Better weather is on the horizon, and you know what that means — day trips, weekend trips and drinking outside (just kidding, we do that all year). Soon it will be time to knock off the year-old sand that’s been stuck to the bottom of your beach chairs, grab that free tote you got for spending too much money in DSW and look for greener pastures (a COOK OUT in a different town).
If you’re into beer and the occasional drum circle, dust off your Subaru Outback and head west. If you’re ready to hide booze in a tumbler and watch your children get swept to sea, the eastern shores are calling your name. (Doesn’t N.C. just have it all?)
My point is, it’s time to travel again, and I’ve got a list of Fuquay-friendly places to visit that are guaranteed to have a Bojangles along the way.
The Redneck Riviera (Myrtle Beach)
Did you seriously think I’d start with anything else? Both of the Carolinas have to share this prime piece of redneck real estate, so we better make the best of it. For residents of Holly Springs, they’ve got Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Skywheel, Barefoot Landing and Myrtle Beach State Park.
Don’t worry, Fuquay residents — they also have the Hollywood Wax Museum, biker bars, a campground with a lazy river and fun, slightly frightening nights at Family Kingdom.
Myrtle Beach is equipped with a Wings and Eagles on every corner, in case you decide your swimsuit doesn’t cut the mustard. BONUS: There are all-you-can-eat restaurants galore, adorned with gigantic crab doors. The class! The sophistication! THE ELEGANCE.
Asheville/Boone
Yes, I’ve grouped these together, but I think you know why. If you feel like heading up to one of these two towns, you need to really look the part. We’re talking Carhartt beanies, bumper stickers that will outlive your car, hiking boots at-the-ready and a kayak strapped precariously to the roof of your car. Will you actually kayak? No, you’ll drink beer and eat your weight in food. Good for you.
If you head to Boone, you’ll take pictures of your kid freaking out on Grandfather Mountain and shop downtown until you have an incense headache (bring Excedrin).
If you find yourself in Asheville, you’ll do a pub crawl and end up drunk in the middle of a drum circle. Or drunk in the middle of Biltmore, if you’re from Holly Springs. You may or may not come back with a bear tattoo. Be careful out there.
Winston-Salem
This is the town we all go to when we’re feeling lazy. It’s far, but not too far, and it has an old village straight out of an M. Night Shyamalan movie. Moravians and their cookies exist there, so it seems pretty exotic. Walk around Old Salem and teach your kids about history and learn to make bread and stuff.
If you like old houses and pretty gardens, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art is a great place to channel your inner socialite.
PRO TIP: Visit Penny Path Café & Crepe Shop in Reynolda Village and thank me later.
Wilmington
It takes just over two hours to drive to Wilmington, making it the perfect day trip if you want to see some brackish water.
Craving something sweet on your way down? Take the exit to Rose Hill to visit Duplin Winery and grab some bottles to-go (use their bathroom while you’re there; it’s the only clean one for the next 40 miles).
Once in Wilmington, head downtown to stare at the Cape Fear River until you spontaneously decide to hit up a beach — Carolina Beach for Fuquay, Wrightsville for Holly Springs. You’re welcome. Happy Travels!
