Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charlotte, NC to Wake Forest, NC

Driving from Charlotte, North Carolina and Wake Forest, North Carolina doesn't have to be a dreaded and boring experience. With scenic views and several small towns, there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. Taking the route via US-29 N and NC-150 E, the drive can take around two and a half hours, not including time spent on detours. To help make the trip more enjoyable, we've compiled five unexpected places to stop that are worth a visit.

1. Concord, NC

Concord, NC is around 20 miles northeast of Charlotte. While it is well-known for the Charlotte Motor Speedway, there are other attractions that the town has to offer. From postmodern art museums to art galleries and local eateries, this little town has a lot to offer.

One of the best places to visit is the Cabarrus County Arts Council. Here, visitors can peruse the many postmodern paintings that adorn the walls of this gallery. It's an idyllic location for art lovers who appreciate this type of art.

Best food: Hot sauce and Southern-style cooking at The Smoke Pit BBQ.

2. Salisbury, NC

On the way between Charlotte and Wake Forest, about halfway through the route, there is a beautiful little town called Salisbury. This historic town was founded in 1753 and is home to many pre-Civil War homes and shops. Visitors can take a historic walking tour and learn about the town while exploring.

One of the best places to visit in Salisbury is Dan Nicholas Park, which has something for everyone. It's a 425-acre park that is home to various sporting activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. The park also features playgrounds, campgrounds, and picnic areas.

Best food: Crab cakes and New England-style Clam Chowder at Blue Bay Seafood.

3. Jamestown, NC

Jamestown is the halfway point between Charlotte and Wake Forest. While it may not stand out like the other towns on this list, Jamestown is worth stopping for one reason: furniture. Many prestigious furniture showrooms and shops call this town home.

The Furnitureland South is one of the biggest furniture showrooms in America and has over one million square feet of furniture spread out over 500 different rooms. Visitors can browse everything from bedroom furniture to office furniture, and it's a one-off experience that's worth the detour.

Best food: a pork BBQ sandwich with a side of hushpuppies at Kepley's Barbecue.

4. Creedmoor, NC

Creedmoor is a quaint little town that is around 25 miles away from Wake Forest. While it might be small, there is still plenty to see and do in Creedmoor. Its historic downtown is charming and perfect for a stroll. It's also home to the Creedmoor Farmers Market, where visitors can pick up local produce, meat, and dairy.

But the best place to visit in Creedmoor is the Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Visitors can spend the day hiking, camping, and enjoying the many outdoor activities that this beautiful park has to offer.

Best food: pizza with one of the local brewed beers, at My Way Tavern.

5. Henderson, NC

Henderson is around 15 miles north of Wake Forest and is an unexpected stop that visitors must visit. This small town is home to several museums, historic places, and city parks.

One of the must-visit places in Henderson is the Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace Historic Site. This birthplace has been preserved as a historic site, and visitors can learn about the life of this Confederate general through a guided tour.

Best food: Southern-style barbecue and smoked meats at Cooper's BBQ.

Conclusion

Driving between Charlotte and Wake Forest doesn't have to be an uninspiring experience. Travelers can make the most of the journey by visiting some of the small towns and attractions mentioned above. The trip can be broken up with a little bit of everything, from art museums in Concord to hiking at the Falls Lake State Recreation Area. So, next time you're heading in this direction, consider taking a detour and exploring some of these unexpected places along the way.