With two rivers running through its center, Eden, North Carolina, is a small town in Rockingham County that’s big on outdoor adventure with its trails, blueways, parks and festivals. From shopping and dining to paddling and hiking, there’s a bit of paradise here for everyone.
“Our rivers are our jewels, and we’re very fortunate to have the Dan and Smith running through the center of our city,” says Cindy Adams, the city’s marketing and special events manager. “We have beautiful trails and parks, and our revitalized downtown is a great place to get out of your car, walk and shop. But our biggest assets definitely are our people, who are friendly and welcoming.”
1. Uptown Eden, NC
Whether you’re seeking an antique shop or hip boutique, Eden’s downtown is the ideal place to stroll and shop, as well as grab a bite to eat. That Little Pork Shop is not your usual barbecue restaurant, billing itself as a spunky little joint with rock ’n’ roll flair. The Uptown Tavern is an upscale sports bar, while Hive is a cozy bar run by beekeepers offering light fare, local beers and mead.
2. Rolling on the Rivers
With two rivers flowing through town, Eden has a host of water-based adventures. Numerous access points make it easy to launch kayaks and canoes, while tubing in the warmer months is an ideal way to laze along and enjoy the scenery. Easy access also applies to fishing, whether you want to wade and cast, or just grab a nice spot on the bank. Three Rivers Outfitters provides guided tours, rentals, shuttle services and river camping.
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3. Take a Hike
Smith River Greenway is a popular paved walking path that features a Butterfly Trail with its collection of 70 small, medium and large butterflies scattered among trees along the trail. Walkers will also spot a bronze sculpture of otters along the way and find benches to relax. Other places to enjoy the sound of water are the garden at Governor Morehead Park, where a secret waterfall lures visitors and at the end of the Matrimony Creek Nature Trail, where a 1-mile stroll brings you to a rock-strewn fall.
4. Lunch Like the Locals
Enjoy fast food the old-timey way when you pull into one of Eden’s two classic drive-in restaurants. Local favorite Circle Drive In is known for its footlong hot dogs, burgers and crinkle fries, while Dick’s Drive-In has been dishing up down-home breakfast, lunch and dinner for more than 60 years.
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5. Outdoor Movie Nights
Cinema buffs seeking a touch of nostalgia can load up the car and head to The Eden Drive-In Twin where double features on two screens start at dark on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The concession stand offers a range of goodies, and the playground adds to the family experience.
6. A Haven of History
An introduction to the area’s historic roots is found at the Museum and Archives of Rockingham County. Exhibits, archives and hands-on experiences deliver insights into local history, with a highlight the guided tour of Wright Tavern and historic outbuildings built in 1816. The nearby High Rock Ford Historic Site marks where Gen. Nathanael Greene and his army encamped during the American Revolution.
7. Must-See Murals
Eden takes pride in its public art, especially the murals that adorn walls around town. There’s even a shopping center with its walls graced by a series of murals created by multiple artists based on the Garden of Eden story. In downtown’s John E. Grogan Park is a mosaic comprising over 32,000 tiles honoring the Karastan rugs once produced in a local mill, as well as other public art and picnic areas.
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8. What’s Brewing
The town’s historic Waterworks Building is home to family owned Reynolds Brewery, where brick oven pizzas and a revolving menu of craft beers attract locals and visitors. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and live music enhances the experience.
9. Freedom Park
Head to Freedom Park where there’s something fun for everyone, including a splash pad, playground, skateboard park, dog park, miniature golf, walking track and a nature trail. Open seven days a week.
10. Festivals & Events in Eden, NC
Eden likes to keep things hopping all year. RiverFest is the town’s signature event, drawing thousands each year for music, activities, food and art. But a range of other happenings highlight the calendar, including the Piedmont Pottery Festival, Grown and Gathered Spring Dinner, Shaggin’ on Fieldcrest, Oink and Ale, and a Native American Youth Powwow.
See more: Piedmont Pottery Festival in Eden, N.C.
– Gary Carter
Start planning your visit to Eden at exploreedennc.com. That Little Pork Shop 629 Monroe St., Eden (336) 623-7675 Uptown Tavern 613 Washington St., Eden (336) 612-2719 Open Sunday from noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.to midnight Circle Drive In 111 Boone Road, Eden (336) 623-8854 Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed Wednesday and Sunday Dick’s Drive In 1004 Washington St., Eden (336) 627-7112 Open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Eden Drive In Twin 106 Fireman Club Road, Eden (336) 623-9669 Open Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Freedom Park 121 N. Edgewood Road, Eden (336) 623-5343 exploreedennc.com/item/freedom-park Open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Governor Morehead Park 422 Church St., Eden (336) 623-1043 eps-eden.org/the-governor-morehead-park John E. Grogan Park 308 E. Stadium Drive, Eden exploreedennc.com/item/john-e-grogan-park Open from dawn to dusk Museum and Archives of Rockingham County 1086 NC Highway 65, Reidsville (336) 634-4949 Open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; also open on Tuesday by appointment Reynolds Brewery 354 W. Meadow Road, Eden (336) 627-3575 Open Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Smith River Greenway 368 W. Stadium Drive, Eden exploreedennc.com/item/butterfly-trail-at-smith-river-greenway Open from dawn to dusk Three Rivers Outfitters 413 Church St., Eden (336) 627-6215 Open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., also by appointmentIf You Go
The butterfly trail is in disrepair with most of the butterflies missing or broken. The “sunflower “ field has had no sunflowers or any other flowers for the last 2 seasons. Half of the dog waste bins are missing and the water fountains have not worked since Covid.