Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Wayne County, NC

  • Published 2022/11/09

Wayne County in North Carolina is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

The county is home to various businesses, including some of the best restaurants in the state.

Residents also enjoy recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

Besides being a great place to live, many tourists flock to Wayne County because it also features numerous must-see attractions.

Wayne County is home to several historical sites significant to the county.

An example is the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, widely known to have played a crucial role during the Civil War.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or explore, Wayne County has something to offer everyone.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Wayne County, North Carolina:

Snap Pictures with the Cliffs of Neuse State Park

A lake at Cliffs of Neuse State Park

Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Seven Springs.

The Neuse River is visible from 90-foot bluffs where Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is located.

The cliff has layers of sand, clay, seashells, shale, and gravel that produce a rainbow of colors, making it look stunning as it glistens.

The river and an 11-acre lake within the park also allow visitors to enjoy aquatic activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Spanish moss trail at Cliffs of Neuse State Park

Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are also a variety of hiking trails, camping, and picnic sites you can explore.

Prepare your cameras because you’ll want to take snaps of the majestic cliffs here.

Whether you prefer recreational activities on land or water, you’ll find something to enjoy at the Cliffs of Neuse State Park!

A cliff at Cliffs of Neuse State Park

Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Travel Back in Time at the Wayne County Museum

Wayne County Museum in Goldsboro is a fantastic place to look for educational and interesting resources about Wayne County’s past and present.

The museum’s goal is to unearth, conserve, record, exhibit, and share information about Wayne County’s historical past and artifacts.

Through exhibitions, activities, and conventional and electronic information sources, it also aims to raise public understanding of the history of Wayne County and the area.

You can find numerous exhibits in the museum that cover subjects like the county’s involvement in the Civil War, its agricultural past, and its Native American legacy.

If you visit at the right time, you can also participate in some educational events at the museum.

Wayne County Museum is a must-visit if you’re a history buff or interested in learning about the area’s history.

Play Golf at Lane Tree Golf Club

Lane Tree Golf Club is one of the best places to play golf in Wayne County.

This is a great place to enjoy tee time with your friends regardless if you are a pro or a newbie!

Located along Salem Church Road in Goldsboro, this golf course’s hole designs are split evenly between Scottish and Southern Traditional styles, with a few holes with a mountainous feel.

The Little River borders five holes on the course, and there are 15 ponds or lakes and more than five kilometers of paved cart pathways.

They have the only grass practice range in the neighborhood, and the spacious practice putting green is conveniently positioned next to the pro shop.

Lane Tree Golf Club also has a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar where you can eat after playing.

If you want to sharpen your playing skills, you can even take lessons from one of the club’s professional golfers.

Read Books at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Education Center and Library

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Education Center and Library is great spot for hanging out and reading books.

You can also broaden your knowledge and creativity with the help of the many activities and services available at the library.

There are over 40,000 books to select from, including award-winning literary collections for children and young adults.

If you are not that much of a reader, don’t fret!

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Education Center and Library also has computers with video games and movies for a dose of entertainment.

Wander around Old Waynesborough Park

Take a step back in time as you wander around Old Waynesborough Park in Goldsboro.

The park is where Waynesborough, the first county seat of Wayne County from 1787 until 1847, once stood.

It comprises a village with nine historic structures transported from around the county.

These structures date from the 1860s to the 1920s, including Quaker houses, an old school, and a lawyer’s office.

The park’s 150 acres along the Neuse and Little Rivers and its four miles of walking trails feature open fields, forests, and cypress swamps.

Old Waynesborough Park also hosts weddings, family reunions, and other special events.

Taste Goldsboro’s First Craft Beer at Well Travelled Beer

The bottle shop and pub Well Travelled Beer is situated in the heart of Goldsboro.

They have an ever-expanding selection of craft wine, beer, sake, soda, and gifts for everyone who likes a little adventure in their glass.

Customers rave about their local craft beers’ excellent taste, which you won’t find in other pubs.

The ambiance is spotless, cozy, and welcoming, making it a terrific location to catch up with friends.

If you ever go downtown, Well Travelled Beer is a must-visit, whether you’re a beer enthusiast or not.

You’ll have a great time sampling their exquisitely made drinks while enjoying the company of your loved ones!

Pamper Yourself at the Skin Therapy Day Spa

Bring back your skin’s glow after a long day of activities at the Skin Therapy Day Spa.

The Skin Therapy Day Spa in Goldsboro offers a variety of skin treatments for glowing skin.

Since Beth, the spa’s creator, started the business, she has found great satisfaction in treating and spoiling clients with luxurious treatments.

This spa is genuinely passionate about making people feel and look better.

With their dedication to helping people look and feel their best through their exceptional services, this spa has received numerous awards.

In 2015 and 2016, it received the Best Business of Raleigh Award for the category of firms that focus on skincare.

