BEST THINGS TO DO ON A ROAD TRIP FROM CANDOR, NC TO LILLINGTON, NC

CANDOR, NC - Road tripping from Candor, NC to Lillington, NC takes travelers through some of the state's most picturesque landscapes with a generous display of outdoor activities, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. The trip covers approximately 110 miles with Sanford, NC as the halfway point bridging the two towns. Whether you're seeking an adventure in the great outdoors or a glimpse of history, this route has everything for everyone.

HIKE UP RAVEN ROCK STATE PARK

Raven Rock State Park is a breathtakingly beautiful park located off the banks of Cape Fear River in Harnett County, NC. With trails taking you through over 4,000 acres of nature, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the park’s stunning landscapes. The well-maintained trails are perfect for hiking, trail running, or biking. Some of the can’t-miss attractions within the park include the park's namesake, Raven Rock, a massive geological structure that rises as tall as 150 feet and Cape Fear River overlooks.

Interesting Fact: The Natives had a long history of inhabiting this area, which they called Flattened Kettles. They depended on the surrounding woodlands and river for sustenance, transportation, and trade.

DISCOVER THE PAST AT THE MALCOLM BLUE FARM

The Malcolm Blue Farm is a historical house in Southern Pines, NC. Built-in 1825, the house and surrounding buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can tour the historical farm, which includes a general store, farmhouse, and smokehouse. Additionally, the site hosts several historical events throughout the year like the free annual Heritage Festival which features live music, crafts, heritage demonstrations, food vendors, and more.

Interesting Fact: During the 19th century, the Malcolm Blue Farm was known for its significant cotton gin and flour mill.

EXPLORE THE CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDENS

Located in Fayetteville, NC, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. The gardens feature an array of beautiful landscapes and blooms that change with the seasons. Visitors can stroll through the 80-acres of forest and views of the river and admire everything from camellias and azaleas to roses and butterfly gardens.

Interesting Fact: Some of the botanical garden's specimens have been around since the 1700s.

RAFTING AND KAYAKING AT THE SHELLY LAKE

Shelly Lake, located in Raleigh, is a perfect destination for water adventure activities such as kayaking and canoeing, surrounded by natural oil paintings, and a variety of other fun activities near the water. The lake offers visitors the chance to rent boats and take them out on the lake, and with abundant fish species, it's a popular fishing destination for anglers. Walk along the walking trails and enjoy the idyllic view of the natural scenery.

Interesting Fact: The lake is named after George Shelly, who owned the lake before it became a part of Raleigh's city limits.

WALK THE TRACKS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer is a fantastic place for transportation enthusiasts. Among the highlights of this museum include the Bob Julian Roundhouse, the only remaining restoration of a Piedmont and Northern Railroad roundhouse left, a selection of train cars, and the museum's extensive collection of artifacts from different periods of the state's transportation history.

Interesting Fact: The museum opened in 1977 as an outgrowth of a mission to save a typical Southern railway locomotive.

In conclusion, the road trip from Candor, NC to Lillington, NC is an incredible adventure that provides fun and excitement for everyone to enjoy. Between the outdoor activities, the historical landmarks, and the cultural attractions, there is something that will appease every taste. Whether the trip takes a day or a weekend, it will be an adventure that won't be forgotten anytime soon.