A couple of weeks ago, I loaded up the car and headed out on a day trip to visit my friend, Chasity – and see Rockingham County.

Chasity has deep roots in the area and invited me to tour her hometown months ago. She told me not to worry about anything – she was planning the whole trip. And, son, did she ever?!

She called ahead everywhere to alert them that the Queen of North Carolina was coming to visit. And the locals rolled out the red carpet.

For ten solid hours, I was whisked from one place of interest to another. Folks shook my hand. People told me stories. They made me feel right at home. I have never felt so welcome on any trip I’ve ever taken.

So, what did we do in Rockingham County for ten hours? Check out our itinerary below! Enjoy!

10 Hours in Rockingham County

The Joyce Cabin

Our first stop was the Joyce Cabin. And we didn’t have to go far to see it – it’s in Chasity’s yard!

The cabin was likely built by early Rockingham County settler John “Coon” Joyce or one of his children in the late 1700s. Hundreds of acres surrounding the cabin belonged to the family. The most fascinating part of that tidbit is that many descendants still live in the area – on land passed down through the generations.

Downtown Stoneville

Looking for the Mayberry feel? This town has it. I’m not kidding. Stoneville is the epitome of small town North Carolina. The main strip is tiny, filled with locally owned businesses, and everyone stops to chat with each other on the sidewalk.

My favorite pit stops? The Stoneville Barber Shop, where every inch of wall space is covered in Southern memorabilia. And Debbie’s Restaurant & Catering.

Breakfast at Debbie’s

Debbie’s had a massive line for breakfast, and when I had my first bite, I figured out why. Everything was perfectly cooked. I even went out on a limb and tried breakfast gravy without sausage for the first time. I’ve got to admit, I loved it. And those biscuits! They were as big as plates. This was by far the best breakfast I’ve had in ages.

Avalon Houses in Mayodan

After breakfast, we headed over to Mayodan to see the Avalon houses. These homes once stood in an unincorporated mill town called Avalon up the river.

The mill burned down in 1911, and the company opted not to rebuild. Instead, they expanded their nearby mill. So, the houses in Avalon were loaded up and carted to Mayodan using horses and mules.

Madison Dry Goods

My favorite stop of the day? Madison Dry Goods. You walk up to hear bluegrass playing over the patio and inside to discover they use an antique cash register. Be still my heart!

The store is loaded with all kinds of cute finds. From coolers to clothes to stickers, you’re bound to find something you want to bring home with you.

But the best part of this store isn’t the shopping; it’s the small museum on the second floor. Here, you can learn about the store’s former life as a hotel, hardware shop, and funeral home. 

The most notable section is in the old embalming room, where the Lawson family members were all prepared for their funerals following the 1929 massacre. Some say it’s haunted.

But don’t get scared and run off before you pick up a cinnamon bun from the little cafe – they are to die for.

Jordan Cabin

Madison was once full of federal-style homes. Only 16 remain, and Jordan Cabin is one of them. The two-story, two-room house is only 800 square feet. Since the cabin was unlikely to attract modern buyers at such a small size – the joint owners donated their portions to the town.

The town raised money to clear the lot and repair the historic home. Today, it is a prime example of the architecture that dotted the North Carolina landscape from 1785 to 1850.

The Boxley

Not too far from Jordan Cabin stands the Boxley Bed & Breakfast. The Greek Revival was constructed in 1825 and features a colonnade leading to an older Federal-style wing built in 1785.

As if that’s not dreamy enough, the bed and breakfast doubles as an event venue. You can get married among the 150-year-old English boxwoods on the grounds and stay on-site in the 19th-century home.

Real talk: if I had spent the night in Madison, this is where I’d’ve wanted to stay!

Scales Law Office

Alfred Moore Scales, Governor of North Carolina from 1885-1889, was born in Rockingham County in 1827. After being admitted to the State Bar in 1851, he built a one-room law office behind his home in Madison.

The building eventually fell into disrepair but was relocated and restored in 1979.

Priddy’s General Store

Y’all know I’m a sucker for an old-timey general store! And Priddy’s? Priddy’s didn’t let me down.

Just across the Rockingham County border in Stokes County, Priddy’s was established in 1888 and has stayed true to its roots. The shelves overflow, and you never know what you’ll find. They carry a bit of everything – brand new, used, and antiques.

If you get hungry while you shop, you can get a sandwich from the counter in the back. And I am talking about a proper sandwich made with light bread. The day we visited, they served mater sandwiches with cold drinks straight out of a glass bottle.

And if you’re looking for entertainment, they host bluegrass jam sessions!

Mayo River State Park

After shopping at Priddy’s, we went to the Mayo River State Park, where we got a private tour of the old Avalon mill site! We found the foundations of the general store and located an old homesite. Of course, I had the time of my life!

The area is not currently open to the public, but there are plans to lay out hiking trails! And it will be an incredible spot to see. Pawpaw trees grow along the dirt access road, and wildlife is abundant.

Hillbilly Hideaway

Our last stop of the day was to Hillbilly Hideaway in Stokes County for supper. O.M.G. Y’all! This was by far the most unique restaurant I have EVER been to.

The dining room is decorated just like an old granny’s house. Baskets, dolls, old photographs, and none of the dishes match.

There is no menu. You are seated and asked if you’d like tea, water, or lemonade. Shortly after your drinks arrive, you are brought a family-style home-cooked meal. And it’s all you can eat. If one serving runs dry, they bring another. Which is a good thing because you’re going to want seconds.

That’s all she wrote. I headed home with a full belly and a wonderful new memory. Would I suggest a trip to Rockingham County? Heck yeah! I’m already planning my next trip.