Try Some Down Home “Carolina Cookin'” at the Best Diners in NC

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Ambiance. Southern hospitality. The friendliest service you can imagine. Comfort food like it was meant to be prepared, served, and eaten. Now that you have chosen to build your family’s new home in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve, your prime location puts you in a reasonable distance from all the great sights, sounds, and in this case, tastes of North Carolina. Sure, you hear about the BBQ in NC, likewise, there are many different types of restaurants that you’ll be told are “can’t miss.” However, if you talk to some of the lifelong residents and ask what they consider “good down-home” cooking, you may want to plan out a few weekend mornings here and there and take a journey to try each of the Best Diners in NC.

So, to be clear, these are not your “fancy-schmancy,” “five-star” gourmet stops. Nope, as a matter of fact they are far from it. But with huge portions, big friendly smiles, and some of the most delicious classic dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinners, the Best Diners in NC will not disappoint.

The Best Diners in NC : An Hour or Less from Rocky Mount

The first two entries on our list of Best Diners in NC are both in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Neither one of these is even an hour drive from Belmont lake Preserve, making these more than likely a “repeat performer” once you’ve been able to give them at try.

Poole’s Diner, Raleigh, NC

An absolute classic in every sense of the word starts our list of Best Diners in NC. For starters, Poole’s is located right in the heart of downtown Raleigh, the capital of NC. This Raleigh staple first opened over 75 years ago and still has some of its classic layout. A double horseshoe bar, red leather stool cushions and banquettes along with the menu on the chalkboard changing things up daily give you a glimpse into past, simpler times. 

Oh, and the food…amazing, there have even been a few modern touches added to all the diner classics you could hope for the current chef at Poole’s is multiple time Chef of the Year recipient, Ashley Christiansen.

True Flavors Diner, Durham, NC

Snazzy, yet hearty is how one reviewer described our next entry on st Diners in NC. With a comfortable yet classy layout that gives perfect diner ambience, True Flavors gives a unique twist on many diner classics.

Known throughout the area for its weekend brunch, you have to try a few of the following signature diner classics with True Flavors own “Carolina twist to them. These dishes include: Howling Moon French toast (French toast topped with a moonshine-based sauce), fish and grits, and duck hash.

A Little Over an Hour, But Well Worth the Trip to these Best Diners in NC

While these may take you a little further up the road, rest assured the hour and fifteen to twenty-five-minute drive for these next entries are also well worth the time. High quality taste , service and experiences await at the next two Best Diners in NC. 

MaryBills Cafe & Elbow Room, Fayetteville, NC

While we are introducing you to the Best Diners in NC, anyone local to Fayetteville, would probably send you here. Being commonly referred to as “The Place to Have Breakfast in Fayetteville,” you sort of just have to try the place….right?!?

Well, no one seems to argue the lofty nickname status for breakfast. Likewise, they are legendary locally for such diner classics as their burger and turkey melt sandwiches. So basically, MaryBills is a safe bet for delicious diner fare anytime you stop in.

Elmo’s Diner, Carr Mill, NC

Yes, Elmo’s. Another not-so-far-ride up the way from Rocky Mount. This is the “Cheer’s” of our Best Diners in NC. Why, you ask? Well, the friendly atmosphere and hospitality at Elmo’s makes it feel that “everybody knows your name.” With the local contingent, they usually all do know each other’s name, actually. 

Regardless of the friendly smiles and incredible service, the made from scratch pancakes at Elmo’s are famous in. the area. Consequently, all of the made from scratch rich and hearty meals here are the stuff of legend if you just give them a try.

Just a Little Bit Further Now, But Ohhh So Good!!!

All right, so we have kept it below the 90-minute mark from your new home in Rocky Mount before these final three entries. These Best Diners in NC that follow are not too much further a drive, and from a brunch spot, to omelets and so. much more, you won’t be sorry you took the time for any of these signature NC breakfast stops.

Goody Goody Omelet House, Wilmington, NC

Since 1977, Wilmington natives have known the secret of this entry to the Best Diners in NC. A Sunday morning tradition for those living nearby, even at this distance, you may make Goody Goody a regular stop too.

