Yesterday I flew to Charlotte and had dinner at Rock Store BBQ before checking into my hotel. Built in 1936, it was the only gas station for miles around. It later served as a convenience store, hence the name.

This morning I headed for Kure Beach. I took a detour through historic downtown Wadesboro. Wadesboro is the birthplace of Blues guitarist and singer Blind Boy Fuller.

I also stopped in Hamlet, birthplace of Jazz legend John Coltrane. It’s also known for it’s Queen Anne style train depot built in 1900 and still serving as an Amtrak station.

My next stop was Southport. They were hosting a plein air festival this weekend.

I crossed the Cape Fear River aboard the Southport/Fort Fisher ferry to reach Kure Beach.

First stop: Kure Pier – the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast.

Good night!