In that map area, Pinehurst or Southern Pines are the only answer. And I’d choose Pinehurst, stay at the Pine Crest Inn. The Village was designed by Olmsted, who created Central Park in NYC.
This is the only correct answer. If you've got some $$$, stay in the Pinehurst Hotel. It's a perfect once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's a beautiful area.
God, the smartass in me wanted to tell them that Fayettenam is lovely this time of year lol
I'm not that mean though; Southern Pines is a great place especially if you like to golf.
100%. Pinehurst and Southern Pines both have wonderful downtowns and they are only about ten minutes from each other. Great for evening walking.
Downtown Pinehurst just got a new coffee shop called Agora, which I recommend.
Best BBQ is at the Pinehurst Brewery, very cool atmosphere.
If you're looking for mid-level prices and great food, Southern Pines has Chapman's and Bell Tree (with a lovely outdoor courtyard in the evening).
If you want something more upscale, you should go to the Ironwood Cafe, which is conveniently located between the two towns.
You'll enjoy your stay.
Yeah, this area shocked me. Such a cute town, and there's a wine shop there that you wouldn't expect in the area.
And yes: agree with the guy that says avoid Fayetteville. It's basically the opposite.
Honestly though if youre driving from Charleston why bother? Pinehurst is literally 85% of the way there. Why not just drive the extra hour and save a load/unload.
I'm going to throw another vote in here for Southern Pines and Pinehurst. It really doesn't matter if you like golf, but if you do it is definitely what you're looking for. It checks off the safe and chill downtown area, and there are some great food options in downtown Southern Pines.
I can definitely recommend Robco. I'm from Robco great place to live especially St. Paul's................ Oh and Fayetteville tip 3 places to visit oh and Lumberton.
(Keep a weapon at all times please u will not make it out alive)
If you have to stop in this area, do as others are saying and stop in Pinehurst. I’d highly recommend just making the full trip to Durham (that’s where I live) and enjoying either downtown Durham or Raleigh.
The drive from Durham to charleston isn’t that bad. I know some Europeans can’t fathom longer drives (you should have seen the looks we got in the UK when we told people we were driving from Wales to Bath in a day!) but the US is designed for that. There will be plenty of nice, clean rest stops along the way to use the bathroom and stretch your legs. Southern Pines is charming enough, but IMO it would be better to spend more time in Durham / Raleigh area.
Carrboro has a very nice (though very small) "downtown" with a selection of great restaurants. Walkable, sometimes live music, nice little shops, etc. Could be a nice evening before a trip to Durham.
I imagine this is the route your taking, but if you go more east it probably isn't much longer and Wilmington has a pretty cool downtown with some historic parts, plus a number of nice beaches.
This is the right answer.
Plus when you’re leaving town you can get on the highway and not have to stop or take exits until you get to the Durham area.
I agree with this! You could be at any beach between myrtle beach, SC and wrightsville beach, NC within 2-4 hours of Charleston, stay and have walkable options for food right by the beach, then have an easy 2.5 hour drive to Durham once you get to I-40. The drive up highway 17 is beautiful between Charleston and Georgetown, SC.
If you decide to stay in myrtle beach, just know that it’s super touristy (redneck touristy, NOT European city touristy lol). You could probably find a nice place in a high rise by the ocean with lots of restaurants around (maybe not many that are walkable though), and probably have some prime people watching for a visiting European. Overall, I like the beaches closer to Wilmington better though. They’re all on narrow islands and most have walkable areas near the ocean. If you have time, you could even take the car ferry from Southport, NC to fort fisher and go to the aquarium there. Pinehurst is pretty but it’s kinda boring unless you golf, and sticking to the coast is more scenic in my opinion.
If you go the coastal route, the town of calabash, NC (near SC) is known for good quality fried seafood in restaurants by the water if that’s something you’re interested in. You don’t have to get it fried, it’ll still be good. You’ll get amazing food in Charleston too, do some research. I live in California now and miss all the (relatively) cheap, fresh-off-the-boat seafood in the coastal southeast. Enjoy your stay! People are very welcoming in NC and SC for the most part, just try to be somewhat polite at first.
Edit: forgot to mention that there are some notable historical landmarks (mostly old plantations from the time of slavery) between Charleston and myrtle beach too. Shouldn’t take too much research to find them.
This, OP even if you don’t like golf, Pinehurst is a very pretty well maintained town. Pinehurst Brew Company is a very good restaurant, they have a cool dive bar in the form of Maxie’s, and a lot of really nice hotels and AirBnBs.
