Eastern Living - July 2022

EASTERN LIVING

NORTH CAROLINA

Matthew Sessoms

MartinCommunity Collegeiscommittedtoanenvironment that embraces diversity, respects therightsofall individuals, is open and accessible, and is free of harassment and discrimination.

Story by Thadd White

Photos by Thadd White & Contributed

From the beautiful waters of Lake Gaston to the quiet trails of the Roanoke Canal and the beautiful waterfowl park that is Sylvan Heights, there is something to draw people to just about every portion of Halifax County.

While Roanoke Rapids remains the commerce capital, there are towns throughout Halifax County that have mustsee spaces – from Littleton in the northwest corner all the way to Scotland Neck in the southeast and everywhere in between.

And of course, you can’t mention Halifax County without the storied history of the town of Halifax or the beautiful Roanoke River.

Here is a look at five places you won’t want to miss during your trip to Halifax County.

Halifax

Roanoke Canal Trail

Nothing beats the opportunity to take an exercise run or a leisurely stroll and enjoy natural beauty at the same time. That’s exactly what one can find along the Roanoke Canal Trail which leads from Roanoke Rapids to Weldon or vice versa.

The trail, which goes along the same trail used in the early 1800s helps tell the story of the history of transportation in the region.

Segments of the canal remain intact and indeed the canal, town path and canal structures were added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1976.

There are a variety of offerings depending on what each person is seeking. Hiking times can be from 45 minutes all the way to an hour and a half. One can begin the trail at Roanoke Rapids Lake, the Roanoke Canal

Museum, River Road or The Aqueduct.

In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the trail, there is a variety of wildlife and plants visitors can enjoy including deer, fox along with bald Eagles, osprey, hawks, woodpeckers, nuthatches, owls and blue herons.

If visiting in the summer it’s possible to see Mississippi Kites, Swainson’s Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and other neotropical songbirds.

The canal trail is open from dawn to dusk each day. The museum attached to the trail is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Those wishing to find a map can do so at https://roanokecanal.com/roanoke-canaltrail.html

must see places in

Weldon Mills Distillery

One of the newest and most beloved places to visit in Halifax County is the Weldon Mills Distillery, which is on Rock Fish Road in Weldon and has the distinction of having the Roanoke River flow right onto its banks.

The distillery – which is the brainchild of Bruce Tyler and Michael Hinderliter –has already won numerous awards for the excellent bourbon produced right here in North Carolina.

Tyler said he and Hinderliter had been friends for many years and they often shared memories over a glass of bourbon and a cigar. Their love for those things led to the establishment of the distillery in Weldon, which offers tours and tastings of their excellent product.

“There are many ingredients that flavor this distillery in the Roanoke River Valley. A naturally beautiful environment, pristine river water and people with an insatiable desire to succeed,” the website boasts.

Three of the most popular brands of

Downtown Littleton

To call Littleton one of the most well-kept secrets in the region is an understatement. Littleton boasts a thriving downtown, wonderful food, excellent wine and a close proximity to beautiful Lake Gaston.

In addition to the mainstays in downtown

bourbon are the All Malt, the Weldon Mills Select and the Soldier’s Cut.

The All Malt is a limited-production ultra premium barrel proof bourbon while the Weldon Mills Select has won numerous awards. It is a 94-proof bourbon made with North Carolina corn, malted wheat, malted barley and water from the Roanoke River.

The Soldier’s Cut is 82-proof bourbon honoring the Eighty Second Airborne and raises money for Gold Star families.

Weldon Mills Distillery is open for tours from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It is located at 200 Rockfish Drive in Weldon.

In addition, the Mill Building is open for events such as weddings, anniversaries and corporate events and is located on the same site.

For more information, go to www. weldonmills.com.

Littleton – such as Littleton Hardware and Grandpa’s Kitchen – there has been the addition of Daphne’s Coffee Shop and Blue Jay Bistro among other places that have grown as part of a revitalization project in downtown.

The Bistro is an upscale dining experience,

but provides a casual environment and down-home hospitality while the coffee shop features delicious coffee and gourmet treats.

Visitors and residents can spend an entire day shopping in downtown Littleton.

Main Street Books offers something for everyone while the Union Mission Thrift Store is available for those looking for a unique find – from clothing to kitchen ware and the like.

Once Upon A County Line - an eclectic emporium featuring vintage items, antiques, gifts, quilts, jewelry, candles and home furnishing and decor. Items are both new and sold on consignment.

Grandpa’s Kitchen is a staple of Littleton with some of the best barbecue in the region. It combines good food with a friendly atmosphere.

As Littleton business owner Buddy Isles said, “I believe you can walk into any business in Littleton and be greeted with a smile. It doesn’t matter if you live here or not.”

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

For nearly two decades, the Lubbock family has used their extensive knowledge of waterfowl to make Sylvan Heights Bird Park a destination for people from near and far.

The waterfowl park, which is home to over 2,000 waterfowl, parrots, toucans, flamingos and other exotic birds, came about because

of Mike and Ali Lubbock. The couple moved to the United States and began breeding rare waterfowl before moving the entire operation to Scotland Neck in 1989.

The 18-acre facility located in southern Halifax County is well-attended by everyone from senior citizens to school groups. The

aviaries are surrounded by tranquil gardens and lush natural areas.

In addition, there is the Landing Zone, which is popular amongst visitors, where those entering the facility can feed parakeets and the birds will land on shoulders or hands and, sometimes, even someone’s head.

Currently the facility, which is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way in Scotland Neck, welcomes more than 55,000 visitors per year.

In the summer (April through October), the park is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults (13-61), $11 for seniors and $9 for children three to 12. Children two and under are free.

In addition to self-guided tours, Sylvan Heights offers guided tours and multitude of events which are available to the general public.

Seeing the entire park will take most guests about two hours though many choose to stay even longer.

For more information or to plan a visit, go online at shwpark.com.

Eagle Tavern

One of America’s true historic towns in the county seat of Halifax County – the town of Halifax.

Boasting history that dates back to before the Revolutionary War, Halifax has some of the most historical buildings in the state of North Carolina. There is even a visitor’s center in Halifax to help tourists and history buffs enjoy their day.

One of the historic buildings that has the most charm is The Eagle Tavern, which dates back to 1774.

A house was originally constructed on Lot 51, as it was known, but it had been converted to a tavern within just a short time. At the time it was known as “Sign of the Thistle” and was called “the best place of public entertainment in Halifax,” according to historical references.

Located at 2-8 St. David Street in Halifax, The Eagle Tavern is part of a cluster of buildings

that served Halifax County in the 1800s.

The North Carolina Department of Cultural and Natural Resources indicate that by 1824, the buildings around the original lot was known as Eagle Hotel, and in 1925, Marquis de Lafayette stayed there during his tour of America.

In 1838, businessman Michael Ferrall purchased the property and moved onto

the premises. As the center of town shifted westward, he moved his shop to a storefront.

His descendants remained in the home until his great-granddaughter, Nannie M. Gary, left the house and lot to the Catholic Diocese in Raleigh. They in turn donated the property to the State of North Carolina and it was moved to its current place in the Historic Halifax State Historic Site in 1976.

Perquimans

The Newbold-White House and the Periauger Project

through analysis of wood) has pinpointed its construction to 1730, four years after the Sanders’ purchased the property.

In its day, its size and high quality construction materials would have given it near mansion status in a time when oneroom homes constructed on wooden poles driven into the ground were common. The bucolic setting invites visitors to explore the grounds, complete with a Vineyard, gardens and out buildings.

Located on the Perquimans River, the Newbold-White House was the home of Abraham and Judith Sanders, a colonial Quaker family and is a Perquimans County visitor’s “must see.” Dating to 1730, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as the oldest brick house in the state of North Carolina.

Story by John Foley Photos by John Foley & Contributed

The Perquimans River, and the communities that hug its banks are the highlights of Perquimans County.

The coastal waterway, a tidal estuary, directly drains into Albemarle Sound slowly flowing past the communities of Belvidere, Snug Harbor and Durant’s Neck and the towns of Hertford and Winfall.

Meaning "land of beautiful women," Perquimans was named by its earliest inhabitants, the Yeopim Indians, a branch of the family of Algonquians. The history that began then, is embedded in the county’s flowing fields of cotton, corn and soy and while farming is the backbone of these communities, the county boasts an abundance of history, river activities, site seeing and small town Southern Hospitality.

Authentically restored by the Perquimans County Restoration Association (PCRA), the house features enormous fireplaces, pine woodwork and a winding corner stair. Period furnishings help recapture the flavor of early 18th-century life.

Standing back from the banks of the Perquimans River, the brick house was the centerpiece of the plantation. Originally thought to have been built as early as 1685, dendrochronology (dating of structures

The property is also home to The Periauger, a long-lost Colonial boat recently reconstructed in Beaufort at the North Carolina Maritime Museum by The Periauger Project. The project was a unique partnership of the Perquimans County Restoration Association and the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Perquimans County and East Carolina University’s program in Maritime Studies. The project was made possible by a successful private fundraising campaign and through a grant from the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Enhancement Program.

The PCRA offers numerous events throughout the year open to the public. The property is located at 151 Newbold-White Rd., in Hertford and is open to the public on Saturday, May through October from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tours are available with two weeks notice.

For more information: perquimansrestoration.org

Kayaking and fishing on the River

One of the highlights of the Perquimans River is its slow moving current due to the level topography that encourages its flow to the Albemarle Sound.

This makes it the perfect waterway for water sports for the novice and the experienced. Whether the captain of a kayak, a paddle board, a bass boat or a canoe, the Perquimans is the water adventurers’ dream come true.

Bordered by Cypress Swamps the river is perfect for catching Largemouth Bass and

Black Crappies.

For those who would prefer to kayak or canoe, the river is a haven for kayakers adventuring through the waters just off of Hertford’s town docks. Locals and visitors alike venture through the waters highlighting the neighboring communities while paddling past cotton fields that appear like ground cover clouds as you glide around the next bend.

For visitors without kayaks, Native Girl Kayak tours will arrange a paddle through

the river and its tributaries. Native Girl guide Casandra Ivey has been exploring the water of the Perquimans for 25 years and knows all the spots kayakers enjoy.

One can also enjoy a day at the pier off of White Hat Road for picnicking and fishing.

For more information on water activities contact Perquimans County Recreation Department at 252-426-5695. To book a Kayak Tour contact Native Girl Kayak at (252) 404-2266.

Road and Perry-Bridge Road, the clapboard building, boasting the names C.E., C.D. and C.E. Layden and the dates that particular “Charles” operated the shop, is a landmark that continues to make its mark on the dinner tables of the surrounding community.

A local culinary institution that has served the residents of Perquimans County for the past 70 years, its reach extends to Virginia, Washington D.C. and beyond.

The building, originally constructed in 1860, was a Post Office and Blacksmith shop. It became home to C.E. Layden’s butcher shop in 1952 when C.E. Senior purchased the building and moved his business from across

In times when meat comes prepackaged from whereever, it’s refreshing to see an original butcher shop, one that feeds the mouths of a community, still operating.

Hardly a tourist attraction to the residents who frequent the store regularly, Layden’s is a step back in time for those visitors who have only read about the aromas of an authentic butcher shop brushing the face as one walks through the front door.

Known for its sausages - local Cub Scout Pancake breakfasts highlight the craftsmanship of Layden’s butchers - the store sells about 400-500 pounds of sausage a week. That count increases during Christmas

The Catfish Hunter Museum

Baseball enthusiasts the world over make a special trip to this tiny town of 2000 to pay homage to the hometown hero who captured the hearts of fans with pinpoint accuracy and a blazing fast ball.

Although postage stamp in size, The Catfish Hunter Museum, is packed with memorabilia that will bring the boy out in old timers that remember Yankee Stadium, Fenway and that famous May 8, 1968 Twins no-hitter game. Everything from pictures with MLB icons, A’s and Yankees paraphernalia, baseball cards

from every year he appeared in the league, magazine covers, letterman jackets, and so much more.

It also includes autographed pictures, advertisements which featured Hunter’s likeness, and books written about his life and accomplishments.

Always known as Jim or Jimmy in Hertford, seldom “Catfish,” the nickname bestowed upon him by Charles Finlay, it’s not uncommon to mention his name and have one of the town folk tell a tale or two about

when the butchers package about 4,000 pounds of the sought after products. Layden’s is a landmark where locals go to visit and visitors go to feel local.

Layden’s Country Store,1478 Belvidere Road, Belvidere, can be reached at (252) 2972875 facebook.com/laydenssupermarket

the sports icon.

Retired banker and Hertford resident Roy Chappell will tell of the day “Jimmy” walked into the Hertford Savings Bank, with the scout, to cash his $250 check. Stories like that abound.

The Catfish Hunter Museum is located in the Perquimans County History Museum, 104 Dobbs St. in Hertford. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 2pm. For more information call: 252-404-2910.

