Holiday Inn Express & Suites Benson Local area

Just four and a half miles from our hotel, Tucker Lake is a 30-acre spring-fed lake offering sandy beaches, a 167-foot waterslide, beach volleyball, rope swings, and kayak and paddleboat rentals. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours, and families are welcome to bring chairs, rafts, food, and non-alcoholic drinks. A snack bar and four acres of shaded picnic area with grills and tables round out the experience. A summertime favorite worth the short drive.

GALOT is a state-of-the-art 1/8 mile drag racing facility designed with the race fan and racer in mind. The facility features stadium seating for 9,000 spectators, two LED video boards, an indoor concession and souvenir stand, along with two climate controlled tower suites. GALOT also has other events throughout the year including Monsters Trucks, Concerts, and more!

Four miles from our hotel, Broadslab Distillery is North Carolina's first farm distillery since Prohibition. Master distiller Jeremy Norris grows his own non-GMO corn and barley on the family farm, crafting grain-to-glass whiskeys, bourbon, rum, and moonshine. Guided tours run every Saturday, and the tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday. Food trucks and leashed dogs are both welcome, making this a fun stop for the whole crew.

Bentonville Battlefield, also known as the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, is an American Civil War battlefield in Johnston County, North Carolina. It was the site of the 1865 battle of Bentonville, fought in the waning days of the Civil War. This major battle, the largest ever fought in North Carolina, was the only significant attempt to defeat the large Union army of Gen. Sherman during its march through the Carolinas. The site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1996.

Eight miles from our hotel in downtown Dunn, General William C. Lee Airborne Museum honors the Dunn native known as the "Father of the Airborne," who developed the U.S. Army's first airborne units and planned the Normandy air invasion. Set in Lee's historic home on Divine Street, the museum features two floors of exhibits, including D-Day artifacts, uniforms, and personal items. A meaningful stop for history buffs, military families, and curious travelers.

Located in Harnett County 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park boasts the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock are dotted with beautiful wildflowers, including mountain laurel. Alternate hikes towards the river reward visitors with landmarks like Lanier Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids, and the remains of the Northington Lock and Dam. Other accesses offer bridle trails, bike trails, and a campground

Coastal Credit Union Music Park is an outdoor amphitheater located southeast of Raleigh NC that specializes in hosting large concerts. The amphitheater is part of a 77-acre complex, located on the west bank of Walnut Creek, southeast of Raleigh, near the I-40/US 64/I-440 (Beltline) interchange.

The Ava Gardner Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the life and times of Ava Gardner, one of the most iconic stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive look into the life of this beloved actress. Inside the museum, guests can explore her personal effects, as well as her movie memorabilia and costumes. Additionally, the museum also features a theater, art gallery, library, and gift shop. Open seven days a week.

Carolina Premium Outlets features national brand stores like Kate Spade, Coach, Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and many others with savings of 25-65% off every day. You'll find more of what you're looking for with over 80 stores. Features upscale outlet stores including adidas, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Carolina Pottery, Chico's, Crocs, J.Crew Factory, Michael Kors, NIKE Factory Store, Sunglass Hut, Talbots, Under Armour, and more! Numerous dining options.

Less than five miles from our hotel, Darana Motorsports Park is the premier motorsports destination in Johnston County. This renovated state-of-the-art facility features a temperature-controlled racing surface, LED scoreboards, suites, on-site dining, and 9,000-seat stands for drag racing events, truck pulls, and concerts. There's always something on the calendar, from national racing series to community shows. Check the website for the current event schedule.

About 13 miles from our hotel, Campbell University is a private faith-based institution in Buies Creek with a vibrant campus community and strong athletics program. Whether you're visiting for a sporting event, a campus tour, or a graduation ceremony, the scenic campus is an easy drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Benson. University-related stays are a popular reason guests choose our hotel, particularly for families traveling from outside the region.