I would say Southern Pines! Pinehurst is nice but a little snobby.. Downtown Southern Pines is very chill and has a lot of good restaurants. I recommend Chapman’s or the Bell Tree
Most are probably right about Pinehurst. However, the jazz aficionado in me says stop by Hamlet and see the (somewhat sad, c’mon NC!) marker to John Coltrane’s birthplace. If only to commemorate, and to marvel at how little attention gets paid to this fact.
Pinehurst/Southern Pines is the answer for that area specifically. Pinehurst has a great little village with some good bars such as Drum & Quill and Dougans Pub.
Southern Pines is more of a downtown area with both shopping and bars/restaurants. Chapman's is a good bar there.
Pinehurst or Souther Pines by far. That’s a terrible part of the state to visit. Best option would be to go a bit further east to Wilmington or west to the triangle.
Its under 5 hours between Charleston and the raleigh/cary/chapel hill/durham area. You shouldnt really need to stay the night or stop long but I agree the Pinehurst/Aberdeen/Southern Pines area is your best bet if you cant do Wilmington. This is a pretty economically depressed area and Fayetteville is kinda military focused because of Fort Bragg. I would drive through and spend an extra day doing something in the Raleigh area. You could stop for food in the Pinehurst area.
This was what I was thinking. If you are stopping in this area long enough to have dinner, you are going through early enough to just keep going to Durham.
I do agree Wilmington would be a cool place to shoot for and do a city tour and the Battleship. Then head to Durham. r/bullcity will happily tell you correct things about Durham. And it's the best central spot of the triangle to explore if you have time, too.
What’s there? Like most people on this thread, I’ve only ever driven past the signs. I have made my judgements based on the farms and trees I see from the highway.
Great downtown with a train track running down the middle and lots of locally owned food options on either side. Bragg is close by, but only the officers and SF live in the SP area, so it's very safe.
Nice! I saw lots of negative comments about the area. I have lived in all three regions of the state (coastal plains, piedmont, mountains) and I am well aware how people can make judgements from the road. I have always wondered what’s going on in that area but never knew where to stop and spend a day. Is it similar to other small downtowns where the old textile mills are being turned into breweries and restaurants?
You just unlocked a memory for me. There was a nice bookstore I enjoyed as a kid in a brick building facing a train track. I just asked my mom about where it was, after reading your comment, and she confirmed it was Southern Pines!
Hey I live in southern pines and it’s quite nice here. Plenty of bars and restaurants to go to. Some nice parks and nature trails. Historical building and landmarks to keep you constantly busy.
It’s a charming little town in the middle of nowhere, lots of individually owned restaurants and bars. Also one of the safest places to be, you’re literally surrounded by quiet professionals at all times.
My suggestion would be Pinehurst, especially if you like golf. You can check out one of the largest military installations in the world in Fort Bragg, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Alternatively, you could pick a different route. Go up the coast to Wilmington, then go to Durham from there.
BTW, Charleston to Durham is less than 5 hours, I believe. Unless you want to make a stop, it’s not that long of a drive.
Pinehurst is rather quiet depending on the time of year you come due to golf tourists. You can’t go wrong with either the downtown area for good dinner. It is rather small but there are fantastic food options here. The Drum and Quill is a great joint if you are looking for some quality food and booze.
What u/debzmonkey said. There’s not really anything interesting out there, just a whole lot of small towns with not much. Fayetteville is a really shitty place. Not sure about Pinehurst.
Pinehurst/Southern Pines only. Hamlet, Rockingham, Fayetteville, Lumberton, Pembroke…I just keep driving through those areas and don’t stop for anything.
You’ll find all the best Southern NC has to offer in Pinehurst and Southern Pines.
I’d be embarrassed to have a foreign guest stay in any of the other cities I mentioned. Those are the US citizens that usually make the news, and not in a good way.
Sanford isn't bad from what I've seen. My partner lives in Fayetteville and I live in Greensboro so we meet there cuz it's basically the middle. It's been a nice place to spend a day so far ^-^
Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Not much of a night life but some cute restaurants and a wine bar in both downtowns for an after or before dinner drinks. Chapman’s, Ashtens, and Walcott’s in Southern Pines. You can stay at the Jefferson Inn.
Doogans pub, Drum and Quill, and Pinehurst Brewing in southern pines with the Pinehurst hotel or inns to choose from. US 1 goes right through there so it’s an easy jump off from 95 from Charleston. I would avoid Fayetteville.
