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Meet Lori
Hi friends — Lori here, President/CEO of the Halifax County CVB.
Growing up in North Carolina, I always knew I wanted to raise a family here. First, though, I set out to see the world. After college, I moved to New York and spent 10 years traveling globally with hotel companies. Eventually, home called me back. I married my high school crush, and we built our life right here in NC.
Today, our family vacations take us across the state, but our favorite escape is Lake Gaston, where we spend summers on the water. And each spring, I’m reminded why this area is such a special place to call home.
Here are a few of my favorite places and celebrations to enjoy this season.
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Historic celebrations & big-name shows
- America 250: Celebrating America's 250th birthday is on everyone's mind in 2026. The reason NC is the First in Freedom State is because of what happened right here in Halifax County on April 12, 1776! They are making big plans for the April 10-12 celebration in Halifax: Speakers, reenactors, dinner with George Washington, a drone show and The Band of Oz are just a few of the events planned for this weekend.
- The Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour at Weldon Mills Theatre: The area has become a real destination for entertainment. There are some big names headed here this spring! LeAnn Rimes, Melissa Etheridge and Bill Engvall are just a few. I recommend making a night of it. The theater partners with the nearby Hilton Garden Inn, so you'll get a discounted stay if you see a show — turning an evening concert into a full getaway experience.
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Outdoor experiences that define spring
- Roanoke Canal Trail: Since spring usually comes early in NC, we start hiking on the Roanoke Canal Trail at the same time. It’s a 7-mile trail running from Roanoke Rapids Lake Park to River Falls Park in Weldon, and you can even rent bikes for free at the Roanoke Canal Museum!
- Sylvan Heights Bird Park: The ADA-accessible park has a 1-mile loop and is a wonderful way to get outside and see amazing birds from around the world. There’s some exciting news coming out of this park too — penguins are coming in the fall!
- WakeSurf NC: We make our reservations now for a lesson with WakeSurf NC on Lake Gaston. This is an excellent way for your kids to get off their phones, learn a new skill and enjoy one of the most pristine lakes in NC.
- Rockfish season: The Halifax area hosts a world-class fishery since the striped bass spawn each spring in the rapids in Weldon. When the temperature reaches 70 degrees, anglers line up for a chance to experience this fighting fish! I grew up fishin’ the Roanoke River with my dad, and my family loves a spring afternoon "fighting" with a few rockfish. If you’re from out of town, many guides can hook you up.
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My current secret obsession: A perfect day in Littleton
- Morning: I start at Daphne's Coffee shop for a cup of Lake Gaston Coffee and a big blueberry muffin.
- Midday: After that, I stroll through the shops, especially the thrift store and Main Street Books, the cutest used book shop you have ever seen. Some days, you can get all the books you can fit in a bag for $1. Barn Kitty and Main Street Mercantile also can't be missed.
- Afternoon: I end the afternoon at Timber Waters Brewery for the best local brew in NC. They source ingredients from local NC farms, including malts and orange blossom honey. You can find the honey in their flagship Spincast Honey Blonde. They also recycle all their spent grain to local farmers for feed.
Spring in Halifax County blends history, hospitality and outdoor adventure in a way that feels both meaningful and refreshing. Whether you’re here for America 250, a big-name concert, a hike along the canal or a quiet afternoon in Littleton, I hope you’ll come experience the season with us. We’ll be saving you a spot.
This insider authorship was produced in partnership with Halifax County CVB.