Skippers Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Last night around 10pm we finally arrived in Charlotte NC after driving through terrible weather on and off from Pennsylvania to Virginia. 

This photo was taken in Virginia  after we drove out if the storm cloud. So now I've found breakfast at Bob Evans (yum yum yum) and free wifi to give an update. 

So from Niagara to NC we drove down using 77 hwy and what I found really interesting was that as you entered each state there was shortly after a state funded welcome centre. 

We stopped at each one for a stretch and a look around. The welcome centre I was really impressed by because they all offered free wifi, lots of maps brochures and staff to assist with any questions. 

The bathrooms had marble counter tops and were super clean! I mean wow! Unbelievable customer service. All the state welcome centres had picnic tables, some had look out points, and plenty of parking. 

One thing I've noticed so far is all of the tailgaters while driving! Damn last night I was driving white knuckled and couldn't wait to get to our first rest stop.

We reached our host family's home we found on AirBnB and they were amazing! He stayed up late to make sure we arrived safely. So cool to her the accents now. Trees have leaves here!!! And no snow whoo Hoo!

Today we hit up Metalmorphosis (so excited and will post pictures) and continue our drive south to Savannah Georgia for Forsyth Park, Tybee Beach, The Waterfront and more so stayed tuned!  

I'm pumped full of strong coffee and ready to go! 

Oh and I just have to say one thing because wow the hospitality we received at the Bob Evans 16706 Northcross Drive in Charlotte NC was unbelievable! Insanely friendly. I will definitely come back here again. 

We received a super warm welcome from several of the staff and although they were busy they really took the time to make you feel like a part of their family! I never had service like this before. I wanna steal them all and take them to Toronto to teach and spread the words of kindness to my city. Much appreciated and it was cool because out of all the places in the USA we had fellow Torontonians sitting next to us.
Last night around 10pm we finally arrived in Charlotte NC after driving through terrible weather on and off from Pennsylvania to Virginia. 

This photo was taken in Virginia  after we drove out if the storm cloud. So now I've found breakfast at Bob Evans (yum yum yum) and free wifi to give an update. 

So from Niagara to NC we drove down using 77 hwy and what I found really interesting was that as you entered each state there was shortly after a state funded welcome centre. 

We stopped at each one for a stretch and a look around. The welcome centre I was really impressed by because they all offered free wifi, lots of maps brochures and staff to assist with any questions. 

The bathrooms had marble counter tops and were super clean! I mean wow! Unbelievable customer service. All the state welcome centres had picnic tables, some had look out points, and plenty of parking. 

One thing I've noticed so far is all of the tailgaters while driving! Damn last night I was driving white knuckled and couldn't wait to get to our first rest stop.

We reached our host family's home we found on AirBnB and they were amazing! He stayed up late to make sure we arrived safely. So cool to her the accents now. Trees have leaves here!!! And no snow whoo Hoo!

Today we hit up Metalmorphosis (so excited and will post pictures) and continue our drive south to Savannah Georgia for Forsyth Park, Tybee Beach, The Waterfront and more so stayed tuned!  

I'm pumped full of strong coffee and ready to go! 

Oh and I just have to say one thing because wow the hospitality we received at the Bob Evans 16706 Northcross Drive in Charlotte NC was unbelievable! Insanely friendly. I will definitely come back here again. 

We received a super warm welcome from several of the staff and although they were busy they really took the time to make you feel like a part of their family! I never had service like this before. I wanna steal them all and take them to Toronto to teach and spread the words of kindness to my city. Much appreciated and it was cool because out of all the places in the USA we had fellow Torontonians sitting next to us.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids

Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids

3 out of 5
111 Carolina Crossroads Pkwy Roanoke Rapids NC
The price is AU$153 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$153
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Roanoke Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Everything you need and want at a nice hotel

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Rapids SE by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Rapids SE by IHG

2.5 out of 5
74 Premier Blvd Roanoke Rapids NC
The price is AU$170 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
AU$170
17 Mar - 18 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Roanoke Rapids. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Spacious, comfortable room. Best breakfast anywhere ever! Friendly, helpful staff - ʻeʻe Specially Kendrick at registration desk.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Rapids SE by IHG
Brentwood Inn & Suites

Brentwood Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
101 Old Farm Rd S Roanoke Rapids NC
The price is AU$110 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
AU$110
17 Mar - 18 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Roanoke Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Chockoyotte Country Club and Royal Palace ...
8/10 Very Good! (179 reviews)
Didn’t use the hot tub. Room was nice and good price

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Brentwood Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
🔥Luxe Lakefront Escape! HEATED Pool🌊Hot Tub✨Stunning Sunrise🌅8BR+Guest House!

🔥Luxe Lakefront Escape! HEATED Pool🌊Hot Tub✨Stunning Sunrise🌅8BR+Guest House!

Littleton NC
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Littleton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attraction Goat Island is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
The property manager was very helpful and understanding during an unexpected snowstorm. They were considerate and allow us extra time at no additional charge to wait on better weather conditions more favorable for travel. Fortunately we were able to get out of the driveway and on the road in early ...

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

🔥Luxe Lakefront Escape! HEATED Pool🌊Hot Tub✨Stunning Sunrise🌅8BR+Guest House!
Blue Heron Lodge Lake Gaston, Sleeps 20, Private Dock & Sundeck, Family-Friendly

Blue Heron Lodge Lake Gaston, Sleeps 20, Private Dock & Sundeck, Family-Friendly

Littleton NC
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Littleton. Enjoy laundry facilities, furnished patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Lake Gaston ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
This was the 3rd year our Christian women rent this house for a retreat. The house is perfect for us. The owner was quick to respond to my questions. We love the house and plan to return.

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Blue Heron Lodge Lake Gaston, Sleeps 20, Private Dock & Sundeck, Family-Friendly
Amazing Lakefront View, Firepit, Flat Yard, Kayak, Dock Swing, Sunsets

Amazing Lakefront View, Firepit, Flat Yard, Kayak, Dock Swing, Sunsets

Henrico NC
Stay at this holiday home in Henrico. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attraction Goat Island is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
Everything was beautiful! I even bought an extra stay… will definitely be booking again

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Amazing Lakefront View, Firepit, Flat Yard, Kayak, Dock Swing, Sunsets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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