dicks-hotdog-stand-belmont-lake-preserve

It is not often that many things these days are built to last. Almost any product or good you can name has in some way been changed to be produced or manufactured in cheaper and faster methods to save on time and money in today’s fast-paced society. Well, one thing that has certainly shown it is “built to last,” as anyone in Eastern NC that has lived here in the past 100 years or so can attest is Dick’s Hotdog Stand. Being at your new home in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake preserve, it is only a matter of time before the legend of this iconic stand was discovered. So, we figure we would just let you in on the secret early.

Dick’s Hotdog Stand is located at 1500 Nash Street North in Wilson, NC. It is only about a 25-mile ride out to visit this hot dog expert that literally served millions of hungry and happy customers. Still opened six days a week, (no Mondays) Dick’s serves up its classic dogs from 10:00 am until 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. Then on Saturdays, they open at 7:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. But for Sunday, it’s back to the usual 10 am-8pm daily grind.

2021 is the 100th Year of Hotdog Goodness

Yes, that is two zeroes. 100 years. A full century. Now, honestly, name me anything that has been functioning and successful for a full century? What does this tell us about Wilson’s Dicks Hotdog Stand? Well for one, and I am thinking not just locals, but countless travelers up and down I-95 can also probably attest, they have got one amazing hot dog.

Well, that is not exactly correct, see. Since Dicks Hotdog Stand opened for business in 1921, they do not have one fantastic hot dog. They have three. The varieties are as follows: 

  • Dick’s Famous Dog
  • The Cheese Dog
  • Super Dog

Now, there obviously are a number of toppings and such that go on one of Dicks Hotdog Stands amazing franks. You can get it just how you like. But, the Super Dog, which is a delicious quarter-pound dog is suggested as served “all the way.” Before you ask, that means with mustard, onion’s, and Dick’s famous chili.

Dicks Hotdog Stand and the Delicious Rest of its Menu

Wow, 100 years and nothing but hot dogs, amazing! Well, it hasn’t been all hot dogs. As a matter of fact, Dicks has a fantastic “50’s style drive-in ” menu. They. feature no less than six different types of burgers. Likewise, they make a variety of other sandwiches and subs. You can also get one of Dicks famous “plates.” These come in hamburger or cheeseburger steak, hot pork roast, chicken tenders, to name just a few. 

On top of the other sandwiches, you know they have to have some classic sides to go along with a 100-year tradition. You are not wrong in this assumption, as their fries, cheese fries, chili cheese fries, onion rings, slaw, and pickles are also the things of legend around these parts.

For more information on your new home community, Belmont Lake Preserve in Rocky Mount, visit belmontlakepreserve.com

best-north-carolina-state-parks

So, to this point, we have shown you the way toward ten of the Best North Carolina State Parks. Some are best known for hiking, others for cycling enthusiasts, and yet others for those looking to drop a canoe or kayak. With countless options and the most incredible scenery and natural beauty not only in NC but anywhere across the country, we will continue and list our final five entrants in this post.

Sticking to a statement that we have made since we began suggesting these serene and peaceful getaway options, there are way too many gorgeous parks in this state to list. But, in those we list below and our previous ten, we can guarantee satisfaction. Thus, since you are now in your new house in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve, and you are “never too far” from any of these spots….what are you waiting for? Seriously?!?!

Best North Carolina State Parks: Enjoy a Side of History with Your Sun-Soaked Beauty

The amazing thing about the 15 different Best North Carolina State Parks is how each of them has their own unique characteristics, making each a slightly different journey to visit. These final five parks are no different, as you will see with a few of our stops below.

Fort Macon State Park

Well, remember we made mention of adding a dash of history? Well, the next of our Best North Carolina State Parks is Fort Macon. This is an actual restored, original, historic Fort from the Civil War. Thus, of course you will enjoy the amazing view and the breathtaking beach located in this park. But you can also learn here all about the significant role and all that played out on this site during the historic times of war.

Dismal Swamp State Park

Whether we want to or not. Or whether it was our intention to, which it actually wasn’t. Next up among the Best North Carolina State Parks is another of those that is sure to be a favorite of those looking to enjoy a particular activity. In. this case, the park is Dismal Swamp State Park, and the activity is kayaking. This is an incredible 14,000-acresof winding and turning rivers surrounded by overgrown cypress trees along the shoreline.

