For the second installment of my HOME series, I’d like to introduce you to Eastern North Carolina. I resisted calling this place home for a long time, but somewhere along the way it wore me down and in a lot of ways was always some kind of version of home. While the original Woodhill is physically located in Pittsburgh, I think I’ve carried its essence with me to each place I’ve lived. Even living states away, I am still deeply connected to the people and our memories there. Woodhill stays with you.
I lived in Eastern North Carolina for quite a while and like I mentioned previously, it was a slow burn for me. I have a deep appreciation for this region now, and want to share some of my favorite spots with you in case you ever find yourself in the area.
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Milltown Java – Start your day at our little town’s very own delightful coffee shop. You’ll feel like you’ve walked out of your real life into a Hallmark movie when you step inside. My personal favorite is the Ghost Cat specialty coffee.
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Selma, NC – This historic town is home to many antique shops filled with interesting treasures. Be sure to stop in Treasury Antiques and The Southern Bostonian.
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Village District – For a good shopping excursion, you can’t beat Village District in Raleigh. I love this shopping center – it’s full of interesting local boutiques and great food options like The Village Draft House.
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Emerald Isle – If you’re looking for a beach day, my family’s go-to beach is Emerald Isle. This cute, quiet town has an absolutely stunning coastline. When you visit, make sure to have dinner at Flipperz.
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Anthony's la Piazza - Finding Italian food (besides Olive Garden) in this area is a little tricky, so I was thrilled to discover Anthony's in Clayton which has a delicious selection of all my favorite Italian options.
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New Bern – For a day trip or weekend get-away, visit the hometown of Pepsi! New Bern is situated on the Neuse River and is full of cute shops and restaurants. You can also take a tour of Tryon Palace, where the British governors of North Carolina lived between 1770-1775. New Bern is also very close to the coast, so you can easily get to the beach.
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Simple Twist – If you want some amazing French Fries (which is always a priority for me), look no further than Simple Twist in Smithfield. In my opinion, these fries are unmatched in the region.
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Uniquely R's - The cutest little shop and cafe is located in downtown Goldsboro which has had a major facelift over the last few years and has such a cute downtown area. Stop in here for unique gifts and a nice cup of tea.
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Old North State Food Hall – ONSFH is officially open in Selma and I can’t wait to visit when I’m home next! They have 11 vendors including craft beverage bar, Longleaf Tavern.
