Charm abounds in tiny towns all over the Tar Heel State including the tiny but might town of Seven Springs, whose fate has brought it back from the (almost) dead three times in the last twenty-five years after major floods almost wiped the town off the map. But the resilient and determined folks (all 111 of them) who live in Seven Springs dug, scraped, cleaned, and rebuilt their way back each time. That, alone, makes Seven Springs worthy of a little road trip. But while you’re there you simply can’t pass up a visit to Mae’s on Main Street. This charming North Carolina restaurant is a must-visit and the fact that it’s located only four miles from one of the state’s most underrated state parks means you’ll be able to fill the entire day with fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Mae's Restaurant on Main Street is a hidden gem in North Carolina. The locals already know this, but Mae's popularity extends well beyond the border of this tiny town populated with 111 people. Need proof of that?
Mae's Restaurant, 300 Main St, Seven Springs, NC 28578, USA
Google/Susan Tablet
Check out the Mae's Restaurant Facebook page. At present a few more than 111 people follow Mae's; try 998 people, to be exact! Proof enough that people drive from all over to get a taste of the goodness Mae's serves for breakfast and lunch.
Don't let the small town image of Mae's make you think the menu is also small. Breakfast is filled with scores of down-home options including biscuits that are as big as your head. Pop some country ham on there (or whatever you desire) and your appetite is sure to be satisfied for the rest of the day.
Google/Janet Robinson
Or pop in for lunch and order up one of Mae's famous burgers — they're so affordable, you'll consider ordering two. You know what they say about life in the country: things really are cheaper!
Google/Brenda Young
Mae's lunch menu includes so much more than burgers, though. Get a hot dog, chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, BBQ sandwich, a shrimp burger and more and dress out the plate with a side of your choice: French fries, vegetables, or hush puppies, for instance.
Google/Billie Bizzell

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Round out your visit to Seven Springs with a stop at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. Have you been here yet?
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, 240 Park Entrance Rd, Seven Springs, NC 28578, USA
Google/Robert Wilson
Just like the tiny town of Seven Springs, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is carved right into the banks of the Neuse River.
AllTrails/Donna Allen
Several trails throughout the park offer up a variety of things to see and do, but don't miss the park's short 350 Yard Trail that leads to an overlook on a 90-foot cliff overlooking the Neuse. The cliffs here are every bit as astounding as the river itself.
Google/Roger Cozine II
In addition to river views, the state park also has a campground and an 11-acre lake with kayak and canoe rentals, a swim area, and awesome fishing.
Google/Bladen Rogers

When gas prices soar, the natural reaction is the stay home and avoid long-journey vacations. So why not spend more time this year exploring your own backyard right here in the Tar Heel State? Pair a foodie visit to this charming North Carolina restaurant (Mae’s Restaurant at 300 Main Street in Seven Springs) with a trip to the underrated Cliffs of the Neuse State Park for a delicious and adventure filled day.

Wondering where Seven Springs is in relation to where you live in North Carolina? It’s right in the middle of the distance between Mt. Olive and Kinston. It’s also 17 miles southeast of Goldsboro.

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