Jordan Lake State Park

For this next stop on our voyage to the Best North Carolina state Parks, we again find ourselves in the Raleigh area and likewise, we have a bit of a historic, or at least a national tie in. To explain, this 13,900-acre park is the home of many of the rare “bald eagles.” This is also known as a great spot to drop a line in the water, kick back and do some fishing. But no matter, if you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the national bird, do some fishing, or just looking for some quiet down time this is a perfect daytrip.

South Mountains State Park

Ok, we are down to just this and one more Best North Carolina State Parks , and to be honest, dozens are deserving of a spot. However, we can’t go on forever, so for our next entry, we will just point the way to the steps you can climb up and see its gorgeous, 80- foot high waterfall. If that’s not your thing (how could that not be ?) you can hike to the many mountain peaks, lay out and catch some rays on the rocks beside the river, or just sit back , breathe deep and enjoy South Mountains State Park.

Get Out to the Best North Carolina State Parks…What are you Waiting For???

Well? What are you waiting for? We could revisit for more additions to the Best North Carolina State Parks every post and keep going for seemingly ever. If we did not touch on one of your favorites, we apologize, but do stand by our thinking that you will greatly enjoy and appreciate a trip to any of the 15 parks listed in our three-part series. So back to the original question…what are you waiting for?

For more information on the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community, visit belmontlakepreserve.com

best-state-parks-in-nc

Maybe you realized it and had forgotten. Possibly it had just been a long time. Any way you slice it, you’ve come to realize the fantastic location you are at. You realize at your new home in Rocky Mount the close proximity tho all things NC that  Belmont Lake Preserve puts you in. Included among those things are the Best State Parks in NC, which can help rediscover the peacefulness of all their beauty.

Well, whether it was a discovery or re-discovery does not really matter. The fact is, you are in a great location at Belmont Lake Preserve and that you are surrounded across the state by fantastic outdoor summer fun options. Following our first five Best State Parks in NC that we cover in the initial post, here we will bring you the next five. Again, these were not listed in any particular order, and all can deliver on that much needed and deserved peace of mind you get from a beautiful summer sunset.

The Best State Parks in NC: You Ain’t “Scene” Nothing Yet!

See what we did there. Well, it is all about natural beauty and scenery when you talk about the Best State parks in NC. Thus, without further ado, let’s get back into our sixth through tenth suggestions on our list. We think you’ll enjoy them all.

Lake Norman State Park

Here is one for those who truly love cycling. This slice of heaven and it’s over 30-miles of gorgeous biking trails make any Best State Parks in NC listing for those on two wheels, no doubt. In addition, the park is 32,510-acres of natural amazement, with some of the most beautiful lakeside views anywhere in the entire state.

Stone Mountain State Park

Our next entree to the Best State Parks in NC makes the list in part for its uniqueness. This picturesque attraction is 600 feet above the valley floor and offers some of the “best of separate worlds” to its visitors. That being said, at Stone Mountain, you can visit the 19th century Homestead, just as easily as you could cool off near the waterfall or dip your feet in the river.

Pilot Mountain State Park

This is truly one of the special entrants among our Best State Parks in NC. Although sometimes the term “classic” or “throwback” doesn’t fit, it seems a perfect description for Pilot Mountain State Park. Just outside of the piedmont, this spot is one of the final remaining remnants of the near-defunct Suaratown mountains. No matter if you like hiking, climbing, or just incredible views.

William B. Umstead Park

I must say that we have a very diverse list for this our second out of three posts covering the Best State Parks in NC. Each of the entrants listed has its own distinct beauty and William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh is no different. With 5,000 breathtaking acres to explore, you can discover trails, lakes, and overlooks throughout this beautiful stretch of land. Canoeing and kayaking are both extremely popular at this destination as well.

Hammocks Beach State Park

Lets stick to our theme of diversity. Here is a stop that you can enjoy on the mainland or the islands. Yep, that’s right, during warmer months there is an actual ferry that you can take at Hammocks Beach State Park. This brings you to the beach, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and maritime forest. It seems that each of these five parks have had one favorite activity somewhat unique to t, and Hammocks is no different. People love camping on the beach here, and why wouldn’t they, the place is incredible.

Two-Thirds Through our Best State Parks in NC With a Little History Left to See

Those five spectacular suggestions as Best State Parks in NC give us a total of ten. That leaves us with just five to be featured in our upcoming post. Likewise, you will be within reasonable distance of all of these great spots. They will be awaiting your arrival.

For more information on all the great things at Belmont Lake Preserve, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.