Gas up the car and call your favorite road trip buddy, because this road trip in North Carolina highlights some of the lesser-known but equally-loved spots around the Tar Heel State. You’ll experience history, hiking, good food, and incredible views along the way that will leave you loving North Carolina even more than you did before. Is that even possible? Let’s find out by exploring some of these hidden gems in North Carolina.
GoogleMaps From point to point, you’re looking at roughly a 4.5-hour drive. Of course, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to stop off and enjoy these attractions. Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way.
- Dunrovin Country Store
Dunrovin Country Store/Google Dunrovin Country Store, 5456 US-1, Vass, NC 28394, USA
Jason Lake/Google You can’t take a countryside hidden gem road trip and not stop off at a country store. Dunrovin Country Store is the oldest country store in Moore Country, and it’s packed to the brim with treasures. In addition to baked goods including homemade fudge and old-fashioned candies, you’ll also find everything from artisan soaps to Christmas decor. Once you’ve picked up a few souvenirs, check out the animal sanctuary right behind the store, where you can meet all sorts of cuddly critters and feathered friends!
- Tommy’s Barbecue House
Carter Claiborne/Google Tommy’s Barbecue House & Catering LLC, 1945, 27 West NC-24, Biscoe, NC 27209, USA
Rutha Mciver/Google A good road trip needs good food, and Tommy’s Barbecue House is the perfect spot to fuel up as we make our way around the Tar Heel State. From applewood-smoked BBQ to Brunswick Stew, all your favorite southern staples are here waiting for you.
- Dunn’s Mountain Park
Tim Stipe/Google Dunns Mountain Road, Dunns Mountain Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146, USA
Dunn’s Mountain Park/Google Dunn’s Mountain Park is a beautiful 83-acre park located in Salisbury with scenic hiking trails and even a blacksmith shed where you can check out some historic artifacts and get a fun little history lesson while you’re there. The views along the trail are inspirational, and there are long-range binoculars at the summit so you can zoom in on the landscape below.
- Battery Park Book Exchange
Jim Glaze/Google Battery Park Book Exchange, 1 Page Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Ashley Reinhart/Google If you thought sitting down with a good book and a cup of coffee was pure bliss, just wait until you experience the Nirvana that is a good book and Champagne. Battery Park Book Exchange not only has thousands of books, but also a wonderful selection of fine wine and champagne to sip on while you find your next book to read. The cafe also offers paninis, salads, and cheese/charcuterie boards, too! Find yourself a cozy corner and settle in for a unique experience.
- Haw Creek Valley Overlook
Rob Deneshaw/Google Haw Creek Valley Overlook, 3800 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, USA
Heather B. Golden/Google You did it! You made it to one of the most beautiful hidden gem views in North Carolina! The Haw Creek Valley Overlook gives you an endless view of the Haw Creek Valley Community and several mountain peaks including Ball Mountain, Ducker Mountain, Scott Mountain, and Piney Mountain. Grab your book that you just purchased from the Battery Park Book Exchange and find a quiet spot to read for a bit before heading home.
Ready for more hidden gems in North Carolina? Check out these incredible road trips in North Carolina and plan your next adventure.
GoogleMaps
From point to point, you’re looking at roughly a 4.5-hour drive. Of course, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to stop off and enjoy these attractions. Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way.
Dunrovin Country Store/Google
Dunrovin Country Store, 5456 US-1, Vass, NC 28394, USA
Jason Lake/Google
You can’t take a countryside hidden gem road trip and not stop off at a country store. Dunrovin Country Store is the oldest country store in Moore Country, and it’s packed to the brim with treasures. In addition to baked goods including homemade fudge and old-fashioned candies, you’ll also find everything from artisan soaps to Christmas decor. Once you’ve picked up a few souvenirs, check out the animal sanctuary right behind the store, where you can meet all sorts of cuddly critters and feathered friends!
Carter Claiborne/Google
Tommy’s Barbecue House & Catering LLC, 1945, 27 West NC-24, Biscoe, NC 27209, USA
Rutha Mciver/Google
A good road trip needs good food, and Tommy’s Barbecue House is the perfect spot to fuel up as we make our way around the Tar Heel State. From applewood-smoked BBQ to Brunswick Stew, all your favorite southern staples are here waiting for you.
Tim Stipe/Google
Dunns Mountain Road, Dunns Mountain Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146, USA
Dunn’s Mountain Park/Google
Dunn’s Mountain Park is a beautiful 83-acre park located in Salisbury with scenic hiking trails and even a blacksmith shed where you can check out some historic artifacts and get a fun little history lesson while you’re there. The views along the trail are inspirational, and there are long-range binoculars at the summit so you can zoom in on the landscape below.
Jim Glaze/Google
Battery Park Book Exchange, 1 Page Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Ashley Reinhart/Google
If you thought sitting down with a good book and a cup of coffee was pure bliss, just wait until you experience the Nirvana that is a good book and Champagne. Battery Park Book Exchange not only has thousands of books, but also a wonderful selection of fine wine and champagne to sip on while you find your next book to read. The cafe also offers paninis, salads, and cheese/charcuterie boards, too! Find yourself a cozy corner and settle in for a unique experience.
Rob Deneshaw/Google
Haw Creek Valley Overlook, 3800 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, USA
Heather B. Golden/Google
You did it! You made it to one of the most beautiful hidden gem views in North Carolina! The Haw Creek Valley Overlook gives you an endless view of the Haw Creek Valley Community and several mountain peaks including Ball Mountain, Ducker Mountain, Scott Mountain, and Piney Mountain. Grab your book that you just purchased from the Battery Park Book Exchange and find a quiet spot to read for a bit before heading home.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
