Jacksonville, NC Travel Guide

Jacksonville, North Carolina isn’t on many “Must See” lists of cities around the world, or country, but as the home of Camp Lejeune, a US Marine Corp base, it does end up being a stop for military family and those serving on the East coast. My brother and sister-in-law both served in the nearby base, Camp New River, so I’ve spent many holidays in the Jacksonville area. I still visit regularly to see my 5 nephews and niece and it can be difficult to find things to do. So, I wanted to dedicate a page of my website and a travel guide for those that find themselves visiting this military area. Although most time here is dedicated to family, it’s always fun to explore a new place! I hope you enjoy your time in Jacksonville, North Carolina! B

Road Trippin’ Plus Size Travel Guide Travel Guide

Places I visited while on a road trip that had easy & affordable parking access. Book End Cracker Barrel Hampton Inn North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher Wrightsville Beach Wilmington, North Carolina

Places where physical accessibility was addressed and/or accepted. Cracker Barrel Hampton Inn Mi Cabaña North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher Wrightsville Beach Wilmington, North Carolina

Places I visited alone that I felt safe and would recommend to others. Wrightsville Beach Note: When I travel to Jacksonville, I am most likely to be with family. Therefore I am less likely to travel solo here. However, I feel safe and comfortable in the city, and personally feel any of the items in this guide would be safe and fun for the solo traveler!



Book End - Used Books As a book collector, there’s nary a bookstore that I can’t enjoy for hours on end. I appreciate independent, local stores and used bookstores but this was insane. The books are so stacked together you can hardly grab one without the stack falling. I felt extremely claustrophobic. The prices were quite high and I just couldn’t see the books well enough to find a good stack. I ended up grabbing a $9 copy of The Secret History and was happy to get out of there.

Fishing at Wilson Bay Park I visited Jacksonville one summer on my way from Texas to Connecticut. I stopped to see my brother and my oldest two nephews. My brother wanted to go fishing so I joined them. I loved how Reuben slept the whole time while Lucas ran around the park. It was here that I first baited my first hook with a live worm (it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be). Unfortunately, we didn’t catch anything but the Sonic cherry limeades afterwards were a fun treat after we got out of the sun.



Mi Cabaña - Mexican Food Mi Cabaña is my family’s favorite Jacksonville eatery. In fact, it’s where my nephew Lucas chose to eat on his birthday last year (always a big decision!). There are three different locations in Jacksonville, opening their first in 2001. They are very kid friendly, and offer a range of margaritas and traditional (Americanized) Mexican food items. I got a combination plate with a bit of everything - taco, enchilada, rice, and beans. The service was friendly, they got our orders correct (which can be tricky with a table of 9), and the wait was minimal. Note: Having grown up in Texas, Mexican food is easily one of my favorite meals. I personally find it difficult to have good Mexican food outside the state, and also recognize a distinction between this and authentic Mexican food, traditional to Mexico.

Cracker Barrel - Southern Food Cracker Barrel is a common roadside stop and eatery in many towns - 663 locations in 2020. They offer a varied menu full of Southern comfort food - roast, fried chicken, meatloaf, and catfish along with all the usual sides, or “fixin’s” as we say down here. It’s also a favorite of my brother’s family. They also offer free games for kids tableside and outdoors, rocking chairs, but as I wait I prefer to shop their country store for gift items, mercantile goods, and candies.



Hampton Inn As a Hilton Honors member, I appreciate staying at Jacksonville’s Hampton Inn. It’s a moderately priced hotel, and I love the comfy beds and pillows. Another treat is the 24 hour coffee, tea, and hot chocolate during the winter. While staying here I would pick up a coffee and my niece would get her a cup of hot chocolate before heading up to our room. Note: This hotel was also helpful when I left one of my library books in the room. It took a while but I was able to have my brother pick it up and mail it to me. They offered to mail it to me if I sent them a self-addressed envelope.



Justice Farms I was visiting during the holidays and really enjoyed getting to visit this family-owned farm as my family chose their Christmas tree. Support local! The trees were in great condition and so fun to wander the aisles. They have lots of other natural Christmas decor here too if you want something smaller - wreaths, items for your yard, and a super friendly staff!



North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher Aquariums are so fun to visit, especially for those who love animals, oceans, and everything inside of them. This aquarium, about an hour and a half from Jacksonville, is full of fun experiences including tons of animals from different environments, lots of hands-on fun with starfish and other creatures, as well as shows that allow kids to interact with scientists and ask lots of questions. I had a great time with my nephews!

Wrightsville Beach Though I’ve only been for a short visit (actually snuck away from family holiday festivities!) I found Wrightsville Beach to be really peaceful with beautiful white sand and blue water. Even in December I was comfortable with a jacket and able to find a bench and enjoy a good book with the wind in my hair and listening to the soft crashes of the calm water. I hope to return!

Wilmington, North Carolina Wilmington is by far the shining jewel of the Southern North Carolina coast. For fellow millennials, it’s the home of production for Dawson’s Creek. It’s got a great boardwalk full of shops and restaurants. It’s also home to the Battleship North Carolina, still open for visits.

About the Author Brandy Alexander is an educator in the Houston area. Her passions include reading, training teachers across the country, going to dog parks with her rescue pup Ellie, and exploring this beautiful world. Where is Brandy began as a blog in 2009 when Brandy traveled across the country to New England, from Texas, on her own adventure. Her posts were merely to prove to her family that she was still alive. Now, she loves chronicling her journeys to help others maximize their own experiences when traveling, regardless of their circumstances!

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