Play, Eat,
Repeat
by Halifax County CVB
Do you believe in Ghosts?
If you’re the kind of tourist that enjoys ghost stories, chilling tales in the dark of the night, or if you are looking for evidence of the supernatural, Littleton, NC has just the ticket. Ghost Tours of Historic Haunted Littleton, was founded by Stephen Barcelo, a long-time photojournalist with the New York Daily News. While doing a “Halloween-themed documentary” for the paper, Stephen became captivated by the paranormal. Now he leads mysterious and supernatural tours in the heart of historic Littleton. Whether a 45 minute Ghost Walk or a 4 hour Ghost Hunt, you can walk the little known trails through this historic community. Hear strange folk tale, and ghost stories along the way as you search for restless spirits. One creepy stop is the Alston House, 1895. Disembodied voices are known to drift throughout. Another stop is Person’s Ordinary, 1739, the oldest standing landmark in Halifax County. The building has been securely sealed for years, but locals report seeing faces and lights coming from inside! Don’t miss the Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum before you go. Skeptic or believer, share in the mystery!
How many times have you heard, “Mom, dad, this is boring, when are we going to do something fun?” We love our kids and want them to be happy. However the history trails, shopping outlets, pubs and eateries just can’t hold their interest forever. Fortunately for visitors in Halifax County, there is Hangtime located in Roanoke Rapids, NC. It’s an indoor trampoline paradise for kids. Families can enjoy a foam pit, rock-wall, obstacles and video games. They even offer open jump times, summer camps, birthday parties, and more! The Hangtime folks will assist with any planning. Including a special birthday vacation. All is well, and all is good because the kids will have an amazing time at Hangtime. Their mission is to offer a safe and fun place for everyone of all ages to enjoy!
Come Hang at Hangtime!
“Check out” a Bike and Travel Back in Time
One of the newest additions to our recreational activities is the Bike Lending Program on the Roanoke Canal Trail. The Roanoke Canal Trail contains some of the most impressive and best preserved early 19th century canal construction in the nation. Along the trail, you may experience sightings of wildlife, wildflowers, creeks, and the Roanoke River. You can now “check out” a bike at two locations on the seven mile long Roanoke Canal Trail and ride for free! The Roanoke Canal Museum, located on Jackson Street in Roanoke Rapids, or Riverside Mill on Mill Street in Weldon, are stocked with bikes and ready to help you experience the trail. To check out a bike, leave a driver’s license at either location and ride all day. When you return your bike, the license is returned to you. Families can enjoy the trail even if everyone doesn’t have their own bike. Enjoy one of our best kept secrets. Contact the HCCVB during your trip to Halifax County for more bike sharing information! (800-522-4282)
The Joy of Music
Feel the music wash over you, the beat of drums in your chest, the bass and guitars electrifying your soul. Live music uplifts the heart. The Roanoke Rapids Theatre is a special venue that provides such a journey. The 1,500 seat theater is a premier entertainment venue for visitors of all ages. Built in 2006, envisioned as a regional arts center, it excites Eastern Carolina natives and travelers alike. Seeing a show at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre isn’t just show up, watch, and go home. It is a full-on multisensory experience. Entering the lobby one immediately feels the energy of a live acoustic band. Vendor booths and activities line the entryway. The evening’s event is more than just a concert. It’s a celebration of music with friends, new and old. Experience the magical energy of live music. As the theatre says, “Music can cure things medication never will!”
Antiquing in Halifax County
It takes a special kind of person to love antiques, and North Carolina has some special antiques. If you are looking for larger pieces such as bedroom suites, dining sets, dressers, bookcases, tables, and clocks, then Pepper & Doughtie’s in the heart of Roanoke Rapids is the right place. They have a large inventory of furnishing including Chippendale, Colonial, Federal, Queen Anne and others. They also carry smaller pieces such as lamps, clocks, and accessories. Not far from Pepper & Doughtie’s is Bass House. Set in a 1913 farmhouse in historic Halifax, Bass House specializes in smaller items such as tools and kitchen items that are functional and would align with the Early American style. They also have gift items and pieces for every occasion. Both of these shops complement one another. They have beautiful items and staging to draw you into that period. Take a trip back in time and visit The Bass House and Pepper & Doughtie’s for your antiquing needs.
Coming Home again, the way it used to be.
There is nothing like a blue highway winding in to the distance. Just off the Route 158, and sitting at the edge of the gorgeous Roanoke River is the end of the rainbow. Riverside Mill of Weldon, NC, is a gem in the colonial backcountry of Halifax County. The historic cotton mill was refitted as a shopping adventure for visitors and travelers. With over 20,000 square feet of antiques, designer outlet stores, and regional hand-crafted art the amazing discoveries are a sure bet! Eastern Carolina is a virtual goldmine for “diggers”, or antique hunters, and you’re sure to find that special “artifact.” If crafts are your thing, check out the various items lovingly created with wood, gourds, wrought iron, glass and fiber- a true blending of artistic delights. Finally, a large number of outlets have splendid daily sales on designer fashions, home décor, and North Carolina farm products. The tastiest snack may well be Baker’s Southern Tradition Peanuts, an authentic NC delicacy. With Carolina Cajun and Dark Chocolate covered peanuts to name just a couple, these are not your average snacks. Join the fun anytime, and stay awhile.
100 Miles of Diggers’ Bliss
Bring your quarters, dollar bills and bargaining shoes! Tourists have never seen such a thing as the Highway 301 Endless Yard Sale. Stretching a monumental 100 miles, The Endless Yard Sale runs the entire length of the state of North Carolina on Highway 301. Trinkets, nick-nacks, furniture, crafts, comic books, junk, antiques, and amazing baked treats all await in this highway thriller of a sale. Choose how you want to “dig” in this vast selection of organized vending sites, business districts, or antique malls. But the backbone of this sale is the people, just having cleaned the garage and attic, and sitting out in front of their homes having a good time. The June sale date assures a scorching summer sun so guests are encouraged to stay hydrated, and be safe. There will be misting stations along the route to cool you off. Don’t be daunted, this could be the chance of a lifetime to find that thing you’ve always wanted. Be sure to travel the sunburned Carolina roads this June. You’ll be glad you did.
