As southbound travelers cruise along I-95 from Virginia into North Carolina, Halifax County welcomes them with open arms. This is a warm and friendly pocket of our state, comprised of towns rich with history, thriving local farms, and peaceful landscapes. Plan to take a walk down the Canal Trail, sip a flight at a renowned distillery, or visit one of the most historic buildings in North Carolina. Whether you stay for a few days or a few hours, you’ll want to come back for more.
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Roanoke Canal Trail: On the seven-mile trail bookended by Roanoke Rapids Lake Park and River Falls Park in the town of Weldon, songbirds play in surround-sound. The Roanoke Canal Trail, a site on the NC Coastal Plains Birding Trail, is home to year-round sightings of bald eagles, white-breasted nuthatches, barred owls, and great blue herons. In the spring and summer, Mississippi kites, scarlet tanagers, and other hardwood forest species sing out, and in winter, look for flocks of cedar waxwings.
Leave your car at River Falls Park or at Roanoke Lake and venture out on the Roanoke Canal Trail for an immersive nature experience. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Weldon Mills Theatre: From its home in the Carolina Crossroads Music Entertainment District, this intimate theater attracts sell-out talent with a broad appeal. Right off I-95 at Exit 171 in Roanoke Rapids, Weldon Mills Theatre is your go-to spot for unforgettable entertainment. Free parking and wallet-friendly concessions make the visit easy and enjoyable, while the cozy atmosphere and comfy seating create a premier experience. With top-notch acoustics, every seat feels like the best in the house. Check their website for upcoming events.
Plan ahead — purchasing tickets to a performance at the Weldon Mills Theatre includes a complimentary tour and tasting at the sister property, Weldon Mills Distillery! Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Oscar’s Restaurant: Since opening their doors in 1953, this diner has served freshly brewed coffee alongside heaping stacks of pancakes, perfectly seasoned grits, eggs just the way you like them, hash browns, crispy bacon, and sausage. Did we mention the biscuits? Get an order cloaked in their homemade sausage gravy.
Head to Oscar’s Restaurant to kick-start your day with a big Southern-style breakfast or to enjoy a refreshing treat following an afternoon of exploring. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Second Street Lunch: Don’t let the unassuming brick building fool you: This “home of good eats” is a local institution. Treat yourself to a juicy cheeseburger fully dressed with homemade chili and sweet slaw, mustard, and raw onions.
Skip the to-go order and sip your coffee slowly in The Mill’s cozy café. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
The Mill Coffee and Eatery: Newbies may come to this bakery for their coffee and pastries, but they soon discover what the regulars know: The soup is divine. Ask about their specialties.
Weldon Mills Distillery: No trip to Halifax County is complete without a tour and tasting at Weldon’s historic 1830s mill building-turned-distillery. Learn how they make their spirits — bourbon started it all — then sip a cocktail with a river view.
With a premium line of bourbons, gin, tequila, and more, Weldon Mills Distillery is a fixture in North Carolina’s craft spirits industry. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
River Falls Park: Ready to reel in a rockfish? Here in the Rockfish Capital of the World, your chances are pretty good, and the Weldon Boat Landing at River Falls Park is a great starting point. It’s also a great starting point for a walk along the canal trail.
Next door to Weldon Mills, you can launch a leisurely float along the Roanoke River at River Falls Park. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Halifax County Fishing: Striped bass (or rockfish) is just one of the better-known species that migrate up the Roanoke River to reproduce each year. To take advantage of ideal fishing conditions for these fish, plus river herring, hickory shad, white shad, and giant sturgeon, consider hiring a local guide.
With no shortage of sides like mac ‘n’ cheese, homestyle baked beans, cinnamon-spiced apples, and more, meals at Ralph’s Barbecue pack maximum comfort. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Ralph’s Barbecue: Since Ralph Woodruff started “smoking the pig” in 1941, his family has carried on the tradition. Today, you can stop here for a barbecue dinner, served with homemade Brunswick stew and two sides.
Vintage Shopping: Located within a historic mill building, Riverside Mill offers an antique mall, artisan-made gifts, and outlet shops along the banks of the Roanoke River. Shop for one-of-a-kind decor and home furnishings while taking in views of the Roanoke River. If you prefer picking your way through an emporium of old-school knick-knacks and vintage pieces, visit Red Wagon in downtown Weldon. And antique enthusiasts across the nation know to mark their calendars for June, when the 301 Endless Yard Sale begins in Weldon and continues for 100 miles in towns along Highway 301. This year’s event runs June 20 to 21.
Halifax State Historic Site: Anchor your trip to Halifax County with a tour of some of North Carolina’s most historic buildings, all within an easy walk. Start by getting a lay of the land at the Visitor Center; then don’t miss the 1838 Jail and the iconic mustard-yellow 1780 Eagle Tavern.
