by Jenna Whealan | Jan 14, 2026 | Buzz, December/January 2025
A group of Buddhist monks are stopping in the City of Oaks on their Southeast trek.
“I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more” may have sounded impressive when The Proclaimers first belted the tune, but their fabricated trek fades in comparison to the 2,300 mile Walk for Peace now underway by a group of Buddhist monks.
Over the course of ~120 days, 19 monks are walking from Texas to DC to raise awareness for peace, unity and understanding. As the pilgrimage makes its way through the Southeast, the group is set to pass through Raleigh Jan. 24, making a stop at the Paul Derr Track Facility at NCSU and giving locals an opportunity to witness the walk or join in.
Beginning in late October, the Walk for Peace is the brainchild of Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center and led by VP Bhikkhu Pannakara.
The peace parade isn’t exactly a walk in the park—the robe-clad group covers roughly 20 miles a day, some even trekking without shoes. To ensure safety and assist with prepping their one meal a day, the group is tailed by a support vehicle. Also following the group is furry companion Aloka, who Pannakara found during another peace walk in India.
The monks’ steps are meant to pound down a simple but profound message: Uplifting peace, compassion and unity during a time of division. When ringing in the new year on the road, the monks took their message to their socials: “Let us walk together, step by step, breath by breath, carrying peace within us and offering it gently to everyone we meet along the way, knowing that every mindful step we take becomes a blessing for the world.”
The walk is both for introspection and public awareness, and while the group hasn’t taken a formal vow of silence, the journey is still a “Silent Movement”—meaning noise from those who gather should be kept to a minimum.
If you decide to join the walk at any point, greet the group with a bow and stay behind them. While physical touching is a hard no, donations of food, water, prayers, flowers and even lodging for overnight stays are welcomed. Above all, remember this peace parade isn’t a spectacle, it’s a chance to reflect on peace and our shared purpose—and to let the message linger long after the monks pass through.
by Anna Beth Adcock | Jun 29, 2023 | Do, July/August 2023
Guess Where Trips takes NC on a (mystery) ride.
Seeking a surprise-filled saunter? Well, buckle up. If you’ve ever wanted to take an adventurous and off-the-beaten-path road trip without all the planning, Guess Where Trips has got you covered.
The brainchild of Jessica Off, what began as a creative Christmas present to her parents has since blossomed into a full-blown biz sending travelers to a slew of surprise scenic spots based on their trip style. The road trip venture touts starting points in cities in Canada and the Southern U.S.—with NC most recently making the list (!).
Guess Where Trips offers five ubercool and curated NC trip itineraries—with Raleigh and Charlotte-area launch pads—ranging from a leisurely travel day to overnight/weekend excursions. For our Raleigh roamers, a “Sandhills Sauntering” could be just the ticket for a low-maintenance warm weather foray (hey, picturesque drives, trail trekking, art explorations and one-of-a-kind photo ops!).
Each trip includes four planned stops and an explanation of what to know before you go—with just enough deets to keep you prepped without ruining the surprise. To wit, the creative travel company doesn’t send travelers out on expeditions they haven’t tried and tested themselves. The team’s boots-on-the-ground approach ensures your mystery adventure will be well planned—with delightful destinations sprinkled along the road less traveled, plus myriad choices to appeal to all types of interests.
“It was so interesting to research all the hidden gems around North Carolina,” says Off. “There are so many historic and quaint towns, fantastic restaurants, photo moments, and scenic roads that made it really easy to plan a road trip there.”
And amping up Raleigh’s road trip appeal, the City of Oaks is Guess Where Trips’ most popular sauntering select in the state—leading Off to consider creating another Raleigh-area trip based on the high demand.
“There’s still so much you can do in the state. I didn’t think I wanted to come home—it was beautiful in North Carolina and I was very in love with it,” laughs Sydney Schouten, trip producer. … Obviously, we have to agree.
As they look to the horizon, the wanderlust enterprise plans to expand excursion opps into the Baltimore and DC area in the near future. … Ready to guess where you’re going next? guesswheretrips.com
by Alexandra Drosu | Mar 20, 2017 | Do, March 2017
Though affectionately referred to as “Little Washington,” this North Carolina town founded in 1776 was the first in America to be named after George Washington. Located on the banks of the Pamlico River, this small community of just under 10,000 has a distinct maritime culture, with dozens of colorful crab statues lining the downtown streets. The historic town offers a quaint destination complemented by many outdoor activities, including exploring more than 300 miles of paddling trails.
