Sleep is like a time machine to breakfast. With that, good morning and welcome to the Dan River Family Restaurant. Get ready to dig into eggs any style you’d like, a side of bacon and mile-high stacks of pancakes. Get full, go to bed and come back for more. See, time machine.

Not far from the cities of the Triad area, off the four-lane highways, you’ll find Hanging Rock State Park. This 9,011 acres tribute to Mother Nature is an outdoorsy playground waiting to be explored. There’s Dan River access for fishing, paddling or tubing. Rock Climbers can venture up cliffs 400 feet high. Pitch a towel on the beach and take in some sun by the lake. Or take off down miles of trails that peak with stunning views of the Piedmont plateau. But that’s something you live, not read about. So, get out and go.

Don’t look back and think, “I could’ve eaten that.” Enjoy your time at the Main Street Diner and Dairy Bar. This place has been offering the Walnut Cove, NC community mouthwatering meals and incredible ice cream for over 14 years. Their delicious food is made to order using only the freshest ingredients like pure ground beef. From classics like burgers and hot dogs to creative salads and finger-lickingly good ribeye sandwiches – theyhave something for every appetite.

Standing on the banks of the Upper Dan River, Jessup’s Mill is Stokes County’s most unique outdoor recreation destination. It’s a 100-year old restored grist mill just 30-minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkways. Toss out a line and try to reel in a big one. Or hop in the river to cool off as you tube down stream amongst the forest. The views are tree-mendous.

The good ‘ole days with a modern twist. In many ways, shopping at Daily Basket may remind you of general stores of times past with old fashioned candy, glass bottle drinks and hoop cheese. And in the spirit of shopping small, we strive to provide quality grocery and garden supplies that are grown, made or sourced as locally as possible. Unique offerings include cast iron pots and cookware, NC craft beer and wine, wooden swings, gift baskets, handmade soaps, and much more! Stop in soon and say hello!

Southern food is made with the heart and soothes the soul. Here at the Hillbilly Hideaway Restaurant, the process starts in the kitchen. Their cooks are “home trained!” Then, that good home cookin’ food is rolled out on the carts by the “nicest waitresses” that can be found. They’re always, “friendly,” “courteous,” and “anxious” to serve you and bring you all you care to eat! If you run out, just ask for more.

When you’re flying through the treetops about 3 stories above the ground, you’re not thinking about what you’re missing at work. The screams you let our are one part fear, one part “why haven’t I done this before?” Carolina ZipLines is your place to take off, unwind and kiss the ground in thanks for gravity. See you there.

Hike. Paddle. Eat. On the hill between Hanging Rock State Park and the banks of the beautiful Dan River, you’ll find River Rock Cafe. When you’re coming off a paddle on the river or coming down from the peak of Hanging Rock or Moore’s Wall, this is the place you go. Sit back, grab a snack --enjoy a grilled sandwich, a homemade soup, or fresh brownie (you worked off those calories already). Talk about your day and plan your next trip back.

The Arts Place features handmade art and unique crafts from area artisans. Inside you will find clay that has been molded into beautiful bowls for your coffee table. Wooden sculptures bound together with hand-carved chains that come to life with a simple turn of a crank. Add in handmade soaps, jewelry and the occasional concert from national country and bluegrass performers and you have a destination not to be missed. Oh, they also serve REALLY good ice cream, too.

Take a step back in time in a third generation, family-owned general store. Built in 1888 . Priddy’s General Store is one of Stokes County’s historic landmarks, this store is packed with some of everything from the past and present. Stop by and see why there is so much nostalgia attached to this general store and if you are lucky, you will find something cooking in the big black pot and music on the lawn.

It was in Grandma’s attic. Mom sold it. Now you can buy it back. The booths at Just Plain Country are packed with history, arts, crafts, hard-to-find items and handcrafts. The store is located just 12 miles from Hanging Rock State Park and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Owner Cathy Dix is fond of quoting her grandmother saying, “if you can’t find it here, you don’t need it.”

A 31 acre property of rolling hills and grape vines provides the perfect setting to relax for the day or overnight. Feel free to stroll the upper or lower vineyards. Have a picnic in the rolling meadows. Or just kick back in a couple of adirondack chairs and enjoy a glass of award-winning chardonnay as you watch the sun go down behind Pilot Mountain. Now that’s a social post waiting to be liked.