DRIVEABLE DESTINATION UP THE ROAD IN GRANVILLE COUNTY
BY DAVID LEONE
W
inter is finally over, and while it wasn’t the coldest one on record, we certainly had our share of wet, chilly, yucky days. Spring in North Carolina is the perfect time to get out of the house for some fun.
You don’t have to go far for day-tripping activities. Head west on N.C. 98 and north on N.C. 50 and you’ll find yourself in this issue’s “Driveable Destination” – southern Granville County. It’s a pleasant drive through the countryside and along Falls Lake. Not far from the county line at 1150 Fleming Road is Cedar Creek Gallery, a hideaway den for artists and artisans. Their indooroutdoor studios cluster around the gallery proper, which is full of wonderful and beautiful pottery, handmade glassware, and metalworked object d’art. Anytime is a good time to visit the gallery, but it’ll be in full swing for the annual Spring Pottery and Glass Festival on the first two weekends in April. Also of note is the gallery’s National Tea Pot Show from May 16 - September 7. Held every third year, the tea pot emporium will showcase 200 tea pots made by more than 150 of the most accomplished North American artisans, many of whom will be in attendance opening day to introduce their selections and discuss their motivation. “Our products and approach are focused more on ‘crafts’ than pieces of ‘art,’” says Jennifer Dolan, general manager of Cedar Creek. “We can see how someone holds the piece and tell if they are buying it for themselves or as a gift. They almost cradle it ... wanting to hold it dear.” Motor on up N.C. 50 and you’ll get into Creedmoor proper. One 22
CIRCA Magazine
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May
of those Triangle towns that’s growing with the times but still hasn’t gone the way of the suburb, Creedmoor has a few destinations worth checking out. One of those is the Owl House Café, a French-American family-owned shop right downtown at 209 N. Main Street. The café features subs and burgers, espressos, and all-day breakfast, and is getting a reputation for its pastries and sweets. Think mouth-watering crepes, macarons, eclairs, cannolis, chocolate lava muffins, cheesecakes, homemade ice cream, and 14 kinds of shakes. “The desserts are delicious,” notes Nany Velez in an online review. Once you’ve caloried-up, consider getting in a little exercise and scenery at Lake Rogers Park. Located on 175 acres just northwest of downtown Creedmoor, the park has just undergone a massive renovation and includes a fishing deck, boat launch, and a new scenic walking trial. “It’s a great place to go paddle boating,” says Angela Allen, executive director for the Granville Tourism Development Authority. “You can put your kayak out there and have a picnic. On First Fridays in Creedmoor, there are movies at the lake.” Just southeast of town is The Gauntlet, for those with a mind for more serious physical fitness. Situated at 2186 Brassfield Road, the public trail houses fitness stations including log hurdles, jumping box steps, a sit-up bench, vault bar, and the like, on a 1.1-mile run. If you’re in the mood for a little berry picking, check out Lyon Farms, at 1544 Munns Road, southwest of Creedmoor. Its strawberry season opens April 20, and the kickoff celebration that day boasts pre-picked and pick-your-own strawberries, strawberry ice cream, and strawberry bread. Yum!
June 2020
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