The 1770s come to life in Historic Halifax, complete with several authentically restored and furnished buildings and interpreters. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Bradford-Denton House: The Bradford-Denton house was built around 1760 near Fishing Creek in Halifax County on land owned by Col. Bradford, a delegate to the Fourth Provincial Congress. On Saturdays in the summer, visitors can experience living history as interpreters showcase how things were done in the colonial kitchen, smokehouse, and blacksmith shop.
Two Doors Down: When it’s time for lunch, stop by this King Street diner. Known for their soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas, they also offer an assortment of grab-and-go delicacies for later. Stock up on pimento cheese and chicken salad.
Head to King Street to grab a brew at The Trophy Room. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
The Trophy Room: Halifax’s neighborhood watering hole, this full-service bar invites you to sit and stay awhile among the trophy heads adorning the historic brick walls. Settle in with a board game, deck of cards, or the company of your companions.
Lake Gaston: Boating, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking — you’ll find it all on this 20,000-acre lake. Access the lake at the Lake Gaston Day Use Area, a public beach open from sunrise to sunset that features swimming and fishing areas.
Paddle through the blue waters or catch air at Lake Gaston. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Acorn Center: Recently renovated and expanded, the Acorn Center (formerly the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center) hosts plays, concerts, and national touring acts. Check their website for a lineup of upcoming events.
Following your adventures on the water, unwind with a craft brew at Timber Waters Brewery. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Timber Waters Brewery: Stop by this craft brewery in downtown Littleton for a selection of beers and malts made from ingredients sourced from North Carolina farms. One of their flagship favorites: the Spincast Honey Blonde, brewed from orange blossom honey.
Savor locally sourced ingredients at Blue Jay Bistro on Littleton’s South Main Street. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Blue Jay Bistro: For a special night out, make a reservation at this exquisite, artfully designed downtown restaurant. From its sparkling bar to a menu featuring specialties like duck with a blueberry demi-glace along with halibut with green pea hash and spinach béchamel, this is a true experience.
Find your favorite home goods at Main Street Mercantile, then select your next outfit and accessories at The Shoppe at LKG. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Shopping: Find a one-of-a-kind gift or your next chic outfit at Littleton’s locally owned boutiques, including Main Street Mercantile, Once Upon a County Line, and The Shoppe at LKG.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park: The world’s largest waterfowl sanctuary is tucked into the southeast corner of Halifax County. Walk the mile-long loop to see — and hear — birds from every continent in the world.
Take a self-guided or guided tour of Sylvan Heights Bird Park to see rare and endangered species of waterfowl. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
ROCK Museum: Every imaginable shape, color, and texture of rocks, gems, and fossils are on display at this museum built to inspire youth in their discovery of the Earth. Stop by their gift shop for a shining selection of wearable treasures.
McDowells Pharmacy: If Cheers were a drug store, this would be it. For four generations, this family-owned pharmacy has been helping its clients find exactly what they need.
Hometown Hardware and General Store is a step into yesteryear with the no-frills lunch counter where you can get a sweet or savory treat to round out your shopping trip. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Hometown Hardware and General Store: Purchase anything from ice cream to ferns at this small-town hardware and general store.
Enjoy a Meal: Head over to La Casetta Italian Restaurant for homemade pasta and a side of perfectly crispy garlic bread. For a juicy rib-eye or seafood platter, make your way to Roanoke Steakhouse.
Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts: This iconic label — “North Carolina’s Finest Peanuts” — is recognized far beyond the borders of Halifax County. Shop peanuts of every salty, sweet, and savory variety.
No trip through Halifax County is complete without stopping at Aunt Ruby’s for roasted, seasoned, or unshelled North Carolina peanuts. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Southern Secrets at Mears: The perfect swivel chair? Check. A new painting for your foyer? Check. An inspiring coffee table book? Check. Make this your one-stop shop for all home goods.
Holdford Hardware: Only at a small-town hardware store will you find useful solutions like locally made carpenter bee traps and bluebird boxes crafted from cypress. Check out their selection of niceties and necessities, from lye soap and preserves to flashlights and tools.
Sink into luxury in one of the five bedrooms at Bellamy’s manor house. Photography courtesy of Visit Halifax
Bellamy Manor & Gardens: Rest your head at this bed and breakfast located on a four-acre estate surrounded by magnolias and camellias. Then, wake up to a full Southern breakfast before seeing where the day takes you.
On a trip to Halifax and Weldon in northeastern North Carolina, discover Revolutionary War history, splash and play in the Roanoke River, sip local spirits, and more.
Swim, fish, wake-surf, paddle, and explore the creeks, lakes, rivers, and rapids of Halifax County. Plus, a few favorite spots to grab a bite after your outdoor adventure.
This small northeastern North Carolina town on the Roanoke River had a big impact on American history. Step into the past to explore its significance — and find out where to shop and eat along the way.
This story was published on May 28, 2025
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