There is a certain charm about careening out of the city for a spontaneous road trip. Just five hours south of Washington, DC, or five hours north of Jacksonville, Florida, is a quint town. Elizabethtown in North Carolina is a place tucked snugly in a time warp of good old country living. The historic downtown dating all the way back to the 18th century, the honest-to-God farmers’ markets, the soul and blues music festivals, and the time-honoured state championship cook-offs preserve a nostalgia that is fast fading from the American South. This idyllic throwback to the simpler days of small-town life is not without its modern creature comforts though. From here on is a comprehensive guide to spending a weekend in style, right within Elizabethtown. Read below for the best things to do in Elizabethtown, North Carolina.
1. Eat some steak at Christopher's Steakhouse & Seafood
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Making Valentine's Day special for everyone
Posted by Christopher 's Steakhouse & Seafood on Saturday, February 14, 2015
Promising great food quality and tenderness, Christopher’s Steakhouse & Seafood serves a variety of hand-cut steaks, ribs, char-grilled seafood, appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and chicken. There is even a lunch special that they serve every day from 11am to 3pm and all meals are served with either sweet or unsweetened tea. Burgers are also served with delicious fries.
Customers praise the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and, most importantly, its delicious food. Some have even noted that the food is fresh, well-cooked, and flavorful.
Christopher's Steakhouse & Seafood
Address: 703 E Broad St, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, United States
Website: Christopher’s Steakhouse & Seafood
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
2. Taste Lu Mil Vineyard's wines
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Several open top bus slots available for Thursday night! Message us for more info. Groups of up to 25 people.
Posted by Lu Mil Vineyard on Monday, December 6, 2021
Lu Mil Vineyard is a family-friendly, multi-use facility that produces grapes and wine. The vineyard offers a wonderful selection of fine wine that customers have reviewed to be very delicious. A past guest even recommends the tasty wine slushy.
There are also cabin and guest house rentals available if you feel the need to spend the night at the vineyard. You can also rent out the venue itself for special events like weddings. The vineyard also hosts several events like the NC Grape Festival from time to time.
Lu Mil Vineyard
Address: 438 Suggs-Taylor Rd, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, United States
Website: Lu Mil Vineyard
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
3. Try a classic Carolina burger at Melvins'
Melvins’ Hamburgers & Hotdogs is an Elizabethtown institution that has loyal customers swearing by its cheap and tasty fare. Ordering at Melvins’ is down to a science, holler over the counter as the locals do and get cheeseburgers “all the way” with a side of chips and cold sweet tea. The friendly Melvins’ staff will then serve up a perfectly seared burger heaped generously with their famous home-made chili and slaw in record time. Snagging a table in Melvins’ might be a bit of a challenge but the free refills of sweet tea are worth it. A pro-tip from Elizabethtown locals in the know is to snag another cheeseburger “all the way” to go because one will never be enough.
Melvins' Hamburgers & Hotdogs
Address: 133 W Broad St 28337 Elizabethtown, North Carolina
Website: Melvins’ Hamburgers & Hotdogs
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Enjoy the sun, sand, and water at Jones Lake State Park
Just a 10-minute drive from the Elizabethtown city centre, Jones Lake State Park is a beautifully conserved parcel of nature where visitors are welcome to frolic in the lake’s shallows, in addition to trying their hand at boating. Two-person canoes and four-person paddle boats are available for rent from just 7 USD per hour. For those who just want to lie back and relax, the clean sandy banks of Jones Lake boast prime picnicking areas where you can enjoy the sun and gentle breeze in the summer.
Jones Lake State Park
Address: 4117 NC-242 28337 Elizabethtown, North Carolina
Website: Jones Lake State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free of charge for park entry
5. Score local produce from Cape Fear Farmer's Market
Farmer-produced and farmer-sold is the mantra for the good folks down at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market. Open from Monday to Saturday, this farmers’ market features a dizzying array of food that no gourmand can resist. Regular appearances at the farmers’ market are fresh produce such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, homely bakes, jams, jellies, and preserves made according to closely guarded family recipes.
Cape Fear Farmer's Market
Address: 106 Martin Luther King Drive 28337 Elizabethtown, North Carolina
Website: Cape Fear Farmer’s Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 11pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free of charge for market entry
6. Embrace your wilder side at Cape Fear ATV and MX Park
Posted by Cape Fear Mx Park on Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Muck it up with a day of rough and tumble fun at Cape Fear MX Park, which provides exhilarating mud trails and a variety of different terrains for utility vehicles. While this all sounds rather dangerous, Cape Fear MX Park is kid-friendly and welcomes children to ride with their guardians’ permission since their tracks are regularly maintained and well-marked. Riders have to comply with stringent safety procedures put in place as well to make sure everyone has a good time.