Perquimans Art League Gallery

The Perquimans Art League Gallery is a world-class styled gallery that is one of the major attractions in this quaint historic river bank town.

Brightly capturing the eye of visitors, from around the globe the gallery offers an array of local artwork in a variety of media. Housed in one of Hertford’s newly remodeled historic buildings, the League went through an extensive fundraising program and opened the gallery earlier this year.

Quintessential American artist and Hertford resident Jack Pardue frequently displays his iconic portraits and epic landscapes at the PAL gallery.

From the Smithsonian and White House walls, Pardue’s work has captured the essential people, places, scenes and events that have contributed to the fabric of America.

Located in the Historic District of Hertford, the Perquimans Arts League exhibits and sells the work of approximately 95 artists and craftsmen from the surrounding area.

In addition to paintings and photography, visitors will find an assortment of handcrafted jewelry and pottery, fiber art, glass and

wood items, as well as books by local authors. Exhibits change frequently.

The Gallery located at 133 North Church Street is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

For more information call 252-426-4041 or visit perquimansarts.org.

Martin

Story by Deborah Griffin Photos by Deborah Griffin & Contributed

Martin County, an agrarian community where U.S. highways 17 and 64 intersect, and the county line is defined by the twists and turns of the mighty Roanoke River, is a stopping off point for many as they journey

to the sandy beaches of Outer Banks beaches.

But more than just a rest stop along the way, Martin County holds its own as an entertaining destination not to be missed.

The Roanoke River Paddle Trail

No visit to Martin County would be complete without soaking up aspects of the mighty Roanoke River, which has sometimes been referred to as North Carolina’s Amazon.

A stroll along the boardwalk, only minutes from downtown Williamston, provides a scenic glimpse of the watercourse which has played a significant role in the region throughout history.

Visitors can also paddle its waterways, which have recently been designated as the 12th North Carolina State Trail. The Roanoke River Paddle Trail runs 140 miles from Roanoke Rapids to the Albemarle Sound.

Kayakers and canoeists can experience the wild beauty of the river by spending a night, or several, on primitive camping platforms dotted along the river.

Bob Martin Agricultural Center

Almost any given weekend, excitement will be stirring at the Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center (SBMEAC) in Williamston, a state-of-the-art show facility, boasting a 108,000–square-foot indoor coliseum on 168 acres of land.

Equestrian shows, concerts, dirt bike races, monster truck shows, tractor pulls and rodeos bring entertainment to the region and visitors from across the country.

Conveniently located off U.S. 64 (exit 512), there is also 10,380-square-foot Meeting Center Exposition Hall for smaller venues.

Director Chase Conner of Martin County Tourism Development Authority said, "The Ag Center is such a huge asset to [the area’s] tourism. It is one of the largest facilities of its kind on the East Coast. The arena stays booked 44 weekends of the year; and the meeting

center is constantly booked with weddings, conferences, and banquets. Thousands come to our county to watch and participate in these events, which increases our population by at least 20 percent on weekends, keeping our hotels, restaurants and businesses busy."

SBMEAC Marketing Supervisor Susan Tyre said, “As an entity of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, our foremost priority is to promote NC Agriculture. We are looking to our future as we plan different ways to get more citizens involved with our facility. This summer we tried something new and partnered with the Martin County 4-H Program and hosted a “Down on the Farm Day Camp” for youth.

For more information call 252-792-5802 or 1-888-792-5802; visit them on Facebook; or go to www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/ agcenters/eastern/index.htm.

Over 25 years ago, the non-profit Roanoke River Partners (RRP) established a system of river accesses with 20-plus camping platforms, interconnecting Martin County with surrounding communities and five counties in the region. Seven of the platforms can be found in Martin County.

With its recent state trail designation, the river qualifies for state funds. As the non-profit overseeing the trail, RRP will use the funds to upgrade the platforms and complete renovations to the Hamilton Rosenwald School, which will serve as a river/visitor/community center, and historic site celebrating both the school and its tie to the Underground Railroad.

Camping is available year-round, but reservations are required. Visit www. roanokeriverpartners.org and click on River Camping or call 252-792-3790. Some platforms have screened in areas, others are an open deck. Costs are $25 for up to two people, $10 for each extra. No running water or electricity.

South Everetts Motor Speedway

The thrum of revved-up engines can be traced to the unlikely rural town of Everetts, less than 10 miles outside Williamston.

South Everetts Motor Speedway, at 3698 Everetts Rd., was once a lowly pumpkinpatch. Now, the lighted, dirt-packed, track is a speed arena for thrill-seekers, free of charge.

Go Kart racing, a growing phenomenon, has taken root here and exploded. A recent race in June registered 53 participants and over 400 spectators.

“It was the biggest crowd we’ve had,” said Noah Wynn, 24, who originally built the track for backyard riding-lawnmower races.

With the purchase of his own go-kart, or “flat kart,” interest among Wynn’s friends grew like wildfire.

His dirt-track stadium has three sets of bleachers, but crowds quickly outgrew the stands. The oval track is bumpered with old tires to keep drivers from veering off, so viewers line the track with lawn chairs.

Food truck offerings are usually available for purchase.

Wynn grew up watching his father race mini-stock cars at Robersonville’s East Carolina Motor Speedway, so the inherent need-for-speed runs in his blood.

Participants must have their own kart. He said they can be found on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist and can also be purchased new.

There are no age restrictions and children as young as four compete. The maximum speed that can be reached on the speedway is 30-35 mph, he said. Up to 12 cars race at a time.

“We try to keep it as family-friendly as possible,” said Wynn.

Visit Facebook for a schedule of events.

Farm Life Disc Golf

For those who like to play, The Farm Life Disc Golf Course, nestled among the backwoods of a family farm, was built to challenge. Oaks, beeches and pines line the tight fairways and the 18-hole course provides plenty of “hazards” such as swamps and ponds.

“It is one of the shortest, yet hardest, courses in North Carolina,” according to cocreator Perry Hardison.

Located at 1233 Kent Roberson Rd. in the community of Farm Life outside Williamston, Hardison designed and built the course with his friend and founder Kent Roberson 26 years ago, when there were only a handful of disc golf courses in the state. Now there are over 300.

Upon Roberson’s death a year ago, the Farm Life Disc Golf club designated the course as private, but players are welcome to join the Club for a nominal yearly fee, said Hardison. As a courtesy, players are asked to call the number listed at Hole One to report they are playing.

The course is open year-round and is for both professionals and amateurs.

A member of the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association), the course has an expert rating. A yearly tournament has taken place every first weekend in June since it opened in 1996.

Roberson’s widow, Debbie, and FLDG club members help keep the course’s grounds up in memory of Kent. Hardison said club dues help pay for lawn mowing, upkeep and repairs to the course.

He said aside from some storms taking down a few trees over the years, the course has remained unchanged and is still a challenge for all who play it, visit Facebook for more information.

Fort Branch Civil War Site

For history buffs, a visit to Fort Branch Civil War Site (2883 Fort Branch Rd., Hamilton) is a trip back in time.

The Confederate earthen fort is on private land, maintained by the Ft. Branch Historical Society.

The fort sat high on a bluff, 70 feet above the Roanoke River, which provided troops a safe, clear view of Union gunboats approaching from down river.

Eight of the 12 original cannons, as well as many other artifacts are displayed in a museum.

Ft. Branch comes to life annually, the first Saturday and Sunday in November (this year, Nov. 5 and 6). At 5:30 p.m., battles on horseback are reenacted both days.

During the day Saturday, reenactors display scenes of everyday life - what people wore, what they crafted, what they ate and how they took care of their wounded as part of a living history program.

Civilians (men, women and children), as well as calvary, artillery and infantry are represented.

About 4,000 people including volunteers, spectators and reenactors, descend on the property throughout the weekend. The cost is $10 per car for one day, $15 for both days.

Also, an annual Christmas at Fort Branch is every first Saturday in December (this year, Dec. 3), and is free.

Reenactors lead a quintessential Christmas service and reenact scenes related to the war around the holiday.

The preserved grounds are privately owned, but tours can be arranged by calling Don Torrence at 252-217-2216 a couple of days in advance. Visit fortbranchcivilwarsite. com, or visitmartincounty.com.

Tyrrell

Tyrrell County, with a population of 3719 residents, is the least populated county in North Carolina but boasts a diverse economic and ecological destination.

Located between the northeast North Carolina urban mainland and the Outer Banks, it was founded in 1729 and named for Sir John Tyrell, one of its original Proprietors.

While its population is minimal it hosts a special and abundant environment where red wolves howl and black bears and bobcats roam. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons soar

Downtown Columbia

Only a handful of blocks make up this tiny back-in-the-day town, but they offer an inviting stroll into the way life once was.

The flagship store - Pledger Hardware - opened its doors in 1948 and has proven over the past 77 years to be a staple in the community. Mason jars assorted with a selection of sorted fasteners line the back shelf of the main two-sided store.

Screws and bolts, possibly, as old as the store itself share shelves with Xtra-Tuff boots and rain gear to protect any sailor or fisherman. Bags of snacks and candy capture the eyes and palates of visitors as they walk through the garden center and appliance department boasting washers, dryers, wheelbarrows and rakes.

A must-see for the gadget guru in search of that one nut or washer you can’t find in a big box store.

The Red Wolves Coalition sits down the block and up a step or two and serves as the Headquarters for the protection of the

Story by John Foley Photos by John Foley & Contributed

over alligator and rose-crested orchids and pitcher plants.

The step back in time town of Columbia is the county seat and is the hub for commerce and recreation offering a quaint Main St. that comes alive for the Scuppernong River Festival celebrated yearly on the second Saturday of October.

Commerce is also at home in Tyrrell County where world-class agri-business and fishing help feed the world. Home to the Cherry Seed Company, Columbia provides seeds for others to chart their economic harvests.

The county hosts a wealth of water and landbased ecotourism venues and is embraced by the Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers and the Albemarle Sound.

Trails and boardwalks allow visitors the chance to walk with nature and enjoy all the county has to offer. For those less inclined to coat themselves with insect repellent, highly recommended by Katerina Ramos, Program Coordinator at the Pocosin Nature Center, downtown Columbia offers a step back in time experience.

Red Wolf. A large mounted Red Wolf in the coalition window captures the awe of visitors. Antique stores and a county museum intermingle with a real estate and insurance office, while the Southern Dreams Gallery featuring the works and tastes of local seed entrepreneur and professional photographer Ken Cherry serves as the Chamber of Commerce outpost.

While Cherry’s Southern Dreams Gallery is only open when Chamber Director George Haislip is at his desk, it is a must-see.

Aside from Cherry’s work capturing the feel of the county, a portion of one of the brick walls hosts a full-size antique barn-side circus poster, affixed to the brick, and although tattered, reminds visitors that once elephants inhabited Tyrell, if only for a day or two.

For those seeking flavors of town, the recently opened Hillbilly Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. For authentic Mexican dishes, Tienda Mexicana Authentic Mexicana Grill rounds out Main St. eateries.

Outer Banks Mercantile is the newest

retailer in town. Opening in June, the Mercantile offers a variety of beach accessories, home furnishings, and the town’s coffee bar and features Ladyfinger’s frozen meal alternatives.

must see places in COUNTY

Red Wolf Education Center

A highlight of the area, Red Wolf Coalition Director Executive Director Kim Wheeler explains the plight of the twelve remaining Red Wolves in North Carolina.

Wheeler explains with passion that 14-year-old Manny and 8-year-old Sage enjoy their den at the Red Wolf Education Center, which is open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturdays and is located at the Pocosin Lakes Wildlife Refuge. To take a peak-https://ncwf.org/wildlife/redwolves/#live-cam

Pocosin School of Fine Arts

Tucked away on the banks of the Scuppernong River, at the end of Main Street in Columbia, North Carolina, The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Crafts has been

attracting students, teachers, tourists, and art enthusiasts from surrounding communities and distant shores since its inception in 1995.

The tiny gem has a glowing reputation as a catalyst for collaboration between instructors

and students whose work may one day hang in galleries and shops across the globe.

It was Feather Phillips who saw the need for the school as a way to bring the talents of the community and the diversity of its residents together.

An Art and English teacher, Phillips and her family relocated to the area in 1987 filling their need for a place with “clean water” in support of her husband’s boat building.

The artist soon realized the talents of the residents as she watched locals craft art from piles of wood, heaps of metal, and scraps of fabrics. Her goal was to bring those creations to the public as a way of introducing the various cultures of the community to each other, today visitors enjoy the artwork in the school’s gallery.

Paddling the

Scuppernong

If one likes swamps and brown water with a ton of wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities on various portions of the relatively short Scuppernong River. There are launch points from Everton Point out at the mouth of the river to the dock area adjacent to the visitor's center in Columbia.

