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NC daytrip ideas: Experience small town charm without leaving Wake County

Around a 25 minute drive from Raleigh are two unique towns filled with small town charm but plenty of activities.

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Small-town charm shines in Wendell and Zebulon
By
Sydney Franklin
, WRAL multiplatform producer

Around a 25-minute drive from downtown Raleigh are two unique towns filled with small town charm but plenty of activities.

Zebulon is "the town of friendly people," according to its website. It's also home to the Carolina Mudcats, a Minor League Baseball team.

The Mudcats play at Five County Stadium, which is located at 1501 N.C. Highway 39. Visitors can also get a reservation at Cattails Restaurant, which is open during all Mudcats games. Visitors should call the restaurant beforehand for reservation information.

The team is slated to begin its 2022 season in April.

Zebulon also features a 18-hole disc golf course at the Zebulon Community Park at 401. S. Arendell Ave. The Professional Disc Golf Association describes the sport as being played "much like golf, except instead of a ball and clubs, players using a flying disc."

The nearly 1.2 mile course has wooded and open holes, and is great for beginners.

Those looking for a bite to eat can head over to McLean's Ole Time Cafe at 418 W. Gannon Ave. The family-owned restaurant opened in 1956, according to its website, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For breakfast, there's “Paw Paw's Platter” featuring eggs, center-cut ham, hash browns or grits and a biscuit. For dinner, diners can order baby back ribs that have been seasoned overnight and grilled with tangy barbecue sauce.

The cafe also has baked goods, such as pies and cakes, that can be ordered for special occasions.

For adults looking for a drink, head over to Olde Raleigh Distillery at 209 Arendell Ave. The family-owned distillery is opened daily for tastings of its bourbon.

The distillery's website shows visitors can order a "Smoked Olde Fashion" or a "Gimme S'more" which has bourbon, vanilla spice simple syrup, chocolate bitters, roasted marshmallow and a chocolate and graham cracker rim.

The distillery also has Moscow mules, margaritas and rotating beers on tap for visitors.

Those looking to explore the other cities in Wake County should continue down the road to Wendell.

Visitors can start their visit in Wendell's historic business district. The town of Wendell even says on its website that the downtown area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

As you walk along the streets of downtown Wendell, be sure to take advantage of the town's free wifi in the area.

One of the shops located in downtown Wendell is the Wendell General Store at 28 N. Main St. The store's walls are lined with Wendell-themed T-shirts, locally made soaps and jewelry and over 50 different types of candy.

The store also provides an opportunity to support local with jams and jellies from local farmers and cheese from Ashe County.

Visitors can also grab ice cream, including flavors such as Graham Central Station, banana pudding and cookies and creams, or signature milkshakes.

Another option for a bite to eat in Wendell is Farmhouse Cafe at 320 Vintage Point Lane.

The cafe's menu features seasonal dishes and uses products from other local businesses in the area. Currently on the menu is the "Farmhouse French Toast" which includes lemon curd, mixed berry compote, maple syrup and whipped cream.

For brunch, the cafe also has smorrebrods, an open-faced Danish sandwich. Some of the proteins available include salami, smoked ham and salmon.

For January, the cafe has black eye pea and collard spring rolls and petite beef tenderloin medallions on the menu. The menu changes frequently, so be sure to check the cafe's Facebook page for updates.

Finally, before leaving Wendell, be sure to stop by Robertson Millpond Preserve at 6333 Robertson Pond Road. Currently, the preserve is only open on Saturday and Sundays.

The 85-acre preserve has a 1.15 paddling trail and is home to beavers, reptiles and numerous other animals.

There's also picnic areas and fishing spots for visitors amongst the black water cypress gum swamp.

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