The “retro” interior leaves you wondering if it still sits as it did when it opened in the late 70’s, and yes, much of it has. But a taste of any of their signature omelets, including the highly recommended Spanish omelets are ones you don’t want to let “time pass by.”

Mary’s Gourmet Diner, Winston-Salem, NC

Am I becoming repetitive by calling the Best Diners in NC that we are documenting each by the word “classic.”? Well, whether that is the case or not, Mary’s when it comes to brunch is, you guessed it, a classic.

Fresh and local produce and foods fuel the unique menu at Mary’s. In addition to all the loved and renowned diner dishes, you also get many communities and otherwise, fun themed events here as well. For example, their recent “Zombie Brunch” “knocked ’em dead” with the great food and atmosphere.

Smith Street Diner, Greensboro, NC

Fun decor, incredible service, and huge portions are all synonymous with our final entry on this Best Diners in NC “tour. Famously touting that they serve breakfast “8 days a week,” safe to say this establishment is ready to serve whenever you are hungry.

Just sit back and enjoy the witty portraits of pigs that make up the decor as you wait. Once the wait is over, regardless of your order its best you brought an appetite, a doggie bag, or maybe both to Smith Street Diner.

Great Food is a Part of NC Culture, Set Your Sights on This Journey to Breakfast Nirvana 

Sure, you are getting accustomed to all things NC. maybe every weekend is not optimum to take an hour or so drive for an amazing breakfast. But as you may be noticing since your move, there is a lot of pride in a lot of things here in North Carolina. While you may not be able to finish this list for a while, it is well worth making the voyage fit into your plans at some point. 

For more information on Belmont lake Preserve and its location in Rocky Mount in respect to all other points across the state, visit the Location section at belmontlakepreserve.com.

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North Carolina Wesleyan College: Not Just a Neighbor When it’s All in the Family

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So, after much deliberation, you have decided to make your relocation choice one that is close to where your child has opted to go to college. Your decision process took many items into consideration, but as much as your final choice wound up at Belmont Lake Preserve for its proximity to your child, its overall centralized location to all things NC was very inviting also. But, Rocky Mount and North Carolina Wesleyan College (NCWC) will be home to your son or daughter for the next several years, on their personal educational journey. Thus, for you, our new home at Belmont Lake Preserve not only puts you close, but it literally makes them your neighbor.

Sure, being literally next door is unbelievably close to North Carolina Wesleyan College. However, on top of the their actual family, the NCWC experience will introduce them to a whole another family as well. Known as a very “hands-on” school many students and professors take part in this. Yes, their initial college experience is successful but readies them to leave the university upon graduation.

Making You “Believe” at North Carolina Wesleyan College

The school’s slogan at North Carolina Wesleyan College is “Believe.” This can be taken in several different ways, however as they use the term on their own website, NCWC “believes” in you, their students. With several amazing options for incoming students to show them support and help them transition to “college life,” it is obvious that the great staff and faculty truly do “believe” in making a difference.

One of the very first “support services” that your child will be introduced to at North Carolina Wesleyan College is Academic Support Services. The mission of this service is to help students adjust .Its also to assist the students in achieving academic success throughout their entire time at NCWC. The NCWC Academic Support Services help them to become active in their studies. Likewise it shows that can be responsible within the NCWC community. 

The school’s academic Support Services programs and resources include Supplemental Instruction, Peer and Professional Tutoring, and Online Tutoring.

Supplemental Instruction at NCWC: Students Making a Difference for the Students

Your first question when arriving at this point in our post almost has to be, what exactly is “Supplemental Instruction?” Well, to begin, it is a voluntary program at North Carolina Wesleyan College, however it comes highly recommended.

For starters, Supplemental Instruction or SI is a completely peer/student facilitated cooperative support system for fellow NCWC students. This is not some type of remedial program or aimed at students who are struggling or having difficulties. While it certainly could help a student in such a predicament, SI is a program by students and for any and all at North Carolina Wesleyan College looking to improve academically.

What are the End Results from the SI Program at North Carolina Wesleyan College?

So, all this being said, the next apparent question about Supplemental Instruction would be, how does it work? Well, to start, the SI program is available in a variety of supported courses at North Carolina Wesleyan College. Students enrolled in these classes have support and assistance available to them in the form of an “SI leader.” The SI leaders are sophomores, juniors, or seniors at NCWC with a GPA of 3.0 or above that have knowledge of and have been successful in the area of study of the given course they are to help with.

