day trips from wilson nc

30 Fun Things To Do In Wilson, NC (Eat, Drink, Stay, Play)

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The charming town of Wilson, NC , is located less than an hour away from Raleigh. You may even pass through it on your way to the coast.

If so, be sure to stop and check out Whirligig Park , Lake Wilson , the brewery scene , and the fantastic restaurants !

Or, plan an overnight trip from Raleigh. That’s what my husband and I did and we loved finding all the fun and unique spots in Wilson.

The following are my top picks for things to do, restaurants to eat at, and places to stay in Wilson, NC.

I hope you get a chance to visit!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Things To Do In Wilson, NC

1 – vollis simpson whirligig park & museum.

Whirligig Park is one of the top attractions in Wilson, NC, showcasing 30 whirligigs.

A whirligig is a giant kinetic sculpture made from recycled industrial parts.

A farm machinery repairman, Vollis Simpson, created these unique works of art on his family farm just outside of Wilson. He worked on his sculptures seven days a week until right before he died at age 94.

Things to know before you go:

• The park is free.
• Dogs are allowed.
• You can rent the park.
• There’s a Farmer’s and Artisan Market at the park on Saturdays from spring through fall.
• There are bands, beer, and food trucks on Saturday evenings at certain times of the year.
• The park is within walking distance of Casita Brewing Company, Ruckus & Redemption, Imagination Station, and Treat Yo’ Self Bakery.

2 – Wilson Botanical Gardens

This small garden is a gem in Wilson and features various beautiful flowers and interesting plants like the Venus Fly Trap and Pitcher Plant.

Children especially love the secret garden , magic tunnel, and raining roof.

Many people come just to enjoy all the delightful spots for photoshoots .

Be sure to come in December when you can enjoy the Winter Lights , or October when there are Halloween Treats .

You can also book a wedding or birthday party here.

Know before you go:

• The gardens are open 365 days a year.
• Public restrooms are only available at certain hours. (Check the website for times.)

3 – Lake Wilson Reservoir

Lake Wilson is the reason my husband and I visited Wilson. We had been told that it was a great spot to kayak or paddleboard .

(Here’s a link to our favorite paddle board.)

It did not disappoint. It’s a beautiful lake surrounded by a lovely paved walking trail that’s about 2 miles long.

One of the prettiest things about the lake is the gorgeous bridge that crosses over the water at a spot where you can view the wildlife and wetlands.

We paddled to the back of the lake, under the bridge, around the wetlands, and then up a creek that can take you to Lake Silver if the water is high enough. (It wasn’t for us on this trip, but we’ll be back!)

• This lake has restrooms, disc golf, picnic tables, a boat launch, and a playground.

ISLE Pioneer Paddle Board

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4 – Downtown Wilson Walking Tour

When visiting downtown Wilson, you’ll quickly notice the interesting architecture of many of the homes and buildings.

So why not take a historic walking tour to learn more about the area?

Just pick up a map from the visitor’s center.

It includes 54 homes and buildings registered as historic landmarks like the Georgian Revival home that is now Barton College or Planters Bank, which is built in the Classical Revival style.

• It’s probably too far to walk the tour at once. Try driving to different sections of the tour and walking from there.
• Drive up Nash Street from downtown Wilson and some side roads to see even more interesting homes.

5 – Imagination Station

Imagination Station is a hands-on museum that has live science demonstrations, local history, and exotic animals.

Not to be missed is the Herpetarium , where you can view the daily snake feeding.

Kids will love the rabbits, chinchillas, love birds, warthog, and other animals they’ll get to interact with.

• Admission is $6.00 a person, while children under 2 are free.
• They have birthday party packages.
• You can bring your own lunch and eat in the lobby area.

6 – Wilson Rose Garden

Wilson Rose Garden is one of the largest public rose gardens in North Carolina.

It has more than 1,000 rose bushes in 60 beds, with more varieties added every year.

The garden includes a beautiful fountain, picnic areas, gazebos, and restrooms.

• The best time to visit is in May, when the roses are at their peak, but they are still pretty throughout the summer and fall.
• The gardens are a great place for photoshoots, events, and picnics.

7 – The Country Doctor Museum

The Country Doctor Museum is 20 minutes outside of Wilson, but if you’re coming from the Raleigh area, chances are you’ll pass right by it. If so, it’s definitely worth the stop.

We’ve visited several times over the years and have enjoyed seeing the live leeches , old apothecary jars , and learning how doctors would make their own pills .

We love the gift shop where you can purchase old-style wooden toys and other treasures.

• There is a small admission price.
• Tours are provided every hour, on the hour (and they are worth it).
• No gum, candy, food, or drinks are allowed in the buildings.

8 – Wiggins Mill Reservoir

My husband and I loved stopping here to take pictures of the dam. We hope to come back to Wiggins Mill soon to paddleboard.

They have a dock and a boat launch for non-motorized boats. And it’s also an excellent spot for fishing .

(Update: I’ve been told that even though Google Maps shows a boat launch, it is still hard to get your boat on the water. Please let me a comment if you have tried putting your boat in here.)

I’d suggest picking up lunch at nearby Parker’s BBQ and bringing it here for a picnic.

9 – Tar River Reservoir

The Tar River Reservoir is north of Wilson and has a few different boat ramps.

It’s a great place to kayak, paddleboard , or fish.

After you enjoy the water, visit the Reservoir Country Store where you can get hamburgers, hot dogs, and a cold drink.

Seashell Mesh Tote

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Best Places to eat In Wilson, NC

10 – la rancherita grill & tequila bar.

We ate at La Rancherita Grill on the recommendation of a local and loved it.

I savored the tender, flavorful Steak Fajitas and my husband enjoyed the Mizcalita Quesadilla which came with a delicious chipotle cream drizzled on top.

To be honest, I didn’t think the beans and rice that came with my dish were flavorful enough, but the Mojito my husband ordered more than made up for that. It was amazing.

• They offer a wonderful and affordable lunch menu.
• They also have locations in Tarboro and Greenville.

11 – Bill’s Grill

Bill’s Grill is a popular place for the locals , especially the policemen and city workers.

They serve American diner fare like hamburgers, sweet potato fries, chicken salad, and hot dogs.

Breakfast is also available, and you can order biscuits, sausage, eggs, bacon, and other comfort food.

• Check their website for the daily specials. On Fridays, for instance, they offer seafood and hushpuppy plates.
• Bill’s Grill is within walking distance of Whirligig Park.

12 – Varee Asian Cafe & Bakery

After hearing several locals talk about how much they love Varee Asian Cafe , I’m dying to come back and try the Thai food here.

Some reviews even claim that it’s the best Asian Cuisine they’ve had in the world, even better than Singapore and other Asian countries.

Guests love the Panang Curry, Ramen, Cashew Chicken, Fried Spring Rolls, Tom Yum, and Pad Prik Kra Paw.

• The dinner menu is a bit pricey so if money is an issue, go at lunchtime.

13 – Crab Du Jour Seafood & Bar

At Crab Du Jour , you get to choose your seafood , seasoning , and spice level , and they cook it and serve it in a bag with corn and potatoes.

Seafood choices include lobster, crab, scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, and more.

You can also order regular American food like hamburgers, chicken tenders, and sliders.

14 – Parker’s Barbeque

Parker’s Barbeque is another local favorite , and patrons even travel from other states to try their tasty food.

Customers love the fried chicken, boiled potatoes, Brunswick stew, coleslaw, corn sticks, and of course, the BBQ.

The prices are reasonable, and the portions are large.

They do catering, and you can even order their BBQ through the mail .

Yes, really.

It comes frozen on dry ice in Styrofoam coolers.

15 – Ruckus & Redemption

This fabulous burger joint in Historic Downtown Wilson serves signature burgers like the Smokehouse Burger, which comes with bacon, smoked provolone, fried onions, and steak sauce on a potato roll.

Customers also love the tasty appetizer offerings like Pork Belly Brussel Sprouts, Loaded Tots, and Mini Corn Dogs.

They have a full bar and serve a superb selection of signature cocktails and craft beer.

They are open for lunch and dinner and are closed on Monday.

16 – The Beefmaster Inn

This steakhouse is one of the most unusual restaurants I’ve come across.

There’s no menu because they only offer ribeye steak with a baked potato and an all-you-can-eat salad bar. But the ribeye steak is off the charts. Apparently, they are very selective about where they source their meat from.

They bring the uncooked ribeye to your table so you can choose the kind of cut you want. Then they grill it to perfection with just a few simple spices.

Seating is limited in the restaurant, and lines can be long, so patrons often wait in the parking lot for hours to get their tantalizing dinner. Most don’t seem to mind and even tailgate like you would at a football game.

Many claim this is the best steak money can buy , and the prices reflect that.

17 – Daniel’s Casual Fine Dining

Daniel’s offers fine dining at affordable prices.

The lunch menu features casual food like hamburgers and sandwiches, and the dinner menu is fancier, offering seafood and steaks.

Word from the locals is that the Pecan Chicken and She-Crab Soup is to die for.

Daniel’s is closed on Mondays.

18 – Tig’s Courtyard

We were so sad that Tig’s was closed when we visited Wilson because it gets such great reviews .

Let me share one of the reviews with you, and I think you’ll understand why Wilson is lucky to have this place.

“Tig’s is a cute bistro, nestled in the heart of downtown Wilson. The breakfast menu is amazing and served anytime. Their lunch sandwiches are also delicious and offer up some interesting and yummy combinations. They have great coffee and specialty drinks along with the usual sodas. If you’re looking for a a slice of home cooking with a friendly smile and a good price, Tig’s is perfect.”

Tig’s is open for breakfast and lunch.

19 – Jacks Restaurant

Jacks Restaurant gets high marks for having pescatarian , vegetarian , and gluten-free options.

Their tempting menu features many delicious dishes like Fried Shrimp Po’Boy and Buttermilk Fried Carolina Quail.

And at Jack’s, you’ll find upscale menu items for any budget. They offer small plates like Pan Seared Octopus or large plates like Barbecued Mussels and Cast Iron Seared Ribeye Cap Steak.

It’s no wonder the locals love this restaurant.

Jacks serves lunch and dinner and is closed on Sunday and Monday.

20 – Kountry Kitchen

The Kountry Kitchen offers downhome Southern cooking in a casual, friendy environment.

They serve breakfast to order and are buffet only for lunch . Items on the buffet include fried chicken, pork chops, bbq pork ribs, and banana pudding.

And seriously, don’t miss out on the banana pudding . It’s served warm with meringue on top.

21 – Pup’s Steakhouse

Only open for dinner, Pup’s Steakhouse offers steak, pork chops, seafood, soups, salads, and more. They have a separate bar menu that features their signature cocktails as well as wings, nachos, and burgers.