Just Like New York Pizza
If you’ve ever been to New York, then you know what good pizza tastes like, and you probably don’t even want to try it anywhere else because you know it just won’t compare. Well, tucked away in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina is a little pizza joint that is an exception to this. In fact, visitors from New York and New Jersey all say that if you’re looking for a good slice, then this is the place to go. Pino’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant is a casual spot that everyone loves. It’s no wonder that it’s overflowing with locals all the time. You can find any of your Italian favorites here like white pizza, Stromboli, pasta dinners, antipasto, calzones with ham ricotta and mozzarella. And to mix things up, they’re specifically known for some pretty spectacular cheesesteaks. For dessert, they’ve got it all – tiramisu, cannoli, and cheesecakes galore. This is the place where any Italian-American will feel at home, and where anyone else will want to join the family!
Feed The Birds, And Yourself Too!
When the weather cools down in Eastern North Carolina, it means one thing – oyster season! Sylvan Heights Bird Park hosts the annual Oyster Roast “For the Birds”, and humans are not the only ones who get to eat! The staff at the park use ground up oyster shells to feed nesting birds, since the calcium provides them with important nutrients; so no part of the oyster goes uneaten. The event and the funds they raise will support the park and all of the work that they do to protect the birds and provide quality education. Admission is $40 per person, which includes shrimp, oysters, slaw, hush puppies, beer and wine. There will also be live entertainment to get the party going. This is a wonderful chance to see the beautiful park aviaries and some of the 2,500 exotic bird residents, all while giving back to a great cause. Just remember not to throw your shells away!
The Word is Eastern BBQ.
Our Texan cousins must forgive us but…Real barbeque is pork, PERIOD. One thing has remained unchanged since the centuries of our founding: Carolina’s love of pork and the art of preparation. People travel from far, and wide just to eat this BBQ! North Carolina’s own special “signature “is a vinegar based sauce. Tart yes, but cut with sugar, red pepper, garlic, and spices depending on the “House” recipe. Halifax County is a BBQ oasis. Check out Lynches BBQ and Grill in Hollister, NC. Take-out only, Lynches currently holds 5 stars on Yelp and TripAdvisor, and for the midnight ramblers’ they are also open late! Drive a little farther, towards Lake Gaston, and you will find Grandpa’s Kitchen in Littleton, a place where you’re with family. They serve the best fresh, tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue pork, chicken, and turkey to be found anywhere, at any price. Another local favorite is A & M Bar-Be-Que in Scotland Neck, NC. They close at 6 so plan to eat your supper early. Sitting on a quiet street corner, this unimposing little building serves smoked BBQ goodness, Brunswick stew, and all the fixins. These local shops are the best of what Carolina food culture has to offer. Friendliness, and an earthshattering taste of smoked pork!
The Best Barbecue Around
If you ask people in Halifax County where the best barbecue is, they’ll be sure to tell you to try Ralph’s Barbeque in Weldon. This business has been in the family since the 1940’s – so they definitely know what they’re doing! Ralph began the business in 1941, and his son Mason later took it over in the 60’s, followed by Mason’s daughter thereafter. One thing’s for sure: they have not lost the secret recipes along the way. If you go, the slow-cooked pulled pork is to die for. Other barbecue favorites include pork ribs and the Carolina Hot Dog with all the fixins’. And don’t miss your favorite Southern sides like coleslaw, collards, cinnamon spiced apples, pickled beets and macaroni and cheese. Just make sure you leave room for dessert, because the perfect cherry on top of this meal is a piece of one of their pies: sweet potato, coconut, lemon or chocolate méringue. Are you hungry yet?!
Historic Elegance: Bellamy Manor and Gardens B&B
Bellamy Manor is a stellar plantation house originally owned by Dr. John T. Bellamy, featuring architectural elements from Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Greek Revival styles. This stunning bed and breakfast offer four bedrooms each with a private bath and European walk-in shower. The amenities include porch hammocks for relaxing, cable television, Wi-Fi, and spa services including a Jacuzzi bath and double shower. Bellamy Manor also has a canoe and two kayaks available for guests to use. The cuisine is delightful and includes a full southern breakfast, afternoon tea, and an evening toast of wine on the back porch when you arrive. Bellamy Manor offers packages such as the Honeymoon, Wedding Night and Spa Weekend from which to choose. The bed and breakfast is also an ideal wedding venue with beautiful gardens for an outdoor event or a smaller intimate ceremony indoors. Bellamy Manor and Gardens B&B is an ideal retreat, getaway, or wedding venue. Give them a call today to discuss your needs and dates.
Finger Licking Good: Tim-Buck’s BBQ Sauce
What started out as a couple making BBQ sauce for family and friends has turned into a home business; Tim-Buck’s BBQ Sauce. They decided to bottle their sauce that was in high demand and sell it. They have an online store where you can order the tasty product and have it shipped to your home. Alternatively, you could stop by some local businesses that carry Tim-Buck’s BBQ Sauce in their stores. In fact, there are about 75 places in the region that carry the tangy sauce; grocery stores, markets, and gift shops. Made from all natural ingredients, the sauce has no preservatives and is gluten-free. The sauce goes great with any meat and comes in regular and hot recipes. The sauce is ideal for a gift and yourselves. One thing for sure, you will be asking for more! For more information, go to visithalifax.com
