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.
Go beyond the ordinary with a fall getaway on a road less traveled.
Think you’ve seen all of fall in North Carolina? Think again. When pumpkin patches and leaf-peeping feel too predictable, these unexpected getaways flip the script. From waterfalls and wineries to award-winning barbecue and polar bears (really), each of these hidden-in-plain-sight destinations promise a surprising escape—and they’re all only a short drive from Raleigh. So pack your bags, roll down the windows and prepare to shake up your weekend plans.
New Bern Outlander fans, this one’s for you. Live out your king/queen fantasies with a trip to Tryon Palace in New Bern, the former state capital. Take a guided tour of the re-created governor’s mansion, visit the on-site history museum, then wander 16 acres of storybook gardens that look like they’re plucked straight from bonny old England. A couple blocks away, you can visit the soda fountain where Pepsi got its start, shop the year-round Saturday farmers market and dig into the local food scene—a steakburger at Morgan’s Tavern & Grill or the apple pie French toast at Baker’s Kitchen, preferably drenched in its famous butter syrup, are musts. Snap a pic with a painted fiberglass bear before you leave—there are over 80 around town—and cap things off with a sunset cruise down the Neuse.
Rock Hill A ~three-hour trip from Raleigh, Rock Hill is one of Charlotte’s coolest suburbs (you heard it here first). A hot spot for culture vultures, must-do’s include exploring Old Town’s whimsical murals, pop-up markets and free cultural attractions like the Comporium Telephone Museum and the Jail, No Bail exhibit honoring the Friendship Nine sit-in. You can even eat at the counter where the sit-in happened at Kounter, an Instagram-worthy farm-to-table restaurant with a swinging speakeasy. The SC city also boasts its fair share of seasonal crops, with something to pick year-round from surrounding farms—think strawberries in the spring, peaches in the summer and apples—or apple doughnuts—in the fall. Cooler temps are also perfect for hikes at the Anne Springs Close Greenway and Kings Mountain. And looking ahead to winter, get in the holiday spirit as downtown turns into a walk-through Hallmark card during ChristmasVille.
Halifax County If you’ve ever wondered why North Carolinians drive around with “First in Freedom” on their license plates, you’ve got Halifax to thank. The tiny town of under 300 is where colonists first called for independence, aka the Halifax Resolves. Dive into the full history at the state historic site as costumed interpreters bring the past to life with musket firing, beer making and general 1700s revelry. Beyond fifes and wigs, Halifax has your nature fix covered too. Pedal the Roanoke Canal on a free loaner bike (pickup at Riverside Mill, an outlet mall meets craft market), kayak the 20K-acre Lake Gaston, hang with flamingos at Sylvan Heights Bird Park, or simply soak up the riverside views as you sip something smooth at Weldon Mills Distillery. For peak fall feels, Halifax Harvest Days add live music, corn shucking and pumpkin chucking to the lineup.
Hanging Rock State Park Craving a mountain vacay without the four-hour trek to Western NC? You can make it to Hanging Rock State Park in half the time. It’s especially glorious in fall when the trees turn—and the music turns up as three bands take the outdoor stage at Rocking the Rock on Nov. 1. At the park, soak up Mother Nature via a 45-minute hike to the legendary Hanging Rock—plus peep waterfalls, a lake and a climbable fire tower at the top of Moore’s Knob, sitting at an elevation of 2,479 feet. Secure an off-the-grid Airbnb to extend your trip through the weekend, with nearby historic Danbury offering an old-timey general store, a sprawling art gallery (complete with an ice cream shop dishing out four-scoop flights in a mini canoe) and the hefty hike-fueling sandwiches at River Rock Cafe.
Lexington Make a pit stop at the Barbecue Capital of the World for a taste of the finest ’cue in the South. Lexington specializes in slow-smoked pork shoulder with a signature tangy ketchup-and-vinegar “dip,” as locals call it. You can’t go wrong with any of the dozen BBQ joints around town—including Lexington Barbecue and the Barbecue Center—but if you really want to be in hog heaven, show up hungry Oct. 25 for the Lexington Barbecue Festival. Beyond BBQ, the discerning foodies at Yelp named Nick’s Old Fashioned Hamburger House one of this year’s top 100 places to eat in America (!). Beyond eats, the region is also home to six wineries, the state’s only full-size cable wakeboard park, and Boone’s Cave Park.