You can enjoy live music on the weekends in their lovely outdoor dining area.

Best Coffee Shops In Wilson, NC

22 – larema coffee house.

We stumbled across Larema Coffee House while strolling the streets of downtown Wilson and quickly learned what a gem this place is.

The locals rave over the unique flavored lattes , like the Golden Latte with ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon, or the Swirligig Latte with hazelnut, dark chocolate, and cinnamon.

You can also order herbal teas , tea lattes, and hot chocolate.

The seating area is clean, modern, and spacious – perfect for meeting up with friends or co-workers.

23 – Cups of Joy

Cups of Joy not only offers fantastic coffee, but you can also purchase ice cream , baked goods and use the Cups of Joy Wall , where you can pay for someone else’s order ahead of time.

Specialty drinks include White Mocha Espresso, Vanilla Latte, Hot Chocolate Freeze, and organic iced teas.

Best Bars in Wilson, NC

24 – casita brewing company.

Casita Brewing Company is located right by Whirligig Park, which means you’ll want to stop there for a brew after visiting the park.

That’s what we did, anyway, and we loved the selections.

We also loved the outdoor seating area. It’s enormous and gives you plenty of space to relax and enjoy your beer.

25 – Brewmasters

At Brewmasters , you’ll find a great selection of beers, ciders, and delicious food.

Favorite sandwiches include The Smoke Wagon and the Wilsonian.

Beers are ever-changing, but they feature 22 craft beers and two wines in addition to hundreds of bottles of beers and wines. They can also fill a growler to-go of your favorite selection.

26 – downtown public house

This bottle shop offers weekly bingo, wine day, and Saturday night performances in their beautiful outdoor seating area .

Customers love the craft beer choices, friendly atmosphere, and live music . And you can even bring in your own food if you wish.

Pro tip:  You can book Downtown Public House a your private event.

Best Desserts In Wilson, NC

27 – treat yo’ self bakery.

Have a sweet tooth? You can’t go wrong with any of the treats at Treat Yo’ Self Bakery like the cinnamon buns, cupcakes, lemon pound cake, or cheesecake.

They also have fabulous coffee and tea drinks to wash it down. Favorites include the C4 Dynamite Cold Brew and the Strawberry Lemonade Boba Refresher .

28 – Wilson Doughnut Shop

The locals love this hole-in-the-wall doughnut shop . People come here for the Lemon Cream Puffs, Honeybuns, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course, the doughnuts.

They also serve breakfast and lunch items.

29 – Sweet Southern Scoops

This ice cream shop is known for its large portions and fantastic flavors  like Salty Caramel, Peanutbutter & Brownie, Orange Pineapple, and Coffee Toffee.

They only accept cash , but prices are reasonable for the tasty treats they offer.

Best Places To Stay In Wilson, NC

30 – hampton inn.

We enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn in Wilson. The rooms were clean and spacious, and they had a fitness center and an outdoor pool.

The complimentary breakfast came with many choices like oatmeal, waffles, omelets, sausage, and cereal. The late-night coffee bar is a nice touch.

View all rooms on Hotels.com

31 – Cozy Townhome in Wilson, NC

This townhome is near the Wilson Medical Center and has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.

It’s only 2.5 miles from historic downtown Wilson. It house a beautiful outdoor deck and backyard.

View on VRBO View all Wilson rentals on VRBO

Other top hotels in Wilson, NC:

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
• Comfort Suites Wilson I-95
• Best Restaurants In Roxboro, NC
• The Ultimate Sea Shell Identification Guide
• A Haunted Steakhouse In Roxboro, NC
• Vineyards in Roxboro, NC
• Best Florida Beach

Related posts:

Hi! I'm Kristen

I'm based in North Carolina, and love finding the hidden gems of the Carolinas and beyond! I explore quaint towns, adventurous outdoor activities, and fantastic food to help my readers plan their own unforgettable travels.

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26 Responses

sound like an amazing place!

fantastic restaurants! I like this very much

join us for a locally owned and fan-favorite seafood boil experience. Choose your spice and heat and dig in. Lets get messy seafood boil in Greensboro.. you are in for a treat.

Seafood served with your choice of the best seafood boil, shrimp, blue crab, lobster tail, crawfish, clams, Green and black mussels, Dungeness, etc.

Wilson looks like a fun area to explore! I just visited Charleston for the first time and loved South Carolina. I’ll have to plan a trip to North Carolina as well.

Charleston is a gem. I do hope you get to visit NC. It’s a great place!

Sounds like lots of fun things to do in Wilson. I love North Carolina, but still need to get over to the Eastern side.

The East Coast is amazing.

What a great place to visit. Lots of food choices and activities.

Wilson, NC is such a fun town.

I would eat at Ruckus & Redemption solely because the name makes me smile! And those whirlagigs are incredible! What an awesome and unique experience!

I love finding unique attractions like the Whirligigs.

Wilson, NC is so charming and love all 30 of these fun things to do. I’m especially intrigued by those whirligigs…so cool!

Thanks for reading. The Whirligigs are definitely what sets Wilson apart from other cities.

Crab du Jour sounds like my kind of place! Being from the midwest I don’t get fresh seafood often, so I’d make sure to dine there!

I love fresh seafood also. ❤

What a fun town! I think it’s SO cool that he created all those whirligigs out of recycled materials.

I know! He’s pretty amazing.

What a great and comprehensive list of things to do! I’ve always wanted to visit NC so I’ll be bookmarking this!

I hope you do get to visit. We have a lot of fun towns and things to do.

Wow, Wilson North Carolina looks like the perfect day trip. There are so many great places to eat! That park looks fun too!

It surprised me to find so many great spots in Wilson. I love exploring small towns.

This town looks like so much fun! There’s so much to do! My husband would love the science museum, and I’d love the scenery. Love that they also allow dogs at the Whirligig Park! We might have to check out Wilson, NC!

I hope you get a chance to visit Wilson, or anywhere in NC. It’s a great place.

Wilson sounds like a place that would keep me eating!! Such a good list of food options!

I was surprised that the small town of Wilson had so many great restaurants.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Wilson

Things to do in wilson, tours near wilson.

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Top attractions in wilson.

Other Top Attractions around Wilson

What travellers are saying

• Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
• Lake Wilson
• Wilson Botanical Gardens
• Barton College
• Imagination Station
• Wilson Rose Garden
• Warren Street Park

Places to visit about 1 hour from Wilson

State Farmers Market

Pullen Park Carousel Ticket Office

Pullen Park

Irregardless Cafe & Catering

North Carolina Museum of History

Alexander Family YMCA

Mitch's Tavern

North Carolina Museum of Art

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Hills

Vinnie's Steak House & Tavern

Cities 1 hour from Wilson

59 minutes :   South Weldon, NC

59 minutes :   Hamilton, NC

58 minutes :   Weldon, NC

57 minutes :   Franklinton, NC

57 minutes :   Cary, NC

57 minutes :   Halifax, NC

55 minutes :   Albertson, NC

55 minutes :   Everetts, NC

54 minutes :   Louisburg, NC

53 minutes :   Kinston, NC

53 minutes :   Hollister, NC

52 minutes :   Oak City, NC

52 minutes :   Faison, NC

52 minutes :   Darlington, NC

51 minutes :   Woods Crossroads, NC

These are approximate driving times in a radius from Wilson, North Carolina. Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius. If you're willing to drive farther, try 1½ hours .

Not sure where to go? Take a day trip from Wilson , or if you have more time you can explore weekend trips from Wilson , but make sure you also check road conditions around Wilson . Looking for small towns or communities around Wilson, North Carolina? Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Wilson .

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RV campgrounds 1 hour from Wilson

Farm Country Campground

Green Acres Camping Resort

Maxwells Mill Campground

RV Campground and Storage Tucker Lake

NC State Fairgrounds

Shinleaf - Falls Lake SRA

Holly Point

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State parks 1 hour from Wilson

William B. Umstead State Park

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

More cities around 1 hour away by plane

Here are more cities based on a flight circle radius of 1 hour. These cities are much further than the ones above since now we're looking at a 1 hour flight.

1 hour :   Damascus, MD

1 hour :   Ferndale, MD

1 hour :   Georgetown, DE

1 hour :   Glen Burnie, MD

1 hour :   Green Haven, MD

1 hour :   Greer, SC

1 hour :   Columbia, MD

1 hour :   Lake Shore, MD

1 hour :   Bristol, VA

1 hour :   Bristol, TN

59 minutes :   South Gate, MD

59 minutes :   Pasadena, MD

59 minutes :   Severn, MD

1 hour :   Laurens, SC

59 minutes :   Elizabethton, TN

Cities at a radius of

Travel time from Wilson, NC

1 hour north of Wilson cities within 1 hour of Wilson 1½ hours from Wilson places within 2 hours of me in Wilson explore 2½ hours from Wilson 3 hr radius map from Wilson 3½ hr drive from Wilson places within 4 hours of me in Wilson within 4½ hours of me in Wilson 5 hour drive from me in Wilson 5½ hour drive from Wilson within 6 hours of Wilson 7 hour drive from Wilson driving 8 hours from Wilson 9 hours from Wilson

Distance from Wilson, NC

cities within 10 miles of me in Wilson within 20 miles of me in Wilson 30 mile radius of Wilson 40 mile drive from Wilson located 50 miles from Wilson 100 mile radius from Wilson within 150 miles of Wilson 200 mile road trip from Wilson distance of 250 miles from Wilson driving 300 miles from Wilson 350 mile trip starting from Wilson 400 mile drive from Wilson drive for 450 miles from Wilson 500 miles from Wilson day trips from Wilson

Wilson, North Carolina is located at latitude/longitude coordinates 35° 43' 16" N  /  77° 54' 56" W

Top 15 road trips from Wilson

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Downtown Luxury Slum

A day trip to Wilson, NC

I couldn’t take not being able to travel for one more day. We took a day trip to Wilson, NC so I’ve got a recommended itinerary to share with you. There is one indoor activity that you could skip for covid-19 prevention but everything else is outdoors and socially distant.

Tired of being cooped up and unable to travel, we planned a luxurious day trip from Raleigh to Wilson, North Carolina.

Wilson is currently known for it’s whirligigs so it was pretty easy to lure friends with kids as well as another couple along with us. We had a fantastic trip, but having done it, there are a couple things I’d do slightly differently so I’m going to share what I would do and what you should do rather than what we actually did.

A day of luxury in Wilson, NC

Grab a travel mug of coffee, a pile of cash, and some sunscreen, and drive 50 minutes to Flo’s Kitchen.

