Last week I hopped on a train and in a car to make my way to coastal North Carolina for a research trip. Here’s some of what I saw and did:
![IMG_2368](https://rebeccabehrens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_2368-225x300.jpg)
I went belowdecks in a 16th-century ship!
![IMG_2393](https://rebeccabehrens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_2393-225x300.jpg)
I hiked in historic woods!
![IMG_2400](https://rebeccabehrens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_2400-300x225.jpg)
I wandered a shoreline!
![IMG_2411](https://rebeccabehrens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_2411-300x225.jpg)
I stood inside an excavated fort–and got chills!
![IMG_2449](https://rebeccabehrens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_2449-225x300.jpg)
I checked out an ancient live oak!
![IMG_2454](https://rebeccabehrens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_2454-300x225.jpg)
I visited a charming town–including its awesome indie bookstore!
![IMG_2375](https://rebeccabehrens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_2375-225x300.jpg)
And I climbed the tallest lighthouse in the nation! Take THAT, fear of heights.
I didn’t think I could get more excited about working on this story, but I did. There’s nothing quite like writing about a fantastic, historic, mysterious, beautiful setting–and then getting a chance to see it in person.
Oh, and I can’t not mention the most incredible donuts I ate.
![BnMu19cCYAEDRiV](https://rebeccabehrens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BnMu19cCYAEDRiV-223x300.jpg)
I had one every single day. Because DELICIOUS.
I can’t wait to go back.
That town looks amazing. I love charming southern towns, and those with an indie are an extra-amazing find. Glad you had a good trip, Rebecca, and I’m all kinds of intrigued by this story you’ve got brewing!
This was my first time visiting a southern spot since childhood, and I was so charmed!
That charming little town looks like one near me in Virginia – guess all charming towns have a few things in common 🙂
Glad you had a blast on your trip!
I was briefly in Virginia, too! I took a train in and out of Richmond, which I’d never visited before. And on my way back, I drove along a beautiful state highway along the James River. You live in a lovely state!
Where is that? It looks so cute! I’m in VA, too, and I always love finding new places to visit that aren’t too far from home…
Manteo, NC! On Roanoke Island. It’s charming and full of history and great food.