Explore Halifax, the Birthplace of Independence

The Halifax County Visitors Center, on I-95 in NC, offers a chance to stretch your legs, let your dog off-leash at the center's dog run and learn all about the cuisine, history, adventure and nature that make Halifax so delightful.

Friday: World-Class Brews on a Night Out

Arrive in Littleton, the little town with a big heart, to unwind and sip on brews at Timber Waters Brewery, one of the state’s newest craft beer destinations with a purpose. It proudly sources ingredients from North Carolina farms, including malts and orange blossom honey, and recycles all spent grain to local farmers for feed. More heartwarming yet: All net proceeds from operations directly support education in the community.

For dinner, Blue Jay Bistro is a must. From succulent steaks to fresh fish and creative vegetarian options, you'll have a hard time deciding between dishes. Pro tip: Add the colorful ham and jam charcuterie board to your must-try list.

For post-dinner entertainment, catch a show at the Acorn Center, which offers entertainment throughout the year in a newly renovated auditorium or outdoor amphitheater.

Reserve a room at Hilton Garden Inn. It’s convenient to the interstate and NC Highway 125, so you’ll be at the center of the weekend’s activities. The pet-friendly hotel has a pool and 24-hour fitness center.

Saturday: Explore the Past and Try Current Cuisine

I-95 runs through Roanoke Rapids, where an elevation change between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain areas once stopped Roanoke River-bound settlers. Here they built a prosperous community.

Begin your day with a tour of Historic Halifax, a key site in the American Revolution known for the Halifax Resolves. Explore the 18th-century buildings, including restored homes and shops, and learn about the area’s colonial history through engaging exhibits. A guided tour can provide insight into the early days of North Carolina and the nation. With July 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Resolves, don’t forget to check out the site’s calendar for special tours, events and re-enactments throughout the months leading up to the grand celebration.

Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at Two Doors Down, a local favorite known for its Southern cuisine with a modern twist. It offers locally sourced food and dishes that taste like home in a stylishly casual ambience.

Who’s up for a spirited afternoon? Head over to Weldon Mills Distillery for a guided tour and tasting session. Learn about the distillation process of the award-winning spirits, including bourbon and whiskey, while discovering the history of the Roanoke River area. Sample some of their handcrafted selections and take in the riverside atmosphere.

Call it a day with dinner at Ralph’s BBQ, a legendary establishment that has been serving authentic Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue since 1941. Enjoy classic dishes like pulled pork, barbecue chicken, hushpuppies and Brunswick stew. Ralph’s is known for its traditional wood-smoked barbecue and welcoming down-home vibe. 

Sunday: Make Some Feathered Friends

Choose something light or go for the big home-style breakfast at Cracker Barrel, one exit north of the hotel on I-95, before your 30-minute drive to Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Roll down the window and enjoy the mild weather, which sweetens the air with the scent of pine and adds hues of green to the passing fields.

Sylvan Heights is outside Scotland Neck, the only place in the state where you park in the middle of Main Street. The park’s 2,000 birds, including some of the planet’s rarest, make it North America’s largest bird park. Stroll through recreations of each species’ native habitat, which frames the birds’ bright plumage for pretty pictures. You’ll snap plenty of close-ups at the Landing Zone, where you’ll be able to feed small birds straight from your hand.

Stop by Roanoke Steakhouse for a steak, seafood or delectable salad for a final lunch.

This trip idea was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau.