Your culinary guide to dodging the chains down I-40.
May your rest stop be your best stop. Just in time for summer road-tripping—and the inevitable “where to eat along the way” dilemma—a new mile-by-mile physical map rounds up 25 spots worth veering off the road for, none of them your average burger chain.
A collab between Southern newsletter The Food Section and Greenville, SC-based Good Printed Things, I-40 Exit Strategy points travelers toward dozens of independently owned eats, all within 3 miles of NC’s road most traveled—transforming the I-40 corridor into a culinary trail.
“We go to the beach every single year and have the same dilemma each time—we need food, but don’t want fast-food from a chain restaurant,” says Good Printed Things owner Lib Ramos. “This map meets a real need.”
Organized by exit number, the guide (also available digitally) acts as a culinary companion connecting the mountains to the coast, serving up what The Food Section Publisher Hanna Raskin calls “an edible portrait of North Carolina.” From pulled pork in the Piedmont to biscuits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and shrimp on the shore, it’s essentially a cross-section of Old North State authenticity along the way.
Part of Good Printed Things’ Paper Routes series of collaborative printed maps and inspired by The Food Section’s 2022 I-95 guide, I-40 Exit Strategy—illustrated by Durham artist Kristen Solecki—pairs road-trip convenience with distinctly local flavor.
Aside from aesthetics, each stop was intentionally chosen to rebuff routine chain dining while still reflecting the realities of road-tripping: speedy service, generous hours and takeout-friendly fare. If I-40 Exit Strategy proves anything, it’s that veering off for value is still long-haul certified.
“These restaurants were selected because none of them could exist anywhere else,” emphasizes Raskin. “Map users are bound to discover that every exit is an entry point to unique culinary histories and meaningful traditions.” So next time hunger strikes, you’ll know right where to put your fork in the road.
Fuel your next road trip from Raleigh with our team’s favorite pit stops.
Everyone knows it’s all about the journey, not just the destination. So when it comes to road trips, pit stops are essential—whether you’re fueling up on food, drinks and/or gas, or just simply need to stretch your legs. In honor of our July/August travel feature touting 25 easy road trips from Raleigh, we tapped the Raleigh Mag team for their essential stops when hitting the road. Take notes!
“If I had my way, nowhere—but when duty calls, I’m a bathroom aficionado. I even have a budding bathrooms Instagram, @_intheloo_ (!)” —Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
“I like to be prepared for my inevitable sweet/salty cravings, so I typically grab gummy worms and some sort of chip (s/o Nacho Cheese Doritos!) for the road from a gas station (Sheetz is the go-to).” —Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol
“Sheetz—best bathrooms and best snacks!” —Anna Beth Adcock, Editorial Assistant, @_annabethadcock
“Any local BBQ spot along the way.” —Debby Serena, Account Executive
“Any small-town breakfast diner—they always have the best food.” —Cam Rhinehardt, Account Executive, @camrht
“My favorite road trip stop is any fruit stand on the side of the road! The ones near the border of South Carolina are the best.” —Heidi Reid, Editorial Intern, @heidi.laurel
“My husband and I have a tradition of stopping at the Bojangles on Jones Sausage Road each time we head down to Wrightsville Beach.” —Matt Lardie, Contributing Writer, @matt_lardie
“Our road trips always start with coffee: hot for us parents and iced for our teenage daughter.” —Emily O’Brien, Contributing Writer
“Chick-fil-A and Starbucks (could it get more basic?!)” —Chelsea Sutton, Contributing Writer, @chelsearsutton
“When visiting my brother’s family in Winnabow, NC, we always find an excuse to go to Southport even for a couple of hours.” —Susan Holt, Contributing Photographer, Susan Holt Photography, @susanholtphoto
“If I’m headed toward Beaufort, New Bern, etc., I like to stop by the Nahunta Pork Center to load up either going or coming. It’s a big ole spot in a strip mall that has every possible porky thing you can imagine.” —Forrest Mason, Contributing Photographer, @fmasonmedia
Take the plunge and check out these four epic North Carolina waterfalls for a splashing day (or weekend!) excursion.
TLC famously told us not to go chasing waterfalls… but we rec the opposite. And fall is prime time to explore NC’s many beautiful cascades (hey, fall foliage!).
Here, we round up four awe-inspiring Western NC waterfalls to visit this season, plus pit stops for snacks, sips and sleep along the way. Amid your waterfall wanderings, plan to check out gift shops with products from local vendors, bite into BBQ sandwiches and baked goods from small shops, and end a day of adventuring with a good night’s sleep under the stars (or stay somewhere luxurious—dealer’s choice!).
Essentially, just go with the flow (!). Whether you’re into splashing, strolling or simply stopping to see the views, there’s a NC waterfall that you’re sure to fall head over heels for. Water you waiting for?!
