I love reading, and despite the fact that it feels like my to-read list will never stop growing, I also love visiting bookstores. Something about the way they smell, the cozy comfort, the colorful spines all on the shelves: it all combines to make a great atmosphere that has you feeling right at home even if you're in a city you've never been to before. If you feel the same way, I think you'll love the North Carolina road trip I've curated for you today. This literary adventure only takes an afternoon and will show off five of the best bookstores in the Research Triangle area.
The route isn't too far from the Durham and Raleigh area. The entire trip only requires about two hours on the road, perfect for playing an audiobook collection of short stories. There's less than 80 miles on the itinerary, which is fully customizable. If you'd like to add or rearrange stops, take a peek at the route on Google Maps.
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We'll start our journey off at Persnickety Books, a staple of downtown Burlington that's just as charming as its quirky name suggests. The three-story shop sells new and used titles and also has a coffee bar, the perfect place to grab some caffeine before you hit the road again. The prices here are quite reasonable, and it's a great spot to stock up on titles for young readers without breaking the bank. You'll find co-working areas here as well as a kids' play space, and it's the type of store you'll never want to leave.
Next up, we'll head to The Regulator Bookshop, which has been selling new books in Durham since 1976. For a smaller store, this place has an excellent array of titles, and you'll find plenty of new top sellers, plus hidden gems among the stacks. There's a very well-curated children's section that's perfect for young readers. Students and teachers get a 10% discount on most items sold here, so bring your ID if you're eligible.
Our next stop is Chapel Hill's wonderful Flyleaf Books. Book signings, musical performances, and poetry readings are all regularly scheduled here, so check out the calendar before heading out if you're interested in attending an event. There's a lot to enjoy at this shop, and I love the focus on local authors. You'll find plenty of places to sit and read for a spell, and there's a great variety of genres available.
Stack of colorful books. Education background. Back to school. Book, hardback colorful books on wooden table. Education business concept. Copy space for text
The small town of Pittsboro only has a population of about 4,500, but it's home to one of the state's best bookstores in McIntyre's Books. This little shop has been around since 1989 and hosts around 150 author events each year. Even on a day when nothing's scheduled, there's a lot to see here, with a particularly wide selection of mystery novels.
We'll end this fun road trip in Cary at Mr. Mike's Used Books. This place has been in business since 2003 and carries a wide variety of books, particularly if you love fiction. I love shopping at used bookstores: not only is it better for the environment, it is also much better for your wallet! Many of the books here are under $5, so you can stock up on titles without blowing the budget. The stock is always changing, giving you a new experience each time you visit.
I don't know about you, but I can't wait to head out and find my next read!
Want to support local bookstores but not able to visit one in person right now? Check out Bookshop.org, where every purchase made supports independent bookstores.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
We've got some truly amazing larger cities in North Carolina. I love a visit to The Triangle, and Durham is one of my favorite cities I've ever visited. Still, our state is largely made up of small towns, and agriculture is still a huge part of the economy. These little rural towns are what make the Tar Heel State so great. Sure, they may not have the amenities and attractions you'll find in Charlotte or Winston-Salem, but what they have in spades is charm and a sense of community that can be tough to come across nowadays. If you're looking to check out some of the best small towns in North Carolina, I think you'll love this wonderful road trip.
This trip requires quite a bit of time on the road, and you'll want at least a few hours to explore each of the small towns featured. I recommend taking at least three days to enjoy this road trip to the fullest, but if you don't have the time or budget for such a long trip, you can always shorten it! Check out the customizable itinerary on Google Maps to remove or rearrange stops to your liking.
Our first stop is the charming Elizabethtown, population 3,200. This is the county seat of Bladen County, but it's perhaps best known as the home of Melvin's Burgers, nationally recognized as one of the best burger and hot dog joints in the South. This town was established in 1773, so there's quite a bit of history on display, including a historical marker indicating where the 1781 Battle of Elizabethtown was fought during the Revolutionary War. Want to spend some time outdoors? Jones Lake State Park is a perfect escape for any season, with trails, a campground, a huge lake, and so much more.
Beach background Outer Banks, North Carolina. Nature preserve with sand dunes and Atlantic ocean. Vacation concept of beach landscape / seascape for getting away from it all, relaxing and vacationing, or travel destinations. Copy space in blue sky. Known as the Crystal Coast, this area spans Cape Lookout, Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, and Emerald Isle.
Next up, we'll head to the coast and pay a visit to Beaufort, another of the state's most historic towns. It's the third-oldest town in North Carolina and home to so much quaint Southern charm. If you're a fan of the spooky and scary, you'll be glad to know that Beaufort is allegedly haunted: check out the Beaufort Ghost Walk to learn more about the town's legendary hauntings.
We hope you like history, because our next stop is just as historic as the first two. Bath is a small town of under 250 residents nestled up against the Pamlico River. It was established way back in 1705, making it the oldest town in North Carolina. There are plenty of things to do in this lovely port city, but we love a simple stroll around the downtown area.
If you're looking for a shorter adventure, this is a great place to end your road trip, though we definitely think the final two towns are worthy of a visit, too! If you decide to continue on and complete the entire trip, this wonderful cabin is right on the water and has its own dock. It's just outside of Bath and is a great place to rest for the night before heading on to the last leg of your journey.
Our next stop is Hillsborough, population around 9,900. It's a rapidly growing town, but it retains its small-town charm and you could easily spend a whole day here. You'll find wonderful local restaurants - don't miss a visit to Panciuto if you're craving some delicious Italian. The downtown area is also full of adorable boutique shops, and there are even some great nearby hiking trails.
Last but not least, we'll end our trip in Davidson. This suburb of Charlotte has a population of around 15,000, so it's quite a bit larger than most of the places on this list, but it's definitely worthy of a visit and feels like a much smaller town than it is. If you love escaping into a good book, you don't want to miss a trip to Main Street Books. This independent bookstore boasts hundreds of titles and hosts tons of great events. There are some delightful eateries here, too, like The Pickled Peach, one of our favorite farm-to-table restaurants in this part of the state.
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Which of these small towns in eastern North Carolina is your favorite? Are there any stops you think should be added? Share your thoughts in the comments!
No road trip is complete without food - after all, you don't want to end up hangry behind the wheel! Check out some of our favorite road trip snacks that are perfect for avoiding constant stops at the drive-thru.
