Best Places to Visit When Driving from Belmont, NC to Surf City, NC
North Carolina is a place of surprises. You can experience the state's diverse geography in a road trip from Belmont, North Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina. This is an excellent opportunity to explore some of the state's small towns, scenic coastline, and vast natural beauty. You'll encounter charming historic sites, fishing towns, and vast acres of forests along the way. So, pack your bags and get set for an exciting trip. Here are some of the top places that are a must-visit.
Town of Pineville
The Town of Pineville is just a 30-minute drive south of Belmont and worth a quick stop. One of the reasons to visit Pineville is the vintage stores and artisan shops in the town center selling handmade crafts and antiques. The Carolina Place Mall is another popular attraction, and the farmers market sells fresh produce, jams, and honey all year-round.
There are also plenty of places to eat, whether you're looking for fast food or a high-end restaurant. Try Harper's or the famous Quarryman's Café. Pineville is an excellent starting point to explore the backcountry roads that are beautiful to drive through.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
No trip, however small, to North Carolina would be complete without visiting the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Located in Concord, NC, it's the home of the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America ROVAL 400. In addition to watching one of the most famous races in NASCAR, you can try your hand at the Speedway's indoor go-kart track or visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway Museum.
If you're not here for race day, the calendar of events offers a variety of things to enjoy year-round. One of the more popular events is the Speedway Christmas light show.
Uwharrie National Forest
The Uwharrie National Forest is an excellent spot for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 50,000 acres of forest land, the national park has many trails that cover all types of terrain. The forest is known for its peak, Uwharrie Mountain, which offers magnificent panoramic views. A few popular hiking trails in the area, such as the Dutchmans Creek and the Birkhead Trail, are well-marked and suitable for a day trip.
For those who want to make a longer stay, the Uwharrie National Forest also has hunting options and over 500 campsites for tents and RVs. The forest is just minutes from the Gold Rush town of Asheboro.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a small barrier island located off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina. It's a beautiful beach known for its crystal-clear waters, rolling waves, and soft sand. There are several things to do here, including surf lessons, kite-surfing, and paddleboarding in the calm sounds separated from the beach. The beach is well-maintained and has access to restaurants and public restrooms. A sunset cruise is also a must-do while in the area and offers stunning views of the beach from the harbor.
If you're not into water activities, the town has a few stores selling souvenirs, art prints, and beach accessories. There are also several seaside restaurants that offer fresh seafood and other dining options.
Poplar Grove Plantation
Once a flourishing cotton plantation in the 1500s, Poplar Grove Plantation is now a museum in Wilmington, NC. The original owners, the Foy family, ran the plantation before the Civil War. Today, the museum offers guided tours through the expansive ten-bedroomed mansion, kitchen house, and buildings that served as a school for the children of slaves.
Guides dress in period costumes and talk about the history of the plantation and the town of Wilmington. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Poplar Grove Farmers Market and history exhibits.
Topsail Island
Topsail Island is a must-visit for travelers seeking natural wonders and coastal beauty. The Island, north of Wilmington, boasts miles of pristine beaches and teeming sea life just beneath the translucent waters. Visitors can take a stroll on the beach, go fishing, rent a boat, or watch sea turtles make their way across the sands. A popular attraction is the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, which works to rescue injured sea turtles and return them to the ocean.
Visitors can also drive across the scenic Topsail Bridge, which spans the Intracoastal Waterway. The bridge offers a bird's eye view of the ocean and the stunning shoreline.
Conclusion
North Carolina's varied geography offers a lot to explore and discover, even on a short road trip. The sites and attractions listed above are just a few of the wonders that line the beautiful countryside and coast. From the natural beauty of Uwharrie National Forest to the racing thrills of Charlotte Motor Speedway, you will find something exciting for everyone. With its small-town charm, fascinating history, and stunning beaches, North Carolina promises travelers many extraordinary experiences they will never forget.