North Carolina
Experiences|Museums

Spencer Train Ride Is One Of The Best Scenic Train Rides In North Carolina

Experience a thrilling and affordable scenic train ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina.

Updated Apr 25, 2024

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

All aboard one of the most scenic N.C. train rides filled with thrills that won't break the bank. Known affectionately as the Museum That Moves You, the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer has an admission combo that includes a ride on its historic train cars. A Spencer train ride is so much fun! Come ride along on one of the best scenic train rides in North Carolina.

Climb aboard for a scenic train ride that's available from April through Labor Day.

alt
N.C. Transportation Museum / Facebook

From April through May, the train runs every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and every third Thursday of each month. From June through Labor Day, trains run every Thursday through Sunday.

advertisement

Snag a ticket when you purchase your online entry for the museum, and you'll have more than just a day at the museum in store.

alt
Wes H / Google Reviews

Note: Be sure to purchase the "combo" ticket that includes a train ride. The museum offers museum-only tickets as well.

Rally the family to hop on board for a fun little ride around the museum's 60-acre compound.

alt
Philip Yarbrough / Google Reviews

This is the perfect little train ride for train enthusiasts of all ages. Afterward, don't skip exploring one of the coolest museums in the state...

alt
DB Whitlow / Google Reviews

Because it's more than just a train museum: The N.C. Transportation Museum has exhibits of automobiles, trucks, tractors, buses, and airplanes.

alt
Bethany Cochran / Google Reviews

(Spoiler alert: there may even be a Wright Brothers exhibit here...).

advertisement

And you'll get to explore one of the few historic roundhouse train depots remaining in the country.

alt
N. C. Transportation Museum / Google Reviews

So how about taking a few affordable and fun North Carolina train rides in the coming months?

alt
N.C. Transportation Museum / Facebook

The N.C. Transportation Museum is located between Charlotte and Greensboro (45 miles from each city). So it's centrally located for every North Carolinian to visit.

alt
N.C. Transportation Museum / Facebook

Get an in-depth look at the N.C. Transportation Museum:

Have you taken a Spencer train ride in North Carolina at the N.C. Transportation Museum? We think it's so much fun! Visit the museum's website to see its train schedule and ticket prices.

advertisement

If you have ridden on any scenic train rides near you in North Carolina let us know about your experiences in the comments.

If you like to be in the driver's seat, pack up the car or rent an RV from RVShare and get ready for these wonderful road trips in North Carolina.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/7-best-nc-road-trips/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Museums

There Is A Tiny European Village Hiding In The Middle Of The City In North Carolina

Reynolda Historic District in Winston-Salem offers a European village experience with historic buildings, shops, and art galleries.

Updated Jun 24, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Reynolda Historic District in Winston-Salem is a hidden European town in North Carolina. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this charming community conveniently sits adjacent to Wake Forest University. Several buildings originally modeled after an English village were once part of the 1,067-acre estate of the R.J. Reynolds family, now holding shops, restaurants, and other businesses. As you’ll discover, setting foot in this enchanted shopping village in North Carolina quickly carries you to another world. If you ask us, this is one of the best places that feel like Europe in NC. Come see for yourself!

advertisement

Developed from 1912-1917 by Richard Joshua Reynolds and his wife, Katharine Smith Reynolds, the Reynolda Historic District was part of their sprawling country estate.

alt
Reynolda Village Shops & Restaurants/Facebook

From art galleries to home furnishings and clothing boutiques, you'll find something to take home from Reynolda Village's wide array of unique shops.

alt
Vani Narayana/Google

The old-world feel comes from the unique use of the renovated buildings housing all of the businesses.

alt
Cynthia Villojan/Google

And for some delicious refreshments, you'll find everything, including the finest blends of coffee to sandwiches and a hearty filet mignon.

alt
Sylvia Titgemeyer/Google

For a unique experience, which is why we're here, order a savory or sweet crepe from Penny Path Cafe & Crepe Shop.