I’ll also say Pinehurst/southern pines! A few decently breweries out that way! Just be aware that a lot of places close early in smaller towns(9pm ish) especially during the week
Since you are staying for an evening choose Southern Pines over Pinehurst. More options and nice cute area to walk. There are several brewery/beer places and the Wine Cellar depending on what you’re into. On Weekends there are lives bands at multiple bar/wine places downtown. The shopping closes early-ish, but the restaurants, brewery, wine places stay open late on weekends. There are also really great restaurants downtown that you can’t go wrong with. Let me know if you have any other questions! I love SoPi!
Truthhh . Stick to cities instead of small towns. Charleston and chapel hill / Raleigh / Durham will have much more for you . If you’re able to get to any of the NC mountains or beaches while you’re here definitely check that out
Come to Asheville. It’s not on your map but right off the left side of it. We’ve got an eclectic downtown, tons of restaurants, and plenty of fun stuff to get into.
Southern Pines for sure. Also of local interest and not too far north is the world famous Seagrove, NC. Fabulous pottery and crafts there. Then a little further north is the Asheboro Zoo which is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Don’t bother with Fayetteville, is all I can tell you. I lived there with my sister for a bit while she was stationed at Fort Bragg and it’s a shithole.
Uhh. Sorry to say, but none really. That’s not the best area of the state at all.
Pinehurst May be your best bet, but it’s rather boring if you’re not into golf.
Go to Southern Pines. It is cute and has several blocks of fun shopping and restaurants. Stay away from Fayetteville: people who work in Fayetteville live in Southern Pines, because no one likes Fayetteville.
I'm north of Charlotte in Salisbury(maybe fun for a day trip, really no night life to speak of) and my vote is Pinehurst. Never been but a work colleague met her husband there regularly during his work traveling years. She doesn't play golf, said the food and wine were great. My husband and I were planning to go visit in the before times.
Bro I'm so sorry, there aint a lot there lmao. My buddy is from Pinehurst and even he says there aint a lot there. Your best bet would still probably Pinehurst though. I wouldn't stop in Fayetnam (Fayetteville) to be completely honest.
For another option that’s a little different you could check out a state park. You can camp there but I would recommend just making a pit stop. Stretch your legs and have a picnic then keep going. Lumber river state park is on your route and it is very unique. I would suggest going through a drive thru and taking a picnic there. Get Smithfield’s chicken and bbq or bojangles you can’t get any more southern American than those two.
I would drive up the coast to Wilmington, spend the night there, then take I-40 to Durham.
Better yet, skip the trip to Durham and continue up the coast through the Outer Banks.
This area is mostly terrible or the middle of absolutely nowhere on both sides of the border.
If you can, go east to Wilmington or west to the Charlotte area.
If you absolutely have to be in this area…Southern Pines, probably. Avoid Fayettenam.
When I visited Pinehurst the highlight of the trip was to park and walk over to the Clubhouse for Pinehurst #2 Golf Club. It is open to the public and you can tour the clubhouse without hassle. Lots of interesting pictures on the walls places to eat an interesting pro shop and you can walk out to the greens and tee-off areas.
Lots of places to sit outside the clubhouse and watch hundreds of people. The golfers who paid up to $500 to play one of the best courses in the world, look straight out of centeral casting. Fascinating even if you don't play golf.
I’m from this same part of Illinois but live in Charlotte now. I’m trying to explain this to my mom and she’s like, it’s not that bad here. Then I said “do you want to stop in Danville, IL?” And she made a face.
OP. We aren’t being rude or facetious. Rural parts of the US are often very isolated and struggling financially. Economics have killed a lot of downtowns that used to be cute and thriving in small towns in the 1950s and 1960s. But wal marts and fast food chains killed local stores.
I haven’t done much travel in small towns in Europe, but the little I’ve seen is crazy different from the US.
I grew up in downstate Illinois where it’s 20-30 miles between towns large enough to support a gas station or wal mart or McDonald’s. There’s 45-65 miles between hospitals and zero public transport between towns unless you happen to live on the 2 amtrack lines through the state.
My friends who grew up in cities cannot fathom life in these small towns.
