Find Your Cocoa Destination

Charlotte pulses with Black excellence — from the Historic West End to the Beatties Ford Road corridor, the city's cultural roots run deep. Explore world-class museums, thriving HBCUs, and a restaurant scene that honors Southern tradition while pushing culinary boundaries.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningLeah & Louise — Upscale Southern soul food in Camp North End
• StayThe Ivey's Hotel — Boutique luxury in Uptown Charlotte
• CultureHarvey B. Gantt Center — African-American arts & culture museum
• Black-OwnedFern, Flavors from the Garden — Plant-based soul food done right

The Research Triangle is home to NC Central University, Shaw University, and a booming Black entrepreneurial scene. Explore the Hayti Heritage Center, dine on innovative Southern cuisine, and feel the energy of a city where history and innovation collide.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningBida Manda — Laotian-Southern fusion in downtown Raleigh
• Stay21c Museum Hotel Durham — Art-forward boutique hotel in the heart of Durham
• CultureHayti Heritage Center — Historic Black community arts center
• Black-OwnedDashi — Craft cocktails and small plates, Durham

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a creative haven with a growing Black-owned business scene. From craft breweries to galleries celebrating African-American artists, this mountain city surprises and delights at every turn.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningBenne on Eagle — Acclaimed Afro-Appalachian cuisine in The Block
• StayFoundry Hotel Asheville — Historic industrial-chic boutique hotel
• CultureYMI Cultural Center — Historic Black cultural center in the heart of Asheville
• Black-OwnedBurial Beer Co. — Award-winning craft brewery with community roots

Wilmington's waterfront charm comes with deep African-American history — from the 1898 Wilmington Massacre memorial to the vibrant Soda Pop District. Wrightsville Beach is minutes away, and the local food scene is quietly becoming one of NC's best.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningRx Restaurant — Farm-to-table Southern in a historic pharmacy
• StayGraystone Inn — Elegant historic B&B in downtown Wilmington
• Culture1898 Wilmington Memorial — Powerful tribute to a pivotal moment in Black history
• Black-OwnedCape Fear Seafood Company — Fresh coastal catch with Southern flair

Charleston is the crown jewel of the Lowcountry — a city where Gullah Geechee heritage lives in every sweetgrass basket, every shrimp and grits plate, and every cobblestone street. The Black history here is profound, the food is legendary, and the beauty is undeniable.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningHusk — Celebrated Southern cuisine in a historic mansion
• StayThe Dewberry Charleston — Luxury boutique hotel in a restored federal building
• CultureMcLeod Plantation Historic Site — Powerful Gullah Geechee heritage site
• Black-OwnedBertha's Kitchen — Legendary Lowcountry soul food institution

South Carolina's capital is home to Benedict College and Allen University — two HBCUs that anchor a proud Black academic tradition. The city's Five Points and Vista districts buzz with nightlife, dining, and culture, while the State Museum tells the full story of South Carolina.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningMotor Supply Co. Bistro — Farm-to-table in the historic Vista district
• StayHotel Trundle — Boutique hotel with local art and Southern charm
• CultureMann-Simons Site — African-American history museum in a freedman's home
• Black-OwnedGervais & Vine — Wine bar and tapas in the heart of the Vista

Greenville has transformed into one of the South's most walkable, vibrant cities. Falls Park on the Reedy is stunning, the Main Street dining scene is exceptional, and the growing Black-owned business corridor makes this Upstate gem a must-visit.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningSoby's New South Cuisine — Upscale Southern classics on Main Street
• StayWestin Poinsett — Historic landmark hotel in downtown Greenville
• CultureGreenville County Museum of Art — Southern art with strong African-American collections
• Black-OwnedTandem Creperie — Beloved local spot with creative sweet and savory crepes

The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles of Atlantic coastline, and Myrtle Beach has long been a beloved destination for Black families. Atlantic Beach — the historic 'Black Pearl' — sits just minutes away, carrying decades of Chitlin' Circuit history and summer joy.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningSea Captain's House — Iconic oceanfront seafood since 1954
• StayMarriott Myrtle Beach Resort — Oceanfront resort with full amenities
• CultureAtlantic Beach — The historic 'Black Pearl' beach town
• Black-OwnedCroissants Bistro & Bakery — Beloved local bakery and café

Hilton Head Island is where Gullah Geechee roots meet world-class resort living. Mitchelville — the first self-governed freedmen's town in America — sits on this very island. Explore the heritage, bike the trails, and savor the freshest seafood on the East Coast.

Cocoa Picks

• DiningHudson's Seafood House on the Docks — Fresh-off-the-boat seafood with harbor views
• StayMontage Palmetto Bluff — Luxury resort in a stunning Lowcountry setting
• CultureMitchelville Freedom Park — First self-governed freedmen's town in America
• Black-OwnedGullah Heritage Trail Tours — Guided tours of Gullah Geechee culture and history