Flo’s Kitchen

1015 Goldsboro St S, Wilson, NC 27893

When you get to within a block of the restaurant on the main road and see a traffic jam, don’t be tempted to go around it. Stay in the right lane as it’s actually just the drive-through line extending onto the main street. Don’t worry, the line moves way more quickly than at Chick-fil-A. Pick up the best biscuit you’ve had in your life. Flo’s has quite a few items on their menu, but just get a cheese biscuit with maybe one other topping. The hoop cheese they use is so delicious that you really won’t be able to appreciate any other toppings but if you must get bacon/egg/sausage, go for it.

Your next stop is only a three more minutes down the road so you won’t have to wait too long to dig into your biscuit and stretch out your legs.

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum

301 Goldsboro St S, Wilson, NC 27893 www.wilsonwhirligigpark.org/

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is just good fun. It’s a big wide open park with lots to look at so it’s great for social distancing entertainment. The whirligigs are numerous, large, and impressive. However, if whirligigs aren’t your thing, there is also grass to run around on and walls to climb on.

217 Brew Works

217 South St S, Wilson, NC 27893 217brewworks.com/

Beside the park is 217 Brew Works, a brewery that was not open when we went during covid-19, but would be a good place to hang out for a bit with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Downtown Wilson

www.historicdowntownwilson.com/

We did wander around town and got to see several murals, trains, construction, beautiful old and empty buildings, some hidden alleys, and some random small town shops. So if you’re into that kind of thing, definitely spend 30 minutes exploring before getting back into your car.

Your next stop is the Freeman Round House, a 3 minute drive away (or 21 minute walk if you’re feeling energetic).

The Round House

1202 Hines St SE, Wilson, NC 27893 www.theroundhousemuseum.com/

A literal round house made of rocks was enough to get me there just to take a look. But we were surprised by the friendly man that opened the door and invited us into the small structure. As far as museums to go to during covid times, this seemed pretty good since we were the only ones there. Air circulation could have been better but that’s not a big deal if you wear a mask. And let me tell you, it’s a worthwhile visit. The docent told us all about the guy that built the house (he had pet bears), why he built it (for a returning GI), several other things he had built (a dinosaur on the front lawn), and a few fun facts about Wilson history, and especially the African-American history in Wilson. There’s also a second building that we didn’t have time to visit but I’m guessing between the two buildings, you could spend up to an hour (we sadly only had about 10 minutes).

If you’re ready to eat at this point, find your car and hop back in for a 6 minute drive to Dick’s Hot Dog Stand.

Dick’s Hot Dog Stand

1500 Nash St N, Wilson, NC 27893 www.dickshotdogstand.com/

This is a stop that we missed on our trip so I can’t personally guarantee that it’s amazing. But they’ve been serving hot dogs since 1921, so I’m pretty confident in assuming it’s amazing. Hot dog stand is a bit of a misnomer because it’s actually a huge restaurant with tons of tables, but I believe they’re currently takeout only.

If you’re not ready for a nap yet, drive 8 minutes over to Wilson Botanical Gardens for a little nature.

Wilson Botanical Gardens

1806 Goldsboro St S, Wilson, NC 27893 www.wilsonbotanicalgardens.com/

They have a bird garden, a pond, a secret garden, a medicinal and culinary herb garden, a native plant garden, and so much more to see.

If you’re not ready for a nap yet, you will be by the time you get home. Drive 46 minutes.

In summary:

• Driving: 2 hours
• Walking: 0.5 hours
• Eating: cheese biscuits, craft beer, hot dogs
• Experiencing and exploring: so many whirligigs, small town North Carolina, a small town museum, a botanical garden

What do you think?! Let me know if you give it a try.

Tell your friends! Seriously. Tell them. Now!

6 responses to “a day trip to wilson, nc”.

Great blog! I felt as if I were there. My fave pic is the socially distancing one.

Glad you did some traveling 🧳 for your soul.

Looks like a fun place to visit! Thanks for the virtual tour. Was it the name of the city that drew you there? 🙂

The name didn’t hurt, though in almost 8 years of living in Raleigh, that was my first time visiting the town of Wilson, which also happens to be in Wilson County.

Next time you go, you should check out the mosaic sculpture at the train station. There is also a rose garden with some neat statues very near The Round House. Thank you for sharing your lovely trip. 🙂 I found your blog by Googling info about the Nativity mural behind you in one photo. Did you happen to catch any info about it while you were there?

Oh, also…1307 Kenan Street NW Wilson is the former Temple Beth El. It sold as a private residence a couple of years ago but is worth a drive by just to see the building.

I’m hoping to make another trip out there sometime soon so thank you for all of your suggestions! I can’t say I know anything about the mural, to be honest, but if there’s something you’d like me to check when I’m there next, let me know!

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Fall 2024                                         Amish Country in Lancaster, PA

Also considering more Day Trips, and Baseball Trips to fill in the other months.

7 great day trips & weekend getaways from Fayetteville

1. Myrtle Beach, SC: Wax and waves

2. charleston, sc: history and architecture, 3. raleigh, nc: foods halls and museums, 10 best raleigh attractions, 4. durham, nc: performing arts and baseball, things to do in durham nc - 10 durham attractions that you cannot miss, keep an eye out for these nc roadside attractions, 5. greensboro, nc: fun and learning for the kids, how to get the best gas mileage for road trips: calculators, tips, prices and more, 6. augusta, ga: ideal for a weekend getaway, 7. columbia, sc: university vibes and local goods, more on this, best hiking trails in fayetteville, your guide to 48 hours in fayetteville, unc ranked no. 7, duke at no. 9 and nc state finishes 10th in final ap top 25 of season, former nfl players pat mcafee, jj watt to play in the soccer tournament, father of woman killed in wrong-way crash on i-440 wants to honor daughter through clothing line, svechnikov dazzles with lacrosse-style goal, hurricanes beat bruins 4-1, duke listed as favorite to win 2025 men's basketball national championship by several sportsbooks.

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5 Memorable Train Day Trips You Can Take In North Carolina

OnlyInYourState Staff

Researched and written by our staff writer who enjoys contributing about their state for our site.

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While North Carolina’s history is deeply rooted in the railway industry, including many cities that were once thriving railroad hubs, today we usually navigate our gorgeous state by car. Yet, there’s something nostalgic and unique about hopping on board to see the untouched wilderness throughout our state. These epic day train trips in North Carolina will get you from point A to point B in an unforgettable fashion.

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How fun is this? The best part is that many train day trips in North Carolina offer so much more than just a ride; you’ll be learning about history, seeing beautiful places, and creating lasting memories. Have you done any of these train trips – or plan to now? Let us know in the comments below! And for another totally memorable day trip, you have to visit the hidden castles in North Carolina – these sites are total hidden gems, and so much fun to explore!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

Day train trips in north carolina.

What are the coolest attractions in North Carolina?

• If you love history, you've got to plan a visit to the living history farm at Latta Plantation. You'll learn so much about 19th-century life!
• If you're looking for a fun outing for kids, head to Discovery Zone or SciWorks, where there are so many interactive things to do that kids won't even realize how much they're learning. SciWorks even has a beautiful planetarium.
• For a unique day trip, head to Sand Dollar Island off the coast of Morehead City and collect a few sand dollars to bring home.

What underrated places in North Carolina should I visit?

• White Lake is an amazing spot to stop by in the summer, and you might even have it all to yourself! This spot near Elizabethtown often gets overlooked in favor of the larger coastal beaches.
• If you love the Blue Ridge Parkway, take a drive through the 18 miles of Cherohala Skyway that make their way through our state. It offers views that you'll never forget!
• When you're on the hunt for something truly unique, though, it's hard to top the Winston-Salem Clamshell. Inside, you'll learn the history of a project that never quite lived up to the expectations and you can enjoy a weird bit of history that not many people have noticed.

What are the best outdoor activities in North Carolina?

For outdoor fun, you can head to the beach, or to the mountains!

• It's hard to top a hike through Jockeys Ridge State Park, where the dunes seem to stretch on forever. In the mountains, hike Grandfather Mountain to find the most remarkable views in the state.
• If you prefer a more relaxing adventure, take a dune buggy or 4x4 out to see the wild horses of Corolla, or enjoy a day at the enormous North Carolina Zoo.

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Explore North Carolina

14 Best Day Trips From Winston-Salem, NC

Known for being one of the most popular cities in North Carolina , Winston-Salem is a tourism hotspot – and there’s plenty to do that’ll keep you busy for weeks. As beautiful and exciting as the city might be, travelers often enjoy a change of scenery – and that’s where the beauty of day trips comes into play. 

It just so happens that Winston-Salem’s convenient location makes it a perfect starting point for a variety of popular destinations in the area, so when you need a break from its bustling streets or are just curious to see what is out there, check out this list of the 14 best day trips that’ll be sure to keep things interesting. 

Table of Contents

Easily the number one day trip destination from Winston-Salem, Raleigh is one of the most popular destinations in North Carolina with its impressive skyline and colorful culture. 

Even though you’ll find yourself on bustling city streets, there’s no shortage of Southern hospitality in Raleigh – so you’re guaranteed to enjoy your time here. 

There’s something for all kinds of travelers, as you’ll find a combination of historic landmarks, modern buildings, picturesque parks, and iconic hiking trails. 

If you love to read, check out the James B. Hunt Library – which is considered to be the most technologically advanced library in the world with its many book bots and interactive book displays. 

Known as one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, Pullen Park still maintains a carousel and train ride that dates date back to 1887, while also providing recreation activities like paddle boats on Lake Howell . 

Take your museum time outside by visiting North Carolina’s Museum of Art where you can wander amongst two buildings and an outdoor park all filled with some of the finest pieces of art in the world. 

Spend some time in the great outdoors at the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve , and admire the natural giants that are the Eastern Hemlock trees, as you walk amongst its 140-acre park. 

While in town, you should definitely step foot on the longest hiking trail in the state known as the Mountains to Sea Trail which spans out over 1,000 miles from Tennessee to the edge of the Outer Banks . 

2. Yadkin Valley

You don’t have to be a wine enthusiast to enjoy your time at the Yadkin Valley, but it’s safe to say that there’s nothing quite like the rolling vineyards you’ll find here. 

Start your day off on the right foot by grabbing a tasty breakfast sandwich and freshly brewed cup of coffee from the charming little Squeeze Box , located at the base of Pilot Mountain – but be prepared to take your meal to go, as the shop is extremely small. 

Do you prefer sweets in the morning? You can’t go wrong with grabbing one of the freshly made doughnuts at Creamy Dayz , but chances are you’ll end walking out with half the store (they’re that good!). 

While in the area, head over to Pilot Mountain State Park to enjoy your breakfast picnic style, before hopping on one of the many hiking trails that lead you to panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

If you’re looking to sip on vineyard fresh wine while eating your lunch, Old North State is the place to be – and its casual setting paired with its fine dining menu is hard to beat. 