Upriver from Columbia, the river is very quiet and there are numerous opportunities to spot airborne and terrestrial wildlife representative of the area.

Paddlers near the mouth of the river have reported being escorted by a pod of dolphins, although they are rarely seen that far up the Albemarle Sound.

Spanish moss dangles from the Cypress

trees, and there is a general lack of motor boats, which makes paddling here even more enjoyable. The water can sometimes get rough as you get near the mouth of the river which is about a mile wide. There are also numerous creeks and tributaries to explore while observing the numerous species of

birds, flora, and fauna.

Rare animals include the Rafinesque's bigeared bat, spotted turtle, American alligator, and black swamp snake. Brackish water intrusion — due to accelerated sea level rise and declining river flows —is a key concern at this site.

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge conserves a rare type of wetland habitat, known as "pocosin," derived from a Native American word meaning "swamp on a hill."

The refuge encompasses vast acres of natural wetlands, including the unique southeastern pocosin peat wetlands, open water on Pungo and New Lakes, upland pine forests, and managed moist-soil and agricultural units that provide high-energy food for waterfowl.

More than 100,000 ducks, geese, and swans congregate on the refuge in winter, and the refuge supports one of the densest populations of black bears ever reported. The refuge is the site of one of the country’s largest wetland restoration projects, restoring natural hydrology to the pocosin peatlands.

The Scuppernong River Interpretive Boardwalk attracts anglers, vacationers, school groups, and local users. The 0.75-mile loop meanders through a cypress swamp, and along the Scuppernong River, leading into downtown Columbia, North Carolina. The

Interpretive Boardwalk was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2005.

The boardwalk is part of the Walter B. Jones Center for the Sound, which is operated by Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and the Partnership for the Sounds. Followers of the Charles Kuralt auto trail or one of the extensive network of canoe trails that lace the sounds, regard the boardwalk as one of the treasures of the area. Other activities along the trail and at the Wildlife Refuge include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife observation, birdwatching, and hiking.

Features of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge include beautiful scenic overlooks, a well-maintained picnic shelter, and numerous historic features. The trail is complete with interpretive signs and the visitors center offers a knowledgeable, friendly staff along with water and restrooms. The Visitors Center and Refuge are located at 205 South Ludington Dr, Columbia, NC 27925.

Simply Natural Creamery

With its large front porch lined with rocking chairs, scenic farmland views and the quiet surroundings of Ormondsville, Simply Natural Creamery allows its customers a simple way to enjoy life and all its sweet treats – including ice cream made from the creamery’s very own Jersey cows.

Family owned and operated; the Creamery began as a Jersey cow farm by Greene County in 2009. Milk was sold to co-ops before the creamery opened and began offering their milk and ice cream products on site.

“Simply Natural Creamery is exactly that – simply natural. Our cows live in a natural environment. They are not confined to concrete all day. They roam, graze and lounge naturally in our pastures. They eat natural food, which is grown right here on our farm,” said Holly Rollins, chief financial officer.

Jersey cows are special in the milk that they produce, Rollins added.

“They are the Cadillac of Milk. The Jersey cow produces a special protein in their milk. It’s an A2 beta casing. It helps people that are lactose intolerant to eat and drink our milk,” Rollins said.

5must see places in

Greene

Story & Photos by Donna Marie Williams

Known for its agriculture history, Greene County is home to more than just farms and rural homesteads.

Nestled along the Contentnea Creek, Greene County has an abundance of life and vitality. At it’s heart lies Snow Hill, whose downtown is full of unique shops, eateries and the Greene County Museum. Not far from central downtown lies Wooley Swamp – a true hidden gem of the County – providing recreation as well as a retreat for

COUNTY

The creamery has since expanded to have three locations – Ormondsville, Greenville and Morehead City – with each location offering more than 38 flavors of ice cream from cones, cups, sundays, shakes and more.

travelers and vacationers.

Both homegrown and run by Greene County natives, Simply Natural Creamery and The Farmer and the Dail have quickly risen to fame and grown into destination spots for the county and beyond.

While the County has continued to progress forward, it remembers its history with many historic landmarks within its borders including the Nooherooka Monument. This monument gives honor to the County’s Tuscarora history.

Simply Natural is more than sweet treats and a meeting spot. It also serves as a place for education and provides tours, offers field trips, birthday parties and group experiences providing insight on where milk comes from and how it is processed into the things we consume daily.

“A lot of kids don’t know where their milk comes from. Some people think the calf out front is a deer. We wanted to educate kids and families,” Rollins said.

For more information visit www. simplynaturalcreamery.com

The heart of Greene County, Snow Hill bolsters economic promise for the county while providing eateries, shopping, and more.

With stores such as Harper’s Insurance and Hardy’s Appliance and Furniture thriving downtown since 1975 and 1954 respectively,

Nooherooka Monument

Erected in 2013, nearly 300 years after the Tuscarora War, the Nooherooka Monument serves as a reminder of the once great Tuscarora nation that called Greene County home.

The Tuscarora were a mighty force in North Carolina and, while spread throughout the east from the Neuse and Roanoke Rivers, a large concentration of Tuscarora people lived-in modern-day Greene County and chose Greene County for its final stronghold against colonists.

In March 1713, during the Tuscarora War, Col. James Moore of South Carolina along with troops of both North and South Carolinians, laid siege to the Tuscarora fort. Moore defeated the warriors by mining an outer wall and setting fire to the fort and its structures.

At the end of the war, more than 1,000 Tuscarora people and 200 whites were killed, 1,000 Tuscarora peoples were sold into slavery and more than 3,000 were forced from their home. Some Tuscarora remained in North

coinciding with newer stores such as Aggie’s Pizza & Hot Subs, downtown Snow Hill provides a mix of charm and atmosphere.

It’s eatery options extends beyond Aggie’s menu to the well-loved La Flama and Los Periquitos Tienda Mexicana, both providing

authentic Mexican cuisine.

Also downtown is Half Moon Marketplace place, a unique shop of its right. Filled with one-of-a-kind local to North Carolina items, the store serves as the county’s only gift store and provides gifts as exquisite as its wrapping paper.

Broadcasting from the streets of downtown is GoMix Christian Radio. Heard on stations throughout North Carolina, GoMix provides Southern gospel Christian music.

Across from GoMix and the town’s pocket park, is Greene County History Museum whose focus is to highlight local artisans.

Just behind the Greene County’s Courthouse and within walking distance to the main street shops is Snow Hill’s Boat Landing.

Newly improved, the landing provides access to the Contentnea Creek and offers a handicap accessible ramp for fishing, walking trails and a boat ramp.

For more information visit www. snowhillnc.com.

Carolina and have a presence in the county today.

The monument is encircled by a 30-foot diameter circle consisting of concrete. A 15-foot-high steel arch stands prominently representing the entrance to a longhouse. A bronze plaque depicting a longhouse, corn and hemp is located on the left arch while a bronze plaque depicting a wampum belt is on the right.

Inside the circle, bricks were laid representing the tributary where the fort is situated. Geometric shapes, filled with crushed stone lie on the outside of the bricks, with one shape representing the outline of the Nooherooka fort and the other depicts the counterclockwise spiral of a traditional dance.

An arc of six concrete tree stumps represents the six nations of the Iroquois or Haudenosaunee.

For more information visit: docsouth.unc. edu/commland/monument/369/

Farmer and the Dail

The Farmer and the Dail had a simple beginning with owners Zac and Stacy Bailes conducting sugar cookie decorating classes. It grew to the selling of sweets on Saturdays only. With business becoming more in demand, the Bailes expanded their hours

operating five days a week.

Business continued to grow for the Farmer and the Dail, leading the Bailes to move from their 1,600-9 square-foot facility on Middle School Road to its current 7,500-square-foot facility off U.S. 258.

Farmer and the Dail not only grew in size, but in popularity with people coming from all over to sample their delectable menu items. It is now a must visit destination spot for Greene County.

“We wanted to build a place that would be a destination for the county. Something for people to aspire to visit and to help draw attention to the county. We wanted to be a part of growing the community,” Zac said. “We want to help grow the vibrancy of Greene County.”

Farmer and the Dail offers an assortment of sweet treats including cupcakes, brownies, cookies and more. Its menu expands beyond just treats and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. The family run business also offers coffee and specialty drinks.

“There is not just one thing we’re known for,” Zac said. “There is a lot of room for people to choose what they like.”

For more information visit www. farmerandthedail.com.

Wooley Swamp Farms

One will find no “things that will make a strong man die from fright” or the “ghost of Lucius Clay” at Wooley Swamp in Snow Hill.

Instead, this hidden gem offers a quiet retreat to all who need solace, comfort or a get-a-way.

Owners Sherry and David Madures established the camp and R.V. site as a sanctuary or safe place for anyone seeking an escape.

The site began with one small cabin and has grown throughout the years to include four smaller cabins, one larger two-story cabin that accommodates seven people and nine R.V. sites.

A six-acre pond lies in the center of the campground providing space for fishing, kayaking or canoeing. Kayaks are available for rent along with life jackets for children. A bait shop is also conveniently located on the property.

The site also allows access to the Contentnea Creek where visitors are welcome to fish, explore or walk along the walking trails.

The campground has been enjoyed by many and has been the site of family vacations, weddings, hang-out spots, temporary homes following hurricanes and more.

“It’s a good place for military members to come to decompress. It gives children a place to fish and a place to walk the creek. It gets them off the phone and gets them into nature. We have all kinds of wildlife – ducks, geese, turtles,” Sherry said.

Wooley Swamp is open to all and for $5 the public is welcome to fish the pond and creek. Children 15 years and younger fish for free.

For more information visit wooley-swampfarms.business.site.

must see places in

Pasquotank

Story by Tyler Newman Photos by Tyler Newman & Contributed

5Pasquotank County, part of North Carolina’s historic Inner Banks region, stretches from the Great Dismal Swamp in the north to the Albemarle Sound in the south. Communities from Newland to Weeksville dot the bucolic landscape, which is predominantly vast forest and farmland dedicated to generations of harvesting.

In the center of it all, straddling a bend in the Pasquotank River, lies Elizabeth City, the economic, cultural and educational hub of northeastern North Carolina. A small city of 18,000, it boasts one of the largest and busiest Coast Guard stations in the country as well as a resurgent downtown district.

Here are some of Pasquotank County’s top spots to visit.

Museum of the Albemarle

Established in 1967, the Museum of the Albemarle is dedicated to preservation and education of the Albemarle's long and storied history. The museum is the northeast’s regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History.

Constructed along Elizabeth City’s downtown waterfront in 2008, the museum’s newest location is a massive four-story structure that can be seen as far away as neighboring Camden County.

The primary exhibit in the museum is “Our Story - Life in the Albemarle.” The display features a 6,200-square-foot gallery with over 700 artifacts that interpret the area’s rich history – both good and bad. From Native American artifacts to decades-old farming and firefighting equipment, the exhibit features something for everyone.

Hosting several events year round for locals and visitors alike, the museum is an active part of the Pasquotank County community.

Other current exhibits include “High on the Hog,” which details the region’s relationship with hog farming and barbecue (until July 2022), “Women Breaking Barriers in Northeastern North Carolina” (until October 2022), “Picturing Women Inventors” (until September 2022), “Guardians of the Land: Discovering Indigenous Americans” (until August 2024) and “Reliving the 1970s: Toy Edition” (until March 2023).

A gift shop is also available on the premises that sells mementos and memorabilia from the entire region, from Dare County’s Outer Banks to the Roanoke River.

The museum is located at 501 South Water Street in Elizabeth City and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission for the public is free, however donations are appreciated.

Arts of the Albemarle

Situated in the heart of Elizabeth City’s up-and-coming downtown district, Arts of the Albemarle (AOA) is a non-profit arts organization that stands as a cultural centerpiece in the greater community.

Hosting concerts, art events, performing arts displays and even weddings from inside the historic Lowry-Chesson Building, the space has been catered and molded to fit the region while still providing an intimate approach to both the local and national art scene. Exhibits rotate on a regular basis.

An art gallery, located downstairs in the main building, is open to the public. Various shows are held throughout the year to showcase the best and brightest of the Albemarle’s artists and talent.

Over 250 artists, craftsmen and photographers have found a home within AOA’s walls.

Upstairs in the Maguire Theatre, one can find string concerts and dramatic performances, as well as recitals and dances. The Center Players are housed here, a local award-winning children’s theater group that performs plays and musicals.

The innovative design of the theater allows for a variety of events to be hosted, from seated performances to cabaret-type events to private receptions and even a violin camp.

Arts of the Albemarle is also a wonderful entry point when partaking in Elizabeth City’s First Friday ArtWalk. The ArtWalk is held on the first Friday of each month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The ArtWalk is a night of visiting participating studios, stores and restaurants downtown to meet the featured artists and musicians who showcase their talents.

