North Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip Itinerary: Follow in Darley’s Footsteps Across Central North Carolina’s Historic Heartland
Darley Newman with National Park Superintendent Aaron LaRocca at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Follow in Darley Newman’s footsteps on a “Revolutionary Road Trip” through North Carolina, where you’ll delve into Colonial and Revolutionary War history, as well as Civil War stories, and regional cuisines. Below is the itinerary that Darley and her film crew followed for their PBS travel series “Travels with Darley.” This trip itinerary will help you experience history at every turn, from Greensboro’s transformed Revolution Mill and its denim legacy to Dolley Madison and the Regulators. Learn about this state’s presidential connections, infamous movie stars, and more. Discover the Battle of Alamance, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and Bentonville Battlefield. Savor local flavors at Broadslab Distillery and The Redneck BBQ Lab.
Arrival Day – Greensboro, NC
624 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC
This elegant boutique hotel evokes a blend of Southern hospitality and timeless charm, making it the perfect starting point for your Greensboro journey. Inspired by its namesake, short story writer O. Henry, the hotel offers cozy, classy rooms, beautiful gardens, and a delightful afternoon tea service.
Day 1 – Greensboro: Revolution, Rights, and Denim
Darley learns why Greensboro is known as “Jeansboro” at Revolution Mill from the man who coined the term in 2015! Evan Morrison, the owner of Hudson’s Hills, gives insight into Greensboro’s denim story and how modern designers are honoring the city’s legacy.
1250 Revolution Mill Drive, Ste 118, Greensboro, NC
Once a bustling flannel mill, Revolution Mill has been transformed into a dynamic space blending art, history, and innovation. Explore local craftsmanship, US-made goods at Hudson Hill, and enjoy stories about the mill's rich legacy from artisans like Evan Morrison and historian Nick Piomack.
Drive Time: 10 minutes (from Revolution Mill to next stop)
Darley and John Swaine at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum.
International Civil Rights Center & Museum
1345 Elm Street, Greensboro, NC
This powerful museum occupies the former Woolworth’s store where four Black students launched the Sit-In Movement in 1960. Walk through immersive exhibits detailing the Civil Rights Movement’s triumphs and trials, all rooted in this significant location.
Drive Time: 2 minutes / Walk Time: 10 minutes
603 South Elm Street, Greensboro, NC
Visit the flagship store of an iconic American brand in the heart of downtown Greensboro. Learn about the city's denim legacy and discover how Wrangler’s heritage ties into the community’s industrial past. The side of this building has an awesome mural complete with a denim goat, great for your photos in Greensboro.
Walk Time: 8 minutes
Darley Newman tries Southern Cajun Creole cuisine at Blue Denim restaurant with owner Judy Morphis. Inspired by Greensboro’s history as the Denim Capital, this restaurant is a delicious gem in North Carolina
217 South Elm Street, Greensboro, NC
Southern and Cajun-Creole flavors unite at this locally loved bistro. Housed in a historic storefront, Blue Denim offers an upscale yet cozy dining experience perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.
Day 2 – Patriots and Presidents
Darley and founder Dennis Qauintance having breakfast at Print Works Bistro.
Breakfast at Print Works Bistro
702 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC
Located just steps from the O.Henry Hotel, this stylish restaurant serves a delicious breakfast in a setting inspired by Greensboro’s textile roots. It's a perfect nod to the region’s industrial heritage. Definitely order the cinnamon rolls!
Drive Time: 9 minutes
Darley Newman and National Park ranger Jason Baum at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. At Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, visitors can tour this battleground of the American Revolution and learn why this pivotal battle altered the course of the war in the Southern colonies.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
2332 New Garden Road, Greensboro, NC
This 255-acre national park preserves the site of a crucial Revolutionary War battle. Walk or bike through peaceful wooded trails while discovering the park’s monuments, diverse patriot stories, and historic sites like Hoskins Farmstead. Add this to your list of historic national park sites to visit!
Drive Time: 9 minutes
Afternoon Tea at O.Henry Hotel
624 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC
Savor the refined tradition of afternoon tea in the hotel’s sunlit Social Lobby. Enjoy house-made scones, savory treats, and an array of teas in a relaxed and elegant environment.
Drive Time: 6 minutes
130 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC
Uncover the lives of iconic figures like Dolley Madison and O. Henry at this vibrant museum. Exhibits include historic wagons, and Greensboro’s role as “Jeansboro,” once the denim capital of the U.S.
Day 3 – Alamance & Hillsborough
Drive Time: 30 minutes to Alamance
Darley at Alamance Battleground. Alamance Battleground commemorates the Regulator movement in North Carolina, an uprising in the years leading up to the American Revolution that signified the growing desire for American independence in the colonies.
Alamance Battleground State Historic Site
5803 NC 62 South, Burlington, NC
Step back to 1771 and witness the site of the Battle of Alamance—an early precursor to the American Revolution. Enjoy a guided tour with period interpreters, see original cabins, and hear stories of ordinary people caught in extraordinary conflict.