Consider signing up for the Frog Holler Wine Tours so that you won’t need to assign a designated driver. The wine tour will take you to some of the finest wineries in the area and will even stop for lunch along the way to make sure you can keep the good times rolling. 

Do some window shopping in Downtown Mt. Airy and enjoy the large selection of locally owned boutique shops, cafes, gift stores, antique malls, and so much more. 

After a busy day, make your way over to Thirsty Souls Community Brewing for endless choices of locally brewed beers and some of the best pizza you’ll find in the state. 

The city of Durham may not be large in size, but it’s overflowing with attractions – so you never have to go too far to get from one awesome activity to another. 

Once a leading distributor of tobacco, Durham has managed to stick with the times and has now become one of the most active technology and medicine researchers in the country. This only adds to the city’s charm, as you walk through streets made up of ancient brick buildings that have been internally modernized – with restaurants, venues, and more. 

You don’t have to be a student at Duke University to enjoy some of its many features – and many are considered to be some of the most beautiful attractions in town. For example, the university’s Sarah P. Duke Gardens stretches out over 50 acres with picturesque gardens , unlike anything you’d find in the country. You can explore the area on your own, on a walking tour, or with a trolley ride. 

The most lively district in Durham is easily The American Tobacco Campus , with its abundance of trendy restaurants, active entertainment venues, and beautiful outdoor space. 

Catch a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center and admire the modern architecture that makes up the building with its glass walls and unique shape. 

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Bennett Place Historic Site , where you can walk amongst the grounds of one of the most significant battles that lead to the end of the Civil War. 

4. Grandfather Mountain

Named by pioneers nearly one hundred years ago because of the resemblance of an old man’s face on one of its cliff sides, Grandfather Mountain is one of the best places in the state to enjoy outdoor recreation. Towering at nearly 6,000 feet, the views at the top of the mountain are unmatched – and on a good day, you can see 90-miles out to the skyline of Charlotte . 

What’s even better, is that you don’t have to hike extreme lengths to marvel at its beauty – and a short drive up its summit will provide a plethora of fun activities to indulge in. 

The best attraction atop the mountain is easily the Mile High Swinging Bridge , which is known for being the tallest suspension bridge in the country – and provides out-of-this-world views as it leads you over to Linville Peak . 

You don’t have to go searching for wildlife sightings, as there are a large variety of exhibits that were built around the natural habitats of the mountain’s native animals including black bears, otters, and bald eagles. 

There’s even a Nature Museum on the mountain for visitors hoping to learn more about its rich history and observe an interesting collection of artifacts that have been found there. 

Just because you have everything at your fingertips doesn’t mean that you can’t partake in a bit of hiking – and the mountain actually has 11 hiking trails to choose from. 

More experienced hikers will love the challenge of climbing the Grandfather Trail , which is made up of ladders and cables that take you along the strenuous trail to the top of Calloway Peak . 

5. Bryson City

The drive to Bryson City may be on the longer side when it comes to taking a day trip, but it’s more than worth the journey with its abundance of outdoor activity surrounded by picturesque lakes, rivers, national forests, and parks. 

You’ll probably spend most of your time in either the Nantahala National Forest or on the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park , but regardless of which way you go, you’ll be overwhelmed by the endless list of things to do. 

The Nantahala National Forest is the place to be for those who like to get out on the water, with the iconic Nantahala River at its center offering exciting activities like kayaking and white water rafting. 

However, if you’re looking to spend your time relaxing on the water, then head over to Fontana Lake – where you can take your time paddling amongst its 17 miles. 

Another option is taking the short drive into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park where you can explore the Deep Creek area, partake in some fishing, enjoy a scenic picnic, and go for a hike along the popular Three Waterfalls Loop . 

After you’ve enjoyed some outdoor fun, head back into town for locally brewed beer, amazing pizza, and lively entertainment at the Nantahala Brewing Company , which is popular amongst locals and tourists alike. 

Why settle for a day trip when there’s so much to explore? If you’re considering extending your stay in the area, check out the 30 Best Hotels Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

6. Cataloochee Valley

The Cataloochee Valley is another somewhat lengthy day trip that offers great rewards like its stellar wildlife sightings. Located along the northeastern part of the Great Smokey Mountains national park, the valley is one of the most remote locations within its limits – and it’s an amazing feeling to have this place to yourself in a park that sees the most visitors than any other in the country. 

If you aren’t able to get an early start to catch the iconic Cataloochee Valley elk at dawn, you’ll have an equally great chance of seeing them at dusk, so no need to worry. Elk aren’t the only wildlife you’ll spot along your journey. Other animals like black bears, white-tailed deers, and wild turkey are also extremely common in the area. 

Go for a drive along the narrow, winding Cove Creek Road , which was established by settlers in the early 19th century, for the most scenic way to enter the valley. You’ll know you’ve reached the valley when the road opens up to a wide-sweeping plain with beautiful mountains as a backdrop and wildflowers blooming wherever you look. 

This isn’t the place you want to visit in the wintertime – as many of the animals will be hidden away, and flowers will be nonexistent. 

However, every season has its own attributes – like the appearance of calves in spring, herds of grazing elk in the summer, and witnessing mating rituals in fall. 

7. Asheville

Considering Asheville’s close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains , the scene here is a lot more modern than you may think with an art scene that won’t stop growing. 

Dive into some of the city’s history by planning a visit to the Biltmore Estate , where you can walk amongst 250 rooms that sit on its 4 acres and admire the unique French Renaissance architecture dating back to the late 19th century. 

For the best example of Asheville’s flourishing art scene, head over to the River Arts District , and walk through a variety of historic buildings boasting local art galleries and shops. 

If you have a thing for motorcycles, you don’t want to miss a chance to visit the Maggie Valley Museum and its 300+ rare motorcycles while learning a thing or two along the way. 

You’ll find antique shops all throughout the city – but the absolute best place to hunt for hidden treasure is the Antique Tobacco Barn , which is located in a massive warehouse. 

Lake Lure may look familiar, as it’s used in a few scenes of the famous movie Dirty Dancing – but you probably didn’t know that it also has a sandy beach to relax on and hiking trails to explore. 

Pamper yourself at the luxurious Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa – which is considered to be one of the most amazing spas in the country, thanks to its many waterfalls, star-like ceilings, calming underwater music, and mountain views. 

8. Greenville

Labeled as a college town, you’d be surprised by the abundance of attractions, festivals, and outdoor activities that are waiting for you in Greenville. 

Let’s talk about the festivals first: The largest of them all, Piratefest , is held in April – and spans eight blocks filled with pirate-themed music, food stalls, rides, and more. Other festivals include the Farmville Dogwood Festival, Oktoberfest , and the Festival of Trees. 

One of the most popular things to do in Greenville is taking a self-guided tour on the Brews and Cues Trail, where you can spend the day enjoying the city’s pride and joy: beer and barbecue.  

If you prefer spending your time in the great outdoors, make your way over to the Tar River for a day filled with kayaking, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking views. 

Just a stone’s throw away from the river is the South Tar River Greenway , where you can enjoy a large variety of hiking trails in a serene environment. 

The adventurous mountain biker will get their kicks at Jaycee Park , which is solely dedicated to bikers looking to practice their jumps along its many ramps. 

Get a refresher on your Greenville history by visiting the 6-acre farm at the Eastern Carolina Village and Farm Museum , where you can take a tour of the historic rooms like the milk house, country store, and school. 

Go digging for treasures at Dapper Dan’s Antiques , check out the funky inventory at the Farmville Furniture Company , pick your own fresh produce at Strawberries on 903 , admire local college students’ artwork at Wonderbox Gallery , and so much more! 

9. Chimney Rock

Tucked away amongst the mountain range that makes up the western part of North Carolina, the town of Chimney Rock is a true hidden gem – but those who know about it come back year after year. 

Most of the excitement can be found at Chimney Rock State Park , with the most notable hiking trail being the Hickory Nut Trail – which takes you to the bottom of a gushing waterfall. 

When it comes to panoramic views, the top of Chimney Rock has you covered – and you don’t have to work hard to marvel at its views, thanks to an elevator that leads you right to the top. From the top, you can admire the 75-mile Hickory Nut Gorge in its entirety, Lake Lure , and the Blue Ridge Mountain Range in the backdrop. 

If you’re looking to do something different, head over to Cedar Creek Stables and explore the area by horseback riding along Lake Lure.  

With multiple bodies of water in the area from Lake Lure to rivers like Rocky Broad and Green , there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time on the water. Have your pick between white water rafting, tubing, kayaking, and partaking in some of the best ghosting opportunities that you will find in the area. 

However you decide to spend your time, make sure to start your day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee from Coffee on the Rocks and stop at Bubba O’Leary’s for the best fudge money can buy. 

10. Charlotte

Considered to be one of the most up-and-coming cities in the country, the list of things to do in Charlotte just continues to grow, with activities for all kinds of travelers to enjoy. 

You don’t have to be a race car enthusiast to enjoy the interactive displays and unique artifacts that make up the NASCAR Hall of Fame , but it would definitely help

Stop by the US National Whitewater Center , which stretches out over 1,300 acres and offers a variety of fun activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, biking along a few of the 30+ trails, climbing, and so much more. 

Although it’s called Uptown , this area is the ideal downtown – with its giant skyscrapers, rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, museums, and malls galore. 

Channel your inner child with a visit to the Carowinds Amusement Park and spend the day playing games, going on rides, and eating fried foods amongst its 400 acres. 

If you are looking for small-town vibes, visit the neighborhood of Dilworth – where you can go for a stroll along its streetcar-lined streets and hop between its many boutiques and cafes. 

Most people would consider Freedom Park the main attraction here, as it’s sprawled out over 98 acres and boasts a variety of activities like walking trails, batting cages, tennis courts, soccer fields, and plenty more. 

Buy some fresh produce at the 7th Street Public Market , go kayaking on Lake Norman , admire some fine art at the Mint Museum , and try some of the best food in town at Good Food on Montford . 

11. Asheboro

Located at the heart of North Carolina, Asheboro is filled with historic landmarks dating back to the Civil War, a growing collection of restaurants, outdoor activities, and so much more. 

However, the most popular attraction in Asheboro is the North Carolina Zoo which spans over 2,600 and offers tours, safaris, and stellar viewings of animals in natural environments. 

Grab a drink or two at the Four Saints Brewing Company , where you can sample locally brewed beers named after each saint and a rotating selection of unique brews. 

Feel what it’s like to fly a plane on the flight simulator at the North Carolina Aviation Museum – and don’t forget to check out the large supply of artifacts and old airplanes. 

Once home to a large department store, the Collector’s Antique Mall is made up of 3 floors and over 100 vendors, so you can spend the entire day hunting for hidden treasures. 

