For those who’ve made the roughly nine-hour journey from western North Carolina to the state’s farthest reaches along the coast, you’ve likely already gained a sense of how important it is to stop along the way to not only stretch your legs, but also to smell the roses, in a manner of speaking. When it comes to getting from Asheville to the popular Emerald Isle on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, there are a few routes to take to get there. But nothing beats the mostly rural route that we’ll map out here. It’s on this route that you’ll pass right through the charming small town of Wadesboro – which happens to be halfway between Asheville and Emerald Isle.
One of Wadesboro’s most unfamous (yet notable) people was actually the man who founded Family Dollar.
Google Maps Leon Levine was born in Wadesboro in June of 1937 and would go on to start one of the largest retailers of its kind when he was just 22 years old. Levine actually grew up in neighboring Rockingham, but there was no hospital in 1937 in that town, so little Leon was born right here in Wadesboro.
It may be difficult to conceive, but this tiny town of just over 5,000 residents has a historic district overflowing with notable historic architecture.
Google/Kevin Stewart In the Historic District alone there are 81 buildings representing scores of architectural design, many clocking in at more than a hundred years old.
There’s a must-visit old-fashioned hardware store that opened in 1894 — and it’s still in the same family!
Google/HW LIttle & Co Inc A stop here is like a step way back in time.
Stroll through and shop at your leisure, paying particular attention to the original features of the structure itself.
Facebook/H.W. Little & Company Hardware The floors alone could tell thousands upon thousands of stories!
Just up the street, there’s a family pharmacy that opened in 1875. It, too, is still owned and run by the same family.
Google/Parsons Drug Company Folks just stick around in Wadesboro. It’s just that kind of community.
It’s a perfect place to stop along the way to or from the coast.
Google/Foe Hammer The downtown area has shops, galleries, restaurants, and more.
Stop for lunch. But skip over those fast food joints you’ll pass on the way into town in favor of some local cuisine. Oliver’s Restaurant (pictured here) is a wonderful spot for a meal.
Google/Oliver’s Restaurant
Good, old-fashioned American fare is what you’ll find here - in portions that just may have you walking out with a doggie bag to go.
Facebook/Oliver’s Wadesboro, NC
If something a bit more casual is your whim, then we recommend Papa Joe’s Pizzeria.
Google/Joe Clarkson This come-as-you-are casual spot will have you feeling right at home the minute you walk in the door.
And by the time you leave, you’ll be ready to spend a few more hours in the car on the way to the beach (or the way home).
Google/Joshua Casher
Few things beat a family vacation along the beautiful coast in North Carolina. Take this mostly rural route over to Emerald Isle from the Asheville area and discover some fun in Wadesboro!
Google Maps
Did you know Wadesboro is halfway between Asheville and Emerald Isle? Will you be making it a point to stop and check out all this small town has to offer?
Google Maps
Leon Levine was born in Wadesboro in June of 1937 and would go on to start one of the largest retailers of its kind when he was just 22 years old. Levine actually grew up in neighboring Rockingham, but there was no hospital in 1937 in that town, so little Leon was born right here in Wadesboro.
Google/Kevin Stewart
In the Historic District alone there are 81 buildings representing scores of architectural design, many clocking in at more than a hundred years old.
Google/HW LIttle & Co Inc
A stop here is like a step way back in time.
Facebook/H.W. Little & Company Hardware
The floors alone could tell thousands upon thousands of stories!
Google/Parsons Drug Company
Folks just stick around in Wadesboro. It’s just that kind of community.
Google/Foe Hammer
The downtown area has shops, galleries, restaurants, and more.
Google/Oliver’s Restaurant
Facebook/Oliver’s Wadesboro, NC
Google/Joe Clarkson
This come-as-you-are casual spot will have you feeling right at home the minute you walk in the door.
Google/Joshua Casher
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Address: Wadesboro, NC, USA
