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It started out along the busy navigation route known as the Roanoke Canal. It got its name from the nearby rapids on the Roanoke River that the canal bypassed.  When the railroad replaced the canal, it became the first railroad hub in North Carolina. Today, however, Roanoke Rapids sits alongside another busy navigational route – this one for automobiles – Interstate 95.

Also next to I-95 in Roanoke Rapids is a Stuckey’s store. Like many Stuckey’s up and down the interstate, this one is a hybrid store left over from the Stuckey’s Express days. Attached to this Stuckey’s are also a Dairy Queen and a New Dixie Mart selling Exxon gasoline.  So, after you relax, refresh and refuel at the Roanoke Rapids Stuckey’s, be sure to visit these nearby roadside attractions:

Photo of the restored Roanoke Canal
Image: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D., CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail / Roanoke Rapids, NC

Inside this modest museum, visitors learn about the history and importance of the nearly 200 year old Roanoke Canal. First used by early settlers for trade and transportation, the canal later provided electricity for the citizens of Roanoke Rapids. After visiting the museum, folks can walk the canal’s original 7.2 mile tow path between Roanoke Lake and nearby Weldon. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM. The Roanoke Canal Trail is open every day from dusk to dawn. Visit their website here for more information on admission and to download a trail map.

Rocky the Rockfish / Weldon, NC

Picture of Rocky the Rockfish welcoming people to Weldon North Carolina the Rockfish Capital of the World.
Rocky the Rockfish. Photo courtesy of Historic Weldon, NC.

Weldon has a rich history that includes starting out as an orchard and later being North Carolina’s first railroad hub. Indeed, the town has many historic attractions to see including the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad and the Chockoyotte Creek Aqueduct. However, today, most people know Weldon as the “Rockfish Capital of the World”. That’s because thousands of sportsmen from all over the world come to Weldon each spring to fish for rockfish. Perhaps the most famous of all the rockfish, however, is Rocky located on 3rd Street. Fishermen and family vacationers alike come to take a selfie with what may be the largest rockfish in the world. Don’t miss your chance the next time you’re in the neighborhood.

Photograph of a Common Shelduck
DickDaniels (http://theworldbirds.org/), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sylvan Heights Bird Park / Scotland Neck, NC

This place is for the birds. In fact, all 18 acres of the Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, North Carolina is for the birds. And there’s about 2,000 species of them including exotic birds, African finches, owls, swans, pheasants, and more. There’s also a café, picnic area, and treehouse for a birds-eye view of our feathered friends of the wetlands. Guided tours are available, but you have to make reservations at least two weeks in advance. Birders, make 2023 your Big Year by starting out right here in Scotland Neck. The Sylvan Heights Bird Park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9AM to 4PM with extended hours in the summer.  For more information on admissions and tickets, call 1-252-826-3186 or visit their website here.

Good Earth Peanut Company / Skippers, VA

Photo of an old general store now home to the Good Earth Peanut Company
Image courtesy the Good Earth Pecan Company

Just one mile east of Virginia’s I-95, Exit 4, you’ll find Scott and Lindsey Vincent’s Good Earth Peanut Company.  Opened in 1989, the company is located in a historic general store that sits along the old Tuscarora Indian Trail. Today, you’ll find the Vincents roasting and selling the highest quality Virginia peanuts in a variety of flavors.  Get them raw or roasted, shelled or unshelled, salted or unsalted, Cajun or chocolate-covered. They’ll even let you sample them so you can try before you buy. What’s more, their tasty treats don’t just stop at goobers. Along with pecans, almonds, cashews and pistachios, you’ll also find butters, preserves, sauces, relishes, pickles, salad dressings, and more.  The store is open Mondays through Fridays, 8AM to 5:30PM; Saturdays, 9AM to 4PM; and Sundays, 10AM to 5PM. For more information, call 1-800-643-1695 or visit their website here.

Happy New Year from Stuckey’s!

Picture of the front of a black Stuckey's embroidered hoodie.No matter where you’re traveling in 2023, make sure you take Stuckey’s along for the ride. After all, is it really a road trip without your favorite road trip snacks like our iconic Stuckey’s Pecan Log Rolls and classic Pecan Pralines?

And with the winter cold already starting, why not order some Stuckey’s branded wearables to help keep you warm? You’ll not only be warm, but you’ll also look cool sporting one of our Stuckey’s branded hoodies and beanies.

Now get it all before you go – only from stuckeys.com.

Whether your next road trip is by car or by rail, it’s not really a road trip without taking Stuckey’s along. From our world famous Stuckey’s Pecan Log Rolls to our mouthwatering Hunkey Dorey, Stuckey’s has all the road trips snacks you’ll need to get you where you’re going.

For all of the pecany good treats and cool merch you’ll need for your next big road adventure, browse our online store now!

Stuckey’s – We’re Making Road Trips Fun Again!