Road Tripping Through North Carolina? Make Time for Johnston County’s Food, Charm & Local Finds
Whether you're cruising I-95 or rolling through I-40, this charming Southern gem is packed with small-town warmth, surprisingly epic eats, and road trip-friendly spots that’ll make you want to extend your stay.
Let us introduce you to Johnston County, North Carolina AKA JoCo* a small town charmer with big personality, incredible eats, and the kind of chill, down to earth energy that makes you feel instantly welcome.
We spent two nights in JoCo and we were completely blown away. From RV-friendly resorts and dog parks to science themed cocktails and farm to bottle whiskey tastings this place had range. Here's everything we explored, loved, and highly recommend adding to your itinerary if you're ever rolling through I-95 or I-40
Home Base: Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages
We parked our rig at Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages, and honestly? It felt like a mini vacation all on its own.
This spot is fully loaded:
Three (yes, three!) dog parks, our pups were living their absolute best life 🐾
Two pools (because one just isn’t enough)
Pickleball court, mini golf, a fitness center, laundry facilities, AND full hook-ups
Clean, quiet, and seriously well-kept
Whether you're in an RV, a cottage, or just dreaming of a campground that doesn’t feel like a parking lot this is it.
Travel tip: It’s super close to all the local attractions, and the on-site amenities make it easy to relax after a full day of exploring.
🧁 JP’s Pastry | The Gluten-Free Bakery of Dreams
We’re not exaggerating when we say this might be one of the best gluten-free bakeries we’ve ever been to. JP’s Pastry is 100% gluten-free, but you'd never know it from the texture, flavor, and honestly unfair level of deliciousness.
We loaded up on:
Flaky breakfast pastries
Gooey cinnamon rolls
Chicken Biscuits
Challah Bread
We spent way to much money, but also don’t regret it for a second.
Must-try: The Cinnamon rolls. You'll dream about them later.
Salvaged Heirlooms – Our New Favorite Shop
Walking into Salvaged Heirlooms feels like stumbling into your artsy friend’s Pinterest board but better, because everything is actually for sale.
This shop has:
Handmade jewelry
Artisan candles and soaps
Local art and curated vintage finds
A coffee + wine bar
We could have spent hours here just browsing. It's the kind of place that makes you want to redecorate your whole house in cozy, creative vibes. And the best surprise? A back room with arcade games including Mario Kart, which was actively playing on a screen while we browsed.
The Redneck BBQ Lab – Award-Winning for a Reason
BBQ is serious business in North Carolina, and The Redneck BBQ Lab gets it. With stacks of trophies and a mouthwatering menu, this spot blew us away.
We ordered:
The brisket (so tender we didn’t even need a knife)
Ribs that fell off the bone with a smoky bark
Jackfruit BBQ (for all the fellow vegetarians out there)
Cornbread
BBQ Potatoes
Sides that made us consider coming back for dinner… before we’d even finished lunch
And bonus they even offered gluten-free and vegetarian options, which is a rare and beautiful thing at a BBQ joint.
Insider tip: Grab a sampler plate. It's the only way to try everything and avoid decision regret.
Howell Woods – Nature Therapy in the Best Way
After all those pastry and BBQ, we needed to move. Enter Howell Woods, an environmental learning center with miles of peaceful trails, a wildlife sanctuary, and plenty of shaded spots to just sit and breathe.
We took a slow morning to explore, learn and adventure. We spent some time with all the reptiles and birds and enjoyed time by the lakes.
Bonus: There are campsites here too if you’re looking for a dry camping, overnight option.
Broadslab Distillery | Grain-to-Glass Goodness
Broadslab Distillery was a highlight for us not just because of the whiskey (although, yes, also because of the whiskey). This farm-to-bottle distillery grows their own crops right on-site, and the result is small-batch spirits that are smooth, rich, and packed with local character.
We did a tasting, learned the backstory (the owner’s family has deep moonshining roots), and got to chat with their super friendly and kind team.
Even better: It’s a Harvest Host location, so RVers can park and stay here overnight.
Old North State Food Hall | Roadside Foodie Paradise
Okay, THIS place is genius. Old North State Food Hall is the first roadside food hall in the entire country, and we’re obsessed.
Food options include:
Cuban cuisine
Mouth-watering burger
Pizza - wood-fire style
Ramen eats
Southern comfort food
Craft coffee
Global bites (all in one spot!)
It’s perfect for groups or people with different tastes buds (AKA us). Plus, there’s local beer, a chill vibe, and plenty of parking for big rigs. Another Harvest Host location.
Quantum Toad | Science, Tea, and Cocktails
Quantum Toad might just be the coolest cocktail bar we’ve been to in a longggg time. It's a science-themed lounge where drinks are infused with Harney & Sons teas and crafted with serious creativity.
We tried:
A Chai Tea White Russian with Boba
Their take on a French 75
It’s moody, stylish, and totally one-of-a-kind. Highly recommend making this your nightcap spot.
Waffee Station | Coffee + Waffles = Road Trip Goals
Our final stop? Waffee Wagon, a Harvest Host location that serves, wait for it, fresh waffles and locally roasted coffee out of the cutest setup ever.
We grabbed:
A Belgian waffle topped with Nutella and fresh starwberries and cream
A mini Beglian waffle flight * ask for it even if you don’t see it on the menu
Craft coffee drinks
They even made an off-menu item for Ash due to her dietary restrictions
It’s simple, cozy, and totally delicious. The perfect send-off. We got to meet the amazing couple behind the magic: Reed & Rachel, the heart and soul of this cozy breakfast spot. Their journey started with a food truck, serving waffles and coffee across Johnston and Wake counties from 2018 to 2021. And after years of dedication (and building a loyal fanbase), their dream of opening a brick and mortar came true in February 2020. Talking to Reed & Rachel, it’s clear they’ve poured their hearts into this place and it shows in every bite.
Why You Should Add Johnston County to Your Route
Whether you're road-tripping for a week or just passing through, Johnston County is 100% worth the stop. With its unexpected mix of food, nature, and local flavor, JoCo surprised us in the best way and made our two-night stay feel like a real escape.
It’s easy to get to, easy to love, and the kind of place that sneaks into your memory and stays there.
So if you’re planning an East Coast road trip on I-95 or I-40, consider JoCo your sign to pull over, park it, and explore.
*Disclaimer: Thank you @visitjoco for sponsoring this blog’s content!