Eastern North Carolina Map

Hillsborough
If you are a history buff, Hillsborough is a required stop. According to the Chamber of Commerce, Hillsborough has more than 100 buildings that date to the 18th and 19th Centuries. They also claim that it was during the 1788 Constitutional Convention, held here, that the demand for a ‘Bill of Rights’ was made unequivocally. No Bill of Rights, no Constitution. As the county seat of Orange County, the county visitors’ center is here – at 150 East King Street. (They also have a Queen Street.)

I-85 splits off to head north again, here. I-40 resumes its own exit numbers (and they wonder why folks get confused) to dart southeast to Raleigh and then south to Wilmington. There is a lot of last minute lane switching here so stay alert.

Chapel Hill
Probably more famous because of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this staid North Carolina city is neither short of landmarks or attractions. The huge North Carolina Botanical Gardens is here and is one of the finest in the world. The Morehead Planetarium is usually a great attraction for kids of all ages. (Kids and senior citizens get in at a hefty discount but the full fare is less than $5; hey, it’s well worth it.)

Durham
Next door to Chapel Hill and UNC-Chapel Hill is Durham and Duke University. The main attraction – or so we were told – is the University Chapel, a very antique looking building which houses some 50 bells ranging up to 5 tons in size. Now that’s a bell! We expected to hear them sound off but were disappointed. They only play at 5p and we just couldn’t wait that long and still make it to Wilmington.

Research Triangle Park
From the Tourist Pack we had received from the state, we couldn’t see any reason to stop by the RTP as they call it. North Carolina has vigorously campaigned to bring non-polluting research companies to this place – and they have been very successful. You’ll pass by the Raleigh-Durham Airport (lovingly called RDU) and then by one of our favorite parks: Umstead State Park (Sorry, you can’t get there from here but enjoy the look.) They have some great trails and, other than for the sounds of all the jets taking off and landing next door, you could easily forget you are in one of North Carolina’s most solidly packed urban areas.

Raleigh
If it is your intention to visit the NC State Fairgrounds, take exit 289 and then make the first or second exit off the Wade Ave freeway. The fairgrounds are to your right. Raleigh is the only North Carolina city having a beltway which goes completely around the city. Except during rush hours, traffic flows very smoothly. Leave the beltway and cruise down the city streets and you’ll probably find a hundred ways to get lost. It looks so simple on the maps. Raleigh is the state capital so one would expect to see a lot of (obviously) government buildings – and you won’t be disappointed. If you do get disoriented, just follow any four-lane street to the belt way and take the on-ramp for the clock-wise direction. Eventually, you’ll wind up at I-40.

Smithfield
If you are in our age group, you’ll remember Ava Gardner. There is a museum here dedicated to her memory and full of a wild assortment of mementos. Take exit 319 and head east to Smithfield; the museum is a 205 S. Third Street. This town is laid out very logically – you won’t even need a map.

Dunn
If you are interested in American military history, Dunn is the home of the General Lee Airborne Museum – featuring a very complete history (complete with artifacts) of our airborne. General Lee (in whose home the museum is housed) created the Army’s first airborne units at the request of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. When we were there, admission was only $1.

Wilmington
I-40 ends at Wilmington. Actually, it ends north of the city. Just continue south on the four-lane to Market Street and turn right to go downtown. Most of the hotels and motels are along Market Street. To get to Wrightsville Beach, turn left instead on Market Street and follow the US-74 signs all the way to the beach.

The Battleship USS North Carolina is here and open to tourists. It takes about an hour and a half to tour it and is quite an attraction. If you come in April, they have their annual Azalea Festival and you will see millions of azalea blossoms of all colors all blooming at the same time. For schedule and other information, phone (toll-free) 800-222-4757. More on Wilmington at www.CarolinaNow.com/Wilmington.htm.

Wrightsville Beach
No, Wrightsville Beach is not on I-40 but it is frequently the destination for many who get this far on I-40. This is a tourist town but they do an excellent job at making you feel truly welcome. You can read more about Wrightsville Beach at the bottom of the Wilmington page (see link, above).

EASTERN North Carolina Map
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Hotels near I-40

I-40 in Eastern North Carolina

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EASTERN North Carolina Map of Hotels near I-40

I-40 in Eastern North Carolina

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EASTERN North Carolina Map
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Hotels near I-40

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