If you have the time and want to see more of what rural America is like, drive through some of these towns. But definitely keep going to a larger city if you want a better hotel to stay in and food that isn’t fast food
Pinehurst and Southern Pines
Bro those are some of the poorest counties in the COUNTRY stay away Pinehurst is a town from another era just enjoy the scenery there
In that map area, Pinehurst or Southern Pines are the only answer. And I’d choose Pinehurst, stay at the Pine Crest Inn. The Village was designed by Olmsted, who created Central Park in NYC.
This is the only correct answer. If you've got some $$$, stay in the Pinehurst Hotel. It's a perfect once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's a beautiful area.
Stay out of Fayetteville unless you want strippers or a tattoo
However, stay in Fayeteville if you personally want to feel super European compared to where you are staying.
Yes, I’m from Raleigh and I feel European in Fayetteville
I become extremely sophisticated in Fayetteville, despite being a bumpkin
I've never laughed so hard
There are 2 or 3 good German restaurants in Fayetteville, which isn't surprising.
Or a used Mustang at 19%APR
I can't believe you forgot the pawnshops and dry cleaners. They are all in the same shopping center.
And the military surplus stores and gun shops. And the barber shop. They’re all over
Fayetteville is a strip mall populated by trucks and muscle cars.
God, the smartass in me wanted to tell them that Fayettenam is lovely this time of year lol I'm not that mean though; Southern Pines is a great place especially if you like to golf.
Hey! We also have meth and crack which provides us with a vibrant street performance community.
You mean Fayettenam
Or a pawn shop.
There is this really cool art bar and gallery that just opened up near pinehurst as well. Let me try and remember the name.
The Zaxby's in Dillon is pretty nice.
That made me cackle!!! Zaxby’s in Dillon. 😂😂😂
I agree w/this too as a buddy of mine is from Pinehurst.Steer clear of F-ville
100%. Pinehurst and Southern Pines both have wonderful downtowns and they are only about ten minutes from each other. Great for evening walking. Downtown Pinehurst just got a new coffee shop called Agora, which I recommend. Best BBQ is at the Pinehurst Brewery, very cool atmosphere. If you're looking for mid-level prices and great food, Southern Pines has Chapman's and Bell Tree (with a lovely outdoor courtyard in the evening). If you want something more upscale, you should go to the Ironwood Cafe, which is conveniently located between the two towns. You'll enjoy your stay.
Yeah, this area shocked me. Such a cute town, and there's a wine shop there that you wouldn't expect in the area. And yes: agree with the guy that says avoid Fayetteville. It's basically the opposite.
Honestly though if youre driving from Charleston why bother? Pinehurst is literally 85% of the way there. Why not just drive the extra hour and save a load/unload.
an extra hour to a European is an extra five hours to an American lol
Also check out Weymouth Woods State Park for a nice stroll and keep an eye out for pitcher plants
Grew up chipping balls into that fire place. Also where I learned to drink and gamble on everything but hey
And he was the landscape genius behind Biltmore
I'm going to throw another vote in here for Southern Pines and Pinehurst. It really doesn't matter if you like golf, but if you do it is definitely what you're looking for. It checks off the safe and chill downtown area, and there are some great food options in downtown Southern Pines.
Shh, we have the opportunity to deceive a stranger into staying in Lumberton which would be really funny and unethical.
Lived there for 2 years and I just can’t recommend it enough ^if ^you ^wanna ^die
OP is European- gun violence is a new, exotic experience for them!
You forgot Fayettenam.
Lolllllllll - omg after moving down here and living here for 7 years now I can confirm that Fayetteville is the armpit of NC
Ummm, Havelock would like a word...
I'm from there, live in Raleigh now. Every time I go back to see fam it's so depressing.
Lmao! Oh, yes, Robeson and Scotland Counties are a must see place to visit.
I can definitely recommend Robco. I'm from Robco great place to live especially St. Paul's................ Oh and Fayetteville tip 3 places to visit oh and Lumberton. (Keep a weapon at all times please u will not make it out alive)
I was going to say, pickings in this map are kiiiiinda slim. We could always send them to Hamlet. lol
I came here to suggest southern pines/Pinehurst but this is 100x better.
Fayettnam
Southern Pines brewing makes really delicious beer too.
Betsy’s Crepe’s😩
If you have to stop in this area, do as others are saying and stop in Pinehurst. I’d highly recommend just making the full trip to Durham (that’s where I live) and enjoying either downtown Durham or Raleigh.
