park
See also: https://uptowncharlotte.com/go/romare-bearden-park

In my opinion, this is Charlotte’s best park. It’s surrounded on three sides by towering buildings, so it’s one of my favorite places to view the skyline from within Uptown. Head to Romare Bearden day or night for an unbeatable view of the city!

The Green

Address: 425 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do/outdoors-adventure/the-green
See also: https://uptowncharlotte.com/go/the-green

A block or two away from Romare Bearden Park is “The Green.” Despite its name, this quaint little public courtyard is mostly concrete, brick, and pavement. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though! There are quirky statues like the three fish below, and the entire space has a literary theme to it. You’ll find author’s names on signs, two huge bronze sculptures of stacks of books, and other references to the written word.

Marshall Park

Address: Marshall Park, 800 E 3rd St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do/outdoors-adventure/marshall-park
See also: https://uptowncharlotte.com/go/marshall-park

Marshall Park is off on its own, even though it’s still within Uptown. Because of this, it’s quieter than other parks in the area. There’s also a small pond and a fountain here. As far as I can tell, this is the only real body of water in Center City besides a few creeks that run to the north.

First Ward Park

Address: 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do/outdoors-adventure/first-ward-park
See also: https://uptowncharlotte.com/go/first-ward-park

Did you know Uptown is divided into four quadrants known as wards? That’s what this park’s name is a reference to. It’s a pleasant green space that offers a different skyline view from the other parks mentioned above. First Ward Park houses a few funky pieces of public art like the two shown below. It’s also right next to the Blue Line, so it’s easy to get to.

Enjoy Your Stay in the Queen City!

I hope this blog post provides all the info you need to have an amazing time in Charlotte, NC. In case you couldn’t already tell, the nostalgia factor is a huge reason I’m such a big fan of this royal gem of a city. Regardless, I’m pretty sure most visitors will agree that Charlotte is a great place to spend a few days!

A statue of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, after whom the city of Charlotte is named

Have you been to Charlotte before? Are you headed this way soon? Leave a comment below and let me know! I’m also curious if there’s anything I missed this time that I should make sure to see or do next time. Let me know about that as well, and thanks for reading Caffeinated Excursions!

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This post was published on Jan 22, 2024

Hi, I’m Kevin! I’m a coffee addict from Seattle, and my life revolves around traveling! Caffeinated Excursions is a record of my trips over the past seven years. Since I started blogging, I’ve lived in Mexico, Vietnam, Brazil, and the US. I just moved to Australia and plan to be here a full year. Thanks for checking out my blog!

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]]> https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/the-weekend-getaway-guide-to-charlotte-nc-a-city-fit-for-a-queen/feed/ 0 33961 The North Carolina Outer Banks: A Road Trip Illuminated By Lighthouses https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/nc-outer-banks-road-trip-lighthouses/ https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/nc-outer-banks-road-trip-lighthouses/#comments Fri, 15 Jun 2018 17:00:00 +0000 http://caffeinatedexcursions.com/?p=1751 I love geographically unique places. If you ask me how I choose my travel destinations, there are a number of obvious answers: cost, feasibility, whether friends want to go along, etc. But geography is another huge factor for me, especially for solo trips. When I decided to take a road trip through the Outer Banks of North Carolina...

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The North Carolina Outer Banks: A Road Trip Illuminated By Lighthouses

Published June 15, 2018

I love geographically unique places. If you ask me how I choose my travel destinations, there are a number of obvious answers: cost, feasibility, whether friends want to go along, etc. But geography is another huge factor for me, especially for solo trips. When I decided to take a road trip through the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I was looking forward to seeing sandy beaches, billowing clouds, and long stretches of land with water on both sides.

The Outer Banks (often abbreviated as OBX) are a long and narrow island chain off the North Carolina coast that are connected by Highway 12 and a couple of ferry routes. Separating these islands from the mainland is the Pamlico Sound, which is extremely shallow (with an average depth of only 5 to 6 feet). The sound is about 15 to 20 miles wide in many areas, which means that you won’t be able to see the other side from the OBX.

In fact, these islands are so far from the mainland that you can actually watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and the sunset over the Pamlico Sound from the exact same location. There’s only a handful of places along the East Coast that offer sunset views over water, and this is probably the best one. Just take a look at this amazing sunset that I was able to capture from this location:

Lighthouses

Watching that sunset was quite an experience, but my favorite part of the trip was visiting the lighthouses. The Outer Banks have a fascinating history of shipwrecks going back to the earliest days of colonial exploration due to treacherous ocean waters. No wonder the region is nicknamed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Lighthouses were an absolute necessity and are now a major tourist attraction.

There are three lighthouses you’ll encounter if you travel the route I did (more on that below). They are the Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, and Ocracoke Lighthouses. Of those, you can climb up the first two for some breathtaking views.

1. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

This lighthouse looks like it belongs in a painting, doesn’t it? It offers some great views from the highest lookout point in the Outer Banks.

After making the climb, I learned from an employee at the top that the lighthouse was actually moved away from the shore in 1999 because waves were hitting the structure. As you can see, the spiral stairs in this lighthouse look fairly sturdy and are bolted to the wall.

Entrance costs $8. Hours of operations for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse can be found here. Keep in mind that both lighthouses are only open for climbs during the summer months!

2. Bodie Island Lighthouse

I actually like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse more than this one for its swirling black and white façade and red base, but the view from the top of Bodie just can’t be beat.