Cape Fear ATV and MX Park
Address: 74 Kemp Woods Dr 28337 Elizabethtown, North Carolina
Website: Cape Fear ATV and MX Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 7:30pm; Sat: 8am - 7:45pm; Sun: 8am - 6:30pm
Price: 5 USD for park entry, 10 USD per rider, 5 USD per tent, 25 USD per Recreational Vehicle at the campsite
7. Wine and dine in style at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery
Posted by Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery on Thursday, 13 July 2017
One of the most luxurious things that visitors to Elizabethtown can do is to drop by Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery. Wander around the spectacular vineyard grounds and admire the largest flowering display of camellias in the state. Sample from a wide range of signature wines produced right in the Cape Fear region and indulge in modern American dining that is always local and served fresh from the farm.
Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery
Address: 195 Vineyard Dr 28337 Elizabethtown, North Carolina
Website: Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11:30am - 9pm; Sun: 11:30am - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Subject to activity
8. Be one with nature at Browns Creek Nature Park and Bike Trail
Browns Creek Nature Park and Bike Trail is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Elizabethtown and is a spot of nature that is easily accessible from the city. Comprising about 11km (6mi) of mountain biking and hiking trails that take visitors through a majestic hardwood forest, this nature park is ideal for a good workout. Thrill-seekers will also enjoy the park as the biking trail has a variety of terrains that keep things interesting.
Browns Creek Nature Park and Bike Trail
Address: 1992 East Broad St Elizabethtown, North Carolina
Website: Browns Creek Nature Park and Bike Trail
Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)
Price: Free of charge for park entry
9. Make a splash at White Lake Water Park
Posted by White Lake Water Park on Tuesday, 16 July 2019
White Lake Water Park has been a beloved institute in North Carolina since it opened in 2004. Kids and kids at heart will have a great time here as there is something for everyone’s speed. Take it up a notch with attractions such as the double turbo twister slide and the giant wave pool, relax on the lazy river ride and soak up the rays on White Lake Water Park’s sun deck. When you get peckish, head over for some grub at the tiki bar, which serves up hot food and snacks as well as tiki drinks.
White Lake Water Park
Address: 192 NC Highway 53 E White Lake, North Carolina
Website: White Lake Water Park
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 10.14 - 16.55 USD before 3pm; half-price after 3pm
10. Tee away at Putt Putt Fun Centre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Putt Putt Fun Centre is a family-friendly spot where everyone can find something fun to do. This miniature golfing course will pit you against your family and friends, all in the spirit of friendly competition. Try a game or two and you will find yourself getting addicted and having more fun after you get the hang of it. Birthday parties can also be arranged in Putt Putt Fun Centre for your next family gathering.
Putt Putt Fun Centre
Address: 1608 White Lake Dr Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Website: Putt Putt Fun Centre
Opening hours: Hours vary according to the season
Price: Subject to activity
11. Sail away into the sunset on Elwell Ferry

Elwell Ferry is a cable ferry that plys the inland river of Cape Fear. Running in operation since 1905, Elwell Ferry connects the two banks in Bladen County, North Carolina, and generations of local residents. Today, it is a fun tourist activity that can be completed in about five minutes from bank to bank. It will give visitors a glimpse of the rich history of trade and small-town living in North Carolina.
Elwell Ferry
Address: 1730 Elwell Ferry Rd Elizabethtown, NC
Website: Elwell Ferry
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free of charge
12. Enjoy hearty cooking at Glenda's Just Desserts and Lunch Counter
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Old-fashioned country cooking is the highlight of Glenda’s Just Desserts and Lunch Counter. Locals and tourists alike love Glenda’s country-fried flounder and okra served with creamy grits and a side of cornbread. Do leave space for her home-baked sweets and desserts, which are her specialty. Go for the honey buns, cream cheesecake, or choose from anything that Glenda baked fresh that morning.
Glenda's Just Desserts and Lunch Counter
Address: 315 Martin Luther King Dr Elizabethtown, NC
Nearby attractions
13. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at Bladen Lakes State Forest
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Bladen Lakes State Forest on Monday, December 1, 2014
The serene beauty of nature awaits you at Bladen Lakes State Forest. Managed by the North Carolina Forest Service, this state forest offers over 30,000 acres (12,140 hectares) of beautiful woodland.
Enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of nature as you walk through the many hiking trails that are also connected to a large, undeveloped area where you can gaze up at the night sky. You can also do some birdwatching or horseback riding as the forest is teeming with life.
Bladen Lakes State Forest
Address: 4470 NC-242, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, United States
Website: Bladen Lakes State Forest
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Soak in the atmosphere of small-town living in Elizabethtown, NC
While this idyllic little town might not be the first place that comes to mind for a vacation or weekend away, we at Trip101 have sussed out the best things to do in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. There is something for everyone, from lovers to friends and families. Give some of these activities a whirl and let us know if you enjoyed them as much as we did!
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