Arts of the Albemarle is located at 516 East Main Street in Elizabeth City and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There is no admission fee unless attending a scheduled event or performance.

Dixieland Speedway

Located 12 miles north of Elizabeth City near the community of Morgan’s Corner is Dixieland Speedway, a 3/8 mile oval track that hosts a variety of motorsport events throughout the warmer months from April through August. It is known as “Northeast North Carolina’s premier action track.”

Long straightaways and tight turns lead to intense on-track action. The clay track is 55 feet wide and turns one and two are banked at 12 degrees, while turns three and four are eight-degrees. Events include 1-, 15-, 20and 30-lap races are popular at the venue, depending on the division.

On Friday nights since 1983, the speedway is known for hosting five divisions of intense side-by-side racing: Allstar Late Models, Superstreet, Sportsman, Super Fours and

Historic Districts

There are five historic districts in Pasquotank County, all being centered in and around Elizabeth City’s corporate limits. Beginning in 1789 and continuing onward, the districts can be arranged in a walkable tour of the city that contains both historic and architectural sights and marvels.

The most prominent of the districts is the Elizabeth City Historic District. Containing 592 buildings, one site, one structure and one historic object, the district is located in the city’s heart – the central business district and

Stock Fours. Winners crowned for each can win cash prizes and the adoration of the local audience.

Dixieland Speedway is located at 1520 Northside Road in Pasquotank County. Gates on Fridays typically open around 5 p.m. with practice around 6:30 p.m., qualifying at 7 p.m.

surrounding residential streets.

It includes examples of Greek Revival, Federal and Lake Victorian style structures, as well as the 1789 Grice-Fearing House and 1882 Pasquotank County Courthouse. The boundary of the district has increased twice: in 1994 and 2021.

The Riverside Historic District is just over a quaint little bridge that spans Charles Creek. Developed after 1893, the district borders the Pasquotank River and is known for its treelined streets and easy walkability. Riverside boasts homes and structures built in Greek

and the flag at 8 p.m.

General admission is cash only and is typically $15 for adults (unless it is a special event) and $5 for children between ages six to 11. Children ages five and under are free. Pit passes and season passes are also available, as are track rentals for up to four hours.

Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Bungalow/American Craftsman and Tudor Revival styles.

The Elizabeth City State Teachers College Historic District, on the campus of Elizabeth City State University on the city’s south side, contains seven sights and emphasizes Colonial Revival and Bungalow/American Craftsman styles that were popular when ECSU was once known as the Teachers College.

Northside, a predominantly residential area of town, is the location of the fourth historic district. With over 398 contributing structures, its styles mimic those found elsewhere in town, such as Greek Revival, Queen Anne and Classical Revival.

The final historic district in Pasquotank County is the Shepard Street-South Road Street Historic District. Comprising 161 buildings in a historically African American section of Elizabeth City, this district holds more unique styles compared to its predecessors. First made a historic district in 1994, it features Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Bungalow and American Foursquare styles throughout.

For a guided walking tour of Elizabeth City’s historic streets, visit the Visitor’s Center located in the Museum of the Albemarle at 501 South Water Street for a tour brochure.

Craft Beer Scene

New to Elizabeth City – and growing – is the craft beer scene. With three breweries now on tap for the town, residents and visitors have eclectic locales to choose from when opting to go out for a cold one with friends.

Ghost Harbor Brewing Company, Seven Sounds Brewing Company and recently opened AVDET Brewing Company – named for USCG lingo “aviation detachment” – make three in total for Elizabeth City, meaning the

city can now market itself as a destination for craft beer.

With two breweries downtown – Ghost Harbor and Seven Sounds – and one in midtown – AVDET – a so-called “brewery trail” could be established for local folks and out of state tourists alike to enjoy the city’s alcohol-oriented establishments and historic streetscapes.

Ghost Harbor, Elizabeth City’s first microbrewery, opened in 2017 along Colonial Avenue adjacent to Pailin’s Alley, now a popular social destination for young adults. It features a taproom and access to outdoor seating in a beautifully lit alleyway just beyond the premises.

Seven Sounds came next, opening around New Year’s 2022. Seven Sounds was born five years ago in the local community and finally came together in the old Hurdle Hardware Building on Water Street. The business was named after seven of North Carolina’s sounds – there are eight in total. Featuring panoramic views of the Pasquotank River, a waterside beer garden and a 6,000-squarefoot upstairs event space, the brewery is

ready to host any and all.

AVDET opened just a few months later, opening at the cusp of spring. Elizabeth City’s newest brewery is a veteran owned and operated 3.5 barrel nanobrewery inside of Kenyon Bailey Supply that pays homage to the Coast Guard aviation history located in the area.

Ghost Harbor Brewing Company is located at 602 East Colonial Avenue in Elizabeth City and is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Monday.

Seven Sounds Brewing Company is located at 112 North Water Street in Elizabeth City and is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

AVDET Brewing Company is located at 407 McArthur Drive (Kenyon Bailey Supply) in Elizabeth City and is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

must see places in

Bertie

COUNTY

Story by Lewis Hoggard Photos by Lewis Hoggard & Contributed

Bertie County offers natural beauty and history as its best calling cards. The Bertie Precinct was established in 1722, while prior to that date being part of Albemarle Precinct which was formed in 1660.

The first European settlers came to the county from Roanoke Island and the Lost Colony as far back as the late 1500’s, while the land was already populated by the Tuscarora for hundreds of years with various

groups of Algonquians also being in the area.

The county has remained mainly an agricultural community for its entire history and its population has been twenty thousand or less for most of its time since the creation of the United States basically.

The county is 741 square miles or 470,000 acres, which works out to about a person for every twenty-three acres, more or less. Bertie county is the definition of a rural place.

Bertie Beach

The Bertie County Beach Access is part of the “Tall Glass of Water” project that provides both natural beauty and history. Just walking down to the sandy beach with cypress trees rising up from the water is a spectacular vista.

The land is owned by the county and was bought to provide sound access and many more amenities to its citizens and others, who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience sound life.

The one hundred and fifty acre property has great natural beauty, as well as historic significance with an archeological site that has uncovered artifacts that point to members of the Lost Colony moving from Roanoke Island to here in the late 1500’s.

That site is located on the bluff that looks down the Albemarle Sound. The development of this property is just beginning with permanent restrooms, outdoor showers, campsites, a picnic pavilion and hiking trails all set to be built in the near future.

Livermon Park & Mini-Zoo

Livermon Park and Mini-Zoo is open all year round with no charge for admission. There are a wide variety of animals, including a Zebra and Buffalo just to name a couple of the local inhabitants. A wide variety of birds, including a number of peacocks. An excellent place for children to see animals and birds up close and in person.

There is also playground equipment and numerous picnic tables and shelter to handle large school and church groups.

The Cashie Wetlands walk is also located on the property. The walk allows visitors to walk through a swamp and wetlands without getting wet or having to wear hip boots. The walkway is elevated and ADA accessible and features an observation deck and a stop at the Cashie river.

The facility is operated and maintained by the town of Windsor. The park is located in the downtown area at 102 North York Street and is open during daylight hours.

The park is named for former Mayor L.T. Livermon Jr.

This property is located off Bal Gra Road which is reached by automobile from the intersection of U.S. 17 which will become Interstate 87. Additionally, the State of North Carolina has designated over 900 acres a state natural area with plans for a state park in the future and land purchases of adjacent properties to occur. That state property is located off Salmon Creek.

Roanoke/Cashie River Center

In Windsor, a hidden gem of a facility which is a wonderful place to visit is the Roanoke Cashie River Center. Most people know this place has the home of the Freedom Fireworks show every July. The center is part of the Partnership of the Sounds which also operates the North Carolina Estuarium in Washington.

There are exhibits inside the main building which concentrate on the history and wildlife of the area. The center is well staffed and open from Tuesday to Saturday. Kayaks and canoes may be rented and launched from the site.

Visitors may explore the riverwalk and the grounds of the property, including a small amphitheater along the river.

Every Saturday while the weather is nice, pontoon boat rides are offered for free with trips down the Cashie river where you can see the Cashie Treehouse Village. These trips start at 10 a.m. or so and are piloted by Coast Guard approved captains, who offer interesting facts on the river and wildlife.

The center is located at 112 West Water Street in Windsor just off U.S. 17 Business.

Historic Hope

Historic Hope is much more than an old house occupied by a former North Carolina Governor.

While the centerpiece of the forty-five acre property is the 1803 plantation home of Governor David Stone, Historic Hope also includes the 13,000 square foot Roanoke

Occano

Occano, which was formerly named Scotch Hall Preserve, shows what sound side living can be like. This resort property has an Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course that is being brought up to date with renovations to reestablish the course as one of the finest in the land.

Occano is more than a golf course. The resort offers slip and dock space for the traveler by boat, but also overnight stays are available on site. They welcome visitors as well as future homeowners.

The property has 834 acres of residential waterfront in addition to an incredible golf course that has views that are breathtaking. The property has hosted numerous events in its past, including professional golf tournaments and competitions such as Pound the Sound, a triathlon.

The property has current amenities of a beach club and pool, boat launch, dock and slips, restaurant and bar, golf course and pro shop and many more amenities on the way.

The new ownership group, Dilweg, which is headlined by former NFL and Duke quarterback Anthony Dilweg, is a leading commercial real estate firm in the Southeast with over a billion in assets. Their vision for the already incredible property is to make it

Chowan Heritage Center, as well as the 1763 King/Bazemore house.

The center has permanent exhibits that present the Native American culture prior to and during the arrival of the European settlers and the African American experience during slavery and on the grounds. The property is a wonderful site for weddings, gatherings, meetings and celebrations and may be rented for such happenings.

The governor’s mansion has been restored in the last fifty years, as it had become in disrepair and was about to crumble away. Through the hard work of volunteers and donors the house and some of its outbuildings have been restored inside and out with period piece furniture and other items. Information about how life at Hope was when the Stone family occupied this property is fascinating

even more of a resort location and maritime destination site.

The property is located on the Albemarle sound and has a street address of 105 Scotch Hall Court with a Merry Hill address it is located off of Avoca Farm Road and Sutton Road.

The property is a gated community, but has a restaurant and a golf course that is open to the public with much more planned in the future.

Bertie County offers numerous homes, buildings, churches which are worth visiting as well as the seven municipalities located in the county. The county has been heavily influenced by the African American presence, Native American presence and the European colonists.

A truly beautiful county to visit, with a great and varied history with stories waiting to be told behind it. Just a slow drive through the highways and backroads is well worth the time spent.

and well worth finding out about.

What makes Historic Hope truly special is the educational programs and events that are offered all year. Also, wonderful tours are offered by entertaining guides. Contact can be made at the website, hopeplantation.org. There is a fee for a guided tour, otherwise the visit is free. School, church and large groups need to contact ahead before arriving.

Additionally, walking trails have been built so the whole property may be explored. The property is open to the public during normal hours.

Historic Hope is located about four miles west of Windsor off Governors Road. The property is maintained by a non-profit organization, Historic Hope Foundation, which gladly accepts new members for a small yearly fee and has a board of directors.

Gates

COUNTY

Story by Gene Motley Photos Contributed

From the quiet rolling waters of the Chowan River to the majestic history of its 1836 Courthouse, and something that’s stored within, to the bronco-busting’ at the county arena and the mouth-watering treat awaiting you at its landmark restaurant, there is something to draw people to just about every portion of Gates County.

Tarheel Bar-B-Q

“Their menu is full and they hope your stomach is empty.”

It won’t be for long after a visit Tarheel BarB-Q in Eure. While the primary menu is pork barbecue, chicken and ribs with accoutrements that include slaw and hushpuppies, among others.

Located at what is now the intersection of U.S. 13N and U.S. 158, the restaurant was started by local entrepreneur Grant Eure back in the 1960’s. Later, ownership passed to his daughter, Paige (Hedgepeth), and soon will be run by the third generation: Eure’s grandson, Timothy Hedgepeth.

“I think it’s because we’re the ‘middle point’ to a lot of different places: Tidewater, Greenville, the beach,” says waitress Renee Wall, who has been a waitress at the

From Gates to Sunbury to Gatesville to Eure to Hobbsville and every place inbetween, it boasts a little something for everyone.

The locals like to say: “We may be rural and we may be small, but Gates County has it all.”

Here is a look at five places you won’t want to miss during your trip.

establishment for over 30 years. “We strive to all be family here in a family environment where you can sit down and just enjoy each other’s company.”

One thing that enhances the barbecue chicken, pork and ribs is the ‘special sauce,’ a guarded secret among the family.

“I don’t even know what’s in it,” adds Wall. “She (Paige) learned it from her Daddy and we put it in the barbecue when we make it. Pretty much our whole menu is homemade.”

Open seating is all that’s available now as the large party room has been converted. Still, Tarheel survived COVID (never stopped serving) both from locals and travelers stopping through.