The Supplemental Instruction leaders are assigned to a particular course and then attend all class sessions for the said course that semester. They schedule and meet outside of the class for study and review type sessions on the class 2-3 times weekly with students seeking their assistance. This works as a forum for students in the class to compare their notes and outlook on the course. 

Likewise, they become more familiar with the material and not only their own take on it but also the way others in. the same spot views the material. These sessions are not mandatory, but North Carolina Wesleyan College research done on the SI program shows that on a consistent basis, those who do attend received on average an increase of nearly a full letter grade in these topics. 92 percent of those utilizing this resource received as A, B, or C letter grade.

“Believe” in Becoming Part of the Rich History of NCWC

Yes, the SI program is a unique and self-sufficient way that students can come together to achieve their goals. This innovative program builds confidence and readies the students for the future and similar situations where they will need to work with others. their given field of study. 

A third and most important yes…is yes, these traits and good habits will form. Likewise, they will continue as your child becomes part of the NCWC family. That is a family that has evolved. A family that values the coming together of a student body . Family values that has stood strong and built a strong reputation for nearly 65 years.

North Carolina Wesleyan College stands today just and strongly as it did upon opening in 1956. In the current day, it has a total of 2,008 undergraduate students on campus. This also allows for that “hands-on” family feel that NCWC strives for, as nearly 80 percent of the classes have fewer than 20 students in them. 

There are many great programs of study at NCWC. The most popular majors at the school include Business Administration and Management, General; Organizational Leadership; Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration; Psychology, General; and Accounting. There is an overall student satisfaction ranking of over 60 percent. This shows that the NCWC “family-style” of learning is one that truly “hits home.”

Let North Carolina Wesleyan College Help You be One Big Happy Family!

You opted for your new home in Rocky Mount with many deciding factors playing into the choice. Being closer to your child as they begin their college journey was one of the top factors on that list. Thus moving to the Belmont Lake Preserve new home and golf community, was a winning choice. Likewise, you literally put yourself next door to North Carolina Wesleyan College and your son or daughter. Whether at BLP, NCWC, or under your very own roof, that spells one thing…family!

For more information on North Carolina Wesleyan College, visit there official website here. For all the latest at Belmont Lake Preserve, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

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Get Spooked for Halloween on these Haunted Roads in North Carolina…If You Dare!

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With the Halloween holiday approaching, the nights always seem to be a little darker. The strange noises seem a little closer. What’s that you say? You’re not afraid? Well, that’s a good thing, because in the spirit of Halloween we have a list of seven Haunted Roads in North Carolina that you will surely want to explore. Since you’re not afraid and all….

Seriously though, we all love a good scare around this time of year, don’t we? Corn mazes, haunted houses, and countless other “terror trails” fill up every fall with folks looking for a reason to scream. But what about when it isn’t an attraction? What about when there is no explanation for what appears to be some type of paranormal being or activity? What happens when it’s just you and whoever is alongside traveling routes that hundreds have claimed some type of haunted experiences? Well, if you still are looking for that “scare,” grab your keys, your courage, and head on out to these Haunted Roads in North Carolina. 

Oh, and good luck making it back…

Heartbeat Bridge, Whiteville, NC

The site of an unexplainable murder of an innocent young girl sets the stage for the first of our Haunted Roads in North Carolina. As “legend and lore” would have it, this poor girl not only was killed here, but it’s said her heart was cut from her body and thrown from this very bridge by the killer.

How would anyone know this for sure, you may ask? Well, it is simple, the girls’ heart still beats to this day at the site. Not possible, you say? Well, as you approach these Haunted Roads in North Carolina explain to us then as you begin hearing the faint sound of her heartbeat? That could be anything, you may think at first until you actually arrive at the bridge. It has been said that the heartbeat here is so loud that people have had to leave the site due to the sound.

Gravity Hill, Richfield, NC

Here we have another of our Haunted Roads of North Carolina that was born from legend…or is it? Some claim that Gravity Hill is simply an illusion. But you can decide for yourself with a visit.