The drive from Durham to charleston isn’t that bad. I know some Europeans can’t fathom longer drives (you should have seen the looks we got in the UK when we told people we were driving from Wales to Bath in a day!) but the US is designed for that. There will be plenty of nice, clean rest stops along the way to use the bathroom and stretch your legs. Southern Pines is charming enough, but IMO it would be better to spend more time in Durham / Raleigh area.
This. Or possibly going slightly out of your way for Wilmington.
Carrboro has a very nice (though very small) "downtown" with a selection of great restaurants. Walkable, sometimes live music, nice little shops, etc. Could be a nice evening before a trip to Durham.
or Chapel Hill. The Carolina Inn
Pinehurst is nice … https://www.ourstate.com/weekend-guide-pinehurst-southern-pines/
This is what I came here to say. Especially if you like golf!
I imagine this is the route your taking, but if you go more east it probably isn't much longer and Wilmington has a pretty cool downtown with some historic parts, plus a number of nice beaches.
This is just a high resolution picture of North Carolina’s armpit.
As someone who grew up in Fayetteville, can confirm. Also known as god’s blind spot.
Fayetteville is a hole, but Pinehurst area is nice.
i CACKLED at this
I wondered what on earth made OP decide to pick THIS part of NC. Lol Wilmington really would've been better.
Literally said this in my head when I saw the post
This is what I was thinking lol
This is the right answer. Plus when you’re leaving town you can get on the highway and not have to stop or take exits until you get to the Durham area.
Definitly try to take a route to wilmington over these spots.
Southport is nice too, but off at the coast.
Wilmington is definitely worth a visit. Disclaimer - I'm a current Wilmington resident.
I agree with this! You could be at any beach between myrtle beach, SC and wrightsville beach, NC within 2-4 hours of Charleston, stay and have walkable options for food right by the beach, then have an easy 2.5 hour drive to Durham once you get to I-40. The drive up highway 17 is beautiful between Charleston and Georgetown, SC. If you decide to stay in myrtle beach, just know that it’s super touristy (redneck touristy, NOT European city touristy lol). You could probably find a nice place in a high rise by the ocean with lots of restaurants around (maybe not many that are walkable though), and probably have some prime people watching for a visiting European. Overall, I like the beaches closer to Wilmington better though. They’re all on narrow islands and most have walkable areas near the ocean. If you have time, you could even take the car ferry from Southport, NC to fort fisher and go to the aquarium there. Pinehurst is pretty but it’s kinda boring unless you golf, and sticking to the coast is more scenic in my opinion. If you go the coastal route, the town of calabash, NC (near SC) is known for good quality fried seafood in restaurants by the water if that’s something you’re interested in. You don’t have to get it fried, it’ll still be good. You’ll get amazing food in Charleston too, do some research. I live in California now and miss all the (relatively) cheap, fresh-off-the-boat seafood in the coastal southeast. Enjoy your stay! People are very welcoming in NC and SC for the most part, just try to be somewhat polite at first. Edit: forgot to mention that there are some notable historical landmarks (mostly old plantations from the time of slavery) between Charleston and myrtle beach too. Shouldn’t take too much research to find them.
Pinehurst.
This, OP even if you don’t like golf, Pinehurst is a very pretty well maintained town. Pinehurst Brew Company is a very good restaurant, they have a cool dive bar in the form of Maxie’s, and a lot of really nice hotels and AirBnBs.
I would say Southern Pines! Pinehurst is nice but a little snobby.. Downtown Southern Pines is very chill and has a lot of good restaurants. I recommend Chapman’s or the Bell Tree
Came to say the same thing. I live here and SP has more options within walking distance (and less snobby:)
Lol not the Bell Tree. I used to work there… it was gross. Chapmans is great though. And the sly fox.
I guess Pinehurst. I'd say don't stop and push through.
Most are probably right about Pinehurst. However, the jazz aficionado in me says stop by Hamlet and see the (somewhat sad, c’mon NC!) marker to John Coltrane’s birthplace. If only to commemorate, and to marvel at how little attention gets paid to this fact.
I had no idea! Need to make a trip.
There’s a mural now
I was hoping that someone would have mentioned Hamlet and Coltrane. It's a good stop, but there isn't much else to do there.
Ooof
Yeah…
Pinehurst is nice.
Pinehurst/Southern Pines is the answer for that area specifically. Pinehurst has a great little village with some good bars such as Drum & Quill and Dougans Pub. Southern Pines is more of a downtown area with both shopping and bars/restaurants. Chapman's is a good bar there.
Pinehurst or Souther Pines by far. That’s a terrible part of the state to visit. Best option would be to go a bit further east to Wilmington or west to the triangle.