The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Fridays for lunch and dinner beginning at 11 a.m. Saturdays, they open at 7 a.m. and serve a breakfast menu as well. Closing time is 8 p.m.

“It makes me happy to know we give people a happy feeling when they stop here,” Wall noted with a smile. “They always tell us they’re coming back.”

The address is 9 U.S. 13 South in Eure and for more information call the main number at: (252) 357-1094.

Merchants Millpond State Park

Discover one of North Carolina’s rarest ecological communities as coastal pond and swamp forest mingle under the magnificent dome of nature. Massive cypress and gum trees covered with Spanish moss form a canopy for the dark waters of the 750-acre cypress millpond ~ a wilderness sanctuary for wetland wildlife.

Paddle quietly through the pond and creek and encounter native wildlife which includes beavers, otters, owls, etc.

There are over 10 miles of hiking trails, though one will have to pay a fee for camping and canoe rentals, or bring bring their own kayak or other watercraft.

There is primitive camping for singles and groups, non-electric campsites or improved group camping. The family campground, with 20 sites for tents and trailers, is in the midst of a pine/hardwood forest just beyond the park office. The park is open year-round.

Visit their website: merchants.millpond@ ncparks.gov for camping specifics. You can also call these toll-free number for reservations: (252) 357-1191 or (877) 7226762 or visit www.ncparks.gov.

5must see places in

Housed on the second floor of the historic Gates County Courthouse – itself a monument to the county’s proud history having been built in 1836 – is a tribute to one of the region’s most celebrated native sons: Thad Eure.

The Thad Eure Museum pays tribute to the Gates County native who died in 1993, but before his passing Eure – affectionately called by friend and foe alike “the oldest rat in the Democratic barn” – lay claim to another distinction.

He holds the record for the longest tenure as an elected official in the United States, after serving for over half a century as North Carolina Secretary of State from 1936 to 1989. He was recognized for that accomplishment

Beaver Lake (Ski Club)

Nestled among the rural beauty of Gates County near the majestic Chowan River and just off U.S. 13 near the Hertford-Gates county line, Beaver Lake has been the home of the Beaver Lake Water Ski Club for the past 25 years located an hour south of Norfolk and two hours east of Raleigh.

Each year they host several water ski events from small novice grassroots tournaments to national and world competitions, usually one in mid-June with another in late August.

“Back in the mid-80’s my Dad (former Gates County Tax Supervisor Bill Mitchell) knew what local water skiers were looking for, and he noticed this huge pond from aerial photos and scouted it out,” says Ski Club President Jeff Mitchell.

The pond became a 25-acre lake and now sponsors the tournaments, as well as a ‘Learn to Ski Day’ coming in August 2022.

While the tournament events are free to the public, the private Ski Club boasts roughly a dozen memberships, representing between 20-25 people.

“About a dozen of us ski regularly,” Mitchell added. “Our season runs from April to midOctober. The core group is North Carolina and Virginia, but (for tournaments) we have drawn pro-level and open-class skiers from throughout the Southeast and from as far away as Minnesota.”

by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.

“A grant from the state legislature over 25 years ago kind of got it started,” says Kaye Barker, who along with other members of the county’s Historical Society and the Eure family have contributed to the exhibit.

Eure rose from a small-town lawyer to mayor of Winton to state legislator and then on to 13 four-year terms at his most renowned post.

Among the artifacts are cartoons, a straw boater, red bow tie, pens with the trademark green ink he used to sign official documents and his law books. Unrelated to the museum is a highway marker located at the intersection of U.S. 158 Bypass and Business

on the western edge of Gatesville which was dedicated in 2019.

The 1836 Courthouse is the fifth oldest in the state and one of the finest examples of federal period architecture in the country.

Beaver Lake has hosted the National Collegiate All-Stars Tournament and the North Carolina State Championships, and will host the State’s again in 2024. Competition includes the three disciplines of slalom, trick and jump skiing.

“I don’t know many ocean water skiers,” Mitchell noted. “Most skiers prefer calm, slick waters.”

If interested in attending the Beaver Lake Slalom on Aug. 27, visit: www.

beaverlakeskiclub.com.

The lake also hosted a Polar Bear Plunge every winter for eight years in conjunction with Gates County High School to benefit the county’s Special Olympics; however, it was suspended beginning in 2020 due to COVID. Thirty-five brave souls took turns jumping into the lakes’ 40-degree icy waters raising $5,500 in 2018. Plungers traveled from Maryland, Havelock, Durham, Greenville, Wilmington and Newport News to join in the fun.

Photo by William Anthony Photography

Gates County Rodeo

For 25 years, beginning in 1997, the Gates County Arena at Slo-Go Ranch at 158 Paige Riddick Rd. in Gates takes on the flavor of the old west, and some of the new west as well.

It’s the site of the Gates County Rodeo and it features Breakaway Roping, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Cowgirl Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping among other rodeo events.

“It’s held every Mother’s Day weekend,” said organizer Aaron Brown, who along with members of his family has sponsored the annual event.

Brown grew up going to rodeos and later moved to Texas before returning back to Gates wanting to turn his friends, neighbors and others on to the fun.

He insists, “We even have Bull fighters, rodeo clowns and other specialty acts.”

Contestants hail from all over the United States. There is an admission charge and proceeds benefit the Reynoldson Baptist

Church and the Gates Volunteer Fire Department; members of whom also help with the food.

The May event isn’t the only one, there’s also the fourth annual Bull Rides and Barrel Races which will take place Saturday night,

Aug. 27, 2022.

For more information visit their website: www.gatescountyrodeo.com.You can also call: (252)209-1473, or email: maryabrown@ gmail.com, or visit their Facebook page: www. facebook.com/Gates-County-Rodeo.

Photo by Cal Bryant/Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

Edgecombe

Town of Princeville

Princeville, located just across the Tar River from Tarboro, is the oldest town incorporated by African Americans in the United States. It was settled in 1865 and incorporated in 1885.

According to a history of Princeville produced by the N.C. Humanities Council and republished on the town of Princeville website, following the close of the Civil War, former slaves seeking protection and freedom left the plantations for Union troop encampments.

When the Union soldiers left, many of the newly-freed slaves remained and settled in an area named Freedom Hill — which was incorporated in 1885 and later changed to Princeville in honor of Freedman Turner Prince.

Prince, a carpenter born into slavery in 1843, acquired a lot here in 1873, built a house, and constructed other permanent dwellings for the residents. He later built a number of homes in Tarboro.

Princeville.

While the damage was not as great as 1999, it was significant and the recovery continues to this day.

A new Town Hall and a new, elevated Senior Center have been completed and dedicated.

Story & Photos by John H. Walker

Edgecombe County is the 15th oldest county in North Carolina, having been settled by Europeans early in the 18th century, after the defeat of the Tuscarora Indians who inhabited the area. The colonial assembly created Edgecombe County in 1741.

According to historian Alan D. Watson, Edgecombe “reached the peak of its influence and fame in the antebellum period when the county provided a strong voice in state politics and achieved a reputation as one of the most progressive farming areas in the state, if not the South.”

Edgecombe County is replete with history, as evidenced by the nearly 40 entries in the National Register of Historic Places that include a number of antebellum homes and structures from across the county.

Because of its location in a low-lying area along the Tar River, Princeville has been flooded at least seven times in its history, including during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 when water was 23-feet deep on the streets and took 10 days to fully recede.

In 2016, history repeated itself when Hurricane Matthew caused the Tar to once again flood

A nature trail has been cleared from a completely rebuilt Princeville Elementary School in order to connect with the town museum.

While the museum itself has yet to be addressed and remains closed, a portable museum, constructed by NC State students, was built and dedicated in 2019. It is located on the grounds of the museum on Mutual Boulevard and can be accessed by contacting Town Hall at 252823-1057.

— A Federal-style, plantation house built in 1908 by Thomas Blount, a prominent Edgecombe County businessman and U.S. congressman, it is today known as a community museum.

Known as “the Grove,” the structure, which sat at the center of an enormous plantation, is today a national historic landmark and serves as museum for local history as well as an art gallery and the studio of Tarboro-born artist Hobson Pittman.

The facility has been blessed with the gifts of many examples of 20th Century Jugtown pottery as well as an extensive Batts textile collection of 19th Century clothing, quilts, military uniforms and a variety of household items.

In the early 1990s, a state grant enabled the archaeological survey of all the grounds by Coastal Carolina Research, owned by Tarboro

resident Loretta Lautzenheiser.

Lautzenheiser’s firm found an office, a garden house, a kitchen, a cat cemetery, a well, a cistern, and the location of a brick-making operation.

And, as a result of the survey, a committee formed for the purpose of landscaping the grounds, could map out a garden.

The result was a plan developed by landscape architect Chip Callaway and installed completely by local volunteers. Today, volunteers maintain the garden weekly.

Also on the grounds is the restored circa 1810 Silas Everette House, an excellent example of period farmhouse architecture.

The facility is open from 10 a.m. until noon and 2-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Access may be available by calling 252-823-4159.

Blount-Bridgers House and Hobson Pittman Gallery

Calvary Episcopal Church and Churchyard

The earliest mention of a church in the area came about 1742, when, according to the Calvary Episcopal Church history, “construction of a small wooden building was envisioned near what is now called Chapel Springs, about eight miles northwest of present day Tarboro.”

The history noted that the little church building, named Saint Mary’s, was completed in 1747 and served a small congregation until around 1760 when it burned.

Because the area was part of the English Royal Colony of North Carolina, Saint Mary’s was Anglican and its rector, the Rev. James Moir, reported directly to the Bishop of London.

Following the fire, the little congregation moved into the newly established town of Tarborough, as it was spelled in those days.

When discussing the presence of the Episcopal Church in Tarboro, an asterisk is needed at some point in marking the history. That’s because the religion was found in

the region in 1742, earliest of all the organized denominations. The asterisk comes into play when the discussion turns to the actual establishment of churches.

As previously noted, the little congregation moved into the newly established town of Tarborough [cq] after the fire and services were conducted in a variety of places, including private homes.

The Calvary history notes that following the American Revolution, the town confiscated the primary place of worship, a secular building that was located near the corner of Saint James and Saint Patrick streets. That parish was called Trinity and the congregation, already small, began to dwindle further.

After the American Revolution, worship along Anglican lines using a Book of Common Prayer was considered treasonous in the newly formed republic. That’s because a prayer was required for the reigning British monarch.

Even so, Yet the Anglican form and

tradition — without the prayer for the monarch — continued with only a few individuals in what is now called the Episcopal Church.

At that point, the name of the parish changed.

Led by the Rev. William Norwood, The Act of Incorporation of Calvary Parish was drawn up and signed by 17 lay men and one woman.

Calvary Parish was admitted into union with the Diocese of North Carolina on May 29, 1833, which is considered the date of its founding.

As the history notes, the congregation began to grow and adjoining lots conveyed as gifts formed the present grounds, bound by Church, Panola, East Saint James, and Saint David streets.

Two church buildings have stood on these grounds, which comprise roughly a city block or two acres. The first—a wooden structure completed and consecrated in 1840— stood within the southwest quadrant of the churchyard. It was deconsecrated in 1929 and later torn down.

The present church building, designed by Englishman William Percival and built by Thomas Coats, also an Englishman, was begun in 1858, completed in 1867, and consecrated in 1868.

The original furnishings in the chancel remain, including the altar, the bishop’s chair, the deacon’s chair, and the acolyte stalls.

According to the church history, all are believed to have been fashioned from oak left from building the Confederate ram, Albemarle.

At the time the history was written, the original lectern and pulpit within the chancel were in use within All Saints’ Chapel.

The oil burning standing lamps within the nave, modified slightly and electrified around 1900, are original, as are the pews.

The Churchyard is, in itself, a memorial to generations upon generations of both Calvary parishioners and friends and it remains an active burial ground.

Both the building and grounds are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and the building itself is a designated Historic Living Church.

The Tarboro Town Common

Tarboro’s 15-acre Town Common is the second oldest legislated town common in the United States, having been established by the state legislature in 1760 and, other than the Boston Common, the only remaining original common on the east coast.

The tree-shrouded park is home to a variety of memorials and historic markers — telling a variety of stories, from George Washington’s visit to Potter’s Raid during the Civil War.

It also plays host to a number of community functions throughout the year, such as Happening on the Common, summer and fall appearances by the North Carolina Symphony and various community events and gatherings.

The Town Common is also home to the Pilot Club of Tarboro’s Memorial Christmas Tree, which carries thousands of memorial Christmas lights dedicated to helping those with brain injuries and encouraging brain safety and health. The program is nearing its 50th year.

Also on the Common and near the Pilot Club tree is the Edgecombe County Veterans Memorial, dedicated to the memory of all native sons and daughters of Edgecombe who served their country.