Craig Distl
Fearrington Village Fearrington Village isn’t actually an English country village, but it nails the look thanks to brick paths, manicured gardens and cows grazing in the pasture—there’s even an afternoon tea. Lean into the country-chic vibes while noshing on scones at The Belted Goat or browsing indie reads at McIntyre’s Books. In need of some R&R or retail therapy? There’s also a day spa, plus a few upscale boutiques if you’re on the hunt for something unique (acorn-shaped acacia wood cheeseboard, anyone?). By night, check into one of the recently updated rooms at The Fearrington House Inn, which features an on-site farm-to-table restaurant serving over 1,500 fine wines. Classy yet casual, Fearrington is like a mini European vacation—minus TSA or jet lag.
Asheboro Most people associate Asheboro with the North Carolina Zoo—and for good reason. The world’s largest natural habitat zoo is home to grizzlies, gorillas and gazelles, plus some 250 other species. Pro tip: Start in North America and work your way clockwise to Africa so you’re heading downhill—then ride the tram back. When you need a break, swing by downtown for Magnolia 23’s Southern comfort food, or The Table’s epic all-day Saturday brunch—just be sure to get your hand stamped for same-day reentry. Then spend your non-zoo day checking out the rest of Asheboro: Pop into antique shops, the NC Aviation Museum and Four Saints Brewing Company, which constantly tops lists of the state’s best breweries.
WEB EXCLUSIVE You’ll never experience an event quite like this one…
Get ready, get set, (outhouse) run! If you’re looking for a little change of scenery and a whole lot of fun, escape to Jackson County for its annual Outhouse Races—yep, you read that right—held Feb. 19 (weather permitting).
A wild and wacky tradition that was named a top 20 event in the Southeast for February by Southeast Tourism Society, competitors in the Outhouse Races must construct their own outhouse complete with a seat, a hole and a roll of toilet paper, of course. The options are limitless—outhouses can be made from cardboard, wood, plastic or any other homemade material.
And, to win, two racers must push their skiing thrones down a 120-foot race course while the third teammate sits inside. Crazy outfits and fun themes are highly encouraged!
“Jackson County’s own Sapphire Valley Resort hosts the Outhouse Races each year, and it is an opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate the end of ski season and let out a good laugh,” says Nick Breedlove, executive director of the Jackson County TDA. “Not only is the event free and fun to watch, but all proceeds raised benefit local charities [the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau and the Blue Ridge School in Jackson County]. The races provide unrivaled entertainment.”
Keep the fun going by turning your trip into a weekend getaway. Jackson County offers plenty of other fun things to do, from hiking trails to delish restaurants to just good ole mountain air. And people racing in homemade outhouses is not something you see every day—but is too good to pass up. Let the best outhouse win!
If Virginia is for lovers, then Richmond is for, well, everyone.
Once regarded as a small Southern capital, Richmond has grown into a thriving city with nationally recognized craft breweries, award-winning restaurants and cultural attractions that draw in all walks of life.
One of the oldest cities in the Unites States, Richmond’s history is preserved in its many museums, Colonial-style brick row houses, boutique hotels and cultural sites. In 1607, Captain John Smith and 120 men from Jamestown settled at the city’s James River, and in 1780, Richmond was established as the capital of Virginia. It also served as the capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
Now, instead of transporting colonists, the James River, which snakes its way through the city, is a mecca for outdoorsy types hankering to swim, kayak, raft or fish. With centrally located restaurants, bars and attractions, it’s easy to get in a day’s worth of activities. Just a two and a half hour drive from Raleigh, there’s so much to see and do, you’ll want to extend your vacation for longer than a weekend.