DO
Pamlico River
Rent a kayak and take advantage of over 300 miles of recently mapped paddle trails in the Pamlico River basin. Explore small creeks and tributaries; take in the scenery and the wildlife for a memorable day on the water.
Historic Downtown
Take a walking tour of the historic downtown district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Step inside the Port of Washington, which celebrates maritime history, visit one of the numerous local art galleries and antique shops, or meander along the waterfront boardwalk. Check for local events such as ArtWalk, historic home tours or the BoCo Music Festival, a free outdoor event featuring traditional music.
EAT
Backwater Jack’s
This seasonal tiki bar transports you to the Florida Keys with a Carolina twist. Overlooking the Pamlico River, you can enjoy seafood and a tropical drink while listening to live music on the outdoor stage. Check for opening dates.
Bank Bistro & Bar
Housed in the town’s original bank built in 1852, this Harbor District eatery is often popular for special events. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, head here for craft cocktails and a traditional dinner menu.
Washington Crab and Seafood Shack
Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh catches at this no-frills local favorite. Order at the counter from the varied menu, including bacon-wrapped sea scallops, oyster and shrimp burgers, grilled tuna and more.
Rachel K’s Bakery
Want to grab a sandwich or a sweet treat? Stop by this quaint bakery featuring salads, soups, sandwiches, freshly baked goods and coffee. The one-woman business has humble beginnings – starting at the Saturday market—that has now grown into a 19th century downtown building.
by Mandy Howard | Jul 25, 2016 | Do, July 2016 / August 2016
The Civil War broke out right in the middle of the restoration process for the Mount Vernon home and estate. The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union refused to see their hard work undone and essentially lived at the property to ensure the safety of the home during the war.
They believed that history belonged to everyone and welcomed Yankees and Confederates alike who wanted to visit George Washington’s beloved Virginia estate. Their rule? Weapons must be laid down before entering.
At three and a half hours, the trip to Mt. Vernon is on the outside edges of what can be considered a day trip, but the rich historical education packed into a fun outing for the whole family makes it worth the journey. From the estate, you can venture 30 minutes further north and turn it into a weekend trip to
Washington, D.C. or explore the charm of historic Alexandria.
Visitors are welcomed into the Ford Orientation Center with maps, tour guides and schedules of the days’ activities. From there, you can choose to explore the multi-faceted Reynolds Museum & Education Center or head to the expansive grounds which include several historic buildings, Washington’s home, spectacular views of the Potomac and the final resting place of George and Martha Washington.
Pit Stops
George Washington’s Mt. Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA
mountvernon.org
Inside the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Educational Center, you’ll find an exhibition of the different periods of Washington’s life, from childhood and adolescence through his life as farmer, military leader, president and his death. The exhibits are replete with information and artifacts that bring visitors face-to-face with history.
The Mount Vernon House and Grounds have been restored to the splendor of the period in which George and Martha occupied the home. The grounds include a farm complete with livestock, outbuildings used during this period, including a kitchen, washhouse, storehouse and acres of beautiful rolling open fields. Inside the mansion, visitors will find actual furnishings used by the family, including the bed upon which the president died.
The Washington Tomb houses the remains of several Washington family members, but the main attraction is George and Martha’s sarcophagi, which rest behind an iron gate. Visitors are asked to remain silent and respect the dignity of the final resting place of our nation’s father.
Mount Vernon
Inn Restaurant
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
mountvernon.org/inn
Just footsteps from the historic estate’s entrance is one of the area’s best kept romantic dining secrets. With a diverse seasonal menu and historic candlelight ambience, this is a great option for couples and adults.
216 A City B&B
216 S. Fayette St., Alexandria, VA
216bandb.com
After a full day at Mt Vernon, it can be daunting to drive all the way back to Raleigh. And, D.C. may seem far away and filled with traffic but historic Alexandria is less than 20 minutes away. This intimate bed and breakfast offers the perfect location to explore the town’s charm.
Port City
Brewing
3950 Wheeler
Avenue, Alexandria, VA
portcitybrewing.com
Craft beer fans will want to take a short detour to visit Port City Brewing. Check out the Hopzooka, the brewery’s patented machine that adds hops without exposing it to air. Brewery tours are available several times a day.