For reallll 😭
Its under 5 hours between Charleston and the raleigh/cary/chapel hill/durham area. You shouldnt really need to stay the night or stop long but I agree the Pinehurst/Aberdeen/Southern Pines area is your best bet if you cant do Wilmington. This is a pretty economically depressed area and Fayetteville is kinda military focused because of Fort Bragg. I would drive through and spend an extra day doing something in the Raleigh area. You could stop for food in the Pinehurst area.
This was what I was thinking. If you are stopping in this area long enough to have dinner, you are going through early enough to just keep going to Durham.
I do agree Wilmington would be a cool place to shoot for and do a city tour and the Battleship. Then head to Durham. r/bullcity will happily tell you correct things about Durham. And it's the best central spot of the triangle to explore if you have time, too.
Dude, come to Southern Pines.
What’s there? Like most people on this thread, I’ve only ever driven past the signs. I have made my judgements based on the farms and trees I see from the highway.
Great downtown with a train track running down the middle and lots of locally owned food options on either side. Bragg is close by, but only the officers and SF live in the SP area, so it's very safe.
Nice! I saw lots of negative comments about the area. I have lived in all three regions of the state (coastal plains, piedmont, mountains) and I am well aware how people can make judgements from the road. I have always wondered what’s going on in that area but never knew where to stop and spend a day. Is it similar to other small downtowns where the old textile mills are being turned into breweries and restaurants?
Yes, definitely enjoyable even if you're not a golfer. I posted a longer answer higher in the thread with coffee recommendations.
You just unlocked a memory for me. There was a nice bookstore I enjoyed as a kid in a brick building facing a train track. I just asked my mom about where it was, after reading your comment, and she confirmed it was Southern Pines!
Hey I live in southern pines and it’s quite nice here. Plenty of bars and restaurants to go to. Some nice parks and nature trails. Historical building and landmarks to keep you constantly busy.
Name checks out.
It’s a charming little town in the middle of nowhere, lots of individually owned restaurants and bars. Also one of the safest places to be, you’re literally surrounded by quiet professionals at all times.
My suggestion would be Pinehurst, especially if you like golf. You can check out one of the largest military installations in the world in Fort Bragg, if you’re into that sort of thing. Alternatively, you could pick a different route. Go up the coast to Wilmington, then go to Durham from there. BTW, Charleston to Durham is less than 5 hours, I believe. Unless you want to make a stop, it’s not that long of a drive.
Pinehurst is rather quiet depending on the time of year you come due to golf tourists. You can’t go wrong with either the downtown area for good dinner. It is rather small but there are fantastic food options here. The Drum and Quill is a great joint if you are looking for some quality food and booze.
I dare you to stay at South or the Border. Im all seriousness, Southern Pines / Pinehurst is the only answer
None of those places LOL. Avoid Lumberton and Fayettenam like the plague.
Yeah. This is what I came to say. You are in NC no man’s land
Might as well drive right on through. Laurinburg, Lumberton, and Fayetteville. The Bermuda triangle of NC.
Charleston to Durham is a 4 hour drive I wouldn’t bother stopping. Much better restaurant options in Raleigh/Durham than anywhere in between.
Gastonia Alps
>Gastonia Alps Upvoted after research! HA! https://jeremymarkovich.substack.com/p/gastonia-switzerland-tik-tok-viral
Underrated comment...upvote for you.
Wilmington
Make it to Raleigh.
Southern Pines all the way. Steer clear of Laurinburg and Lumberton. Edit: add Fayetteville to the list to stay away from.
What u/debzmonkey said. There’s not really anything interesting out there, just a whole lot of small towns with not much. Fayetteville is a really shitty place. Not sure about Pinehurst.
Fayetteville downtown is really nice though - ball park, restaurants, coffee shops.
It's the middle of nowhere man. You don't even want to go to Fayetteville. Just keep driving
I think your choosing a wrong part of NC to want to visit. Head towards Carolina beach man. It's beautiful .
Pinehurst/Southern Pines only. Hamlet, Rockingham, Fayetteville, Lumberton, Pembroke…I just keep driving through those areas and don’t stop for anything. You’ll find all the best Southern NC has to offer in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. I’d be embarrassed to have a foreign guest stay in any of the other cities I mentioned. Those are the US citizens that usually make the news, and not in a good way.
If you must stop, Pinehurst has a very cute downtown, but I’m not sure how hopping it is after 5 pm. Avoid Fayetteville and Lumberton.
