Halifax County Nc Gis Travel Guide
Introduction
Halifax County, located in eastern North Carolina, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, this county offers something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Halifax Historic Site
Take a step back in time and visit the Halifax Historic Site. This site includes several historic buildings, including the Eagle Tavern, the Burgess House, and the 1790 jail. Visitors can take a tour of these buildings and learn about life in colonial America.
Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail
The Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail offers visitors a chance to explore the history of the Roanoke Canal, which was once a major transportation route in North Carolina. The museum features exhibits on the canal’s history, while the trail offers a scenic walk or bike ride through the surrounding countryside.
Hidden Gems
The Canal House Cafe
Tucked away in the town of Weldon, The Canal House Cafe is a hidden gem that offers delicious food and a charming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or a homemade pastry while taking in the cafe’s historic architecture.
The Enfield Peanut Festival
Every September, the town of Enfield hosts the Enfield Peanut Festival, a celebration of the area’s peanut farming heritage. The festival features live music, crafts, and plenty of delicious food, including boiled peanuts and peanut brittle.
Food Scene
The Hen and the Hog
The Hen and the Hog, located in Halifax, is a must-visit for foodies. This restaurant offers a modern take on Southern cuisine, with dishes like shrimp and grits and smoked pork belly.
Larry’s Drive-In
Larry’s Drive-In, located in Roanoke Rapids, is a local institution that has been serving up burgers and fries since 1952. Visitors can enjoy a classic burger and shake while taking in the restaurant’s retro decor.
Budget-Friendly Tips
The Halifax Farmers Market
Visitors can save money by shopping for fresh produce and other local goods at the Halifax Farmers Market. This market, which is open on Saturdays, features vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts.
The Roanoke Rapids Community Theater
The Roanoke Rapids Community Theater offers a fun and affordable night out. This theater produces several shows each year, ranging from classic plays to modern musicals.
Outdoor Adventures
The Roanoke River
The Roanoke River offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes from local outfitters and explore the river’s scenic beauty.
The Medoc Mountain State Park
The Medoc Mountain State Park offers visitors a chance to hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park’s beautiful trails. The park also features several campsites for those who want to spend the night surrounded by nature.
Historical Landmarks
The Halifax County Courthouse
The Halifax County Courthouse, which was built in 1838, is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture. Visitors can take a tour of the courthouse and learn about its history.
The Royal White Hart Masonic Lodge
The Royal White Hart Masonic Lodge, located in Halifax, is a historic building that was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Visitors can take a tour of the lodge and learn about its role in the war.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Halifax County Library
The Halifax County Library offers plenty of activities for kids, including storytime, crafts, and movie nights. The library also has a large collection of children’s books and DVDs.
The Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail
The Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail is a great place for families to explore together. Kids will love learning about the history of the canal and walking or biking along the trail.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Sylvan Heights Bird Park
The Sylvan Heights Bird Park, located in Scotland Neck, is a unique attraction that features over 2,000 birds from around the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park and learn about the different bird species.
The Belmont Plantation
The Belmont Plantation, located in Roanoke Rapids, offers visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about life on a Southern plantation. Visitors can take a tour of the plantation and its grounds.
Natural Wonders
The Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
The Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful natural area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and black bears. Visitors can hike or bike through the refuge and enjoy its scenic beauty.
The Lake Gaston Dam
The Lake Gaston Dam, located on the border between North Carolina and Virginia, is an impressive engineering feat that is worth seeing. Visitors can take a tour of the dam and learn about its history and function.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail
The Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail hosts several events throughout the year, including live music and outdoor movie nights. Visitors can enjoy a night out under the stars while taking in the museum’s beautiful surroundings.
The Roanoke Rapids Theater
The Roanoke Rapids Theater hosts a variety of concerts and other live performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a night of entertainment while taking in the theater’s historic architecture.
Local Markets
The Halifax Farmers Market
The Halifax Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce and other local goods. Visitors can shop for everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts.
The Roanoke Rapids Farmers Market
The Roanoke Rapids Farmers Market is another great place to find fresh produce and other local goods. Visitors can also enjoy live music and other events at the market.
Beaches and Mountains
The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, located about two hours from Halifax County, offer some of the best beaches in North Carolina. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or explore the area’s historic lighthouses.
The Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains, located about three hours from Halifax County, offer stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and skiing.
Cultural Immersion
The Halifax County Christmas Parade
The Halifax County Christmas Parade, held each December, is a great way to experience local culture and traditions. Visitors can enjoy the parade’s floats, marching bands, and other festivities.
The Halifax County Harvest Festival
The Halifax County Harvest Festival, held each October, is another great way to experience local culture. The festival features live music, crafts, and plenty of delicious food.
Art and Music Scene
The Roanoke Rapids Theater
The Roanoke Rapids Theater hosts a variety of concerts and other live performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a night of entertainment while taking in the theater’s historic architecture.
The Halifax County Arts Council
The Halifax County Arts Council hosts a variety of art exhibits and other cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy works by local artists and learn about the area’s artistic heritage.
Walking Tours
The Halifax Walking Tour
The Halifax Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the town’s historic district. Visitors can see several historic buildings and learn about the town’s role in colonial America.
The Roanoke Rapids Historic District Walking Tour
The Roanoke Rapids Historic District Walking Tour is another self-guided tour that takes visitors through the town’s historic district. Visitors can see several historic buildings and learn about the town’s history.
Architectural Marvels
The Halifax County Courthouse
The Halifax County Courthouse, which was built in 1838, is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture. Visitors can take a tour of the courthouse and learn about its history.
The Royal White Hart Masonic Lodge
The Royal White Hart Masonic Lodge, located in Halifax, is a historic building that was used as a