DO
Looking Glass Falls One of the most accessible in North Carolina, these picturesque 60-foot waterfalls—named for their glistening, glassy appearance during those frosty winter months—are located just off U.S. 276 along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. You can see the waterfall from the road, but you’re gonna wanna get out of your car to take in its full beauty—or dip your toes in!
Moore Cove Falls Just a hop, skip and jump away from Looking Glass Falls is this hidden gem, one of the rare NC waterfalls visitors can venture behind by path. A fam-friendly 1.5-mile hike, the unmarked journey to Moore Cove Falls features a walk through a lush forest of ferns and rosebay rhododendron (translation: plenty of ’Gram-worthy ops!). Trust us, Moore Cove is no mainstream stop.
Sliding Rock Oh, chute! If slipping down a 60-foot boulder into chilly water is your thing, then this natural waterfall is right up your alley. A staple stop for light thrill-seekers, this mountain waterfall tempts patrons to skid into an 8-foot pool of water, swim to shore and repeat. After all, they say happiness comes in rushes. But if you don’t want to get wet, post up at the observation area to relish the views—and splashes. You don’t wanna mist this one.
Whitewater Falls Falling at 811 feet, these jaw-dropping waterfalls along the border of North and South Carolina are the tallest east of the Rocky Mountains. The short 1/4-mile trail leading the way lends its own gushworthy views (think a wildflower forest and Lake Jocassee)—and the paved overlook offers plenty of spectacular photo ops. Things are really looking up…
EAT
Historic Toxaway Market and Mountain Cafe There’s no need to wine, as this friendly market and cafe has everything you need for a perfect picnic, from ~500 wines to cheeses to breads and pastries from local bakeries and more—plus coffee and Hershey’s Ice Cream to refuel after a day spent adventuring. How sweet! Lake Toxaway, historictoxawaymarket.com
Bracken Mountain Bakery You’re bound to fall in loaf with this neighborhood bakery, featured as one of Southern Living’s 2022 Best Bakeries in the South. Located in historic downtown Brevard, it’s best known for scratchmade European-style breads and pastries, making it the perf stop for breakfast, lunch or a snack pre- or post-waterfall viewing. Seriously dough. Brevard, brackenmountainbakery.com
Smoke on BBQ Get ready to go hog wild at this drive-thru BBQ resto that smokes its meats daily and makes all its own barbecue sauces, marinades and seasonings in house (!). Despite its small size, this smokin’ joint packs a serious punch with generous portions, killer collards and cooked-to-perfection ’cue. Pig out! Brevard, eatsmokeonbbq.com
DRINK
Cup & Saucer (photo by Chris Wilson)
Cup & Saucer Started as a mobile coffee cart, this cute coffee shop now serves up specialty coffee and fresh housemade baked goods to satiate sweet or savory cravings within its quaint digs (the flaky, buttery biscuits are a must-order!). Post-nosh, wander down to the Mercantile to grab some gifts for the foodies in your life. Brevard, cupandsaucernc.com
Noblebräu Brewing The brainchild of Cody Noble, this bangin’ brewery began in Noble’s basement before he moved up to the big leagues and opened up his brewery + tasting room at hoppin’ live music venue 185 King Street. So, come for the brews and stay for the tunes. Ale, yeah! Brevard, noblebrau.com
Oskar Blues Brewery There’s no feeling blue at this “adventure-crushing” craft brewery. With 32 beers on tap year-round and a rotating selection of specialty brews to boot, it’s the perfect spot to chill with a cold one on the spacious covered patio and relish the cool fall air—or within its cool industrial interior. Tap in! Brevard, oskarblues.com
STAY
Deerwoode Reserve Oh, deer! With 175 acres of wildlife along the banks of the French Broad River, this serene reserve is a true Carolina paradise. In addition to the cozy cabins (studio; one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom ops are available), the property serves up trails, water activities, yard games and more. Goodbye, boredom! Brevard, deerwoode.com
Cherryfield Luxury Group Camping This luxury camping venue puts the glam in glamping—we’re talking luxury indoor steam showers, signature swings, fire pits and plenty of places to relax under the stars. With four spacious side-by-side tent pavilions, the glamping destination is ideal for gathering with friends or fam for a neat nature retreat. Pitch, please! Brevard, glampingwnc.com
High Hampton If you’re a fan of the high life, book a room at this charming inn that touts a balance between “removed, but not remote” and “social, but not stuffy” (um, the perfect balance!). When you’re not resting your head in one of the historical-yet-upgraded abodes, treat yourself to a spa day, tee up at the golf course or enjoy a fine dinner at one of the on-site restaurants… if you feel so inclined. Cashiers, highhampton.com