So, legend has it that one evening on Richfield Road, a young mother and child stalled in. their car. Then when the mother got out to push the vehicle, an oncoming truck struck and killed both her and the child. Here’s where this one gets spooky. It is said today that if you drive to the bottom of this exact hill and put your car in neutral, you will slowly move up the hill. Adding to the mystique is that it also said that before you put the car in neutral if you put baby powder on the hood of your car, once to the hilltop, there will be handprints left in the powder.

Helen’s Bridge, Asheville, NC

Still, wearing all that bravery and courage? Ok, just checking, because if history tells us anything the next stop on our list of Haunted Roads in North Carolina could leave you with some type of car trouble, or even worse! Helen’s Bridge sets at Beaucatcher Mountain in Asheville. The unexplainable occurrences at this spot are as incredible as they are hard to explain. 

So, the story here is that after Helen’s daughter died in a fire, the grief-stricken mother hung herself from this very bridge. Since that fateful incident, the strange occurrences on this stop of our Haunted Roads in North Carolina are almost too plentiful to dismiss. First, there are countless reports of “Helen” in a long gown asking passers. by if they know where her daughter is. At least as strange is the amazing number of car problems reported from those passing by this point. Whether a dead battery at the site or other car issues within the next few days, there has been a long history of auto failures following these visits. Random sightings of monster-like figures and even unexplained slaps, punches, and scratches have been reported at this site, as well.

Ready for “Trick-or-Treating” yet, or should we continue on our tour of Haunted Roads in North Carolina?

So, if strange occurrences at the sites of murders and other deaths don’t have you ready to head to the safety of your well-lit home, lets continue. Next up we go to what I’m not sure can still be “Man’s Best Friend!”

The Demon Dog of Valle Crucis

Ok, just reading that headline has got to make you skeptical. But, make no mistake about its Valle Crucis lays claim to what may seem the strangest, but also possibly the most terrifying entry on our list. 

This next of our Haunted Roads in North Carolina is exactly what it says. A “demon dog” comes from behind a gravestone as you pass St John’s Episcopal Church on this path. Complete with glowing eyes and yellow teeth, it is said no matter what speed you travel at the canine continues its chase.

Lydia’s Bridge, Jamestown 

In our fifth tale about Haunted Roads in North Carolina, we have a story of a young hitchhiker gone bad. While the name Lydia has come into question over the years, the tale remains regardless.

What happened here is a young girl dies on this stretch in Jamestown in the 1920’s. She was supposedly in a car accident while on her way to her high school prom. Legend has it that still today, when you drive past this bridge on a dark, rainy night that is similar to the one of the occurance you will see a phantom hitchhiker, looking for a ride.

Payne Road, Rural Hall

There are numerous tales regarding the next entry of our Haunted Roads in North Carolina. No matter which you’ve heard, it has become a Halloween-time tradition locally to travel this spooky, dark path.

Ranging from murdering his daughter, killing his wife and baby girl, or even as far as claiming the man practiced sacrifices and satanic rituals the horrifying legend of Edward Payne is one many are familiar with. Whatever you like to believe, it is undeniable that a very eerie and strange feeling is in the air when you drive down Payne Road, and it is suggested that you do not travel this road alone!

Chicken Alley, Asheville, NC

This is not so much a part of Haunted Roads in North Carolina as it is a haunted. “alley way,” but either way, the lore surrounding this location in Asheville merits inclusion on this listing. 

The “ghost” of Chicken Alley is supposedly Dr. Jamie Smith. The story goes that Dr. Smith was stabbed in the heart at this spot after accidentally walking into a bar brawl that had spilled to the alley from nearby Broadway’s Tavern. In his defense, it is said that now, some 100-plus years later, the “doctor” still has his fashion sense as it said when this “being” can be seen he still is wearing his long, black coat and wide-brimmed hat. Likewise, legend has it that you can even hear Dr. Smith tapping his cane against the street as he shuffles through.

Are the Haunted Roads of North Carolina Real or Make Believe…That’s for You to Decide?

These seven locations, the Haunted Roads of North Carolina, are all ones that get regular visits in their local areas. Many of these get visitors state-wide from across NC. With the Halloween season approaching, there are many haunted houses and trails up and running. So, why not take a ride out and visit “the real thing?” That is if you are not too afraid…

For more information on your location and all other things at BLP, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

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