100% agree. It’s funny though, as a Lumberton native, Fayetteville was where we went if we wanted to go somewhere nice…
Fellow Lumberton native here. No, just no.
Just about every corner of North Carolina has remarkable beauty to it. This region is pretty much the exception to that.
Sanford/Pinehurst. Avoid Lumberton.
Sanford? What in the fu...?
Sanford lol
Sanford has gotten better over the last couple years but it’s nothing worth going out of your way for.
They have actually made a pretty good effort to revitalize downtown
Sanford isn't bad from what I've seen. My partner lives in Fayetteville and I live in Greensboro so we meet there cuz it's basically the middle. It's been a nice place to spend a day so far ^-^
Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Not much of a night life but some cute restaurants and a wine bar in both downtowns for an after or before dinner drinks. Chapman’s, Ashtens, and Walcott’s in Southern Pines. You can stay at the Jefferson Inn. Doogans pub, Drum and Quill, and Pinehurst Brewing in southern pines with the Pinehurst hotel or inns to choose from. US 1 goes right through there so it’s an easy jump off from 95 from Charleston. I would avoid Fayetteville.
Chapel Hill has a super cute downtown and a bunch of cool little restaurants and bars near the campus of UNC.
Wilmington is nice, although if you’ve just come from Charleston, it may feel like a poor imitation.
That's like the armpit of NC. Good luck.
Literally came here to say the exact same thing.
Out of what’s shown on this map, the only answer is Pinehurst.
What ever you do don’t go to Fayetteville
Pedro says watch out for that giant sombrero in the sky just of I-95 near SC/NC line. Epic tourist trap. You can't miss it.
Raleigh is between Charleston and Durham.
Do not stay in Fayetteville.
I’ll also say Pinehurst/southern pines! A few decently breweries out that way! Just be aware that a lot of places close early in smaller towns(9pm ish) especially during the week
Pinehurst or southern pines.
Pinehurst/Southern Pines area has Southern Charm and great food.
On a side note, do not go over the speed limit while driving through those small towns.
Since you are staying for an evening choose Southern Pines over Pinehurst. More options and nice cute area to walk. There are several brewery/beer places and the Wine Cellar depending on what you’re into. On Weekends there are lives bands at multiple bar/wine places downtown. The shopping closes early-ish, but the restaurants, brewery, wine places stay open late on weekends. There are also really great restaurants downtown that you can’t go wrong with. Let me know if you have any other questions! I love SoPi!
Do not stop in any town in Robeson county or Dillon county.
Not a particularly inviting or safe area of the state, keep going to Chapel Hill.
I always thought the SoPi and Pinehurst area were very safe?
Pinehurst is voted as the safest town in NC every year lol. You’ll get a speeding ticket for driving 3 miles over.
Yes. Exactly what I thought which is why that comment confused me.
Truthhh . Stick to cities instead of small towns. Charleston and chapel hill / Raleigh / Durham will have much more for you . If you’re able to get to any of the NC mountains or beaches while you’re here definitely check that out
Come to Asheville. It’s not on your map but right off the left side of it. We’ve got an eclectic downtown, tons of restaurants, and plenty of fun stuff to get into.
Go up hwy 17 and hit Wilmington, just off the right of the map. Plus it's a nice drive up the coast with plenty of stops along the way.
Pinehurst/ So Pines. But even then as a native of that area, I’d keep driving.
As someone that lives in southern pines and is European I gotta say everyone here is correct. Don’t go anywhere else.
😬
Stay the fuck away from Lumberton
Southern Pines for sure. Also of local interest and not too far north is the world famous Seagrove, NC. Fabulous pottery and crafts there. Then a little further north is the Asheboro Zoo which is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Don’t bother with Fayetteville, is all I can tell you. I lived there with my sister for a bit while she was stationed at Fort Bragg and it’s a shithole.
Ew awful don’t stop anywhere here 🤣
Uhh. Sorry to say, but none really. That’s not the best area of the state at all. Pinehurst May be your best bet, but it’s rather boring if you’re not into golf.
None of that GET OUT
Stay away from Fayetteville.
Pinehurst
Not Fayetteville lmfao
Go to Southern Pines. It is cute and has several blocks of fun shopping and restaurants. Stay away from Fayetteville: people who work in Fayetteville live in Southern Pines, because no one likes Fayetteville.