The memorial is a circular structure that houses the flags of the branches of the military

Edgecombe County Veterans Military Museum

Opened on July 4, 2004, the Edgecombe County Veterans Military Museum (ECVMM) was the dream of the late Joel Bourne, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II.

As the effort was getting underway to establish the museum, Bourne told members of the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners: "It will be to honor all Edgecombe County veterans and remember our deceased veterans. It will also educate our young people about our country's history.”

While many people associate the museum with its current location at 106 West Church St. in Historic Downtown Tarboro, it actually had two early homes — the former Chamber

— Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard — in a circle around a taller flagpole that displays the American flag.

Each Monday during the warmer weather months, the Tarboro Golden K Kiwanis hold a memorial flag raising to honor the memory of a veteran who has passed. Since the first ceremony in November 2002, there have been 172 such ceremonies.

Located a short distance from the memorial on the far west end of the Common is the Norfleet Cotton Press, which was listed

of Commerce and then in the Bridgers-Clark Building.

Today, as has always been the case, the museum is dependent on the generosity of others as it accepts no money from any government agency.

When the museum first opened, it had about 50 items to display. Two weeks later, according to a story in the Rocky Mount Telegram, the collection had grown to more than 300 artifacts.

Eighteen years later, there are more than 20,000 artifacts — ranging from the Revolutionary War to the present day and including weapons, ammunition, medals, uniforms, bivouac equipment and items brought back from war, such as a “Rising Sun” flag from World War II.

on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The press was built about 1840 as a cider and wine press and was converted to a cotton press about 1860 because of the growing need to harvest and process the cotton crop and form bales of cotton for shipping.

Built of yellow pine, it is one of three remaining cotton presses known to exist and was originally built as a cider and wine press. The other two presses are located near Latta, S.C., and Derry, La.

Today, the museum collection includes approximately 1,000 photographs of Edgecombe County natives in their respective uniforms.

It is also home to the Gen. Henry Hugh Shelton Collection — memorabilia of the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest ranking military officer in the United States military.

The Shelton Collection includes photos of him as a youngster at Speed showing his livestock in a 4-H Club Show, awards presented to him by foreign governments as well as his own support staff.

Shelton’s memorabilia also includes his final paycheck — in the amount of 82 cents.

In its collection, the museum also houses a World War II Jeep — still operational — that is

According to the N.C. State Historic Preservation Office, the press is “a rare survival of a once frequent plantation structure.” The press was moved to its current location in 1938 and restored in 1976. A pavilion resembling the original shed was built to protect the press from the elements

often

Twice annually, on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the museum holds memorial brick-laying ceremonies along the south wall of the Colonial Theater.

The museum is also responsible for a large mural on that same, southern wall. The mural depicts Edgecombe County residents at war, beginning in the Revolution and continuing through present-day.

The mural, at 50-feet tall and more than 200-feet long, is one of the largest in the state.

Currently, ECVMM is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Volunteers and tax-deductible donations are always welcome and appreciated.

must see places in COUNTY

Hyde

Story & Photos by Sandy Carawan

Amid Hyde County’s vast 1,424 square miles, a little more than half of it water, exists many beautiful and distinctive sites, natural and manmade, from the top of Mattamuskeet Lodge on the mainland to the top of Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island and all places in between along its winding roads of vast farmland and its sand-covered roads spanning between the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

One of half a dozen of North Carolina’s oldest counties, historic Hyde County and its cultural landscape and waterscape have been influenced and shaped by its first inhabitants more than a few hundred years ago.

Mattamuskeet National

Wildlife Refuge

On the mainland, the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, home to Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina’s largest natural freshwater lake, is not only host to diverse habitats within its waters, marshes and woodlands, but provides opportunities to learn more about the species that exist there.

The Charles Kuralt Trail on N.C. 94 has an information panel and a gazebo with an observation deck.

From N.C. 94, the 2-mile Mattamuskeet Road leads to the Refuge Headquarters. Midway, another wildlife drive connects and runs along the south side looping back to N.C. 94. Both roads offer spectacular views.

The Refuge Headquarters provides interactive, interpretive exhibits regarding the habitats of not only black bear, deer, bobcat and otter, but also wading birds, shorebirds, birds of prey and waterfowl. One can also learn about the habitats of amphibians and reptiles.

The New Holland Trail Boardwalk bends and laces through a bald cypress wetland

Today, the mainland and Ocracoke Island offer a variety of unique experiences for people of all ages and interests to enjoy. Whether you are driving west along U.S. 264 or south along N.C. 94 on the mainland or using the one-way fare ferry from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke Island or driving south on N.C. 12 and using the free ferry at Hatteras Island to get to Ocracoke, these are five recommended places you should plan on experiencing.

During the summer, it’s best to obtain ferry reservations. For ferry fares, schedules and reservations, visit online at https://www. ncdot.gov/divisions/ferry/

where your senses are heightened in the silence of nature.

The Central Canal Road and the East Main Canal Road start behind the Mattamuskeet Lodge and lead to various boat ramps and observation decks where more impressive views and experiences are possible.

The Mattamuskeet Lodge, a famous landmark, not only served as a hunting lodge, but hosted various community events before closing in 1974. From 1909-1932, it originally served as a pumping station in an attempt to drain the lake to create additional farmland.

The Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, located nine miles east of Swan Quarter, is accessible via U.S. 264 and N.C. 94.

For further information, visit online at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/mattamuskeet

Martelle’s Feed House Restaurant and Oyster Bar

After your adventure at the refuge, be sure to follow U.S. 264 to enjoy a meal at Martelle’s Feed House Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Engelhard at 33301 U.S. 264 where the food is served southern comfort style.

For 25 years, Martelle Marshall has been serving cuisine not only rooted deep in tradition that reflects his background and Hyde County, but food that is contemporary and innovative upon which he prides himself.

Martelle’s specializes in eastern North Carolina cooked-over-coals barbecue, fresh seafood, steak, pork and chicken.

While the menu offers a wide variety of appetizers and sandwiches, there are other options such as wraps and salads.

Friday and Saturday nights offer specials such as Prime Rib, Cowboy Chops or Grilled Tuna.

Each Sunday’s buffet - unique every Sunday - features mainstays such as fried shrimp and fried chicken, but alternates between other savory meat choices always complimented by various succulent sides.

When in season, the oyster bar serves a peck of fresh, local oysters any way you want — fried, grilled, steamed or raw with either horseradish, Texas Pete, melted butter or Martelle’s homemade oyster sauce.

Open year-round but closed on Monday, lunch hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and dinner hours are 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday’s lunch hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and dinner hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. The Sunday buffet is 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The Pony Pen at Ocracoke Island

The Pony Pen is located along N.C. 12’s soundside and is one of the first stops after getting off of the Hatteras Island ferry or one of the last stops at the north end of the island.

Regarded as ponies, this rare breed of short-backed and short-legged horses are different in size and weight due to their different number of ribs and vertebrae.

Few in number today, different historical accounts claim that they are the offspring of either Spanish, Arab or English stock driven to the island as a result of storm-wrecked voyages more than a few centuries ago.

According to newspaper accounts from the late 1800s and early 1900s, people from

Springer’s Point

Nature Preserve

About a quarter-mile from the lighthouse is Springer’s Point, a 122-acre nature preserve that offers an easy hike set in tranquility.

It’s best to access Springer’s Point by walking. There is a bike rack outside of the gate, but do not plan on leaving a golf cart or car – there is no space to park near this residential area.

Go beyond the gate where the trail opens

Ocracoke Lighthouse

For nearly 200 years, the Ocracoke Lighthouse has endured tempestuous weather standing strong in its watch guiding sailing vessels through Ocracoke Inlet.

Surrounded by cedar thickets and live oak trees, the lighthouse and the keeper’s quarters stand upon some of the island’s highest land where it was built in 1823 by Noah Porter. Porter constructed it with brick, built its base walls five feet thick to support its 75-foot height, and covered its exterior walls with a hand-spread mortar.

Through the years, the lighthouse has undergone changes and renovations to keep its structure strong and functional. Its lighting has changed from whale oil to lard to kerosene

the mainland bought the ponies for farm or saddle use or gave them to their children as gifts. The ponies were also periodically rounded up and sold to the public to prevent overpopulation.

While the National Park Service rangers used to ride them for beach patrol, members of the Boy Scouts Troop, first formed on the island in 1953, had to catch, tame and teach his pony navigation.

During the 1950s, however, when NC 12 transitioned from sand to pavement, the increase of vehicles threatened their independence.

Since 1959, the National Park Service has been caring for them. They are corralled within 180 acres with freedom to roam and graze on marshland or feed on hay near their stables.

to a winding tunnel of thickets beneath a canopy of age-old twisted live oaks and let yourself wander in the magic of this maritime forest.

The trail eventually opens to a scene of billowy waves on the southeast shore at Teach’s Hole in the Pamlico Sound. The infamous pirate, Edward Teach, or Blackbeard, used Springer’s Point as one of his many places to rejuvenate from his piratical plundering. This is where Lieutenant Robert Maynard of the Colonial Navy captured, shot and decapitated Blackbeard in 1718.

to a fourth-order Fresnel lens to electric bulbs and now a stationary light that operates from a 250-watt quartz-halogen marine bulb.

While the Ocracoke Lighthouse is the shortest in height among other North Carolina lighthouses, it is not only the oldest operating lighthouse in the state, but the second oldest lighthouse still in continuous operation in the United States.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is located at 360 Lighthouse Road and is open year-round. Parking is provided, but is limited. While visitors can visit the grounds, climbing the lighthouse or visiting the keeper’s quarters are prohibited.

For more information, visit online at https:// www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/ols.htm

The Pony Pen provides adequate parking. For more information, visit online at https:// www.nps.gov/caha/learn/historyculture/ ocracokeponies.htm

These must-see places not only teach us about a fascinating history and how the past has shaped the present, but how important it is to teach younger generations the importance of preserving the history and culture of our communities.

According to historical accounts, Blackbeard’s severed head was secured on the bowsprit of Maynard’s vessel and taken to Williamsburg, Virginia for public display. But his body was left at Springer’s Point, and according to local legend, his ghost still roams among the trails.

Springer’s Point Nature Preserve, located at 104 Loop Road, is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily

For more information, visit online at https://coastallandtrust.org/lands/ springers-point-preserve/

Story by John Foley

Photos by John Foley & Contributed

Washington County hosts travelers and tourists from the world over each year.

The 424-square-mile county, hugs the southern portion of Albemarle Sound and the Roanoke River - referred to by some residents as the American Amazon. With a population of just under 12,000, the county boasts a wildlife population that easily tops that.

The American Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Wild Turkeys of astronomical proportion, along with Gray Squirrels, Marsh Rabbits and Eastern Cottontail Rabbits mingle with Northern

Lake Pungo, Phelps Lake

Both lakes are located within the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Reserve was established in 1990 and while originally, 12,000-acre the southwestern portion of the refuge is now known as the Pungo Unit and was established in 1963 as the Pungo National Wildlife Refuge.

5It was merged in 1990 with Pocosin Lakes. The National Wildlife Refuge today encompasses 110,106 acres. The refuge is named for the pocosin peat wetlands that make up the majority of the protected habitat. Home to indigenous animals such as the black bear, alligator, two species of fox, bobcat, raccoon, coyote, opossum, beaver, river otter, mink and red wolf the reserve plays host to

Bobwhite Quail and Wayne’s Black Throated Green Warblers, making the area an adventurers wonderland and a birders paradise.

Located on the edges of Bertie and Tyrell counties, Washington County was formed in 1799 and has historic roots that run deep in the State. It was named for George Washington and has become a destination for history buffs, sightseers, nature lovers, hikers and paddlers.

While numerous communities dot the county, the towns of Plymouth, Creswell, and Roper play host to most of those who visit.

visitors from around the world.

It was the site chosen for the reintroduction of the endangered red wolf in 1987 and today there are twelve wolves in the reserve. It is located along the Atlantic Flyway and is home to more than 200 species of birds.

The Pungo Lake unit is a notable overwintering site for Tundra swans, snow geese, and many species of ducks, with about 100,000 waterfowl in residence between November and January, yearly.

Lake Phelps is North Carolina's second largest natural lake. It has a surface area of 16,600 acres, and it is located primarily in Washington County.

The lake is a beautiful mystery formed on a vast peninsula lying between the Albemarle Sound and the Pamlico River and is believed to be more than 38,000 years old.

The Phelps Lake Loop Trail is a moderate, 6.4mile loop hike with a 1060 foot elevation gain with an average slope of just seven percent. The trail features mild elevation gain, several bridge crossings and other trail obstacles, such as exposed roots and rocks.

One of the major attractions of the lake is the Phelps Lake Jumping Rock. Located on the northeastern shore of Phelps Lake, the Jumping Rock rises about 25 feet above this serene glaciallyfed body of water.

