Ayden North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ayden, North Carolina.
1. Simply Natural Creamery
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM HAVEN
Simply Natural Creamery is a beloved local attraction offering handcrafted ice cream made from their own dairy farm. Visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious flavors while often having the opportunity to see the dairy operations that supply the fresh ingredients. The creamery provides a family-friendly atmosphere with ample seating and occasionally hosts special events throughout the year.
2. Ayden District Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTER
Ayden District Park serves as the town's premier outdoor recreational facility with amenities for visitors of all ages. The park features athletic fields, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas perfect for family outings. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained grounds and open spaces that provide a peaceful retreat from busy daily life.
3. The Ayden Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Ayden Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of this charming North Carolina town. Housed in a historic building that was once a train terminal, the museum presents thoughtfully curated exhibits covering everything from the town's founding to its agricultural heritage and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that provide a comprehensive look at Ayden's past.
4. Ayden District Disc Golf Course
SCENIC DISC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Ayden District Disc Golf Course offers an enjoyable outdoor activity for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. The course winds through scenic terrain with well-designed holes that provide both challenge and accessibility. Players appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the opportunity to enjoy this growing sport in a beautiful natural setting.
5. Ayden Golf & Country Club
PREMIER GOLFING DESTINATION
Ayden Golf & Country Club provides a well-maintained golf course for both members and visitors to enjoy. The club features challenging holes set among beautiful landscapes, creating an enjoyable experience for golfers of varying skill levels. Beyond golf, the country club offers dining options and occasionally hosts community events throughout the year.
6. Bum's Restaurant
AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN BBQ
Bum's Restaurant is a local culinary institution famous for its authentic North Carolina barbecue and traditional Southern cuisine. The restaurant has been family-owned for generations, maintaining time-honored cooking techniques that result in their signature wood-fired pork and classic sides. Visitors and locals alike come for the unpretentious atmosphere and leave satisfied with the genuine taste of Eastern North Carolina barbecue tradition.
7. Skylight Inn BBQ
LEGENDARY PIT-COOKED BBQ
Skylight Inn BBQ stands as a nationally recognized landmark in the world of traditional wood-fired barbecue. Founded in 1947, this iconic establishment has earned numerous accolades, including a James Beard Award, for its unwavering commitment to whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue. Visitors travel from across the country to experience their simple menu featuring chopped pork, cornbread, and classic Southern sides served in a humble setting crowned by its distinctive cupola.
8. Gwendy's Goodies
SWEET TREATS BAKERY
Gwendy's Goodies delights visitors with a tempting array of freshly baked desserts and sweet treats in downtown Ayden. The charming bakery specializes in cakes, cookies, pastries, and other homemade confections prepared with care and quality ingredients. Customers appreciate both the friendly service and the opportunity to indulge in delectable baked goods that bring a touch of sweetness to any day.
9. Cindirene's
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPPING
Cindirene's offers a distinctive shopping experience in the heart of Ayden with its carefully curated selection of items. The shop features an eclectic mix of gifts, home decor, accessories, and locally made products that capture the charm of North Carolina. Visitors enjoy browsing the unique merchandise while experiencing the warm, personalized service that defines this local gem.
10. Quilt Lizzy
QUILTING AND CRAFTING HAVEN
Quilt Lizzy stands as a vibrant destination for quilting enthusiasts housed in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Ayden. The shop offers high-quality fabrics, quilting supplies, and crafting materials alongside expert advice for projects of all kinds. Beyond retail, Quilt Lizzy frequently hosts workshops and classes, creating a community space where creativity and traditional crafts continue to flourish.
11. Coltrane Home and Hardware
HISTORIC HARDWARE STORE
Coltrane Home and Hardware represents both Ayden's history and its commitment to downtown revitalization through its thoughtfully restored historic building. This traditional hardware store provides essential supplies for home improvement projects while maintaining the charm and character of an earlier era. Visitors appreciate the combination of practical merchandise and the preservation of architectural heritage that makes this store a distinctive Ayden landmark.
12. Ayden Pool Hall
CLASSIC BILLIARDS VENUE
Ayden Pool Hall offers a traditional billiards experience that has been part of the town's social fabric for generations. The establishment features well-maintained pool tables in a classic atmosphere that welcomes both serious players and casual visitors looking for recreation. The pool hall serves as a gathering place where community members connect while enjoying this timeless indoor sport.
13. Maxway
AFFORDABLE LOCAL SHOPPING
Maxway provides Ayden residents and visitors with convenient access to a variety of affordable household goods and everyday essentials. The store offers clothing, home items, seasonal merchandise, and various practical products all under one roof. Shoppers appreciate the reasonable prices and the convenience of finding diverse merchandise without having to travel to larger shopping centers.
14. E.B. Aycock Middle School
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
E.B. Aycock Middle School serves as both an educational institution and a historic landmark in nearby Greenville. Named after Edward Bancroft Aycock, a significant figure in local education, the school has educated generations of area students. The campus features distinctive architecture that reflects its historical importance to the broader Pitt County community.
15. Greenville Museum of Art
REGIONAL ART COLLECTION
The Greenville Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of North Carolina art just a short drive from Ayden. The museum houses significant works from the state's most renowned artists alongside rotating exhibitions that highlight both regional and national talents. Visitors appreciate the thoughtfully curated galleries that provide cultural enrichment in a welcoming, accessible setting.