Finding History, Hiccups, and Hidden Gems on Our RV Journey
Some RV journeys start with a grand plan, but more often than not, it’s the unplanned stops and the little surprises that shape the story. On this stretch through North Carolina, we found ourselves wandering Revolutionary War sites, poking around forgotten general stores, and learning—sometimes the hard way—what it really means to live on the road.
The House in the Horseshoe: Where History Feels Close
Our first stop was the House in the Horseshoe, also known as the Austin House. Built in the late 18th century, this old homestead stands as a quiet witness to a time when battles didn’t just happen out in distant fields—they came right up to the front porch. Walking through its rooms, you can still see the scars left by musket balls, reminders that history isn’t always tidy or far away. The house was nearly burned when attackers rolled a hay-loaded wagon up to its doors, and its preservation feels like a small miracle.
Standing in that space, it struck us how easy it is to drive by places like this without ever knowing what happened there. Sites like the Austin House are more than attractions; they’re invitations to slow down, listen, and remember those who lived—and sometimes fought—before us.
Goldston: Small Town, Big Stories
On our way back from the Austin House, we stumbled into Goldston, North Carolina. It’s the kind of place you might miss if you blink, but we were drawn in by a handful of old buildings and, unexpectedly, a billboard honoring Charlie Daniels, Goldston High School class of 1955. Farther down the road, an Esso station and general store from 1883 caught our eye—another piece of America’s patchwork past.
It’s easy to chase after the next big destination, but there’s something grounding about pausing in these little towns. They remind us that every place has a story, even if it isn’t splashed across a travel brochure.
Family Time and the Realities of RV Life
We set up for two weeks at Jordan Lake State Park, partly because our granddaughter lives nearby. Those days were a gift—quiet mornings, shared meals, and a chance to settle into trailer life. Of course, not everything went smoothly. We faced our fair share of bugs (both literal and figurative) and a sticking gate valve that had to be addressed on the fly. Amazon lockers came to the rescue, but the real lesson was this: you’ll never have your rig 100% ready. At some point, you have to twist the key and go. There will always be problems to solve on the road, and that’s just part of the deal.
Roadside Curiosities: Shangri-La Village
Sometimes, the best finds aren’t on any map. North of Henry Warren Road on NC Route 86, we found Shangri-La Village, a quirky creation built by a retired tobacco farmer named Henry Warren. He spent nine years gathering quartz rock from his property and shaping it into a miniature village, complete with a little fireplace and a water tower. It’s offbeat, voluntary, and all the more wonderful for it. These are the places that keep the road interesting—reminding us that creativity and curiosity thrive in unexpected corners.
Settling at Lake Reidsville Park and Campground
Next, we landed at Lake Reidsville Park, just north of Greensboro. The sites are spacious and tucked between hills and the lake, with a sense of quiet that’s hard to find at busier campgrounds. Sometimes, it’s enough to just sit back and let the day unfold—no rush, no pressure to do or see everything.
Tannenbaum Historic Site and the Hoskins Farmstead
History kept tugging at us, so we paid a visit to the Tannenbaum Historic Site—home to the Hoskins Farmstead and the site of the Guilford Courthouse battle during the Revolutionary War. The buildings were closed, but even seeing them from the outside gave us a sense of the lives once lived here. We also discovered National Park Service passport books in a gift shop—an unexpected find that turned into a new way to track our travels. It doesn’t matter if they’re meant for kids; collecting those stamps is a small joy.
Climbing to Pilot Mountain and Chasing Waterfalls
Not every adventure goes as planned. We tackled the summit overlook at Pilot Mountain, though the clouds had other ideas about the view. I’ll admit, I chickened out before reaching the very top, but Ed made it and said it was a piece of cake. The lesson? It’s okay to know your limits—and to celebrate what you do accomplish.
At Hanging Rock, we sought out Upper Cascade Falls and Hidden Falls. The brochures promised easy hikes, but our legs disagreed. Still, the effort was worth it: waterfalls tumbling into clear pools, blue and purple butterflies flitting through the shade, and—best of all—a few minutes alone at the falls before the crowds arrived. Sometimes, the best reward is having a quiet moment to yourself.
People Along the Way
One of our favorite surprises came in the form of a fellow traveler named Linda. We met her at a trailhead, and before we knew it, we were swapping stories and lending a hand with a stubborn jack. It took some figuring out, but we made it work together. Helping each other out is part of road life—sometimes you’re the one in need, sometimes you’re the one lending the jack.
Takeaways for the Road
If there’s a thread running through this leg of our journey, it’s that you don’t need everything to be perfect before you begin. There will always be unknowns—sticky valves, missed turns, weather that won’t cooperate, or trails that are harder than advertised. What matters is starting anyway, adapting as you go, and being willing to pause for the little things: a piece of history, a roadside oddity, a new friend, or a quiet view of the mountains.
We’re learning to let go of the idea that we have to see it all or have it all figured out. The beauty is often in the ordinary moments and the honest effort of showing up, wherever you are. So if you’re waiting for the perfect time to start your own adventure—maybe just twist the key and go. You’ll figure out the rest along the way.
As always, we’re grateful for the chance to share these stories with you. Whether you’re traveling full-time, dreaming from home, or just looking for a slower pace, we hope our reflections help you feel a little more at home on the road.
Gear & Favorites From This Adventure
Traveling through North Carolina’s backroads, historic sites, waterfalls, and mountain campgrounds reminded us how much the little things matter when living on the road full time.
Here are a few of the RV, camping, hiking, and travel items that helped make this journey smoother and more enjoyable.
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General’s Favorites
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