Visit some of the oldest mountains in the country by planning a trip to the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness , and spend the day hiking along nature trails and exploring historic sites. 

There are plenty of wonderful places to grab a bite to eat, but The Table has it all with a high-class restaurant, a cozy cafe with an espresso bar, a sweet-smelling bakery, and a charming market all in one. 

12. Greensboro

Known for its overflowing amount of historic significance, Greensboro is a haven for history buffs looking to explore the remnants of the Civil War – but at the end of the day, there’s something here for any kind of traveler. 

Stop by the Greensboro Natural Science Center – which is made up of a zoo and a museum – for an interactive, educational experience for its visitors. 

Get a feel for the town’s artistic style by visiting Elsewhere , an art museum that boasts a variety of local art pieces each with its own unique touch. 

Head over to the Tate Street Coffee House for a cup of organic, freshly brewed coffee in the morning and head back at nightfall to listen to jazz while sampling wine. 

Grab a couple of beers at Gibb’s Hundred Brewing Company , a locally owned brewery that offers a rotating selection of seasonal brews and tasty pub fare. 

Learn more about the town’s history at the Greensboro Historical Museum , pay your respects at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum , buy fresh produce at one of the many city markets, have some fun at the Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park , and so much more. 

13. Mooresville

Located along the shores of Lake Norman , Mooresville is a small town that doesn’t get the recognition that it should – but this just means you can enjoy all it has to offer without worrying about crowds. 

Start your day on the right foot by grabbing a coffee from the locally owned cafe, Hebrews , and enjoy a large selection of flavors and fun concoctions like the cotton candy frappuccino. 

It’ll be hard not to spend the entire day rummaging through a combination of things new and old at the wide-spanning Main St. Antiques and Design Gallery . 

Learn how to brew your own beer before sipping on some of the good stuff at the Lake Norman Brewing Company – but make sure to call ahead as it gets pretty busy. 

The Lazy 5 Ranch is considered to be a petting zoo – but what petting zoo do you know of that lets you drive through open fields to pet exotic animals, like giraffes? 

Of course, you can’t go wrong with spending time on Lake Norman itself – whether it be kayaking, fishing, boating, swimming, boating, or hiking around its edges. 

14. Smith Mountain Lake

Since Winston-Salem is located along the northern edge of North Carolina, it makes for an ideal starting point for day trips to Virginia – like the outdoorsy fun waiting to be had at Smith Mountain Lake . 

Get energized with a tasty cup of joe from Smith Mountain Lake Coffee House , or enjoy a sit-down breakfast filled with eggs, meats, and hash brown casserole at the Old Oak Cafe. 

Smith Mountain Lake may be man-made, but this doesn’t take away from its beauty, with over 500 miles of shoreline and areas as deep as 250 feet. 

It makes sense that many of the activities available are water-based, and some of the best experiences include boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and fishing. 

Within reach is the Copper Cove Golf Club , for visitors looking to reserve a tee time on the lake’s luxury course – and anyone under 18 can play completely free. 

Spend some time with furry friends at the Smith Mountain Lake Alpaca Farm , where you can spend hours hanging out with over 70 alpacas. 

There are plenty of places to enjoy a gourmet dinner, but make sure to save room for dessert because the Homestead Creamery is known for making the best ice cream in Virginia. 

Head over to Bridgewater Plaza for a fun evening of shopping with waterfront views, catching a movie at the Westlake Cinema , pay your respects for the lives lost during World War II at the National D-Day Memoria l, and drink margaritas while you watch boats cruise by at Mexico Viejo. 

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The Wilson College of Textiles Shatters Records on Day of Giving While Honoring 125 Years of Textiles Education

On March 20, the Wilson College of Textiles community raised more than $3 million to benefit exceptional students, staff, faculty, programs and research. This achievement aligns with a major milestone: 2024 marks 125 years of textiles education at NC State.

In a whirlwind of generosity, the Wilson College of Textiles reached a new pinnacle of success on NC State’s sixth annual Day of Giving .

On March 20, alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, industry partners and friends donated $3,714,038 to the Wilson College through 716 generous gifts.

“A record-breaking impact was made on Day of Giving this March, which is especially timely as NC State is celebrating 125 years of textiles education, research and innovation this year,” says David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. “Donor support is vital to advancing our college and enabling us to continue to be recognized globally as the pre-eminent textiles institution for the next 125. Regardless of the amount, I am deeply grateful to all who have given, on Day of Giving and and all days. Your support is the engine our Wilson For Life culture that, in turn, enables us to transform lives.”

Supporters helped spread the word about Day of Giving in a variety of ways, including text messages sent to friends, enthusiastic participation in social media challenges, and gifts of their time, talent and treasure. 

“Each year since 2019, members of our Wilson Wolfpack have come together on Day of Giving to invest in the future of textiles and the next generation of textile leaders,” says Michael Ward, executive director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF) , which serves as the philanthropic arm of the college. “We are proud to celebrate the power of philanthropy and the fact that every gift, no matter the size, will have an extraordinary impact.”

When compared to the Wilson College’s participation in previous Days of Giving, this year’s totals shatter records by over $1 million and 98 gifts. The college’s success also contributes to NC State’s Day of Giving groundbreaking total : $46 million raised from 21,920 gifts.

Textiles Highlights on Day of Giving

The outpouring of support for the Wilson College reverberated throughout the day. 

Several major gifts were instrumental in establishing and sustaining funds that will attract and retain top tier talent and help to further elevate the college’s legacy of excellence in textiles education and research. 

• Thanks to a significant gift from Ernie Chornyei , an esteemed 1965 alumnus, the Chornyei Endowment for Infrastructure, Equipment and Technology was established. This is the first named fund dedicated to maintaining the college’s world-class facilities, propelling student success and strengthening the textile industry.
• A substantial investment from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation will support the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC) through the TPACC Enhancement Fund and the newly established TPACC Graduate Support Fund. This gift will greatly impact the center’s ability to deliver the science and education needed by the textile industry, the U.S. government and academia.
• The Calabrese Endowed Scholarship, created by Cres ’89 and Michael Calabrese , will provide unlimited opportunities to talented Textiles students by easing the financial burden they face.
• The Debra Hess Centennial Scholarship, created by Debra Hess ’78 , will directly benefit exceptional students with a preference for those who demonstrate a financial need. 
• The Johnson Family Scholarship, created by Matt ’01 and Rebecca Johnson , will honor their family’s textiles legacy and provide transformational support to deserving students.
• The Arthur Rogers Sr. Endowed Scholarship, created by siblings Marshall Rogers, Art Rogers and Trudy Evans , will provide students with affordable educational access in honor of their father, a pioneer in hosiery manufacturing and yarn development.
• More than 250 donations to the NCTF Centennial Scholarship Endowment unlocked a $100,000 gift from Nancy Webster ’75 , president of the NCTF Board of Directors, to support her Webster-Kametches Centennial Student Enrichment Endowment and the ITT/Milliken Centennial Scholarship Endowment.
• After reaching $125,000 in donor support, the Wilson College unlocked a $250,000 gift from an anonymous donor to support the Flex Factory Capital Fund. This investment will enhance the Flex Factory’s world-class facility, making it the world’s leading makerspace for entrepreneurs to develop fiber and textile-based products and businesses. 

Beyond the numbers

The critical funding raised on March 20 goes far beyond the numbers.

It will directly benefit talented students, staff and faculty at the Wilson College and support world-class programs and research — today, tomorrow and beyond.

• Over $188,000 was raised to contribute to the life-changing Centennial Scholarship Program , which is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has awarded scholarships to more than 225 students since its creation in 1999.
• More than $26,500 was raised for the Dean’s Textiles Innovation Fund to empower Dean Hinks to provide financial assistance to critical areas, including the Peter R. Lord Tutoring Center — which offers free tutoring services for all textile and non-textile courses because of donor support.
• Nearly $2,000 was raised for the Textiles Wellness and Success Fund and over $5,500 for the Textiles Diversity and Inclusion Fund , both of which foster a culture of inclusivity and support for our students.
• More than $10,000 was raised for the enhancement funds for the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management and the Department Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science . These funded more than 25 students’ international travel to attend the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition: ITMA.

Challenge wins brought in additional funding

Social media participation helped the college win five challenges on March 20, which contributed an additional $5,000 to the Dean’s Textiles Innovation Fund.

• 10 a.m. First-Time Donor Challenge: Julia Annibale , a spirited Textiles parent 
• She also won the Pack Leader with the Highest Dollar Amount Challenge
• Where’s the Wuf? Scavenger Hunt: Amanda Cease , a proud class of 2025 Centennial Scholar
• Last Gift of the Day Challenge: Susan Llanos , who serves as the college’s social media specialist

Still want to support the college?

A gift of any size to the Wilson College of Textiles will empower the college to continue serving as the global leader in textiles education, research and innovation.

• #GivingPack
• Day of Giving
• North Carolina Textile Foundation
• Wilson College of Textiles
• Young Alumni

More From Wilson College of Textiles

Two Outstanding Graduates Recognized with 2024 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards 

John W. Pope Industrialist-in-Residence Shares Industry Insights with Students, Faculty and Staff 

Nancy Webster ’75 Honored with the CASE District III Bill Franklin Volunteer of the Year Award 

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12 Amazing Day Trips from Fayetteville, NC (in 2024)

Taylor Martin --> January 5, 2024

Even though Fayetteville is incredible to explore, it can be fun to take a day trip from the city, and there are many places nearby that make for perfect day trips from Fayetteville, NC .

Whether you’re looking for a large city with many fun things to do or a small town for a relaxing day trip, the options are great. From seeing historic architecture to exploring famous landmarks, you can have a lot of fun during a day trip.

I made this Fayetteville day trips guide with a large variety of perfect destinations for a day trip from the city.

Day Trips from Fayetteville, NC

Myrtle beach, sc.

Distance from Fayetteville: 2 hours

Myrtle Beach is a resort city in South Carolina that you can find on the Atlantic Coast.

With millions of people visiting the city each year, it is the state’s most popular place for tourism, and the large number of things to do and see is the reason why.

From seeing wax sculptures at the Hollywood Wax Museum to going to the Myrtle Waves Water Park to attending a show at The Carolina Opry Theater, the many fun activities that you can do in the city will surprise you.

The city’s location on the Atlantic Coast also means that you can enjoy great views when you are here. For example, when you walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, you can see the ocean.

Another great place for views is SkyWheel Myrtle Beach as you can enjoy incredible views when you ride the Ferris wheel to the top.

From Fayetteville, NC, you can reach Myrtle Beach, SC, in about 2 hours.

Charleston, SC

Distance from Fayetteville: 3 hours

If you want to do a day trip from Fayetteville to a city with many historic sites and beautiful architecture, you should consider the city of Charleston in South Carolina. From Fayetteville, you can get to Charleston in about 3 hours.