The lakes are perfect for boating, kayaking and paddle boarding. Location: 2252 Lake Shore Rd, Creswell, NC 27928

Barnyard Betsy’s

A trip to Creswell, would not be complete without visiting the newly opened eatery, Barnyard Betsy’s. The property is owned by Creswell Town Entrepreneur Paulique M.D. Horton is the center of activity in this tiny hamlet that serves as the gateway to Somerset Place and Lake Phelps and Lake Pungo.

Named after the owner’s grandmother, “Who served as a friend, mentor and inspiration,” according to Horton, has modernized sandwiches to fit today’s appetites. While named after Horton’s Grandmother, this is not your Grandmother’s Sandwich shop. The portions are large, the ingredients fresh and the ambiance delightful.

The recently renovated Bright Barnyard Red building has provided the town residents and tourists with some of the best Hoagies and Cheesesteak Sandwiches on the East Coast.

Town of Plymouth

The quaint town of Plymouth is currently experiencing a resurgence as its Main Street is becoming revitalized with eateries, antique stores and retail that fits the needs of the community and those who visit.

With two bookend museums, the Port O’Plymouth Museum on one end of Water Street, with a replica of the Albemarle docked at its banks, and the Maritime Museum and a replica of the Roanoke Lighthouse No. 2 on the other end is a window shopping stroller’s delight.

Located in the Inner Banks of northeastern North Carolina the town was first established in 1787 and now is the county seat.

Much more than a simple sandwich shop, Horton and her team of culinary experts add warmth to cold sandwiches and heat up the place with their friendly, hospitable vibes that were obviously instilled by a family that cared about food and each other.

Currently the anchor store for this town on the rise, Horton and her team are now undertaking a town renovation that will include other retailers and services.

The Barnyard Betsy menu reads like a Philadelphia Cheesesteak and Hoagie playbook. Realizing the needs of the community and the early morning traveler, BarnyardBetsy’s also offers breakfast along with lunch. The outdoor patio, nestled under the pines is complete with tables, chairs and a house cat that purrs along with every bite.

Unlike other sandwich shops, Betsy’s offers

an array of incredible handmade desserts complete with chocolate or caramel sauce if you dare. Open seven days a week Betsy’s is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s also open on Sunday. Location: 106 East Main St., Creswell, NC 27928, Hours: Monday through Wednesday: 11a.m. – 7p.m., Thursday through Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

A diverse community of 3,320 with a rich history, Plymouth used its location on the Roanoke River to become an important hub for commerce and trade.

In 1808 a federal customs house opened in Plymouth and by 1831 the United States Congress funded a lightship that was anchored at the mouth of the Roanoke River.

In 1867, the Roanoke River Lighthouse was lit to serve this purpose. A replica of the lighthouse, including a Fresnel lens, can be visited across from the Maritime Museum on the banks of the Roanoke.

With a rich Civil War history, The Port O’Plymouth Museum offers a wonderful visual overview of what took place on the banks of the river. Museum Curator Scott Liverman is quick to share his knowledge of the many artifacts on display, including a massive 30star flag that once hung above the Federal House.

Plymouth also plays host yearly to a summer Boat Show, a Bear Festival and visitors casting a line or two.

For those in search of culinary adventures, the Riverview Cafe, (108 East Water St.)

owned by Lou and Jill Manring offers a serene view of the Roanoke in the recently remodeled building.

The Riverview also offers a wide selection of local artisan-crafted artwork and a selection of antiques of days past.

Down the block from the Riverview, Bistro 116, (116 E. Water St.) the creation of Chefs Daniel and Sylvie Boutique offers a weekly changing menu focused on relaxed fine dining in a beautiful scenic river setting.

After dinner, guests may enjoy ice cream at the recently opened Le Rendez Vous Cafe (111 Water St.) where Batigue shares her taste for ice cream and her style with gifts and more.

Somerset Place National Historic Site

The bucolic setting of Somerset Place is the perfect backdrop for history enthusiasts looking to picture days gone by as one can almost hear the string music from the 1700’s whispering through the pines. Somerset Place Historic Site Manager Karen Hayes provides a yearly Days Gone By gathering during the summer months.

The Somerset Place Plantation offers a realistic view of 19th-century life on a large North Carolina plantation. Originally, this unusual plantation included more than 100,000 densely wooded, mainly swampy acres bordering the five-by-eight mile Lake Phelps, in present-day Washington County.

During its 80 years as an active plantation (1785-1865), hundreds of acres were converted into high-yielding fields of rice, corn, oats, wheat, beans, peas and flax; sophisticated

Davenport Homestead

Built around 1790, the Davenport Homestead in eastern Washington County is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties and is the oldest surviving homestead open to public in the region.

sawmills turned out thousands of feet of lumber. By 1865, Somerset Place was one of the upper South's largest plantations. According to Bill Barber, a site docent, “When people first moved here in 1660 they cut timber. They started making shingles in the early 1700s. From 1768 to 1775 over 5 million shingles were exported. They would bring back sugar, flour and rum,” said Barber, adding, “We had the wood. We had the white cedar and cypress, very valuable woods.”

According to Barber, shingling began to taper off in the early 1900’s. Today one can tour the grounds and visit the dwellings of enslaved plantation workers, walk through the Pines and tour the plantation’s grounds and outbuildings. Somerset Place, 2572 Lake Shore Road,Creswell, N.C. 27928 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed

Sunday, Monday, and most major holidays

Admission to the site and self-guided tours are free. Guided tour fees: $2/adults; $1/ children (ages 5-12); $1/ seniors (ages 65 & older) Contact: 252-379-6020 somerset@ ncdcr.gov

Home to generations of the Davenport line, the building first housed the family of Daniel Davenport, Washington County’s first representative to the North Carolina Senate.

After his death in 1808, Davenport descendants continued to live in the structure

into the 1970s, leading lives little changed from those of their ancestors nearly 200 years before. Without the convenience of either electricity or running water, the homestead’s final occupants – Harriet and Jerd Davenport – led lives of true simplicity.

Both the original home and a collection of outbuildings have been furnished with pieces that tell a visual story of life in Washington County in the years following the American Revolution.

The Davenport Homestead is located about three miles off of U.S. 64 just west of Creswell, in the community known as Mt. Tabor. It is owned and maintained by the Historical Society of Washington County.

It has been renovated by the Historical Society and several outbuildings have been added. Daniel Davenport and his family lived in the house in the late 1700's. Daniel was Washington County's first state senator from 1800 until 1807. Davenport Homestead: Mt Tabor Rd, Creswell (NC), 27970, For More Information: https://www.facebook.com/ Davenport-Homestead-115206958582792/

Story by Tyler Newman

Photos by Tyler Newman & Contributed

hile Chowan County is the smallest county in North Carolina, it makes up for that with broad appeal to both historical tourists and nature-lovers alike.

One of the first counties formed in the state, Chowan County boasts one of North Carolina’s colonial capitals: Edenton. Retaining much of the heritage and history that made it so vital in the 18th century, Edenton is the cultural, commercial and tourism hub of the county, situated along an extension of Albemarle Sound along the southern coast.

Despite Edenton holding a majority of the county’s attractions, there is still plenty to see across its 233 square miles from Sign Pine to Sandy Point. Here are some worthwhile visits if one happens to find themselves in Chowan County.

Penelope Barker House

Perhaps Edenton’s most famous house –aside from the Cupola House – the Penelope Barker House glistens on the waterfront as a shining example of Edenton’s colonial heritage. The house today wears many hats, including being a visitor’s center for the town, a museum of local history and the home of the Edenton Historical Commission nonprofit.

A gift shop is available downstairs, with books and reading materials in the parlor. Upstairs holds various museum exhibits, including the history of Edenton’s women, the Edenton Tea Party, Penelope Barker’s family and a revolving exhibit which currently features the history of colonial chairs in the region.

The house itself was built in 1782, consisting of the parlor wing and a half hall. It was added onto three times by 1840 to its present state, which includes three floors and

Chowan

Edenton Historic District

Featuring 18th and 19th century history, North Carolina's second oldest townEdenton - was one of early America’s political, cultural and commercial centers. The town was established in the late 17th century and incorporated in 1722.

Once North Carolina’s second largest port, Edenton provided enslaved men and women with a means of escape via the Maritime Underground Railroad before Emancipation. Today, it features an extensive historic district with architectural styles spanning 250 years, such as the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse National Historic Landmark, Cupola House, Iredell House and Historic Hicks Field.

Walking to visit various sites downtown are free and self-guided, with brochures and maps available at the town’s welcome centers. Historical markers dot Edenton’s streets, denoting the history and legacy of many of the sites, both good and bad.

eight fireplaces. Penelope Barker, the home’s namesake, was one of 51 ladies who signed their names to a petition resolving not to buy or use British goods because of taxes levied by the king. Their protest in 1774 became known as the “Edenton Tea Party.”

Downstairs in the gift shop, one can also

If one cares to hear from a local expert, sites in the historic district can be toured via guide with an All-Sites Tour at either 10 a.m., noon or 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Guided Docent Tours are $5 per adult and $2.50 per child (3-15).

Individual Site Tours can also take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at $2.50 per adult and $1.50 per child (3-15).

For tour information, visit the Historic Edenton State Historic Site Visitor Center at 108 North Broad St. in Edenton on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached at (252) 482-2637 or at www.historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/historicedenton.

purchase tickets to ride on Edenton’s historic trolley, which provides guests and locals alike with a fresh look at the town’s sites via a one hour trip.

The Penelope Barker House Welcome Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and can be reached at (252) 482-7800.

must see places in

Bennett Millpond

Located approximately seven miles north of Edenton in the middle of the county, Bennett Millpond is tucked away in nature, surrounded by forest on all sides and gentle farmland beyond that. The millpond gives way to a creek which eventually opens wide to join the Chowan River just a few miles beyond its source.

Like Merchants Millpond to the north in Gates County, Bennett Millpond is a hidden gem of Chowan County and a good option for beginner and seasoned paddlers alike.

Bennett’s Millpond offers about five miles of upstream paddling through cypress trees, past beaver lodges and amidst flocks of diverse waterfowl. Folks can also paddle Rocky Hock Creek down to its conclusion in the Chowan River. Both millpond and creek paddling can be enjoyed from the same putin.

Expect anywhere from three hours to a half day of paddling if one chooses to take the Bennett Millpond/Rocky Hock Creek routes.

A pavilion, boardwalk, primitive campsites and picnic area are also available at the

1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse

The 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse is a popular and beautiful visitor attraction in North Carolina’s first colonial capital. It is one of the last surviving screwpile lighthouses of its kind in the United States.

The lighthouse originally stood sentry in the mouth of the Roanoke River as a guide for ships navigating the waters of the Albemarle Sound into the river itself, and then, after being decommissioned in 1941, was moved by barge to private land, where it ultimately became worn down as a neglected residence.

“After being acquired by the local Edenton Historical Commission and gifted to the state of North Carolina, a band of dedicated volunteers, public officials and preservationists brought it to its final home,” the website proudly states. “With state funds, the structural restoration work was completed as volunteer donations and furnishings were gathered.”

One important note, however: the

millpond as well as an N.C. Birding Trail site.

Birds that can be seen from the trail include anhinga, blue heron, hooded merganser, hooded warbler, prothonotary warbler, summer tanager and wading birds.

Public access to the pond is located at

1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse should not be confused with the replica of the 1866 Roanoke River Lighthouse in Plymouth, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse that once stood in Croatan Sound, or the replica of Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on the waterfront near Manteo. The lighthouse in Edenton is original.

This beautiful structure is open for tours, giving a total and complete look at life on the water from the vantage point of the lighthouse keeper. It is also located within easy walking distance from downtown Edenton and is renowned as being a great spot for shooting photos of Edenton Bay and the wider surroundings.

Period furnishings inside the lighthouse are provided by the Edenton Historical Commission, headquartered at the nearby Penelope Barker House.

There is also plenty of parking nearby, wifi and bathrooms in adjacent Colonial Park as well as picnic benches and a playground for the family.

Tours can be arranged by contacting

For more information on the millpond or reservations, contact the Edenton-Chowan Recreation Department at (252) 482-8595 or email Recreation Director Shannon Ray at shannon.ray@chowan.nc.gov.

Historic Edenton State Historic Sites at 108 North Broad St. in Edenton on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached at (252) 482-2637.

2100 Rocky Hock Road during daylight hours.

National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium

Just outside of Edenton’s thriving downtown, en route to Windsor via West Queen Street, is the Edenton National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium.

Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, the hatchery is one of more than 80 federal hatcheries throughout the country dedicated to the preservation of America’s fishing tradition.

Since 1898, Edenton National Fish Hatchery staff have produced warm water fish for public use, restoration, and/or threatened/ endangered species recovery. All of the current fish programs are in cooperation with and supported by the state of North Carolina.