Enjoy Delicious Dishes at The Laughing Owl Restaurant

Exterior of The Laughing Owl Restaurant

Wileydoc / Shutterstock.com

The Laughing Owl Restaurant has provided the Goldsboro neighborhood with delicious meals for over 10 years.

With its vast assortment of delectable Asian cuisine, from soft shell crab sandwiches to Mongolian beef, locals consider it a household name in the city.

Whatever you’re craving, you can pick from a wide choice of delicious meals here.

Visit this lovely restaurant and enjoy the best dishes in the city.

Marvel at the Works of Local Artists at the Arts Council of Wayne County

Arts Council of Wayne County was established in November 1963.

The Community Arts Council and the Goldsboro Art League merged to form the Arts Council as it is known today.

The two groups united in the 1980s to coordinate their artistic projects more effectively and inexpensively.

Since then, the Arts Council of Wayne County has become a home for many artists of different mediums.

The council exhibits its artworks in the center, highlighting local artists’ exceptional talents.

The council’s gallery hosts regular exhibitions by regional artists; entrance is always free.

The council in Goldsboro also offers piano and voice lessons.

Enjoy Endless Adventures at Busco Beach and ATV Park

Busco Beach and ATV Park in Goldsboro is the ideal place if you want to take on a new adventure.

The park is a recreational riding facility with an artificial beach.

It has almost 2000 acres you can explore while riding an ATV, campgrounds for tent camping, RV hookups, and lakes for swimming and fishing.

You can also enjoy live music or buy treats at the park’s snack store.

There are also AMA and youth tracks, drag strips, and motocross.

Other modes of transportation at Busco Beach and ATV Park include ATVs, dirt motorcycles, UTVs, go-karts, golf carts, and more.

Remember to wear your helmet when using ATVs, dirt bikes, and other vehicles for your safety!

Get a Glimpse of the Past at Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield

Going to Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield in Dudley is like going back in time and walking through history.

Visit the site where a historical fight involving 15,000 men occurred in December 1862.

The battlefield is primarily intended for self-guided walking excursions, but by appointment, experienced battlefield guides are also available for groups and individuals.

These walking tours are free, but donations for the improvement and preservation of the battlefield are encouraged and would be greatly appreciated.

Although an extended visit will allow you to explore more of the battlefield and learn more about the combat in 1862, the battlefield may be explored in less than an hour.

Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield is a great place to visit if you’ve always wanted to check out the historic site.

Learn How to Shoot at ENC Firing Range & Shooters Club

Test your shooting accuracy and determine which of your eyes is dominant at the ENC Firing Range & Shooters Club!

ENC Firing Range & Shooters Club in Dudley opened in September 2005.

It offers affordable platforms with different yard rifle ranges for professionals and hobbyists that are safe for all users.

It also has covered handgun booths measuring 25 yards, complete with retractable target holders.

If you’re looking for a challenge, you can shoot at their 50- or 100-yard ranges!

There is even a 200-yard range where you can test your shooting skills.

ENC Firing Range & Shooters Club also has training bays catering to various shooting and training methods.

There are no limits on calibers, so anyone can shoot here regardless of class.

Try your best to shoot bullseye in many of their targets!

Go Bowling at Phantom Lanes

Knock some pins down at Phantom Lanes in Goldsboro!

Phantom Lanes is one of the top bowling alleys in the Air Force and provides year-round programming for bowlers of all ages.

Its Pro Shop has the newest equipment to help you improve your game.

It’s also home to 10-Pin Café where you can recharge after a game.

Along with after-school activities and a range of special events for everyone, they also provide bumper bowling for young children.

Whether you want to spend the afternoon bowling or are looking for a great location for any of your celebrations, you can visit this establishment!

Make sure to bring all your loved ones and have fun racking up your scores at Phantom Lanes!

Unleash Your Creative Side at Wine & Design

Unwind over a couple of drinks while engaging in an exciting and creative activity at Wine & Design!

This establishment in Goldsboro is popular among art and wine enthusiasts.

It’s an excellent place to visit for a night out with friends or special celebrations.

To have a great time at Wine & Design, simply bring your drink of choice and start painting!

You don’t need to worry if you don’t have the skills because you can join guided painting classes here.

On the other hand, if you want to unleash your creative side and paint, you can participate in open studio classes.

Prepare your glasses and creative inspirations, and head to Wine & Design today!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Take a Shot in Princeton Paintball

A family-run company, Princeton Paintball, supports outdoor family fun and is the perfect place to bond with your loved ones while engaging in exciting activities.

If you’ve never played a paintball game, don’t worry; that won’t be an issue when you play at Princeton Paintball in Princeton in Johnston County.

Seasoned players can turn the games up or keep them low-key.

When playing, you’re required to wear closed shoes and long pants.

Do your best to shoot your enemies accurately to win at this facility!

Final Thoughts

Wayne County features many exceptional attractions that you shouldn’t miss.

You can tour the historic battlefield in less than an hour, step back in time at museums, enjoy a great meal, and more!

Visit the area and try these 15 best things to do in Wayne County, North Carolina!

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