Explore the numerous beautiful streets, such as King Street and Rainbow Row.

You should also check out the Joe Riley Waterfront Park, which is a park where you can enjoy views of the water and see the Pineapple Fountain.

The Gibbes Museum of Art , a museum where you can see great American art, and the South Carolina Aquarium, where you can learn about marine animals, are two other interesting places that you can go during your day trip.

In addition to that, a great way to end your day trip is by attending a show at the Dock Street Theatre.

Raleigh, NC

Distance from Fayetteville: 1 hour

Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital, is a city with many diverse things to do, making it a great destination for a day trip. From Fayetteville, you can reach the city of Raleigh in just a short ride by car that takes about 1 hour.

There are many good museums to explore when you are in Raleigh. For example, one of the best things to do in Raleigh is to go to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences to learn about science, learn about history at the North Carolina Museum of History, or see amazing art at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

The historic North Carolina State Capitol can also be great to see during a day trip.

You can also go to one of Raleigh’s food halls, a space where you can find various food vendors, such as the Transfer Co. Food Hall to have dinner.

Distance from Fayetteville: 1.5 hours

Durham, NC, known as Bull City and known for Duke University, can be reached from Fayetteville by car in less than 1.5 hours.

Some of the best things to do in Durham are visiting the Durham Performing Arts Center , where you can see a large variety of performances, and going to the American Tobacco Campus, which is an old transformed tobacco factory where you can find restaurants and shops.

Furthermore, if you like baseball, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the home of the Durham Bulls baseball team can be great to check out.

When you are in Durham, you can also check out one of the city’s museums. For example, you could go to the Nasher Museum of Art or the Museum of Life and Science (the latter is great to check out when you are doing this day trip with children).

In addition to that, the city is home to several historic sites, such as Bennett Place.

Greensboro, NC

Distance from Fayetteville: 1 hour and 45 minutes

You can get to Greensboro from Fayetteville in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

There are many great things to do in Greensboro that can be great to discover during a day trip, including museums, gardens, theaters, and much more.

One of the best places to visit in the city is the Greensboro Science Center. This is a museum where you can find exhibits through which you can learn about science, see animals, and learn about the universe at the OmniSphere theater.

The Weatherspoon Art Museum is another highlight of Greensboro. This museum has a large collection of modern and contemporary art, which includes a lot of great works of American art.

The city is also home to many fun places, such as the Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park.

Augusta, GA

Distance from Fayetteville: 3.5 hours

Augusta, GA, is one of the best day trips from Fayetteville if you’re looking for a large city to visit. From Fayetteville, you can get to Augusta in about 3.5 hours, which is doable for a day trip.

Whether you want to see art, learn about history, or have fun, you can do so in Augusta.

You can go to the Morris Museum of Art and discover an interesting collection of works of art made by artists from the South.

The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson is another interesting sight to check out when you are in Augusta and if you want to learn about history, you can go to the Augusta Museum of History.

Furthermore, a great way to end your day in the city is by going to the Imperial Theatre and seeing a show there.

Columbia, SC

Distance from Fayetteville: 2.5 hours

Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, is reachable by car from Fayetteville in about 2.5 hours.

The city is the home to the University of South Carolina and there are many great things to do and see in the city.

For example, you could go to the Columbia Museum of Art and see art from many times in history and from all around the world. The museum’s objects are organized thematically, which is a unique way of displaying items and it means that you can see very diverse objects that all focus on a common theme here.

Soda City Market is another highlight of the city. This is a producer-only market where more than 400 unique vendors sell their goods throughout the year.

The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden can also be great to check out during a day trip. This is a large zoo with more than 2,000 animals.

Roanoke, VA

From Fayetteville, you can get to the city of Roanoke, VA, in about 3.5 hours. Roanoke lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains and beautiful nature surrounds the city.

When you are doing a day trip to Roanoke, the Mill Mountain Star is one of the best sights to check out. This is the largest freestanding illuminated man-made star and dates back to the year 1949.

Another place to check out in the city is the Roanoke Pinball Museum . At this museum, you can find a great collection of pinball machines, that includes both historic and modern ones. There are 70 in total that are playable, and the oldest dates back to the year 1932.

The Taubman Museum of Art is a great museum in downtown Roanoke where you can see American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and other types of art.

Beaufort, SC

Beaufort, SC, is a beautiful small town that makes for a wonderful day trip from Fayetteville. You can find the town about 3.5 hours from Fayetteville.

The town dates back to the year 1711 and is situated on Port Royal Island, which is on the Atlantic Coast.

From exploring the town’s quaint streets to seeing historic landmarks to exploring the Beaufort History Museum, there’s a lot to see in Beaufort during a day trip.

A great place to check out in the town as well is Chocolate Tree, a chocolate shop where you can get delicious handmade chocolates and other confections.

Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, NC, is a wonderful city in North Carolina that you can reach in about 1.5 hours from Fayetteville.

The city of Wilmington has a beautiful historic district with buildings with beautiful architectural styles. For example, you can find the Bellamy Mansion here, which is one of the best examples of antebellum architecture.

A great way to explore the city’s historic district is by doing a guided horse-drawn tour, which you can do without making an advance reservation in the historic district.

Visiting Battleship North Carolina , a decommissioned fast battleship that was used in the Second World War, is one of the best things to do in Wilmington as well. You can do a self-guided tour and explore the different parts of the ship.

Another attraction to check out in the city during a day trip is the Wilmington Riverwalk, which is a pathway along the Cape Fear River from where you can enjoy great views of the river.

Other interesting sights in Wilmington are the Airlie Gardens, the Cameron Art Museum, and the Thalian Hall.

Charlotte, NC

The most populous city in North Carolina, Charlotte is one of the most fun day trips from Fayetteville, and you can get to the city in about 2.5 hours.

There are a large number of great things to do in Charlotte , so when you are spending a day in the city, you’ll have to choose which sights you like best.

First of all, there are many great museums in Charlotte that you could go to during a day trip. For example, you can go to Discovery Place Science to learn about science, see art at the Bechler Museum of Modern Art , or learn about history at the Levine Museum of the New South.

There are also many places where you can attend a show or go to an event. For example, you can see a show at one of the venues of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Another place to check out, but where you’ll likely spend your whole day if you go there, is the amusement park Carowinds . Here, you can have fun riding roller coasters and other attractions.

Truist Field, a baseball stadium, is a great place in Charlotte to go if you like baseball as it is the home of the Charlotte Knights, which is a Triple-A Minor League Baseball team.

Richmond, VA

Richmond is a city in Virginia that you can get to by car from Fayetteville, NC, in about 3 hours. Richmond is the capital city of Virginia and it dates back to the year 1742.

Many important historical events took place here, both during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

The city has many interesting museums, such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum of Virginia, and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

You can also check out the historic Maymont when you are doing a day trip to the city. This is a Victorian mansion that is now a historic house museum.

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, a botanical garden, is another one of the best places in the city, and lots of events take place here.

Richmond also has great theaters, such as The Henrico Theater, where you can see a variety of shows at the end of your day. For example, you can go here for ballet performances or concerts of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.

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Weekend in Fayetteville, NC

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Fayetteville Day Trips Tips

Some of the places that you can find in this Fayetteville day trips guide are near each other, and you could also combine visiting two places. For example, you could visit Charleston and Beaufort in one day.

Day Trips from Fayetteville Map

This was my guide to the best day trips from Fayetteville, NC. I hope I helped you find a great place to visit!

Where to buy solar eclipse glasses near me? Some locations may still have glasses for last-minute eclipse watchers

Today's the day when the moon's shadow will (partially) blot out the sun for millions of Floridians, and some of them may still be scrambling for eclipse glasses so they can safely look at it without frying their eyes. Where can you still find them?

You may have to call around, or do some driving. Many retail locations have been selling solar eclipse glasses this year and some places have been giving them away, but availability is "while supplies last" and that will be different for every place.

There's an eclipse today? The procrastinator's guide to viewing the solar eclipse in Florida

Where can I find eclipse glasses?

Here are some places to check. Remember, some may have sold out, and not all locations may have been carrying them. Make sure any eclipse glasses you buy are legitimate and include an ISO rating, an ISO number and an address, avoid any that say "NASA Approved," and test them before you look up .

7-Eleven, Buc-ee's, Circle K and more

You may not have to go farther than the end of your street. Many convenience stores and gas stations have been carrying eclipse glasses and may still have some in stock.

Eclipse glasses have been spotted at 7-Eleven , Circle K, and Buc-ee's locations and many individual stores may have jumped on the opportunity.

Fake eclipse glases on sale online: Are yours safe? How to test before the April solar eclipse

Big chain stores such as Walmart, Lowes

Walmart has offered a wide variety of eclipse glasses in different styles, so has Target . However, all of the glasses on their websites are shipping only which will be a little late, so check your local store for availability.

Some other places where eclipse glasses have been spotted:

• Ace Hardware
• Cracker Barrel

Does Publix have eclipse glasses?

No, Publix did not carry eclipse glasses this year, according to a local customer service rep.

Warby Parker, Sonic offering free eclipse glasses

Prescription eyeglasses retailer Warby Parker began handing out free eclipse glasses at their locations on April 1 so definitely call first.

Sonic Drive-in locations are offering free eclipse glasses with the purchase of their new Blackout Sonic Float.

Does Amazon offer same-day delivery of eclipse glasses?

Online stores are great for fast service, but you may want to give it a miss this time. The   American Astronomical Society (AAS) does not recommend buying eclipse glasses online due to the number of counterfeit, unsafe glasses that have hit the market this year.

Shooting the eclipse with your phone: Can I take a photo of the eclipse with my phone? Yes, but take these steps so you don't fry it

Do I need to wear solar eclipse glasses?

If you plan to look directly at the sun, yes. Even a brief glance may cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes and eyesight.

"Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer," NASA advises . "The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury."

How can I tell if my eclipse glasses are legitimate?

If you didn't buy your eclipse glasses directly from one of the vetted venders on the AAS list or a trusted source, check the text on the glasses for the  ISO 12312-2 standard listing and the address of the company. But these can be copied.

Don't trust any glasses that say they are NASA Approved . NASA doesn't do that.

Test your glasses first by putting them on inside and looking at a strong light source. You shouldn't be able to see anything, according to the AAS, although very bright lights may show up but would be very faint.

Go outside, put them on, and look at sunlight reflections or glance at the sun very quickly. You shouldn't see anything around you and the sun should appear to be a "sharp-edged, round disk" that's comfortably bright.

Can I watch the eclipse without looking at it?

Yes! If you don't manage to get glasses in time, there are several ways to see the eclipse that won't risk your eyes with items you probably have around the home.