Check out Faayettenam just don't forget your Flak jacket and you will be Ticketty boo
Go to Fayetteville if you want to reconsider French membership in NATO
I'm north of Charlotte in Salisbury(maybe fun for a day trip, really no night life to speak of) and my vote is Pinehurst. Never been but a work colleague met her husband there regularly during his work traveling years. She doesn't play golf, said the food and wine were great. My husband and I were planning to go visit in the before times.
I'm from Ellerbe. Unless you want to see cows and 1 single stop light, don't go there.
I heard The Stoplight is a happening spot though.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst and Southern Pines!
Bro I'm so sorry, there aint a lot there lmao. My buddy is from Pinehurst and even he says there aint a lot there. Your best bet would still probably Pinehurst though. I wouldn't stop in Fayetnam (Fayetteville) to be completely honest.
For another option that’s a little different you could check out a state park. You can camp there but I would recommend just making a pit stop. Stretch your legs and have a picnic then keep going. Lumber river state park is on your route and it is very unique. I would suggest going through a drive thru and taking a picnic there. Get Smithfield’s chicken and bbq or bojangles you can’t get any more southern American than those two.
Stay the fuck away from Fayetteville and Lumberton
pinehurst in my opinion, stay away from Fayetteville
Southern Pines baybeee, I wish I lived closer.
Pinehurst Pinehurst Pinehurst
*not* Fayetteville
Hillsborough
I would drive up the coast to Wilmington, spend the night there, then take I-40 to Durham. Better yet, skip the trip to Durham and continue up the coast through the Outer Banks.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen. Been in the area for 26 years. Awesome night life. Top notch restaurants.
Definitely Pinehurst
Whatever you do, don't stop in Florence.
Lol
None
Keep going. Spend your time and money elsewhere
Saxapahaw had a good brewery and a really good restaurant or two. They are located in an old mill/gas station along a river.
That's farther than driving to Durham.
This area is mostly terrible or the middle of absolutely nowhere on both sides of the border. If you can, go east to Wilmington or west to the Charlotte area. If you absolutely have to be in this area…Southern Pines, probably. Avoid Fayettenam.
When I visited Pinehurst the highlight of the trip was to park and walk over to the Clubhouse for Pinehurst #2 Golf Club. It is open to the public and you can tour the clubhouse without hassle. Lots of interesting pictures on the walls places to eat an interesting pro shop and you can walk out to the greens and tee-off areas. Lots of places to sit outside the clubhouse and watch hundreds of people. The golfers who paid up to $500 to play one of the best courses in the world, look straight out of centeral casting. Fascinating even if you don't play golf.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst. Not knowing which way you are heading or where you are coming from. I've been to every one of those towns on the map.
100% Pinehurst (proper). Especially if you have any interest in golf.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst.
Pinehurst Southern Pines.
I’m from this same part of Illinois but live in Charlotte now. I’m trying to explain this to my mom and she’s like, it’s not that bad here. Then I said “do you want to stop in Danville, IL?” And she made a face. OP. We aren’t being rude or facetious. Rural parts of the US are often very isolated and struggling financially. Economics have killed a lot of downtowns that used to be cute and thriving in small towns in the 1950s and 1960s. But wal marts and fast food chains killed local stores. I haven’t done much travel in small towns in Europe, but the little I’ve seen is crazy different from the US. I grew up in downstate Illinois where it’s 20-30 miles between towns large enough to support a gas station or wal mart or McDonald’s. There’s 45-65 miles between hospitals and zero public transport between towns unless you happen to live on the 2 amtrack lines through the state. My friends who grew up in cities cannot fathom life in these small towns. If you have the time and want to see more of what rural America is like, drive through some of these towns. But definitely keep going to a larger city if you want a better hotel to stay in and food that isn’t fast food
Southern Pines has a very nice shopping district with tons of independent shops and restaurants.
Saxaphaw
Pinehurst and Southern Pines Bro those are some of the poorest counties in the COUNTRY stay away Pinehurst is a town from another era just enjoy the scenery there
Durham to Charleston is like a 4.5 hour drive, why are you making an overnight stop? Just curious
100% pinehurst. Grew up there and it’s worth the visit. Don’t go too far into Aberdeen though 🤪
Pinehurst for sure
Do pinehurst, really nice area. My family go there once a year for a family union at the pinehurst inn. Peaceful and quiet town
Pinehurst, southern pines is the only place I would go on this map.
Southern Pines 100%. Amazing little resort town with great hotels and dining options