The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cary, NC to La Grange, NC

Cary, North Carolina and La Grange, North Carolina may not be known for their tourism, but there are still plenty of hidden gems to explore and discover on a road trip between these two cities. With a distance of around 90 miles, the journey takes approximately two hours and has something for everyone. Along the way, one of the highlights to look out for is Selma, North Carolina, halfway between Cary and La Grange. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Cary to La Grange.

1. Visit the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield

Located just south of Selma in the town of Smithfield, the Ava Gardner Museum is a must-see destination for movie lovers and history enthusiasts alike. This museum celebrates the life and career of Ava Gardner, one of Hollywood's most iconic leading ladies. The museum features an extensive collection of memorabilia from Gardner's life including her costumes, films, photographs, and personal keepsakes. Visitors can also see the house where Gardner was born and raised in Grabtown, NC.

Interesting fact: Ava Gardner's beauty was renowned worldwide, and in the 1950s she was considered one of the most photographed women in the world.

2. Explore Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is approximately 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro, and it offers visitors incredible views of cliffs that are slowly being eroded away by the Neuse River. The park's 892 acres offer an array of outdoor activities ranging from swimming, boating, camping, nature trails to picnicking. There is also a visitor center with interactive exhibits about the park's history and natural resources.

Interesting fact: The cliffs themselves are estimated to be over a million years old.

3. Learn about history at the CSS Neuse/Governor Richard Caswell Memorial

Located in Kinston, the CSS Neuse/Governor Richard Caswell Memorial is one of the most important historic sites in North Carolina. This museum is dedicated to the history of the CSS Neuse ironclad, which was built and launched by the Confederate Navy during the Civil War. Visitors can learn about the ship's history, take a guided tour, and even see underwater footage of scientists working to preserve the remains of the CSS Neuse. The Governor Richard Caswell Memorial is also located on the site and features exhibits on the life and times of Richard Caswell, the first governor of the state of North Carolina.

Interesting fact: The CSS Neuse was the largest ironclad ever built in the South.

4. Shop and dine at Brightleaf Square in Durham

Brightleaf Square in Durham is a thriving entertainment district featuring unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. The two-story, pre-Civil War tobacco warehouse and adjacent buildings were restored and transformed into a unique shopping center that combines modern conveniences with a historic atmosphere. While there, visitors can sample Southern-style cuisine at one of the many restaurants and enjoy local art at the Bull City Arts Collaborative.

Interesting fact: The primary activity in Durham during the time of Brightleaf Square's construction was tobacco farming.

5. Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City

The Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City features a collection of exhibits that showcase the history of the Albemarle region from pre-colonial times to the present. The museum has a lot to offer including a reconstructed 18th-century boat, a painting from the famous American painter Gilbert Stuart, exhibitions on the region's Civil War history, and examples of the pottery that made the Albemarle region famous.

Interesting fact: Elizabeth City is the largest town in Pasquotank County and is also the county seat.

Conclusion

This road trip offers a wide range of options for visitors. From exploring state parks and history museums to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. The journey from Cary to La Grange takes around two hours, but the five destinations listed above are well worth the drive. Whether you're a resident of North Carolina or just visiting, these destinations offer something unique to both locals and tourists alike.