DO
James River
The James River is a playground for outdoor lovers looking to dip their toes. Rent a canoe or kayak to take on Class 3 and 4 rapids. Stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant or swim in the calmer pools. The river’s Pony Pasture Park is popular for floating or lounging on the rocks, while Texas Beach offers a sandy area ideal for posting up camp on a sunny day. Or, check out Belle Isle, a hangout for nature lovers of all stripes. jamesriverpark.org
Maymont Gardens
The 100-acre Victorian estate and public park consists of an Italian and Japanese garden, arboretum, trails and habitats teeming with flora and fauna. Maymont’s Robins Nature Center features an aquarium showcasing inhabitants of the nearby James River and Chesapeake Bay including frogs, otters, crabs and alligators. Book your visit in advance and pack a picnic lunch. maymont.org
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond’s fine arts museum features distinguished exhibits including the McGlothlin Collection of American Art, a South Asian gallery highlighting texts, sculptures and art of the Indian religion of Jainism, and an exhibit exploring the history of the campus’s Robinson House. VMFA’s featured exhibits for September include underwater treasures of ancient Egypt and a collection of Japanese landscape prints by artist Kawase Hasui. vmfa.museum
EAT
Lehja
Traditional Indian dishes come with a contemporary flair, including Gobhi Manchurian (cauliflower florets in a zesty soy-tomato-chili glaze), Tandoori Paneer Tikka and Seafood Kerala Curry. Order a side of naan to sop up the flavorful sauces and choose from four seating options: a 1970s, Southern California-inspired dining room, a temperate wine cellar, the bar and lounge or the cheery outdoor patio. lehja.com
Sub Rosa
Bon Appétit lauded Sub Rosa as one of the best bakeries in America in 2019. Pick up freshly baked morning buns, croissants, cookies, tarts and quiches or supplement breakfast with tea, espresso or coffee from local suppliers. Sub Rosa’s bread is made with local grains, stone-milled in house and baked in a wood burning oven. subrosabakery.square.site
Spoonbread Bistro
Known for its unique blend of Southern and European cuisines, Spoonbread’s popular dishes include pork and collard green egg rolls, Chilean sea bass and the lobster pop-tart, lobster and béchamel sauce inside buttery phyllo dough. Chef Micheal Hall pairs his Southern comfort food background with a unique, elevated approach. Visit the original location in Richmond’s historic Fan neighborhood or the secondary eatery in popular Short Pump area. spoonbreadbistro.com
DRINK
Ardent Craft Ales
Come for the craft beer, stay for the lively beer garden. Located in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition neighborhood, Ardent Craft Ales is ideal for sitting outside with a cold drink on a warm evening. Craft beers include IPAs, pilsners, stouts and altbiers, a traditional German pub ale, along with wines and ciders. ardentcraftales.com
Heritage
Heritage’s cocktails aren’t your run-of-the-mill boozy beverages; here, drinks are crafted with unique, carefully selected ingredients, such as the Vanishing Point, a zesty mixture of Monkey Shoulder Scotch, lychee, Zucca, Batavia Arrack and lemon, or the Caribe Negroni with Don Q añejo rum, pineapple and coconut oolong-infused Campari and Antica Torino. heritagerva.com
Brewer’s Café
You’ll find two types of brews at Brewer’s Café—exceptional coffee in the morning and beer from Virginia breweries at night. The owner, aptly named AJ Brewer, aims to make the spot welcoming and emblematic of what Richmond is all about. The coffee, made with beans from Red Rooster Coffee Roaster out of Floyd, Virginia, is sophisticated yet agreeable and always ethically and sustainably sourced. brewerscaferva.com
STAY
Quirk Hotel
A pink theme sets the stage for Quirk Hotel, located in the Arts & Design District; it features a cozy lobby with high-arched ceilings and a mix of modern and classic furniture, a popular restaurant and a boutique offering locally made art. But the main draw is the hotel’s tiered rooftop bar with a delightful view of the city. destinationhotels.com/quirk-hotel
Linden Row Inn
The property that now houses the historic Linden Row Inn has a rich history. Poet Edgar Allan Poe played in the garden in the early 1800s, and from 1895 to 1906, Miss Virginia Randolph Ellett’s highly respected school was located there. Since 1988, the restored home has served as a boutique hotel furnished with antique pieces from the Victorian and Empire periods. Flat screen TVs and spa-style granite bathrooms lend a modern feel to the original architecture. lindenrowinn.com
The Jefferson Hotel
This grand hotel’s double-tiered lobby and giant gold columns will awe, but wait until you see the bedrooms…and the Lemaire restaurant, pool and outdoor lounge. Indulge in afternoon tea in the dining room or the hotel’s signature champagne brunch on Sundays. jeffersonhotel.com
Looking for some easy drives from Raleigh as the days warm up? Take a road trip to see and do things differently, safely. Here are four of our favorite quick escapes, all within an hour’s drive of the City of Oaks.