Bodie Island Lighthouse is not as tall as Cape Hatteras, and it contains a floating staircase with grated steps. This might be a little freaky, but there are landings on each level where you can rest if you need to.

Entrance here costs $10. Bodie Island Lighthouse is located about 45 miles north of Cape Hatteras. You can check their opening hours here.

3. Ocracoke Lighthouse

Unfortunately, Ocracoke Lighthouse is not open to the public. You can walk right up to it, but the door is closed (the lighthouse is still functional today and operated by the United States Coast Guard). Even though this is a bit of a disappointment, a lot of postcards and souvenirs feature all three lighthouses, so you might as well check it out to be able to say you’ve seen them all. More importantly, Ocracoke Island is an interesting place that’s still worth a visit. Read on to learn why.

Two Towns Worth Exploring

Even though lighthouses are super cool, towns along the Outer Banks have other unique offerings. The two I ended up exploring most were Ocracoke and Hatteras. I spent a bit of time in some other villages (dinner in Buxton, lunch in Avon, etc), but it seemed like these two towns had the most attractions.

Ocracoke

This long, narrow island is only accessible by ferry, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort to check it out! The only town on the island is on its southwest corner, on a piece of land that juts out into the Pamlico Sound. If you take the ferry from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter, you’ll disembark right into town; there’s free public parking and the town is small enough that you can walk around. If you’re coming from Hatteras, you’ll need to drive the 14-mile length of the island since that ferry terminal is on the other side.

My favorite part of my visit was a restaurant called Dajio. They had an absolutely amazing chicken and biscuit breakfast. Their elderflower mimosa was also really tasty!

I’d never pass up a family-owned coffee shop; Ocracoke Coffee really hit the spot. They have a ton of space to sit down and relax if you’ve been walking around town for a while.

Don’t forget about the lighthouse! It’s about a 10-minute walk from the main road into town. Other than that, there is an interesting little British cemetery as well as a free museum.

I came from Cedar Island, which meant my next stop was Hatteras. Along the main stretch of the island is a two-lane road with a number of beach access points.

Hatteras

My favorite thing about the town of Hatteras is all the beach houses sitting up on stilts. I just loved the aesthetic and the bright colors!

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Hatteras also had a really cute family-owned coffee shop. The Dancing Turtle had a large yet cozy area to sit and relax.

After visiting the lighthouse here, head towards the beaches due east of the Cape Point Campground. They’re open to the public and offer some cool views of the lighthouse from a distance.

Getting Here & Making the Drive

The OBX are surprisingly far from any big cities and are most accessible to residents of Virginia and North Carolina. If you live farther away, consider flying into Norfolk or Newport News, VA and renting a car. From my home in South Carolina, I had to drive about 400 miles just to get to the coast. If you’re coming from the south like I was, you can cut off a few hours of driving by following the route I took from Jacksonville to Nags Head.

This journey involved taking two ferries with a “layover” on Ocracoke Island, but crossing the Pamlico Sound by boat was definitely part of the experience. The following section tells you what you need to know for a successful ferry ride.

The North Carolina Ferry System

This road trip involved two ferry rides:

  1. From Cedar Island to Ocracoke. Cost if reserved online is $15 for a normal-sized vehicle. Travel time was 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  2. From Ocracoke to Hatteras. Cannot be reserved in advance, but ride is free of charge. Total travel time is about 1 hour.

For the first ride, I’d highly recommend booking online as early as you can. Schedules for 2018 can be found here. Even though all the vehicles waiting in line did make it on board for the 7:00 a.m. departure, I’ve heard that this time of year (early June) isn’t peak season yet, and it might get more crowded if you depart later in the morning or in the afternoon. You don’t want to be sitting in line at the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal all day!

The second ride from Ocracoke to Hatteras was on a much smaller ferry. You can’t reserve a spot, but since Ocracoke serves as a choke-point for traffic, you should be able to make it onto the first boat that docks after you arrive to the terminal. There isn’t much of a check-in process since the ride is free.

Where to Stay

Since I started driving from South Carolina right after work on Friday, I spent my first night at an Airbnb in Jacksonville, NC. This was still about a two-hour drive from the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal, but it was the closest Airbnb I could find.

Early Saturday morning I made my way to the dock (be sure not to speed here, especially in the towns you’ll pass through along the way). I ended up spending the morning and afternoon in Ocracoke, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here overnight; after you’ve spent a few hours here (or as long as you like), take the ferry over and spend the night in Hatteras. There were only a few Airbnb options in Hatteras which seemed to fill up quickly, so I stayed at the Sea Gull Motel which cost about $140 for one night but was comfortable and conveniently located.

This road trip ended up being quite involved: according to my phone I drove for 9 hours on Sunday to travel from Hatteras up to Nags Head and then back home. I obviously stopped for meals and breaks, but I don’t think I’ve ever driven that long in one day. 

However, the North Carolina Outer Banks didn’t disappoint! I’m really glad I got to check them out before I move. I got my fill of unique geography on this trip, but the islands of the OBX are much more than that: they’re a place of rich history, a string of towns that are welcoming and laid-back, and a destination for travelers who want more than just a beachside getaway. Consider them for your next trip! Until next time, fellow Excursioners!

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This post was published on June 15, 2018

Hi, I’m Kevin! I’m a coffee addict from Seattle, and my life revolves around traveling! Caffeinated Excursions is a record of my trips over the past seven years. Since I started blogging, I’ve lived in Mexico, Vietnam, Brazil, and the US. I just moved to Australia and plan to be here a full year. Thanks for checking out my blog!

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