Anything with a round hole in it can be held up to cast an image of the eclipse onto the ground or a sheet of white paper. Pinhole projectors, colanders, a slotted spoon, a Ritz cracker, even lacing your fingers together.

Or you can look under a tree. The sun shining through tree leaves and branches creates its own pinhole projector, casting lots of little crescent-moon shapes on the ground.

What time is the eclipse in Florida?

The eclipse will last roughly 2½ hours in Florida, starting around 1:40 p.m. EDT and ending around 4:17 EDT. The time of maximum coverage will be just before 3 p.m. EDT for most of the state.

You can find eclipse times for your ZIP code on the map below, just tap your location:

Women’s Final Four recap: Iowa tops UConn to move on to title game against South Carolina

The Iowa Hawkeyes will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women’s championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

The undefeated Gamecocks maintained a healthy lead in their earlier game against NC State tonight, paving the way for them to end the season 38-0 if they can secure the trophy Sunday.

And the Hawkeyes battled it out against UConn in a nail-biter that came down to the final milliseconds. Ultimately, all-time scorer Caitlin Clark — with plenty of help from Hannah Stuelke — led her team to the ultimate stage.

Only four men's teams remain

Rebecca Cohen

If you’re looking for some more Final Four fun, tune into the men’s games tomorrow night, which will be at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. 

• No. 1 Purdue will meet No. 11 NC State on the court at 6:09 p.m. ET. 
• No. 1 UConn will face No. 4 Alabama at 8:49 p.m. ET. 

The winner of each of those games will advance to the championship on Monday, also at State Farm Stadium. 

Clark and Stuelke a winning combo

Danielle Cranin Sr. Director Betting & Gaming for NBC Sports.

Clark and Stuelke combined for 44 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in the Iowa win that extends their season one more game.

After the game Stuelke praised her teammates, who she said "did a great job getting me the ball." “Caitlin here, she’s a great passer,” she said.

Clark said Iowa got off to a good start in the fourth quarter, "came up with some big baskets" and played “great offense.”

"Sometimes that’s just what you need to win, my teammates stepped up and did a really good job, made some great baskets when we needed it," she said.

Iowa wins, 71-69

Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes will face South Carolina in the championship game on Sunday.

A huge UConn 3

Jesse Kirsch

CLEVELAND — A huge Huskies' 3 brings them within 1 of Iowa with just 39.3 to go.

This might be the loudest the UConn section has been all night.

Hawkeye fans get loud

CLEVELAND — Iowa fans are using this break in the action as an opportunity to fire up the crowd. Chants of “Let’s go Hawks!” fill the arena.

How Iowa's been doing it all season long

The Associated Press

You can see how Clark impacts the team stats. Iowa ranks No. 1 in offensive rating and effective field goal percentage. The Hawkeyes are also at the top in 2-point field goal percentage, with Clark’s passing ability setting up easy opportunities for teammates.

This is the weakest defensive team left, even when you account for Iowa’s fast pace. The Hawkeyes are 22nd in the country in defensive rating. They’ll be trying to win in spite of that, counting on simply outscoring their opponents more than shutting them down.

In This Tournament: Only West Virginia, in the second round, has been able  to slow down  Iowa’s offense, and that came on a night the Hawkeyes shot 5 of 22 from 3-point range. Clark had only three assists in that game.

Sell-out crowd taking in the action

CLEVELAND — No surprise here: They've just announced that a sell-out crowd of 18,284 people has filled the arena here for this match-up.

Kristin Juszczyk brings her fashion talents to women’s college basketball

Stuelke sits atop the leaderboard.

Hannah Stuelke leads all scorers with 19 points for Iowa.

Caitlin Clark: 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

Paige Bueckers: 14 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist.

Both teams are relying on their starters with the bench players contributing 3 points for each team.

It's anybody's game heading into final quarter

CLEVELAND — Iowa and UConn are tied heading into the 4th quarter ... Buckle up!

Rolling out the red carpet in Cleveland

A host of celebrities have made their way to Cleveland for tonight's games.

Cameras inside the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse showed Darius Rucker, Jason Sudeikis, Machine Gun Kelly, and WNBA stars Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum in the stands.

Iowa goes out in front

The Hawkeyes briefly pulled ahead after a couple of free throws. It was their first lead since the first bucket of the game put them ahead 2-0 in the first quarter.

It's a major comeback for Iowa, who trailed by 12 in the second quarter.

But UConn quickly scored to even it up again.

All tied up

We have a tie game! Iowa erases a 7-point deficit with just over 3 minutes to go in the third quarter.

Breaking down the Huskies' game

The Huskies are well balanced, ranking fifth in offensive rating and second in defensive rating. Opponents are shooting only 36% from the field against them.

But UConn doesn’t get to the line very often. The Huskies average 15.3 attempts per game, and every other Final Four team is at 18.9 or better.

In This Tournament: UConn has held all four opponents under 34% from the field. The Huskies finally got to the line a good amount  against Southern California  in the regional final, but they shot just 17 of 27.

The foul factor

Will player fouls start to make the difference? UConn has 11 team fouls to Iowa’s 5.

Cleveland lights it up for women's hoops

CLEVELAND — The city has basketball fever, proudly lighting up the night sky with the teams playing in what is likely to be the most-watched women's Final Four ever.

There she goes

CLEVELAND — Clark gets her first 3 of the nights minutes into the second half.

Here’s how many points Clark has scored in every March Madness game so far

Round 1 vs. Holy Cross: 27 

Round 2 vs. West Virginia: 32

Sweet Sixteen vs. Colorado: 29

Elite Eight vs. LSU: 41

Final Four vs. UConn (so far): 6

Total points scored in the NCAA Tournament: 135 

Clark gets streaky during warmups

CLEVELAND — Is Clark about to get hot?

During warmups before the start of the second half, the All-Amercian drained three straight 3s. She's yet to hit one during this semifinal game.

KK Arnold is the game's leading scorer

UConn’s KK Arnold leads all scorers with 10 points and 4 steals in the first half of this Final Four matchup.

Even with the slow start, Clark is methodically working toward a triple-double with 6 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. She’s 0-6 from behind the arc.

Her pregame over/under for threes was 5.5.

The Huskies take a lead into the locker room

UConn is leading the Iowa Huskies 32-26 at the half.

UConn defense is making a difference: Iowa finished the first half on a 10-4 run to end the half down by six. Iowa's highest-scoring offense since 2014 has been held to just 26 points in the first half.

UConn is now the favorite (-180) on the moneyline.

Iowa fans trying to will their team to a lead

CLEVELAND — As the clock was winding down in the first half and Iowa got into more of a rhythm, the crowd seemed to come alive with the chants rising and falling based on how the Hawkeyes played at both ends of the court.

Though both teams are represented here in the stands, Iowa fans seem to be making more noise.

Just a couple of lifelong sports fans

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have clearly been sports fans their whole lives, cheering on football teams since they were too short to man the court.

The Kansas City Chiefs shared a photo of young Clark in Chiefs gear ahead of tonight's Final Four match, and the Minnesota Vikings did the same of Bueckers.

"She grew up cheering for us and now we're cheering for her," the Vikings posted on X.

Rough start for Clark

The superstar is ice cold, going 1-6 from the field with three rebounds, three assists and three costly turnovers.

UConn leads by 9 points with just under 7 minutes to go in the first half.

Michael Phelps ‘honored’ to be on Clark’s lock screen 

Caitlin Clark revealed in an interview this week that her iPhone lock screen is set to a photo of Michael Phelps swimming at the Olympics. “It’s pretty tough,” she said. 

Phelps said he was “honored” to hold that place. 

“This is so cool!” the Olympian wrote in a reply on X . 

Not many points on the board

It was a slow start for both Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, who combined for four points.

Clark, who hit nine threes in the last game, is 0-3 from behind the arc. Iowa is 2-9, while UConn is 4-7 from three-point land to start this contest.

UConn leads after the first quarter

After 10 minutes of play, UConn leads Iowa 19-14, but the Hawkeyes have 30 minutes to try to punch their ticket to the championship game.

Iowa was plagued by turnovers in the first quarter, giving UConn the ball back eight times.

Why women plays in quarters

Unlike their male counterparts, the NCAA women's basketball teams play games of four 10-minute quarters. The men play two 20-minute halves.

The women's rules were changed in 2015 to "enhance the flow of the game," according to a 2015 NCAA release announcing the change.

Prior to the 2015 announcement, women's college basketball also played in two 20-minute halves.

Both the NBA and WNBA play in quarters, as well: The NBA uses four 12-minute quarters, and the WNBA uses four 10-minute quarters.

The second game of the night will likely outscore the first

Expect a much higher scoring game for the second Final Four matchup between UConn and Iowa.

The total opened at 167.5 and has moved down to 162.5. A full 30-points more than the first game tonight.

How Iowa and UConn got here

The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Holy Cross in the first round, West Virginia in the second round, Colorado in the Sweet 16 and LSU in the Elite Eight, in what ended up being a rematch of last year’s championship game. 

As for UConn, the Huskies barrelled past Jackson State in the first round, Syracuse in the second round, Duke in the Sweet 16 and USC in the Elite Eight to make it to Cleveland tonight.

Clark isn’t the only star on the court tonight. Watch out for UConn’s Paige Bueckers.

Powerhouse guard Paige Bueckers with the UConn Huskies has already racked up 112 points and 20 assists during the NCAA tournament, and she shows no signs of stopping. 

The 22-year-old guard announced in February that she will return to UConn for another year on the court, deferring her decision to enter the WNBA draft, a move that was likely expected of her.

Iowa on the board first

No surprise that Caitlin Clark scored the first points of the game for her Iowa Hawkeyes.

Will this be Caitlin Clark’s final college game?

All eyes have been on NCAA all-time scorer Caitlin Clark since she announced in February that she would be taking her talents to the WNBA after her senior season with the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Still to be determined is whether tonight’s matchup against UConn will be the last game of her college hoops career. 

Already this year, she became Iowa’s leading scorer, the NCAA women’s leading scorer and even took the title as the highest scorer in the history of NCAA Division I basketball. 

Will she add a championship trophy to her list of college basketball achievements this year, too? 

Pregame player props

Ahead of the Iowa-UConn matchup, 69% of the handle (total money) and 69% of the bets (total transactions) are on Iowa to win; 77% of the handle (total money) and 69% of the bets (total transactions) are on Iowa to cover the spread (-3.5).

The Caitlin Clark points over/under total sits at 34.5 (-102) and 5.5 made threes. Big-time moment for a big-time player.

The Paige Bueckers points over/under total sits at 26.5 (-122) and 2.5 threes.

We know South Carolina is heading to the championship, now we'll find out who they'll face.

