If you’re looking for a small Southeast town where time slows down — to kick back and relax amidst peaceful and rural vibes, and tuck into mouthwatering home-style meals — you’ll definitely want to consider Bladenboro, North Carolina. With a population of around 2,000 inhabitants, this charming hamlet has a rich history that belies its small size: the town’s roots date all the way back to a land grant in the early 18th century. Today, Bladenboro offers a suburban-rural mix and is the kind of place where there are no strangers, only friends and neighbors; as one resident puts it, “just about everybody knows each other.” So for a healthy dose of Southern hospitality and no shortage of tasty eats, pack up your bags (don’t forget these common items most people forget to pack) and make your way to Bladenboro.
Bladenboro is conveniently located under 50 minutes by car from the city of Fayetteville, and it’s also under 90 minutes from the popular vacation destination of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This means that this hidden gem village is an ideal stopover en route to or from the beach, as well as a serene and rural getaway destination in its own right. If you’re arriving from the skies, you’ll probably want to fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport, 80 miles away from Bladenboro. When it comes to accommodation, there’s not much in pastoral Bladenboro itself, but you’ll find an abundant choice of hotels, motels, and Airbnbs in neighboring Lumberton and Elizabethtown.
Dine on delectable food in Bladenboro
Bladenboro may not be part of the “North Carolina Barbecue Trail,” but rest assured: there is still plenty of finger-licking good barbecue to be found here. Head to highly-rated Dove’s Barbecue and Grill for classics ranging from pork chops to hushpuppies to burgers and beyond, all accompanied by a classic rock soundtrack. This no-frills, rustic joint is a hit with both locals and tourists, with one visitor even commenting that they stopped into Dove’s while driving through North Carolina, and that this meal “was the best part of my entire road trip,” adding that they would go out of their way to come back again. While the pulled pork, beef tips, and other meat-lover’s delicacies might be the name of the game here, the side dishes — like cornbread, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese — are also beloved by diners. And if you can’t get enough barbecue after your time here, continue onwards to Lexington, North Carolina’s “Barbecue Capital.”…