Romantic Weekend Getaway in Halifax County

Need some together time? You want a slow pace but plenty to do. The chance to get away from it all but still have all the creature comforts that help you unwind.

If that sounds like what you're looking for, spend a weekend with your sweetheart in Halifax County. This three-day itinerary covers the highlights while leaving enough time to linger and just enjoy each other’s company.

Friday Afternoon: Explore Downtown Littleton

Start the weekend in downtown Littleton. Window-shop your way through the boutiques, stopping in for an iced latte at Daphne's Coffee Shop — and maybe an almond croissant too — to fuel your journey.

Or swing by Timber Waters Brewery for small-batch brews spotlighting local ingredients. They often host events like live music and casual art classes, so check their calendar before you go.

For an unusual way to spend an hour, browse the exhibits in the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum. Nothing brings a couple closer than bonding over Bigfoot sightings and the occasional haunted hay crane.

Save time for a look through Frank’s Fine Arts, featuring works by diverse artists in a range of media, from sketching to sculpture. You can even hang with one of the artists: Frank, a rescue pup who dabbles in painting. For a budget-friendly souvenir, pick up a one-of-a-kind art piece from the Art-o-mat.

Friday Dinner: Blue Jay Bistro

Go all out on your first evening for dinner, and step into Blue Jay Bistro. The upscale eatery blends Southern comfort food with contemporary flair. Think crab cakes with bacon pico de gallo, sweet tea brined ribs with warm potato salad, and cantaloupe gazpacho topped with candied pecans.

Many ingredients are sourced locally, so the menu is constantly changing based on what's in season. The setting is also romantic with subdued lighting and classy decor.

Finish with dessert — perhaps the blueberry cobbler panna cotta or the orange ricotta doughnut holes — as you savor a cocktail or glass of wine. Walk-ins are welcome, but a reservation for Friday night is a good idea.

Friday Evening: A Show at the Acorn Center

If you're lucky enough to be in town during the Lakeland Cultural Arts Community's show season, grab a pair of tickets for one of their shows at the Acorn Center.

They host live comedy as well as full-scale theatrical productions. Past hits include The Marvelous Wonderettes, A Christmas Carol, The Odd Couple, and Clue. Friday night shows typically begin at 7:30 p.m.

At the Acorn Center, you can also catch live music, from country music stars to dueling pianos.

Friday Night: Check in at Bellamy Manor and Gardens

It's admittedly a bit of a drive (30 minutes) to get from Littleton down to Enfield where Bellamy Manor & Gardens is located. But if you're looking for max romance, this is it.

The 19th-century manor is surrounded by a four-acre estate tucked into the woodlands. You’ll find hammocks on the porch, a veranda in your room overlooking the gardens, a crackling fireplace if you happen to visit in winter, and a general sense of tranquility.

The rooms have a traditional, timeless style with all the modern comforts at hand: walk-in showers, cable TV, plush robes, hand-milled soaps. Cell reception isn’t guaranteed, but it’s a perk — less interruption for the two of you.

Saturday Breakfast at the B&B

Sleep in. Breakfast is served at 9:30 at the manor, so you have time to relax or stroll the grounds before you join everyone at the table.

It's a communal affair with the spotlight on hearty dishes like eggs, sausage, and scones, plus lighter fare like cereal and fruit if you prefer.

Saturday Morning: Historic Halifax

Start your day by traveling back in time at the Halifax State Historic Site. This cluster of beautifully preserved buildings tell the story of early America. They’re free to visit, although a guided tour for a nominal fee makes the experience even better.

Each building has its own story — in the tavern, learn about colonial-era recreation; in the Montfort Archaeology Museum, see artifacts like a sugar cutter, cuff links, and buttons as well as the original foundations of the Palladian home built by an 18th-century gentleman.

Nearby, the Bradford Denton House offers another glimpse into the past, its architecture and interiors revealing layers of history to explore at your own pace. On the grounds, find sheep, a kitchen, a blacksmith shop, and more. On the weekend, you’ll likely see someone cooking in the kitchen and forging or hammering metal in the blacksmith shop.

Saturday Lunch: Two Doors Down

For lunch, head to Two Doors Down, just a couple blocks away. This casual cafe is popular with locals, and the service is fast. Choose from salads, sandwiches, and the soup of the moment.

The sandwiches range from a traditional club to the more creative paninis, like the bacon and gouda on ciabatta with a sweet twist from its apple bacon maple jam. If you're really hungry, get the two-patty smashburger.

They also offer homemade desserts, including ice cream and cookies, though what’s available varies by day, so just ask when you order. A tall milkshake with two straws adds a sweet finish to your meal.

Saturday Afternoon: Bike the Roanoke Canal Trail

The afternoon is the time to be active. You could return to the manor and rent one of their kayaks for a paddle around the lake, but if you want to check out something unique to Halifax County, hop on the Roanoke Canal Trail.

Pick up a free loaner bike at Riverside Mill, an eclectic shop where you can also browse antiques after your ride.

The trail follows the old canal path and offers a treat for birders who sometimes spot herons, hawks, eagles, indigo buntings, and more. At the Roanoke Canal Museum, where the trail starts, you can see a mural that shows the canal’s many uses, including its role in the Underground Railroad. Even if you just admired the trees and some of the remaining stonework, it’s a pleasant way to get some fresh air and exercise.

When you finish, reward yourself with a drink at Weldon Mills Distillery, admiring the historic renovated mill on the river. The distillery produces some of North Carolina’s most awarded bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and gin. Take a guided tour to learn the craft behind these spirits and then enjoy a complimentary tasting to cap off your afternoon.

Saturday Dinner: Suka Sushi

This sushi spot in Roanoke Rapids is frankly unexpected. It's located in a strip mall off the interstate, but the rave online review tempted us to step inside. And that's where the magic happens.

It's elegantly decorated with tan booths and chic light fixtures. And the menu will please a wide range of palates. There’s quality nigiri and sashimi for connoisseurs, but if you like your fish cooked, there are crab rolls, vegetarian sushi, and tempura with surprising variety. So many options, and they're quite affordably priced.

The especially nice thing is that it can be a light meal, if you're looking for something a little healthier, and it's fun to share as a couple as you try new flavors. Pro tip: Get a sweet potato maki roll to split. It’s a savory-sweet combo that’s too good not to share.

Sunday Breakfast: Oscar’s Restaurant

You can have breakfast at the B&B again on Sunday, but for something a little different, slide into a booth at Oscar’s Restaurant, known for its generous portions and warm service.

This laid-back Roanoke Rapids restaurant has been in business since 1953, and the dining room has the aesthetic of the era with bright teal and cream seating and memorabilia covering the walls.

They serve breakfast all day: waffles, steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and the like. If you can’t decide, order “Oscar’s Breakfast,” one oversized pancake, two eggs cooked however you like, bacon or sausage, grits or potatoes, your choice of toast or biscuits, and bottomless coffee. It’s delicious.

They have desserts too if you’re feeling indulgent.

Sunday Morning: Sylvan Heights Bird Park

Spend your final morning at Sylvan Heights Bird Park, a sanctuary filled with vibrant birds from around the world. Wander through aviaries bursting with color: macaws, toucans, adorable parakeets who land on your hands. Take a couple’s selfie with the flamingos, and stroll the nature walkway to see the wetlands up close.

You can easily spend two hours here — more if you take lots of photos, read all the signs, and go slowly. If you get hungry, they have an on-site cafe and multiple picnic areas.

The park is peaceful and scenic, seldom crowded in the morning, particularly on Sundays, making for a beautiful way to close out your romantic weekend together.