Is Creswell, NC a Vacation Destination?
It’s always a fun adventure to explore new places, especially if you love to travel. Traveling around the world from one region to another lets you open up a world of possibilities and learn about different cultures.
In North Carolina, you can always find top vacation sites to visit, with countless attractions made for visitors and tourists who like to go on adventures.
However, if you want a place to just chill and relax which still gives you that cultural relevance you’re looking for, Creswell, NC is your next vacation destination!
About Creswell, North Carolina
The town of Creswell is part of the three cities that make up Washington County, North Carolina. To get to Creswell, you can travel from east or west using U.S Highway 64, north or south using North Carolina Highway 94.
The town has a small population of just 226 people, according to the recent 2020 U.S. Consensus. Creswell, NC may be small in population, but it doesn’t lack when it comes to its history and tourist sites.
Historic Town of Creswell
Creswell’s rich history involves a lot of names that make the town very interesting for visitors. One of which is John A.J. Creswell, who Creswell is named after. The city of Creswell was established in 1874, where John Creswell served as the Postmaster-General for the United States.
In the 1700s, Creswell was known as Cool Spring because of the cool artesian spring located within the town. During that time, the lands surrounding Cool Spring were abundant with plantations and forests, making them the primary source for logging and farming.
Since Cool Spring was located along the Scuppernong River, settlers built shipping centers to transport products. The village soon became the most burgeoning town in North Carolina.
Tourist Attractions
Aside from its history, Creswell has several attractions worthy of a visit. And with the abundance of these attractions, it’s hard to go to all the places you want to visit in a day. Good thing there are vacation rentals close to almost every top destination in Creswell. Here are some that I can recommend:
– 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
– located at the mouth of the Scuppernong River and the Albemarle Sound in Columbia, North Carolina
– great for swimming, fishing, kayaking and boating
– 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
– located at a corner lot across from the Albemarle Sound
– great place for anyone that loves beautiful sunsets, water sports, fishing or hunting
– 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
– the home is second row waterfront with water access directly in front and there is a boat ramp in the neighborhood
– a quick drive from several historical towns including Edenton and the Outer Banks.
– 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
– two-minute walk to the Scuppernong River Boardwalk, antique store, coffee/ wine shop, and restaurants
– has a gas fireplace and is a great place to relax
Lodging, check. Now let’s look at the vacation spots you can take advantage of while you are in Creswell.
Somerset Place
Somerset Place or Somerset Plantation is one of the historic sites in Creswell. The venue is popular for its realistic depictions of the life of 19th-century slave families before the American Civil War. Somerset Place will take you all the way back to the 1860s, when it was one of the biggest plantations in the Upper South.
Tour around the historically accurate 19th-century plantation house, Civil War hospital, and other reconstructed buildings to get an immersive experience about life before the war. Somerset Place also has an exhibit showcasing more of antebellum North Carolina.
Pettigrew State Park
Not far from Somerset Place, you’ll find Pettigrew State Park and its beautiful family campground. Pettigrew State Park is perfect for a relaxing day of fun with the family.
Set up a lovely campsite with your family as you spend the day talking with your loved ones and cooking up delicious meals using the grill provided at the camp. Showers and restrooms are onsite, along with a picnic table for each campsite.
Enjoy the sweet smell of nature and take in the beautiful landscape of the Cypress/Sweetgum Forest found within the campground. Biking and hiking trails can also be found at Pettigrew State Park.
Lake Phelps
Found just a stone’s throw from Pettigrew State Park is Lake Phelps, where you can enjoy dozens of water-related activities.
One of its top activities is fishing! Lake Phelps is full of fish like largemouth bass, pumpkinseed fish, and yellow perch. It’s also the perfect place to catch the sunset while hunting for a fish to fry.
The lake is also great for a boating adventure along the trail of waterways that feed into Lake Phelps. If you want to see and appreciate more of the beautiful landscape, don’t miss the chance to go kayaking or canoeing.
OBX Speedway
Outer Banks or OBX Speedway offers a thrilling day of racing! If you are up for an exhilarating activity, you can actually drive a racecar on its closed track. Ready your engines and drive along the hot tracks of OBX Speedway and feel like a world-class champion racer!
Davenport Homestead
Davenport Homestead is another one of Creswell’s most beloved historic sites. Located in the east of Washington County, Davenport Homestead was built in 1790 and, according to the National Register of Historic Properties, is one of the region’s oldest surviving homesteads.
The appearance of the late-18th century homestead has been perfectly recreated and offers a wealth of historical information. The Davenport Homestead is filled with late-18th century original and replicated pieces from the homestead. The Davenport Homestead tells a fascinating history of Washington County and life before the American Revolution.
Restaurants in Creswell, NC
Of course, natural and historical sites can make for a perfect vacation destination. But you know what else makes a perfect vacation spot? That’s right. Food!
There’s nothing like indulging yourself in a delicious meal after a well-spent day in Creswell. Here are just two of the top restaurants in Creswell you can visit for a lovely feast for the whole family.
Cahoon’s Pizza and Wings
Cahoon’s Pizza and Wings is the #1 pizza restaurant in Creswell. Meat lovers will surely enjoy Cahoon’s, as they serve a variety of delicious meals for breakfast and lunch.
They also offer a Special for each day of the week varying from different dishes like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Grilled BBQ Chicken, Nacho Supreme, and loads more.
Customer after customer has left five-star reviews for Cahoon’s, praising their great food service and friendly staff.
Mom’s Kitchen
The other “can’t miss” dining destination is none other than Mom’s Kitchen Family Friendly Restaurant. Mom’s Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch with their homestyle southern cooking.
Their specials include Orange Walnut Chicken Salad, Fried Fish and Shrimp Plate, American Chopsuey, and so much more. Mom’s homemade desserts like Cheesecake with Berries, Chocolate Cake, and Carrot Cake are also a must-try!
Customers praise their dine-in experience in Mom’s Kitchen because of their excellent service and quality dishes at reasonable prices.
Creswell, North Carolina is a beautiful vacation destination that you should consider visiting with your friends and family. From the historical value of the town to their amazing tourist attractions, you will get to discover a whole new culture within the city of Creswell.