Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is located in Seven Springs, NC. The park is named for the 90-foot…read morecliffs that overlook the Neuse River. I first stopped at the Visitor Center. I like visiting these as they are like a little museum in each state park. This visitor center was very interactive and had bright colors with the storyboards. I like that they covered the local ecology, the history of the river and also how we can help make better choices to keep the water safe. In the lobby, there are some taxidermies; you will see a black bear, an owl, a fox and a bobcat that lived in the area. When the fault formed, the water created the cliffs. The cliffs are unique in the layers formed. The white and yellow layers of sand and gravel are remnants of ancient beaches. The Atlantic Ocean once covered the area. Then the dark gray and black layers were made of clay likely deposited by ancient marshes. Between these layers are marine life, seashells, shale, and gravel. These got left behind as the sea levels rose and fell. These formations are 90 feet high and 200 feet underground. Native Americans gathered here, the Tuscarora and Saponi tribes. The river acted as a transportation route and a source of food. They used canoes to go from the coast to the inland forest. The high ground served as a lookout point, allowing them to see anyone approaching. They hunted deer and turkey. The museum has stone tools and other artifacts that were found in the area. During the Civil War, in the Battle of Whitehall (now Seven Springs), the Union soldiers used the higher ground to fight the Confederates. The Confederates were building an ironclad ship (the CSS Neuse). They thought being upriver would keep them safe from the Union ships. They had hoped to retake New Bern with it. The ship survived the battle with only minor damage and was moved to Kinston to have an engine and heavy iron armor added. (The ship can be seen at the CSS Interpretive Museum in Kinston, NC) I liked the phones available for a glimpse into the past from people who were part of the park, and the viewer glasses. The building is air-conditioned, and restrooms are available. There is a small gift shop too. The staff were friendly as they were expecting campers. There is an Overlook for a beautiful view. It is just steps away from the parking lot. The view was stunning. The signs make it easy to find from the visitor center. There are some trails to follow as well if you want to explore more.

Clear pretty cool running trails, well Maintained. The…read morebathrooms are always cleaned and stocked.

When I returned to Beaufort, NC, I knew that the Beaufort Visitor's Center would be my first stop…read more I bought a ticket for the Double Decker bus tour as that seemed like the best way to get better oriented. Seating on the bus is either on the lower level or the top level and it is possible to switch if it gets too hot up top with the sun. It is a 1967 bus. A tour guide narrates as we went along discussing Beaufort's culture and history. The tour covers a lot of areas and the bus driver did an awesome job of getting us into tight spaces. I was fascinated about the spy Emilene Pigott who was a spy for the Confederates during the Civil War. She hid items in her hoop skirts. She even ate documents so they wouldn't be found. The Josiah Bell house was a Victorian styled house built in 1825. The Leffers cottage was built in 1778 and is an example of a story and a jump. It had a demonstration of weaving. I also got to visit the Courthouse which is where people came to be entertained. It was built in 1796 and is wood framed. I saw the Old Jail where one person was hung. It has 28 inch walls and was a home as well as a jail. The building was built in 1829. It has a pillory outside. The Apothecary Shop and Doctor's Office, was built in 1859 and has various items sold in the shop and the doctor artifacts. The bus tour and the historic sights are must sees while in Beaufort.

This center is on a side street, so don't miss it! They are…read morevery knowledgeable about the area and can give you directions and advise. Very nice staff, very helpful. Clean bathrooms that are open to the public, which is a welcome treat when walking around for hours. You can put on some costumes and take pictures, add to the weaving or shop in the small gift shop. The outside houses several old buildings which all have a great history. A nice, clean place to go when you are new to the area and need some direction on what to do and see!

The Visitors Center of Surf Center is small with a ton of amenities. Arriving was a bit confusing…read morebecause the parking lot said spaces were $5 which seemed steep for a 10 minute visit, but there are several spaces devoted for people going to the Center and limited to 15 minutes. The staff in the Center is friendly and eager to assist. She provided pamphlets and recommendations for sites. The Center has an event center that can be rented for special events. In addition, there is a walkway outside to the beach with bathrooms and a covered deck to sit. The walkway provided us with our first views of the beautiful beach and pier. The Center is worth a quick trip if you are first timers, like we were.

Great place to learn about ALL that Surf City has to offer! Nice covered porch and wooden walkway…read moreconnecting to two public restrooms and Public Beach Access #18. They allow you to park here for free to enjoy the beach, too! Be sure to stop in here first when you visit Surf City, the staff are very warm and welcoming, as well as being very informative! Surf City has so much to offer everyone staying in the area and the Visitor Center helps you plan your current and future stays, too! The sea turtle hospital is probably my favorite part of Surf City's atmosphere but the surfers add a lot, also. You will find plenty of information about the sea turtle hospital here and you can witness plenty of surfing from the adjacent Public Beach Access #18! Enjoy your stay in Surf City but don't forget to educate yourself while there! The more you know...

