Kelford North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kelford, North Carolina.
1. Sylvan Heights Bird Park
EXOTIC BIRD PARADISE
Sylvan Heights Bird Park is a world-renowned avian conservation center featuring one of the largest collections of exotic birds in North America. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences with flamingos, parakeets, and waterfowl in naturalistic habitats spread across multiple continents. The park also offers educational programs that highlight conservation efforts and the importance of protecting endangered bird species.
2. Historic Hope Plantation
COLONIAL HERITAGE ESTATE
Historic Hope Plantation preserves the elegant 1803 home of Governor David Stone, showcasing period architecture and antique furnishings. The restored Federal-style mansion sits on beautiful grounds that include formal gardens and the restored 1763 King-Bazemore House. Guided tours offer insights into plantation life, agricultural practices, and the social dynamics of early 19th century eastern North Carolina.
3. Fort Branch
CIVIL WAR EARTHWORKS
Fort Branch is a remarkably preserved Confederate earthwork fort that once guarded the Roanoke River during the Civil War. The site features original cannons, well-preserved earthworks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding river landscape. Annual living history events and reenactments bring the fort's strategic importance to life for visitors interested in Civil War history.
4. Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana
VINTAGE AMERICANA COLLECTION
The Brady C. Jefcoat Museum houses an impressive collection of over 15,000 artifacts showcasing American life from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Exhibits include antique phonographs, musical instruments, household items, and one of the largest collections of vintage washing machines in the world. The museum occupies a historic 1922 Murfreesboro High School building, adding architectural interest to this treasure trove of American history.
5. Roanoke River Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
The Roanoke River Lighthouse is the last remaining screw-pile lighthouse in North Carolina, now beautifully restored and relocated to Edenton's waterfront. Visitors can explore the interior, furnished as it would have appeared when lighthouse keepers lived and worked there in the late 19th century. The surrounding boardwalk offers excellent bird watching opportunities and stunning views of Edenton Bay.
6. Battleship North Carolina
WWII NAVAL MONUMENT
The Battleship North Carolina stands as a majestic memorial honoring the 11,000 North Carolinians who died during World War II. This impressive vessel, which earned 15 battle stars during its service, allows visitors to explore nine levels including the mess deck, engine room, and gun turrets. The ship's exhibits include personal artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring to life the experiences of sailors who served aboard this legendary battleship.
7. Wright Brothers National Memorial
FIRST FLIGHT LANDMARK
Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates the site where aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first successful powered flights in December 1903. The memorial features a 60-foot granite monument atop Kill Devil Hill, reconstructed living quarters, and markers indicating the takeoff point and landing spots of the historic flights. The visitor center houses full-scale reproductions of the Wright brothers' 1903 flying machine, personal tools, and interactive exhibits explaining the principles of flight they discovered.
8. Airlie Gardens
HISTORIC COASTAL GARDENS
Airlie Gardens encompasses 67 acres of formal gardens, walking paths, and historic structures dating back to 1886. The gardens feature seasonal blooms, ancient live oaks, freshwater lakes, and the stunning Airlie Oak, estimated to be over 400 years old. Visitors can enjoy the butterfly house, environmental education center, and striking art installations including the unique Bottle Chapel created from thousands of colored glass bottles.
9. Grandfather Mountain
MILE HIGH SWINGING BRIDGE
Grandfather Mountain offers breathtaking views from America's highest suspension footbridge, suspended 80 feet above a dramatic chasm. The 5,946-foot peak features eleven trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes through diverse ecological zones. The mountain's wildlife habitats provide visitors the opportunity to observe native animals including black bears, cougars, bald eagles, and river otters in naturalistic environments.
10. Lake Lure
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE
Lake Lure offers 720 acres of crystal-clear mountain water surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Hickory Nut Gorge. The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge transforms a former vehicle bridge into a pedestrian pathway adorned with over 10,000 vibrant blooms throughout spring and summer. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, swimming at the beach, water sports, or dining at lakeside restaurants with panoramic mountain views.
11. Sliding Rock
NATURAL WATER SLIDE
Sliding Rock is a 60-foot natural water slide carved into smooth boulder faces by millennia of rushing water in Pisgah National Forest. During summer months, thousands of visitors climb to the top and slide down into the refreshing 8-foot deep pool at the bottom. The attraction includes lifeguards, changing rooms, and observation platforms where less adventurous visitors can watch the action.
12. Reed Gold Mine
AMERICA'S FIRST GOLD DISCOVERY
Reed Gold Mine marks the site of America's first documented gold discovery in 1799, which sparked the nation's first gold rush. Visitors can explore restored underground tunnels with guided tours explaining the mining techniques used throughout the site's history. The attraction also offers gold panning opportunities where guests might find their own genuine gold flakes to take home as souvenirs.
13. Town Creek Indian Mound
ANCIENT NATIVE SETTLEMENT
Town Creek Indian Mound preserves a reconstructed ceremonial center of the ancestral Pee Dee culture dating from 1150-1400 CE. The site features a reconstructed earthen mound with major temple, burial house, and village palisade that demonstrate the sophisticated culture that once thrived here. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits explaining archaeological discoveries, native craftsmanship, and the religious practices of this pre-Columbian civilization.
14. Tryon Palace
COLONIAL GOVERNOR'S MANSION
Tryon Palace was the first permanent capital of North Carolina and home to Royal Governor William Tryon, meticulously reconstructed based on original plans. The elegant Georgian-style mansion features period furnishings, formal gardens, and costumed interpreters who bring colonial history to life. The site includes the North Carolina History Center with interactive exhibits, multiple historic homes, and beautiful riverside gardens spanning 16 acres of historic grounds.
15. The Hotel
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Hotel offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully preserved historic building in the heart of Kelford. Guests can enjoy regional cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients while surrounded by charming architectural details from the building's past. The establishment combines small-town hospitality with elevated dining options, making it a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors exploring eastern North Carolina.