Weldon is not only the Rockfish Capital of North Carolina, but it’s also the Rockfish Capital of the World. With only about 1,400 residents, remarkably the town brings in thousands for the fishing and Roanoke River experience. And during the Annual Rock the Roanoke Rockfish Tournament, it is hard to find a parking spot as it brings hundreds to the charming small town. Along with fishing, let’s discover more about Weldon, North Carolina.

It is said that an average of 70,000 visitors make their way to the Roanoke River area during the rockfish season.
Colette Gorham/Google
County residents and visitors alike come in droves to the small town from as far away as West Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The beautiful River Falls Park is where the action takes place.
River Falls Park Trailhead., 50 Rockfish Dr, Weldon, NC 27890, USA
Karen Jensen/Google
It is also one of the trailheads of the Roanoke Canal Trail.
The historic 14-mile out-and-back trail follows the canal’s original tow path where you'll find the the 1823 Chockoyotte Aqueduct.
Roanoke Canal Trail, Weldon, NC, USA
Town of Weldon/Facebook
And not just when there are tournaments, but on any given day you'll find folks fishing from boats or from the shore.
Carl Rupe/Google
And picnic shelters often showcase people enjoying an outdoor meal.
Within walking distance, you'll find Weldon Mills Distillery, which in less than three years has become the No. 1 micro-distillery in America producing award-winning bourbons.
Weldon Mills Distillery Durham, 300 E Main St suite 001, Durham, NC 27701, USA
Lake C/TripAdvisor
Ride the trolley from the mill building, where tours and tastings are available, to the distillery.
Home of the hotdog sandwich, this one-of-a-kind eatery that was once a gas station is the best place to get hand-dipped ice cream.
Sunshine Grill, 200 Washington Ave, Weldon, NC 27890, USA
Sunshine GRILL/Facebook
By the way, a hot dog sandwich is two hot dogs butterflied on toast with mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
And Weldon is fast becoming the hub for antique and second-hand stores.
Town of Weldon/Facebook
Within one or two blocks you'll find several eclectic shops lining the streets.
One worth driving to is Riverside Mill full of antiques, art, and outlet stores.
Riverside Mill, 200 Mill St, Weldon, NC 27890, USA
Sue Salvatore/Google
Once a working, water-driven cotton mill, we love the building just as much as the inventory. Read more about this interesting place on the Riverside Mill website.

Watch as one fisherman catches a few fish in the beautiful Roanoke River in Weldon.

For more about the Rockfish Capital of North Carolina, visit the Town of Weldon‘s Facebook page.

Discover other cool places in the area on this beautiful road trip along U.S. Route 301 in North Carolina.

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Weldon, NC 27890, USA