Or find another way to eat in between the scenery.

alt
Eric Moore/Google

And daydreaming is also available in these carved-out spaces just for you.

advertisement
alt
Reynolda Village Shops & Restaurants/Facebook

The Barn at Reynolda Village is now renovated and a popular venue for weddings and other social events.

alt
M&D E/Google

The 64-room Reynolda House Museum of American Art was completed in 1917 as the home of Katharine Smith and R.J. Reynolds.

alt
Ronnie Esquivel/Google

And we love the 34,000-square-foot+ historic home showcases more than 6,000 historic objects and a world-renowned collection of American art with great names, such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Frederic Edwin Church, Romare Bearden, Stuart Davis, John Singer Sargent, Andy Warhol, and Grant Wood.

For more about this hidden European town in North Carolina, visit the Reynolda Village website.

And while you're in Winston-Salem, consider staying over at a historic Vrbo in North Carolina, or stay somewhere old and haunted like the Brookstown Inn.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/haunted-brookstown-inn-winston-salem-n/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Museums

Immerse Yourself In North Carolina’s Amazing Geological History At FossilFest 2024

The North Carolina FossilFest 2024 in Aurora offers a unique celebration with fossil digging, live music, a parade, and various family-friendly activities.

Updated May 23, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

A fossil festival in North Carolina offers some unique fun in Aurora. Make plans to attend the North Carolina - FossilFest 2024 on May 25-27. This extraordinary event supports the important, nonprofit Aurora Fossil Museum which is free to the public, showcasing the rich fossil record of the state. The free festival also had some ticketed events to support the museum and the festival. Dig for fossils, learn from the science and history displays, dance to the live music, enjoy the kid's zone, eat some of the best food, and yes - cheer on the parade! Let's take a look at what's to come at this delightful celebration.

advertisement

The Jurassic Classic Bike Ride kicks off the Fossilfest at 9 a.m. on Saturday with cyclists riding through the lovely countryside.

alt
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

This annual fundraising 38-mile ride is hosted by Flythe's Bike Shop of New Bern. You can support your favorite participant, or sign up to ride on the Jurassic Classic Bike Event website.

Then watch the exciting parade on Main Street beginning at 11 a.m.

alt
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

Check out this handy schedule of the two-day event.

You'll find food vendors, face painters, and artisans selling their handmade arts and crafts - all in one place.

alt
North Carolina Fossil Fest

Come nose to nose, or rather nose to knee with some very cool dinosaurs.

And if you're brave, take a ride on one.

alt
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

And just look at the fun they're having in the Kid's Zone at the North Carolina fossilfest!

advertisement
alt
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

Are you brave enough for this?

And how many museums allow you to dig in the dirt?

alt
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

Time flies here as you search the depths for shark teeth.

alt
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

Before you leave, take a tour with an expert through the cool museum showcasing interesting and historic exhibits.

alt
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

We love to see the fabulous displays inside and learn about the fascinating fossil history.

This fossil festival in North Carolina is a great way to welcome summer. Discover more on the North Carolina Fossil Fest website.

Find out about fossils in this Rockhounding for Beginners book. And for a more substantial dinner later on, take the 30-minute drive to The Silos Restaurant in Oriental which is located inside two converted grain silos.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/the-silos-restaurant-oriental-nc/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

We Visited a Historic Mill in Minnesota During Peak Fall Foliage and It Was the Highlight of Our Trip

by Jennifer
on Oct 26
alt
Food
Restaurants

The Panoramic-View Restaurant on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania Is a Must-Visit

by Beth Price-Williams
on Oct 26
alt
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Connecticut, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Jasmine Vieau
on Oct 26
alt
Nature
Hiking

Hike the Port Penn Wetlands Trail in Delaware for an Unforgettable Adventure

by Jasmine Vieau
on Oct 25
alt
Stays

The Remote Work Retreat Center in New Hampshire You Will Never Want to Leave

by Kim Falchek
on Oct 25
The lodge at Quietude conference center in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. A firepit sits in the forefront. The lodge is set against a backdrop of trees.