A Romantic Getaway Filled with Southern Charm
A romantic getaway to the countryside was exactly what we needed. My husband and I lead busy lives in the hubbub of Raleigh, and though our days are exciting and fulfilling, they leave us drained at the end of the week, with little energy to enjoy our weekends together. Our much-needed couple’s trip to the relaxing rural sites of Halifax County was filled with romance, thanks to the Southern charm of our accommodations, the warm vibe of the quaint town we explored together, and the delicious meal that helped us shut out the rest of the world.
We selected the picturesque Bellamy Manor & Gardens in Enfield to be our home away from home during our stay. The manor house is surrounded by four acres of serene landscaping, with loblolly pines lining the pathways around the property. I could catch lemony wafts from the magnolias—a sure thing to put us in a romantic state of mind. Our room was charmingly appointed with a super comfortable bed, which we learned was made right here in North Carolina. We enjoyed lounging in the eclectic library and chatted with some of the other guests in the drawing room with its grand piano. The breakfast was superb, made with the freshest ingredients sourced from local producers. Just our stay at Bellamy Manor would have made for a cozy trip with my husband, but, as we discovered, the ambiance of the entire area just added to the feeling of being on a true getaway.
After breakfast, we set out to explore the town of Enfield. Founded in 1740, this town was established and prospered, thanks to the Enfield Tobacco Market. Soon, however, as we learned, peanuts took over as the main crop, a heritage the town celebrates with its annual Peanut Festival.
To learn more about this yummy legume, we stopped at Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts, located in the A&B Milling Company building. The store started off as a feed, seed, and fertilizer shop, but the peanuts took over, as we could clearly see. Peanuts in all forms and flavors are available, from bags of nuts in the shell to tins of roasted red-skinned peanuts, and a variety of flavored options: Cajun spice, salt and pepper, and—my favorite—the sweet and salty honey roasted. My husband picked up several packages, as well as a tin of peanut brittle that he slipped in at the last moment. He thought I didn’t notice, but I well know his sweet tooth after all these years together.
It was lunchtime, and I was craving something that felt like home. Gloria’s Bottom Of The Barrel delivered in every way—just stepping inside brought me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of slow-cooked greens and sizzling cornbread filled the air, wrapping us in comfort. They call it country soul food, and they mean it. Every bite was rich with flavor and memories, from the tender pork chops to the creamy mac and cheese. It’s rare to find a place that serves food with this much heart. And for the price? An absolute gem.
We walked around town for a bit, stopping to take in the murals near Aunt Ruby’s, which were created by local artist Napoleon Hill. He painted several scenes throughout the county, most of which depict the rural life here, highlighting tobacco fields, cows, and, of course, peanuts. We also popped into Southern Secrets at Mears, a unique boutique supporting local artisans who sell their original art, gifts, and handmade goods. My husband got his brittle—now it was my turn. I decided to buy a whimsical calendar featuring the paintings of a local artist, so I can remember this trip every time I look at it next year.
On the last day of our stay, we decided to swing through the cute and picturesque little town of Hobgood on our way home. This charming spot hosts an annual Cotton Festival and is home to the former Atlantic Coastline Railroad Depot—locally known as The Hobgood Depot—which has become a community and visitor center. Also located in this town is Hobgood Hemp, which features locally grown hemp products, such as CBD gummies, tinctures, and lotions. We had read that this company’s products are of the highest quality, so we spoke with the knowledgeable salespeople to learn more about what sets their products apart.
As we drove out of town, my husband reached over to take my hand, a sign that he was truly relaxed and happy. I think we will need to plan our next getaway to Halifax County right away to keep this romantic feeling alive!
