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San Souci Ferry
Ease into the first day with one of North Carolina’s most charming throwbacks: the San Souci Ferry in Bertie County. Pull up to the Cashie River, give a little honk if the ferry is waiting on the opposite bank and watch as this chain-driven crossing makes its way over. It holds just two cars and takes about 5 minutes to cross, which is exactly the charm of it all. This is the kind of detour that will remind you that getting there can be every bit as memorable as where you're headed.
Skylight Inn BBQ
This legendary barbecue locale run for generations by the Jones family offers a smoky, crispy, deeply satisfying taste of Eastern North Carolina tradition. Skylight Inn BBQ has been serving whole-hog, hickory-smoked barbecue since 1947, and the white Capitol dome perched on the roof lets you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. Inside, the menu keeps things delightfully simple; we recommend the finely chopped pork with crispy bits of skin or barbecue chicken, coleslaw and cornbread.
Aurora Fossil Museum
Work off the barbecue bliss by hunting for buried treasure at the Aurora Fossil Museum, where a fossil pit invites you to really dig in. Shark teeth are the prize here, and half the excitement comes from bringing your finds inside to have the museum staff help identify what ancient creature left them behind. It's delightful hands-on fun for all ages that might just steal your heart — one sandy scoop at a time.
Tryon Palace
After searching for prehistoric keepsakes, head to New Bern and step into another chapter of North Carolina’s story at Tryon Palace. Before Raleigh became the capital, New Bern held that designation, and this grand colonial palace was at the center of it all. Before exploring the palace and beautiful grounds, begin at the North Carolina History Center, a 60,000-square-foot gateway packed with interactive technology, living history programs and rotating exhibitions.
Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola
Once you have soaked up a little colonial history, head through downtown New Bern for a stop with a little fizz. At the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, nostalgia is served by the glass, along with a taste of “Brad’s Drink,” the original name for the now-famous soda. Set at the corner where pharmacist Caleb Bradham first mixed up the bubbly refreshment, this place is an homage to this historic sweet treat, which was initially marketed as a digestive aid.
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More famous foods born in NC
Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
From downtown New Bern, the route turns salty and windswept as you leave your vehicle behind and catch the Island Express Ferry Service in Beaufort to try your luck at a wild encounter on Shackleford Banks. This barrier island is known for its herd of more than 100 wild horses descended from Spanish mustangs. Reachable only by boat and with no shops and no electricity, come prepared to leave no trace, and Shackleford will leave you feeling gloriously untamed.
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See more wild horses roam free on the NC coastDavis Shore Ferry Service
After returning to shore, you’ll take Highway 70 to Davis Shore Ferry Service, where you and your vehicle will enjoy a 30-minute cruise across the water. As you approach Cape Lookout National Seashore, the scenery does the heavy lifting with coastal marshes, seabirds and shimmering water in every direction. It's the perfect in-between moment, so be sure to savor it.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore includes 56 miles of undeveloped beach extending from Ocracoke Inlet in the north to Beaufort Inlet in the southwest, offering natural beauty that makes you want to linger longer. Whether you’re camping under the stars, kayaking, surfing, fishing or stargazing, this is where nature takes the lead and peace comes easy. Take time to relax but if you aren’t camping overnight, make sure to have a plan to catch the ferry to your next stop.
Cedar Island-Ocracoke Ferry (NC-12) Ferry
The NC-12 ferry to Ocracoke is part of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway and will be the lengthiest crossing of your journey, averaging around 2.5 hours, but slowing down means savoring the scenery. In summer, ferries run continuously, though busy days can mean a wait. NCDOT has tools to help you plan your ferry trip in advance, and it also provides text or email notifications through the Ferry Information Notification System.
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Springer’s Point
Once on Ocracoke, take your sea legs on a walk through Springer’s Point Preserve. First settled in the early 1600s as a busy shipping port, the 0.8-mile trail now offers a much calmer reward, with shady paths, salt marsh views and a peaceful beach at the end. Enjoy wide views over Teach’s Hole named for Edward Teach, one of the island’s most notorious visitors better known as the infamous pirate Blackbeard.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Close out your trip at one of the coast’s most recognizable landmarks: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Rising above the Outer Banks, it has long helped guide mariners through one of the Atlantic’s most treacherous stretches. With its striking black-and-white spiral, keeper’s quarters and breezy boardwalk paths, this final stop feels exactly right — bold, storied, and unmistakably Real & Rare.