Editor’s note: hours may vary depending on the season.
Enjoy a view of the French Broad River after your Chimney Rock hike at this brewery that offers unique beers inspired by the landscape. After you order the River Otter IPA (named after the family of fuzzy visitors who frequently play in the currents, of course) be sure to get a platter of their crispy fish and chips.
461 Main Street
Chimney Rock, NC 28720
(828) 436-7047
As they did a half-century ago, diners gather under The Bluffs’ A-frame ceiling — tongue-and-groove paneling set on a timbered frame held together by wooden pegs. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
As the first restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this spot was a staple for hungry hikers, motorists, and families for more than 60 years before it closed. Now, it’s serving up delicious dishes once again. After working up an appetite by walking the Riverbend Trail, be sure to order some fried chicken, sweet tea, and cathead biscuits.
45338 Blue Ridge Parkway
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
(336) 372-7875
Stop for a meal at the Banner Elk Café after taking in the beautiful views on Grandfather Mountain’s Mile-High Swinging Bridge. Fill up on the Mountain Man breakfast: two pancakes large enough to fill a plate by themselves, two eggs, crispy bacon, and heavenly cheese grits.
324 Shawneehaw Avenue South, Highway 184
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 898-4040
Step onto the porch of this gray clapboard house and you’ll feel like you’re home for dinner. There’s always fried chicken to pass around family-style or in the cafeteria-style buffet line — perfect for a comforting post-hike meal.
305 North Main Street
Troutman, NC 28166
(704) 528-6962
The Durham Food Hall is home to eight chef-driven restaurants. photograph by Eric Waters
Can’t agree on where to eat after your hike by the river? Head to the nearby Durham Food Hall, which is home to a diverse mix of dining and drink concepts. Order roasted oysters from Locals Oyster Bar, Louisiana red beans and rice from Lula & Sadie’s, or Margherita pizza at Napoli. For a nightcap, try Riggs Lounge or the Auctioneer Bar.
530 Foster Street, Suite 1
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 908-9339
After venturing out on some of 5,600-acre William B. Umstead State Park’s trails, head half-a-mile away to fill up on eggs, country ham, bacon, and pancakes at this traditional diner.
8710 Glenwood Avenue, No. 104
Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 787-7715
After an early morning walk around Fort Macon, head to this taproom at 10:30 a.m. for a restorative yoga session followed by a beer or a mimosa. We like the Breakwater Coffee Brown Ale — you can call it breakfast.
219 West Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 296-2841
The doughnuts at Britts Donut Shop are worth standing in line for. photograph by Millie Holloman Photography
Top off a morning spent fishing and exploring with legendary homemade glazed doughnuts that have earned local and national accolades. It’s no surprise that lines extend down the Carolina Beach Boardwalk from the moment the iconic shop opens full-time on Memorial Day.
11 Carolina Beach Avenue North
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 707-0755
With Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head Woods Preserve, Run Hill State Natural Area, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial all within a four-mile radius, adventure is never far from this Caribbean- and Mexican-inspired restaurant. The laid-back atmosphere draws hikers, surfers, and beachgoers for fish tacos, jerk chicken wraps, and homemade desserts.
1216 South Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-7994
In busy workshops and bright stores, our state’s toymakers and purveyors keep wonder alive. Dolls, trains, and games remind us: The joy of play never grows old.
Whether it’s secret Santa or the company cookie swap, sweet gatherings get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Among dazzling lanterns, silk creatures, and twinkling lights at the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, one little boy leads his parents straight to the heart of the holidays.
Sparkling streets, local traditions, and the cozy charm of a city wrapped in holiday wonder — Asheville offers merriment for every age of visitor.