Rocky Mount
The Mills and the Falls Rocky Mount, just an hour northeast of Raleigh, makes for the perfect escape; its small-town charm, coupled with its growing food and beer scene, is utterly delightful.
EAT AND DRINK
Lou Reda’s
Lou Reda’s An American Table This modern American eatery serves up a variety of delicious staples, including ribeye, brisket burgers, mac and cheese and grilled salmon, as well as a weekly roundup of dishes exploring the cuisines of various regions across the country. 3646 Sunset Ave., #122; louredas.com
Anne’s Donuts and Bakery Stop in for a hot, fresh donut or pastry. Donuts are baked in-house daily and after 65 years in business, Anne’s old-fashioned donuts will still make your mouth water with flavors like apple, strawberry-filled, Bavarian cream and classic chocolate glazed. Bring home some cookies, cupcakes, danishes or cinnamon rolls to satisfy your sweet tooth long after you’ve left. 2714 Sunset Ave.; annesdonutsandbakery.com
HopFly Brewing Company One of the many breweries located in Rocky Mount Mills, HopFly opens its tasting room Friday through Sunday offering curbside pickup. Visitors can enjoy some of HopFly’s signature brews, crafted with only the finest ingredients, from jalapeños to amarillo to biscuit malt. 147 Falls Rd., #121; hopflybrewing.com
Morning Addiction Coffee House Locally owned and operated, the MACH lives up to its name as one of the only neighborhood coffee shops in Rocky Mount for both locals and tourists to get their caffeine fix. The brightly decorated shop offers freshly roasted Italian brews, along with all the classic espresso drinks—including flavored cappuccinos and frozen lattes—as well as fruit smoothies. 2542 Hunter Hill Rd.; facebook.com/morningaddictioncoffeehouse
DO
Tar River Trail
Tar River Trail and Waterways The Tar River offers plenty of outdoor activities, including a 4-mile biking and walking path, three parks and the Tar River falls. The waterway provides 10 canoe and kayak access locations to explore more than 20 miles of Rocky Mount through gentle waters. Pack your sunscreen and a picnic for a day of sightseeing and adventure. rockymountnc.gov/departments___services/parks___recreation/trails
Sunset Park With a 1920 Herschell-Spillman “County Fair” style carousel, miniature Model G-16 train, playground and spray park, Rocky Mount’s main park feels more like a fair than anything else. The 25-acre outdoor area features concession stands, recreational courts and fields, picnic shelters and a disc golf course. rockymountnc.gov/departments___services/parks___recreation/parks/sunset_park
Pittsboro
There’s A Lot To See in this Little Town Less than an hour from Raleigh down US 64, Pittsboro’s quaint downtown is dotted with unique shops and eateries.
EAT AND DRINK
S&T’s Soda Shop
Pittsboro Road House and General Store In a converted car dealership that sits in the shadow of the courthouse—which garnered national attention back when it was the scene of a lawsuit over a sex tape involving former U.S. Sen. John Edwards—you’ll find the Pittsboro Road House and General Store, the town’s unofficial cultural center. Serving an eclectic menu of made-from-scratch dishes, the Road House caters to a variety of tastes. Don’t miss the fried green tomatoes. 39 West St.; pittsbororoadhouse.com
S&T’s Soda Shoppe S&T’s Soda Shoppe is the ticket for an old-fashioned burger and cherry smash. UNC Chapel Hill alums will want to try the lasagna or Steve’s Gambler – you’ll think you’re back at the Rathskeller. 85 Hillsboro St.; sandtsodashoppe.com
DO
Clyde’s Critter Crossing
Clyde’s Critter Crossing Folk art legend Clyde Jones lives five miles down the road in the tiny community of Bynum. Known for creating whimsical art with a stump and a chainsaw, Clyde’s critters have been on display in locales as far-flung as the Smithsonian Museum and the Great Wall of China. Nearly every yard in Bynum has a critter, which can’t be bought—Jones prefers to give them away. His own yard is a treasure trove of his art and respectful visitors are welcome to poke around. There’s even a visitors’ book on the porch. 137 Bynum Hill Road, Bynum; no phone, e-mail or set hours
Chatham County First Responders Memorial Next to the new Chatham County Justice Center, the centerpiece of the memorial is a 19-foot, 12,500-pound steel beam from the wreckage of the World Trade Center. The memorial honors all first responders who have given their lives, including those who died Sept. 11, 2001. The beam stands on end, tilted at 9 degrees, 11 minutes, pointing toward Ground Zero. 40 E. Chatham St.
