Roanoke Rapids/Weldon, North Carolina
260 Premier Blvd., Roanoke Rapids
I-95 Exit 173, North Carolina
 | 252-535-1687 |
 | www.exit173.com |
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The exits in Halifax County make a good midway pit stop, whether driving North or South on I-95. There is quite a choice for the travellers' basics of food and lodging possibilities. Before you go, you can check out the list below of some fun activities like camping, hiking, theatre, shopping (secret designer apparel outlet of America's largest home shopping network), history and birds, and you'll want to plan a bit of extra time here.
The Visitor Center has the best doggie rest stop on the road. Sunup to sundown, there's a fenced-in dog run with fresh water. If you go into the Visitor Center, they will give you a treat and a toy for your dog, and they'll ask if they can snap a photo for their site.
- Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail - Don't miss what we call North Carolina's longest museum - the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail. Visitors experience national, state and local history of transportation, power generation and industrialization via the creation of the Roanoke navigation and power canals. There is also a 7.5-mile nature trail that follow the old canal bed. You can enjoy hiking and biking, while observing native wildlife and plants.
- Roanoke Valley Veterans Museum - The Roanoke Valley Veterans Museum pays tribute to the military service of the men and women of the Roanoke Valley. Stories and memorabilia from area veterans showcase the fabric of their military lives and provide young people with the opportunity to see and hear history come alive through the eyes of the veterans who made that history.
- The Royal Palace Theatre - The Royal Palace Theatre is a 1500-seat, state-of-the-art facility, located at NC Exit 171 on I-95. The theatre was built by the City of Roanoke Rapids in 2006 as a center for the performing arts. The Royal Palace Theatre brings a diverse lineup of nationally known concerts and events, as well as showcasing regional talent. A 24-hour internet sweepstakes is also housed at The Royal Palace Theatre.
- Riverside Mill - Experience the rebirth of a historic Carolina cotton mill. Shop for unique gifts, antique treasures and handmade Carolina products in a glorious setting. Explore the spacious antique mall and the largest gallery of craft art on I-95. Don't miss the designer apparel outlet of America's largest home shopping network.
- Sylvan Heights Bird Park - Travel around the world in 80 minutes! Discover the world's largest collection of rare and endangered waterfowl and birds at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck. Visitors of all ages can walk through six continentally-themed aviaries, as well as a handicapped accessible treehouse, Beaver Pond viewing blind, and The Landing Zone, interactive bird feeding station.
- Historic Halifax - Historic Halifax is a preserved colonial village and state historic site with a museum, visitor center, and many historic buildings that are open for tours. Historic Halifax also hosts many special events throughout the year with living history demonstrations and reenactments. Be sure to follow the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Trail!
- Lakeland Theatre Company - Lakeland Theatre Company offers a year-round schedule of shows, both evening and matinee, from comedy to drama, musicals to concerts. There is even a small Cabaret Theatre with a more intimate setting, where the company often offers dinner theatre.
- Medoc Mountain State Park - Medoc Mountain State Park is located on the site of North Carolina's first winery. The park was established in the early 1970s. Today the park offers tent and TV camping, seven hiking trails, fishing or paddling on Little Fishing Creek, picnicking, free educational programs and 11 miles of bridle trails.
- Hotels - Halifax County offers more than 1200 national chains and locally owned motels rooms with a wide range of amenities, several of which are pet-friendly, convenient to I-95. There are also four bed and breakfasts within easy driving distance of the interstate, as well as tent and RV camping options at campgrounds, the Roanoke River Partners riverside camping platforms and Medoc Mountain State Park.
- Halifax County Visitor Center & Dog Run - Please stop at the Halifax County Visitor Center & Dog Run during your travels. The visitor center, located at 260 Premier Blvd. in Roanoke Rapids (I-95 Exit 173), is open daily with a friendly staff to answer questions, restrooms and plenty of brochures. Housed at the center is the Halifax County Visitor Center Dog Run that is open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset, with large and small dog runs, running water and water bowls, clean-up bags, picnic tables, trash cans and more!