No. 1 Iowa and No. 3 UConn are about to face off for the final spot in the championship game at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The championship game is set for 3 p.m. Sunday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

Cardoso finishes the night with double-double

Kamilla Cardoso leads all scorers and rebounders, finishing with a double-double, 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are headed to the championship

South Carolina snagged their spot in the championship game, beating NC State 78-59. They'll face the winner of UConn-Iowa, which starts next.

Their championship appearance isn't exactly unexpected — they are undefeated on the season, after all.

Can they keep their winning streak alive for one more game and claim the trophy Sunday?

Ted Lasso is a women's basketball fan

Spotted in the crowd: Jason Sudeikis. His Ted Lasso character may be big on soccer, but Sudeikis has been seen taking in several women's basketball games this season.

He was cheering on Iowa and Caitlin Clark in their win over LSU earlier this week.

South Carolina dominates in the third quarter

At the end of the third quarter South Carolina leads 61-37, and the spread has grown to SC -23.5.

NC State will need to start the final quarter fast to stay in the game. South Carolina is 10 minutes from the Championship game.

The Gamecocks built their lead thanks to a monster quarter, outscoring NC State 29-6 in the period. Seven players scored for South Carolina.

Gamecocks' D in a class all its own

Defensively, the Gamecocks are in a class by themselves. With the 6-foot-7 Cardoso protecting the basket, South Carolina is holding opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 36.4, the top defensive mark in the nation. The Gamecocks aren’t quite as dominant on the offensive glass as last year, but they’re playing at a faster tempo and have become more efficient overall on offense. An inability to shoot 3-pointers cost them in the Final Four last year, but that’s no longer a weakness with South Carolina making them at a 39% clip in 2023-24.

But they shoot just 69% from the free throw line and don’t do a particularly good job getting there.

In This Tournament: That improvement from beyond the arc came in handy for the Gamecocks in their one close game in this tournament. They shot 8 of 16 in  a 79-75 win  over Indiana in the Sweet 16.

A double-digit lead for South Carolina

The Gamecocks started pulling away after the half, nabbing the first double-digit lead of the game.

With just under 5 minutes to go in the quarter, they lead the NC State Wolfpack by 12.

Breaking down the Wolfpack's game

Coming in to tonight's game, The Wolfpack had the fourth-lowest foul rate in the nation, although given South Carolina’s spotty free throw shooting, that might not be much of an advantage for their semifinal. N.C. State has also done a good job on the defensive boards, which could be a more important asset.

The Wolfpack are just 25th in offensive rating. They aren’t great at forcing turnovers or getting offensive rebounds, and for a team with fairly middling shooting percentages, N.C. State’s inability to create extra chances could be a problem.

In This Tournament: Outside shooting was big for the Wolfpack the last two games. N.C. State went 16 of 35 from 3-point range against Texas and Stanford. The Wolfpack, however, had only four offensive rebounds against the Longhorns, six against Stanford and three in the second around against Tennessee.

South Carolina hasn't lost since last season

The Gamecocks took the court without a loss this year, touting their impressive 36-0 record.

The NC State Wolfpack, on the other hand, entered with a record of 31-6.

Cleveland mad for basketball and eclipse

CLEVELAND — People here have their eyes on the court — and the skies.

Between the women's championship and excitement over Monday's eclipse, the city is buzzing with energy.

The action kicks off on the hardwood tonight at 7 p.m., and the moon is expected to block out the sun here at 3:15 p.m. Monday.

Read here for more on the eclipse, including times it’s visible, path of totality, why glasses are essential and more.

South Carolina leads by one at the end of the half

The score sits at 32-31 at the end of the first half, in South Carolina's favor.

Kamilla Cardoso walked off the court, appearing to be injured, with just minutes left on the clock. We'll see if she makes it back after halftime.

Kamilla Cardoso is on a tear

The South Carolina center is already in double digits, racking up the last 10 points for the Gamecocks — and knocking in all of her team's points thus far into the second quarter.

Final 4 x 2 = UConn and NC State

Hearing a lot about UConn? Or NC State? 

That’s because both the men’s and the women’s teams made it to this year’s Final Four in their respective tournaments. 

The UConn men’s team will face Alabama and the NC State men’s team will play Purdue tomorrow night. The winners will advance to the men’s championship game. 

Tied up at the end of the first quarter

South Carolina and NC State will head into the second quarter knotted up 16-16.

Check the three-point line

Earlier in the tournament, there was an issue with the 3-point line for the at Moda Center. A discrepancy in distance at each end of the court went unnoticed through four games over two days before Texas and NC State were informed of the problem ahead of their Elite Eight matchup on Sunday.

The teams’ coaches agreed to play Sunday’s game as scheduled with the mismatched 3-point lines rather than delay it, the NCAA said in a statement. N.C. State beat Texas 76-66 to advance to the Final Four.

Tickets to the women’s Final Four are selling for twice as much as the men’s

The average price paid for a ticket on the resale market this week was twice as high for the NCAA women’s Final Four compared with that for the men’s semifinals, according to a technology company that analyzes prices across multiple platforms.

The average price of a ticket sold to the women’s semifinals was $2,323; the average sale price for the men’s was $1,001.21, Logitix reported Wednesday.

The women’s games Friday match Iowa against Connecticut and South Carolina against North Carolina State at the 19,432-seat Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland. Including data from sales made a month ago and longer, the average price for the women’s semifinals is $1,131.78, compared with $400.29 for the same period in 2023.

Gamecocks get on the board first

The first points of the night go to the South Carolina Gamecocks, with guard Te-Hina Paopao sinking the first shot and helping get the team to a quick 5-0 start.

Girl power takes center court during intro videos

The Final Four teams introduced themselves in fresh female fashion, with teammate voiceovers hyping up "my girls" in pre-game videos that feature everything from beauty and lash tips to favorite on-court moves and nicknames.

Oh, and a sparkly basketball, of course.

Millions expected to tune in to the action

The Final Four is officially underway for the women, and more people than ever are expected to watch this weekend's games.

Ratings for the tournament are expected to reach well into the double-digit millions. 

Soaring interest in the women’s game is the product of two main phenomena, experts say: a new batch of stars, including a once-in-a-generation player; and the increasing coverage those players now receive, thanks to greater investment from networks in broadcasting the games.

At the top of the star wave stands Caitlin Clark, Iowa guard who has broken not only the most records for scoring in the women’s game, but earlier this year surpassed Pete Maravich as the all-time leading NCAA career basketball scorer, period. Yet other stars are primed to keep the momentum going for the women’s games.

Read the full story here.

Fans already feeling inspired

CLEVELAND — Rebecca Eskow said the women’s tournament “feels bigger this year,” adding that it’s “special” the women are getting so much attention.

AmberConnolly, from Iowa and a Hawkeyes fan, said “it’s pretty incredible” to see the excitement around women’s hoops.

“We grew up playing basketball and there was never this hype and following of it, so it’s pretty incredible to see it, see kids be able to see this stuff now too, it’s pretty cool,” she said.

Addyson McDermott said she thinks this hype will be an inspiration for young girls everywhere.

“I think it’s gonna really inspire them to work harder,” McDermott said.

Their paths to the Final Four: South Carolina and NC State 

The undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks beat Presbyterian in the first round, North Carolina in the second round, Indiana in the Sweet 16 and Oregon State in the Elite Eight to arrive at the Final Four stage. 

NC State had to knock out Chattanooga in the first round, Tennessee in the second round, Stanford in the Sweet 16 and Texas in the Elite Eight to make it to this year’s Final Four. 

A not-quite-perfect tourney: Racism hurled at Utah team

The University of Utah women’s basketball team found themselves the victims of multiple racist attacks while they were staying in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, ahead of their first NCAA Tournament game in Spokane, Washington, on March 23.

Coach Lynne Roberts said at a news conference on March 21 that her team of Black, white and Latina athletes were subject to a series of “racial hate crimes.”

On Wednesday, Coeur d’Alene police said a racial slur was used against the team, possibly on more than one occasion. 

“We’ve identified an audio recording where the use of a racial slur was clearly audible,” the police department said on Facebook. It added that it “appears the use of a racial slur occurred more than one time.”

The team was relocated to a hotel closer to Spokane for their safety, Roberts said. 

South Carolina and Iowa head into gametime as the favorites

Jason Abbruzzese

South Carolina is a heavy favorite tonight over NC State in the booming world of sports gambling.

Most sportsbooks favor the Gamecocks by 11 or 11.5 points.

Iowa vs. UConn is much closer.

Caitlin Clark’s Hawkeyes are favored by 2.5 to 3.5 points over Paige Bueckers and the Huskies, depending on the sportsbook.

The books are also expecting Iowa v. UConn to be a higher scoring affair. The over/under for that game (a prediction for the points scored in the game on which bettors wager whether total points will be over or under that number) has been around 162.5.

The over/under for Souther Carolina v. NC State has been around 139.5.

Fans are psyched about the hype around women's hoops this year

CLEVELAND — Fans are already reveling in tonight's Final Four glory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, psyched to see all of the hype the women's game is finally getting.

For Jennifer Dunn, who said she played college basketball, seeing arenas sell out and knowing that tickets to the games are being sold for hundreds, if not thousands, "is generational and it’s one of those things that is super cool for these girls to see."

Makenna Dunn said it's "amazing" and "cool" to watch the women excel on the court.

"I want to be like them someday," she said.

The Dunns are rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

More eyes than ever on women's hoops

No matter which team is crowned the national title, there's already one clear winner: women's basketball.

Earlier in the week, a record audience watched Iowa’s Caitlin Clark face off against LSU’s Angel Reese.

The Elite Eight game on Monday drew 12.3 million viewers, the most ever for a women’s college basketball game , easily topping the previous high of 9.9 million viewers who tuned in to last season’s championship matchup between the two teams, according to ESPN. 

The Iowa-LSU game was also its biggest betting event of all time for women’s sports, FanDuel told CNBC .

Final Four count: How many times has each team been to the semifinal round? 

None of these four teams are strangers to the Final Four, but some are more familiar with it than others. 

UConn has been to the Final Four 23 times since their first appearance in 1991. 

This is Iowa’s third Final Four appearance; their first was in 1993. 

N.C. State is in the Final Four for just the second time, with their only other appearance in 1998. 

And South Carolina has been quite familiar with the big stage recently — this is their sixth appearance since 2015.

Hyped for hoops: Steve Kornacki breaks down the Final Four!

Steve Kornacki

How and when to watch

The NCAA women's semifinals tip off tonight at 7 p.m. ET at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Catch the action on ESPN and stream on ESPN+ and FUBO. Here's when to catch the action.

Top-seed South Carolina vs. 3-seed N.C. State, 7 p.m. ET

Top-seed Iowa vs. 3-seed UConn 9:30 p.m. ET