Traveling on a road trip always has it's raves and rants. We found that instead of just using the…read morehighway facilities, it was nicer sometimes to take a bit of time and go into various information centers. Don't get me wrong, though rest areas were well kept and very clean on this particular road trip and I have absolutely no complaints. When you go to a visitor information center, you end up finding out more history and talking to locals that have lived there for quite some time. It is very interesting and educational and adds a bit to your trip so you know where you've been a little bit more about something you maybe never even heard of before. This was located in the County of Lamar, in the state of South Carolina. We had to get off the interstate because it was closed due to weather conditions we ended up winding through the countryside. It was an unexpected diversion but hey you gotta make the best of what happens on a road trip. We saw a lot of fields of things growing and towels and farm houses, it was a much different world than we're used to living in in Tampa. I appreciate the Visitor Information Centres and really enjoy stopping there. Not only do you get clean facilities that have a bathroom break but you get to meet wonderful people and learn some history about where you are at the present time. What's a girl to do? Went out of town learn more about the locals.

One of our mornings while at the beach, my wife and I got up early and drove down to Fort Macon…read moreState Park. We were told this would be a good spot to find trails to go for a short run, and it was true. There was plenty of trails, to safely walk and run on, rather than along the busy road with beach bums driving by at crazy speeds. There is plenty of parking and nicely maintained trails we found. After our run, we decided to poke into the fort it self, which was free to enter, and we explored some of the space, and some of the educations exhibits. They had a little bit of something for everyone, and tried to make the visitors center exciting and fun for kids. I'd 100% visit this spot again, maybe when it's not so hot, but either way, we enjoyed our visit. The park and fort are well maintained, and preserved, with clean restrooms, and staff to answer any questions you might have.

Okay, this place is quite the gem of beaches in the area. Tons of free parking. Lots of shelters…read morewith grills. Convenient and clean bathrooms. Even a massive covered shelter with a snack bar and lockers to keep your stuff in. Oh yeah, did I mention all of this is FREE?? Even at 3:00pm, the beach wasn't over crowded and there was plenty of parking. On rainy days, you can forgo the beach and check out the Fort Macon museum. There are even trails you can walk! Not hard to spend an entire day here! There were park rangers patrolling to keep everyone safe and maintain the beauty of the park. Not much more you can ask for.

Beautiful location! We stopped by use restroom before heading to big rock tournament and see what…read morevisitor center was. A very nice employee named Steve greeted us gave us some great info on the area happenings . The bathrooms were very clean and grounds well maintained. Outside they have covered picnic spot to grab bite enjoy the sea breezes. There's a boat ramp and dock to go down see the waterway..

Public rest stops are so hit or miss, we have driven cost to coast and up and down many times…read more Often state or county run rest stops are poor, dirty and smelly. But some states like IN, NC, KY, WV, and OH all have very clean rest stops, many are like nice parks worth stopping at to have a picnic, some even have really nice free museums and activities for kids so everyone can stretch after a long drive. This one looks like a resort from the outside, sits in front of a boat launch and has a park like setting. Locals come and park by the water and watch boats coming and going during lunch breaks and there is a nice visitor center too. The whole place is relaxing, clean and feels safe. I have stopped here a few times and always feel relaxed when I leave. Thanks for using our taxes right!

Falls Dam and the greenway trails around it are a great and quick escape to nature. In minutes…read moreyou'll be away from the traffic and the stress of your particular day. I hope plans to turn this into a white water park do not come about. Let nature be nature. We need it more than it needs us.

I feel so lucky to live close to the dam. I am an hobbyist photographer and the wildlife here is…read moreamazing. I have watched a Osprey dive in and catch a fish. I have seen numerous Blue Heron and have gotten pictures of them catching fish. Eastern Blue Birds, vultures, and too many other birds to count. The Neuse River Greenway Trail starts here and you can walk up and down the trail from here. There is ample parking and you will see numerous people there ready to jog, hike or bike from the parking lot. You can park at the dam during the hours it is open and hike across the dam. The place is clean and there are bathrooms and a visitors center where members of the Army Corp of Engineers will happily answer any questions that you may have. Great place and it is all free.

The Johnston County Visitor Bureau is in a business park and has plenty of parking. There is a wall…read moreof brochures to get an idea of places to check out while in the county. The staff was friendly and suggested some brochures that would be the most helpful.

This is a very helpful resource for anyone looking to visit or live in this area. There whole…read moreoffice is very knowledgeable.

Nice welcome Center chock full of local info for visitors. Clean facilty and restrooms. Friendly…read moreand helpful staff! The Crystal Coast awaits you!!

Are you like me ... meaning you have never been to Emerald Isle ??? Well start here first . The…read moreCrystal Coast Welcome Center . Information overload is what you have in here . There is information about all the local areas . From Beaufort , Emerald Isle , Swansboro , MooreHead City , Salter Path and so on and so on ! Nice area to sit and look over the things you'd like to take. Husbands there is a T.V. in there as well . No beach access here those are at : Western Ocean Regional Access ( 9003 Louise Ave) Eastern Ocean Regional Access (2701 Emerald Dr) Station St (11001 Station St) 3rd Street (301 Ocean Dr) So stop by and take a minute to grab some books and pamphlets on all the great things to discover and do here on the Crystal Coast. I know it really aided me in making my short stay here count .