Driving from Chapel Hill to Creedmoor: Five Unexpected Places to Stop

Have you ever found yourself in the car for a long stretch of time, wishing you could break up the monotony of the drive? If you find yourself traveling from Chapel Hill to Creedmoor, North Carolina, there are several unexpected places to make a pit stop. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, covering a distance of around 30 miles. Here are five places you may not have thought to visit, but should consider making a detour to experience.

Halfway Point: Durham, NC

The halfway point during the trip is Durham, NC. While many people may automatically think of Duke University, the city has much more to offer. Head to the American Tobacco Campus to check out offices and dining establishments in renovated, historic tobacco warehouses. There, you’ll find Durham’s popular ballpark, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, which offers tours throughout the year. On the Third Friday of each month, swing by the Downtown Durham art crawl. The area comes alive with people enjoying art, entertainment and food vendors.

Stop #1: West Point on the Eno Park

For nature lovers looking for a way to get out of the car and stretch their legs, West Point on the Eno Park is an excellent choice. Covering over 400 acres, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas and camping. The park is also home to several historic structures built in the early 19th century, providing visitors with a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived and worked in the area many years ago. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it under the shade of the trees. A popular food in the area is fried chicken.

Stop #2: Bennett Place Historic Site

If you’re interested in history, Bennett Place Historic Site is an essential stop. The site is known as the location where the largest Confederate troop surrender of the American Civil War took place. The site features an interpretive center, outdoor exhibits and guided tours to help visitors learn more about the history of the place. The park offers a picnic area and a museum store featuring handcrafted items and historic souvenirs. Grab yourself a BBQ sandwich with a side of coleslaw, a popular local cuisine.

Stop #3: Museum of Life and Science

Do you have children with you? The Museum of Life and Science is a great place for families to spend some time on a road trip. The museum features interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the natural world, including exhibits about space exploration, animal habitats, and hands-on science activities. The venue also has over 80-acres of outdoor exhibits, including a dinosaur trail, farmyard, and butterfly house. A food to try for children is mac and cheese.

Stop #4: Duke Lemur Center

While in Durham, the Duke Lemur Center is an unsung gem worth visiting. As the largest sanctuary for prosimian primates in the world, the center has over 200 animals among 14 different species of lemurs, lorises, and galagos. Visitors can take guided tours of the center to learn more about these fascinating creatures and get up close with them. Ask for a lemur-shaped cookie to munch on after the tour.

Stop #5: Eno River Farm

If you’re a foodie looking to experience farm-to-table cuisine, make a stop at Eno River Farm. The farm raises grass-fed beef as well as other livestock and produces seasonal produce from the garden. The farm even offers cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare your own farm-to-table feast. Even if you can't make it to a cooking class, stop by the farm store and purchase some locally made cheese and charcuterie to enjoy on the rest of your road trip.

Conclusion

While traveling from Chapel Hill to Creedmoor, or vice versa, it’s worth taking a few detours to check out some of the unique and unexpected stops along the way. From nature and history to family fun and culinary experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this road trip. Plan a day trip with stops along the way, or make it a weekend getaway and stay overnight in one of the charming small towns along the way. Whatever you choose, don't miss out on these exciting attractions in Durham and the surrounding areas. Happy travels!