Pinehurst
Land of the Pines In Pinehurst, a village in Moore County near the town of Southern Pines, no matter where you go, the namesake trees are always in view.
EAT AND DRINK
Ironwood Cafe This beloved American eatery has become the centerpiece of the town’s growing food scene, with lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus that boast fine ingredients and seasonal produce. 2176 Midland Rd.; ironwoodpinehurst.com
Elliott’s on Linden Specializing in farm-to-table fare, Elliott’s sources everything locally. Try the cornbread and country ham stuffed chicken breasts, pear and stilton salad and seared scallops with parsnip curry puree, tangerine beurre blanc and coriander dust. 905 Linden Rd.; elliotsonlinden.com
Pinehurst Brewing Co.
Pinehurst Brewing Co. Occupying the historic 1895 Village steam plant, much of the original brick and steel was used in the restoration of the building and the signature smokestack proudly bears the brewery’s name. Try craft beers from head brewer Eric Mitchell, with seasonal brews added throughout the year. 300 Magnolia Rd.; pinehurstbrewing.com
Pine Scone Cafe Classic cappuccinos, mochas and chai lattes, as well as bubble tea, smoothies and an Espresso Frappa—essentially a frappuccino—round out the drinks menu, while delicious baked scones give you the fuel you need. 905 Linden Rd.; pinesconecafe.com
Drum & Quill Public House This traditional Irish watering hole has a neighborhood bar feel with a good drinks selection. The pub’s name derives from golf writer Bob Drum’s secret weapon, his quill, and it pays tribute to Pinehurst’s golf history prominence by honoring the Grand Slam. 40 Chinquapin Rd.; drumandquill.com
DO
Sandhills Horticultural Gardens
Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Amid 27 acres of plant life across 10 different gardens, get lost in the Sir Walter Raleigh Garden’s holly maze, bring a picnic lunch to eat in the Fruit and Vegetable Garden, stop and smell the Rose Garden’s blooms and admire local artists’ sculptures throughout. sandhills.edu/horticultural-gardens
One of a Kind Gallery One of a Kind Gallery features 24 local artists and their works, including paintings, wood sculptures, photographs, candles, pottery and more, displayed in a bright, three-room gallery. 90 Cherokee Rd.; oneofakindgalleryllc.com
Uwharrie National Forest With the scenic Uwharrie, Yadkin and Pee Dee rivers, as well as the Uwharrie Mountains, the Uwharrie National Forest offers 1,600 miles of trails for hiking and bicycling within its 51,000 National Forest System acres. visitnc.com/listing/SfSU/uwharrie-national-forest
Saxapahaw
“Middle-of-Nowhere” Success The approach to Saxapahaw is nearly as relaxing as the destination. West of Chapel Hill on a two-lane road sandwiched between farmland, civilization sneaks up on you.
EAT
Saxapahaw General Store Saxapahaw General Store would be easy to miss if not for the gas tanks out front. But behind the doors of a nondescript exterior is a surprise that’s not so much a secret anymore. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and a weekend brunch, the farm-to-table choices are spelled out on an expansive blackboard menu. For the burger aficionado, the selection is impressive. Regular customers from the Triad and the Triangle routinely stop in for lunch at “your local five-star gas station.” Alongside the fresh produce, they sell cigarettes and Little Debbie snack cakes. 1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd.; saxgenstore.com
Left Bank Butchery
Left Bank Butchery On the way out of town, stop by Left Bank Butchery and stock up on Belgian Beer Sausage house-made from local beer and pork. The whole animal butchery and charcuterie isn’t just about meat: they also smoke fish. 1729 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd.; leftbankbutchery.com
The Eddy Two and half years after he revolutionized the General Store, proprietor Jeff Barney helped launch The Eddy, now the place to be for a relaxing evening by the river. As is the practice in Saxapahaw, sustainable food is always the order of the day. 1715 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd.; theeddypub.com
DO
Swap It Out
Swap it out On the sidewalk outside the General Store is the Saxapahaw Sharing Basket—actually several shelves of baskets that serve as an ongoing swap meet for neighbors. The rule is if you have it, share it, if you need it, take it. It’s all a part of the mission to grow community trust and nurture sustainability. 1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd.
