The Top 5 Best Places to Visit Between Cary and Washington, North Carolina
If you're planning a road trip between Cary, North Carolina and Washington, North Carolina, there are a ton of great places to visit along the way. From charming small towns to beautiful natural scenery, there's something for everyone. Here are the top five best places to visit on your next road trip:
The Route and Halfway Point: Wilson, NC
The drive from Cary to Washington takes about two and a half hours, and there are plenty of great spots to stop along the way. One of the most popular is Wilson, NC, which is right about at the halfway point. Wilson is a beautiful small town full of history and charm, with plenty of great restaurants, shops, and attractions to check out. Make sure to take a stroll through the historic downtown district, where you'll find beautiful architecture, antique stores, and more.
Stop 1: Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
If you're looking for natural beauty, the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is one of the best places to visit on your trip. Located in Seven Springs, NC, this park offers stunning views of the Neuse River, as well as hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The highlight of the park is definitely the cliff overlook, which offers panoramic views of the area. Make sure to bring your camera!
Stop 2: Kinston, NC
Kinston, NC is a charming small town located just a short drive off the main highway. Here, you'll find a variety of great attractions to explore. One of the most popular is the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, which tells the story of the Confederate ironclad ship that was sunk in the Neuse River during the Civil War. You can visit the actual remains of the ship, as well as exhibits about life in the 1860s. Other great stops in Kinston include the Mother Earth Brewery, the Chef & the Farmer restaurant, and the African American Music Trails of Eastern Carolina exhibit.
Stop 3: New Bern, NC
New Bern, NC is a beautiful waterfront town with a rich history. The town was founded in 1710 and served as the colonial capital of North Carolina before the American Revolution. Today, you can visit a variety of historic sites, including Tryon Palace, which was the official residence of the colonial governor. You can also take a walk along the waterfront, explore the many shops and restaurants, or visit the North Carolina History Center, which has exhibits on the state's history and culture.
Stop 4: Aurora Fossil Museum
The Aurora Fossil Museum is a unique attraction located in Aurora, NC. The museum is dedicated to the fossils found in the nearby Aurora phosphate mine, which contains ancient marine animals and plants from millions of years ago. You can learn about the history of the mine, as well as how fossils are excavated and identified. The museum also has hands-on exhibits and a gift shop where you can purchase your own fossils to take home.
Stop 5: Washington, NC
Finally, your trip will end in Washington, NC. This charming town is located on the Pamlico River and is known for its beautiful waterfront, historic homes, and friendly locals. Top attractions in Washington include the Estuarium, which has exhibits on the local marine life, and the N.C. Maritime Museum, which has exhibits on the state's maritime history. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore along the waterfront.
Overall, a road trip between Cary and Washington, North Carolina is full of great stops and attractions. Whether you're interested in history, natural beauty, or just charming small towns, there's something for everyone along this route. So pack your bags, load up the car, and hit the open road—you won't regret it!