Drive Time: 3 minutes
Alamance County Historical Museum
4777 NC Highway 62 South, Burlington, NC
Located on the Holt family estate, this museum explores textile innovation and the lives of the enslaved people who worked there. Discover the origins of Alamance Plaid, and see artifacts tied to 18th- and 19th-century life in rural North Carolina.
Drive Time: 20 minutes
1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd, Graham, NC
More than a gas station, this acclaimed general store offers gourmet, locally sourced farm-to-table fare in a charmingly rustic setting. It's a must-stop for foodies and history lovers alike. Get the signature Duck Jam Burger!
Drive Time: 28 minutes
Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum
6136 Burlington Road, Gibsonville, NC
Celebrate African American heritage at this former Black boarding school. Founded by educator Charlotte Hawkins Brown, the museum preserves a legacy of empowerment, education, and excellence during the Jim Crow era.
Drive Time: 30 minutes
Historic Hillsborough – Visitor Center
150 E. King Street, Hillsborough, NC
Meet historian Greg Mack for a Revolutionary Era Walking Tour through the town where six Regulator leaders were hanged. Visit the Nash-Hooper House, home of Declaration signer William Hooper, and learn about the pre-Revolution discontent that fueled North Carolina’s uprising.
153 W. King Street, Hillsborough, NC
This beautifully restored inn offers historic charm with a hint of Civil War legend. Enjoy Southern hospitality in a setting that has hosted guests for more than 200 years. Stay in a room rumored to be tied to wartime intrigue and masonic heroism. This is a great place to stay if you want to walk to local restaurants as well! It’s right in town and has it’s own restaurant on site at The Colonial Inn.
Day 4 – Durham: Final Chapter
Drive Time: 9 minutes
Darley and Site Manager Kaitlin O’Connor at Bennett Place in Durham, North Carolina. At Bennett Place, travelers can explore the reconstructed farmhouse where Confederate General Johnston and Union General Sherman signed surrender papers, ending the Civil War in the southern states.
Bennett Place State Historic Site
4409 Bennett Memorial Road, Durham, NC
End your Revolutionary Road Trip at the site where the largest troop surrender of the Civil War occurred. Though not directly tied to the Revolution, Bennett Place is a significant chapter in the story of America’s fight for unity and peace.
Drive Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
Bentonville Battlefield
5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524
Explore the site of the largest Civil War battle fought in North Carolina.Rooted in Civil War history, Bentonville Battlefield offers a powerful lens into the broader struggle for American identity and unity—echoing themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and reconciliation that defined the Revolutionary era. You can also go inside what was once a Civil War hospital here and learn about Civil War medicine.
Drive Time: 16 minutes
Darley Newman and owner Jeremy Norris at family owned and operated Broadslab Distillery. Known as the first farm distillery since the prohibition era, this local business showcases how North Carolina’s history inspires modern creations.
Broadslab Distillery
4834 NC Highway 50 S, Benson, NC
Visit this authentic, family-owned distillery that crafts small-batch spirits from locally sourced grains. Broadslab offers a glimpse into North Carolina’s moonshining heritage with a modern twist—perfect for those interested in how tradition and innovation intersect in rural communities.
Drive Time: 12 minutes
Darley Newman tastes award winning barbecue at Redneck BBQ Lab with owner Jerry Stephenson. Located in a North Carolina gas station, this local treasure is a great spot to try mouthwatering barbecue classics.
Redneck BBQ Lab
12101-B NC Hwy 210, Benson, NC
Savor award-winning barbecue in a casual, welcoming setting where smoked meats meet Southern hospitality. Redneck BBQ Lab is a local favorite and a flavorful stop for those exploring North Carolina’s culinary heritage.
Drive Time: 20 minutes
Tru by Hilton – Smithfield
167 S. Equity Drive, Smithfield, NC
Conveniently located near historic sites and local eateries, this modern hotel offers smart amenities and a comfortable stay to unwind after a day of exploration on your Revolutionary Road Trip.
Day 5 – Smithfield to Halifax: Cultural Roots and Revolutionary Echoes
Drive Time: 5 minutes
Johnston County Heritage Center
241 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC
Start your final day diving into the rich history of Johnston County. This museum showcases records, artifacts, and exhibits that trace the area's past, including its role in early North Carolina life and wartime history and how moonshine played a role in the American Revolution. A great place to understand the regional context of America’s journey to independence.
Drive Time: 2 minutes (walking distance)
Ava Gardner Museum
325 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC
Celebrate North Carolina-born film legend Ava Gardner at this museum in the heart of her hometown. While not Revolutionary-era, this stop highlights cultural heritage and the global impact of a small-town star—a beautiful counterpoint to the historical narratives from earlier in your journey. For those who love fashion, some of Ava’s gowns are also on display here.
Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Historic Halifax State Historic Site
25 St. David Street, Halifax, NC
Conclude your road trip at a cornerstone of North Carolina’s Revolutionary past. Halifax is where North Carolina became the first colony to officially authorize its delegates to vote for independence. Walk in the footsteps of patriots, tour preserved colonial buildings and relive the 1776 “Halifax Resolves” that helped ignite a nation.
