Great Overnight Stop: Roanoke Rapids, NC (I-95, Exit 173)

Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina a great overnight stop. Why? Consider this… you’ve traveled all day, you’re tired, hungry, the kids are wired… you get the picture. What you really need right about then is that perfect overnight stop… an exit where you feel safe and comfortable… an exit with a good mix of accommodations and a variety of eating places… not just fast food. And, maybe a little shopping later before you get back to the motel. The next morning you can gas up nearby and head out. Everything you need conveniently located right off the exit! That’s what makes this Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina exit a great overnight stop!

About Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina…

Roanoke Rapids sits just south of the Virginia line along I-95, making it an easy, no-stress pull-off on long north–south drives. It grew up on the Roanoke River and old textile mills, and today it’s a compact, traveler-friendly hub with everything close to the interstate. You’re minutes from fuel, food, lodging, and a quieter overnight than the bigger stops.

For a simple, comfortable night, you’ll find familiar hotels like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and Fairfield Inn & Suites clustered near this exit. Dining runs from quick chains to local standouts—Ralph’s Barbecue is a longstanding favorite for Eastern NC ‘cue. There are 24-hour options, grocery and big-box stores to restock, and EV fast-charging in the area, plus plenty of well-lit lots near the hotels.

If you have a little time, stretch your legs on the scenic Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, explore Historic Halifax just down the road, or detour to Lake Gaston for sunset views. Anglers know nearby Weldon as the “Rockfish Capital of the World” during the spring striper run, and Medoc Mountain State Park offers quiet morning hikes about 20 miles away. It’s a convenient, restful base that lets you recharge—and be right back on I-95 at daybreak.

Where to Stay in Roanoke Rapids…

This exit has a great selection of hotel properties… mostly chains but with an independent or two. Choices include: Brentwoood Inn & Suites, Days Inn, EconoLodge, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and Red Roof Inn.

Here are our recommendations…

• Hampton Inn – Walking distance to several restaurants
• Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Newer property with great FREE hot breakfast!
• Red Roof Inn – Great price for a comfortable room

• Complete list of hotels in Roanoke Rapids, NC – Book Your Room Now!

Where to Eat in Roanoke Rapids…

There aren’t too many I-95 exits with this number of food choices. Fast food and national chains dominate this exit but you will find several local eateries tucked away in one of the strip malls near this exit.

Your choices here include: Applebee’s Grill and Bar, Arby’s, Burger King, Carolina BBQ and Chicken, Chick-fil-A, Cook Out, Cracker Barrel, Dairy Queen, Hardee’s, Jersey Mike’s Subs, KFC, Little Caesar’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, Mayflower Seafood, McDonald’s, New China Chinese Restaurant, Papa John’s Pizza, Pino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Ralph’s BBQ, Ruby Tuesday, Subway, Taco Bell, Texas Steakhouse and Saloon, Waffle House, Wendy’s, and Zaxby’s

Where to Shop in Roanoke Rapids…

If there is anything you need for you next day’s voyage, you’ll probably find it close by. Shopping options at this exit include: Advance Auto Parts, Belk, Big Lots, Cato Fashions, DollarTree, Dunham’s Sports, Food Lion, Game Stop, GNC, Harbor Freight, Harley-Davidson, Hibbit Sports, Lowe’s, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Rainbow, Roses Discount Store, Tractor Supply, Walgreens Pharmacy, and Walmart Supercenter

Fuel Up and Head Out…

With variety comes competition… and lower prices. You’ll find these gas stations close by: BP, Exxon, New Dixie Mart, Murphy, Shell, Sheetz

52 miles south is Wilson, NC, another recommended stopover exit.

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