North Carolina Roadside Attractions

North Carolina isn’t just a state; it’s a roadside attraction playground where quirky meets classic with a Southern twist! Imagine cruising down the road and stumbling upon the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point—because who wouldn’t need a 38-foot-tall dresser for their giant socks? This towering tribute to furniture is just the beginning of the Tar Heel State’s roadside charm, where whimsy and creativity seem to pop up around every curve in the road.

Take a spin to Wilson, where Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park turns simple scrap metal into a mesmerizing dance of color and motion. And then there’s Mount Airy, a small town recognized as the real-life inspiration for Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show, it’s a place where nostalgia is on tap and good vibes are in full supply.

But we’d be remiss if we didn’t gas up with a stop at the iconic Shell-Shaped Gas Station. Shaped like—yep, you guessed it—a giant yellow shell, this vintage beauty is more than just a spot to fuel up; it’s a reminder that even gas stations can be works of art. Whether you’re a fan of oddities, nostalgia, or just want to fill your road trip with a little extra joy, North Carolina roadside attractions are sure to deliver a dose of delight with every mile.

Plan Your North Carolina Road Trip

North Carolina Roadside Attractions & Road Trip Planning

Ready to hit the open road and explore North Carolina in all its roadside glory? Explore more of the best North Carolina attractions that are the perfect pit stops to keep the fun rolling. From wacky wonders to iconic sights, they’ll make your travel itinerary as unforgettable as that last tank of gas you didn’t think would last!

Need some road trip inspiration? Explore our roadside attractions blog to find even more tips, tricks, and must-see spots to help plan the ultimate North Carolina adventure!

World's Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point, North Carolina

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Plan Your North Carolina Road Trip

Planning a North Carolina road trip? You’re in for a journey packed with charm, history, and plenty of photo ops! From mountain views to coastal breezes, the Tar Heel State offers a little bit of everything to make your adventure unforgettable. Buckle up, map your route, and get ready to discover all the unique treasures along the way!

Giant Bull at Jordan's Paint & Body Shop in Winston-Salem, NC

Staley’s Bull/Thrift-Way Meats Giant Bull in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

This is a tale of two giant bulls in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For many years one stood on stilts outside of Thrift-Way Meats. And, long ago, another, known as the Staley’s Bull lived in front of a restaurant in town. In 1957 Staley’s Charcoal Steak House opened in Winston-Salem. That …

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World's Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point, North Carolina

The 15 Best North Carolina Roadside Attractions

Are you planning a North Carolina road trip and want to find all the best North Carolina roadside attractions along your route? Whether you’re exploring the Smoky Mountains, are driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, or vacationing in Charlotte, Raleigh, or Asheville, you won’t want to miss these fifteen must-see places …

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Korner's Folly, a strange house in Kernersville, North Carolina.

Körner’s Folly, a strange house in Kernersville, North Carolina.

How do you fit three floors, seven levels, and twenty-two rooms into a moderately-sized 6,000 square-foot mansion? Just ask designer Jule Korner, the decorator behind Körner’s Folly, the “Strangest House in the World,” in Kernersville, North Carolina. Korner’s Folly is an architectural oddity. While it looks like a normal house …

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Statue of John Warwick Thomas, founder of Thomasville, North Carolina

John Warwick Thomas Statue of the founder of Thomasville, North Carolina

In the heart of downtown Thomasville, North Carolina, there is a John Warwick Thomas statue depicting the town’s founder. John Warwick Thomas (1800-1871) founded the town of Thomasville in 1852. The town, located in Davidson County, is noted for the role it played in the furniture industry (along with neighboring …

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The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book - Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip! By Valerie Bromann

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.