Typically, the hatchery hosts fishing derbies for locals and visitors to come out and test their mettle. However, this year those derbies are on hiatus due to replacement of pond kettles.

Visitors can come by the public aquarium

at various points in the year and see fish species ranging from striped bass and lake sturgeon to white shiners, Johnny darters, Cape Fear shiners and gopher frogs.

The hatchery also boasts a short trail to a dock along Pembroke Creek that can be fished

from to one’s heart’s content.

The Edenton National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium are open for free to the public Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and can be reached at (252) 482-4118 or www. fws.gov/edenton.

COASTAL MEDICAL TRANSPORT

Whitford& Associates, Inc.

must see places in

Pitt

COUNTY

Story by Donna Marie Williams & Thadd White Photos by Donna Marie Williams & Contributed

Pitt County is one of the region’s most vibrant centers of commerce, trades and the arts. In addition to being home to the state’s premier eastern North Carolina University – East Carolina University – it is home to a variety of opportunities to spend a day, a weekend or a longterm visit.

In addition, the county is one of the leading places for medicine with East Carolina Health – a partnership between East Carolina University and the former Vidant Medical –being the premier medical provider.

The county is also home to a host of parks, craft beer and good food of just about every variety.

Named for William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, Pitt County was broken away from Beaufort County in the 1760s. It is home to slightly less than 180,000 people – led by Greenville’s 92,000-plus citizens.

Winterville Brews Fun

Two Winterville breweries – Local Oak Brewing Company and Nauti Dog Brewing Company - are drawing large crowds downtown while providing fun and entertainment to the Winterville community.

Opening in 2019, Local Oak operates using a three-barrel operation consisting of five seven-gallon tanks. Each tank contains

BBQ capital of Pitt County

Ayden, where ‘Que Marks the Spot,’ has a rich history of wood-smoked barbeque with two families – the Jones’ and the Dennis’dominating the barbeque market for many years.

Together Bum’s Restaurant and Catering and Skylight Inn have drawn large crowds into town with their savoring barbeque and sides and helped define the town.

Cooked on site, Bum’s eastern style BBQ is enjoyed by many. It began with Latham “Bum” Dennis in 1963 and has continued with his family.

“Our eastern-style BBQ sauce, which is vinegar based, is unique to eastern North Carolina and an instant identifier for our BBQ. Locally, we don’t chop our cue as fine as other restaurants. We prefer to leave bigger chunks of meat because we feel it helps preserve the flavor and texture of our BBQ,” said Emily Dunn, granddaughter of Bum.

The BBQ is cooked over oak wood with a little bit of pecan sprinkled in with the wood sourced as locally as possible.

Bum’s offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a local hangout spot for the Ayden community.

“Some of our current regular customers

a different beer and is crafted by owner and brewmaster Ben Self.

The menu at Local Oak is also everchanging with Self crafting new recipes. With 12 beers on tap and wine, seltzers and cider offerings, there is something for everyone at Local Oak.

“We never brew the same beer twice. We like to experiment with different recipes,” Self said, adding the exception of their summertime Cerveza.

Like Local Oak, Nauti Dog also keeps 12 beers on tap, which includes 10 in-house brews. Nauti Dog also has a selection of wines, ciders, seltzers and wine slushies.

Since opening in 2020, Nauti Dog operates with a five-barrel system and has been the site of many local events, including

are third and fourth generation patrons. While some things have changed over the years, our commitment to serving our customers quality food with a familyfriendly atmosphere have never wavered,” Dunn said.

Better known as Pete Jones’ BBQ, Skylight Inn has been serving BBQ the old-fashioned way since 1974. Cooked over wood, the whole-hog BBQ is rich in taste and flavor.

Skylight’s renown is known throughout the east and has been served to many including President Ronald Reagan and Vice President Bush. Skylight has also been featured on multiple television networks, such as the Travel Channel, Food Network and History Channel and in many print publications.

For more information visit skylightinnbbq. com and facebook.com and search for Bum’s Restaurant and Catering on Facebook.

Pints and Poses, car cruise-ins, open micnight and Boogie Bingo.

Beer offerings are also consistently changing as owners Chuck and Janis Smith, Miranda Smith and Jon Tart worked find the perfect recipes.

“(Nauti Dog) is a good place if you want to start getting into beer. We have a little bit of everything,” Miranda said.

“We offer table-side service too. We like to come up to you and have conversations.”

Both breweries provide more than finely crafted craft beer, they provide community. The breweries have become a popular hangout spot for young professionals and families.

For more information visit www. localoakbrewery.com and nautidogbrewingco. com.

East Carolina University Sports

Whether its a beautiful spring day with one of the nation’s top baseball programs on the field at Clark-LeClair Stadium or an improving softball team playing in friendly confines of Max R. Joyner Family Stadium, a fall Saturday inside state-of-the-art DowdyFicklen Stadium for football or a winter day inside Minges Coliseum with either basketball team on the floor – East Carolina University has something for every sports fan.

East Carolina offers 18 different sports from the well-known teams like the Pirate football team, which draws record crowds on Saturdays, and the ECU baseball team, which is a perennial national power, to lesser known

Wildwood Park

Whether wanting to spend a day fishing, a night camping or an afternoon with family, Wildwood Park in Greenville is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauteous outdoors of Pitt County.

sports like volleyball, soccer, lacrosse and track and field. There are also cross country, golf and spirit teams for the Pirates.

One of the most well-known things about ECU is the team mascot “Pirates.” East Carolina University adopted Pirates as an athletic namesake because the school is located near the North Carolina coast where pirates often harbored their ships. Edward Teach, known as "Blackbeard," had property in Bath and on Ocracoke Island.

Those wishing to see the Pirates play can do so by going to ecupirates.com and clicking on the link to tickets. There one can find tickets to any event for which admission is charged. For other sports, go to the same

Fishing is permitted at Wildwood from any location on the banks of the park. Some banks are easier to access than others, with the eastern banks steeper than the others. There is no charge for visitors to fish, but anyone over 15 will be required to have a fishing license from N.C. Wildlife.

The only boats allowed at Wildwood at the current time are of the non-motorized variety, including canoes, kayaks and standup paddle boards. Greenville Parks and Recreation encourage launching from the accessible dock behind the large covered pavilions.

Camping is allowed at platforms which require hiking or biking from the parking lot or by boat from the Tar River. To do so, one should call River Park North at 252-329-4560.

website and click on the individual sport and find the appropriate schedule.

Bicycling and hiking are allowed at Wildwood around the 1.5-mil nature surface trail, which follows the perimeter of the lake. ATVs, dirt bikes and golf carts are not allowed at this time.

There is a large pavilion at the park and those wishing to use the facility should call 252-329-4567 for more information about how to use it. Other amenities at the park include the natural surface trail, kayak launch, floating deck, sand beaches and the camping platform.

Wildwood Park is located at 2450 Blue Heron Drive in Greenville and is open from dawn to dusk each day. Everyone is asked to leave the park by sunset each day.

A Time for Science

What began as a way to enhance science literacy and education has grown into so much more with a partnership with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science. With two locations, A Time for Science provides unique educational opportunities in the realm of science, nature and astronomy.

In Greenville, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences provides exciting exhibits, mindopening programs, science camps, fairs, e-mentoring programs and has a goal to engage children in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and arts (STEAM) education.

Along the Contentnea Creek, A Time for

Science provides a space for children and adults to get into nature, explore and learn. With a focus on astronomy and environmental education and outdoor recreation, there is so much to enjoy on the 380 acres of Bray Hollow Conservancy land.

Here one can explore four distinct habitats – stream, forest, swamp and ponds – with each habitat home to unique creatures, plants and more.

A Time for Science in Grifton also features the Chia-yu- Li Planetarium, nature classes, kayaking, observatory and more. It’s remote location far from the light-pollution of the world provides ample opportunity to gaze at the night sky with telescopes as you wander from stars, galaxies and planets.

For more information visit atimeforscience. org.

must see places in

Nash

Nash County has an extraordinary talent for taking the ordinary and transforming it into something unexpectedly delightful.

A desire to preserve history while creating unique space for the present has produced

two places you’ll love to explore: the Rocky Mount Mills and The Imperial Centre of the Arts and Sciences, both in Rocky Mount.

The sprawling Tar River Reservoir is a magnet for fishing and boating, and one can smell, taste and shop for Southern food

Imperial Centre For The Arts and Sciences

Visitors to the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount are always surprised at what’s inside.

Named for the Imperial Tobacco Company, which once occupied the major portion of the 135,000-square-foot site and sat dormant for fifty years, the Centre is owned and operated by the c ity of Rocky Mount and was opened in 2006 after two years of restoration and renovation. Perhaps the most-visited section is the Children’s Museum and Science Center. Cummins Planetarium can set up to 50 for full-dome planetarium and laser light shows such as the seasonal “Legends Of The Night Sky” and “Colors Of The World.” They are included with museum admission.

“Human Plus.” a current exhibit, allows visitors to use high-tech tools to extend the abilities of the human body, including how to “feel” music with a special touch panel and discover how people can control neuroprosthetic limbs with a thought.

The PNC Live Animal Gallery has a living marsh exhibit featuring a 2,800-gallon saltwater aquarium housing a variety of Atlantic Ocean sea creatures, a live alligator and a variety of displays about North Carolina and World flora and fauna.

Also on site is an Art Gallery and a variety of seasonal theatre productions, including YouTube recordings of Shakespeare Sonnets.

The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. It is closed Mondays. For more

delicacies their grandparents loved at Smith’s Red & White in Dortches.

Round out your experience with a trip to the Corner Coffee Café in Nashville for a milkshake or coffee and pastry… and then feel free to start all over.

information on shows and exhibits, visit imperialcentre.org.

Story by Nancy West-Brake Photos by Thadd White & Contributed COUNTY

Tar River Reservoir

The Tar River Reservoir, a 694-acre lake with hundreds of miles of shoreline, makes its claim to fame not for the water that it supplies to the city of Rocky Mount, but for what’s in it.

Especially popular with fishermen because of its Largemouth Bass, Channel Cats, Black Crappie and Bluegill, the Tar River River reservoir is the location for approximately thirty fishing tournaments each year, including the locally promoted DownEast Youth and Adult Bass Fishing Tournament.

Professional fisherman Dustin Wilks, who hosts “Catching Bass With Dustin Wilks” on the Sportsman Channel, said fishing is the biggest recreational use of the reservoir, so much so that during Covid, fish populations took a hit from the pressure.

The Reservoir’s large surface makes for ideal water sports. Recreational boating tends to be higher on holiday weekends when water skiers, jet skiers and tubers enjoy the waters.

Smith’s Red & White

Most can remember treasuring a trip to a candy store at a young age to get the likes of nik-l-nips, atomic fireballs, mary janes, sour balls, and chocolate gold coins.

Nash County doesn’t have a candy store, but it’s got something better: Smith’s Red &White at 3635 North Halifax Road, Rocky Mount, that has an unparalleled candy selection. Bushel baskets of hard-to-find candy is one of the first things shoppers see, particularly at Christmas time. Smith’s Red & White, whose name was handed down from Red & White grocery stores that dotted rural Southern towns in the 1930’s and 1940’s, isn’t just famous for its candy. It’s also the meat.

“Our fresh meat is what put us on the map,” said owner Bruce Smith, who got the place from his Dad, Sherwood Smith.

Rick Prosnit of Red Oak, a frequent shopper, couldn’t agree more.

“The meats are fresh, and you know it’s good quality. Honesty, it’s the best sausage you can get,” Prosnit said, who called the seasoning “absolutely delicious.”

Smith’s Red & White produces over 10,000

Larger boat traffic is limited to the northern end of the reservoir because some of the bridges, such as South Old Carriage Road, are too low for larger boats, making the southern end ideal for kayakers and smaller craft. Public boat access is available at the Bend Of The River Boat Ramp.

pounds of sausage a week using a 60-yearold recipe. Prosnit said he’s met people from New York, Michigan and Ohio who load up their shopping carts with the sausage, which they transfer to coolers.

Country ham is another store specialty, along with cuts of meat not found in other

Monitored by

Tar-

with weekly water sampling from May 26-Sept. 3, the Tar River Reservoir consistently has a 100 percent passing rate for 2022 water quality standards, with results published at theswimguide.org.

stores, such as hog knuckles and chitlins. An instore Deli offers pork shoulders for barbecue and also sells chicken pastry, Brunswick stew, collard greens and home-made pimento cheese.

Smith’s Red & White is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sound Rivers and the

Pamlico Riverkeeper Jillian Howell,

Corner Coffee Cafe'

“Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door,” as Ralph Waldo Emerson may have said. But in Nashville, the Corner Coffee Café makes a better milkshake, and the locals beat a path there to partake.

Owners Laura and Randy Wood bought the shop at 201 West Washington Street in 2020. It already served coffee, but the Woods felt they could do more.

“We offer regular and loaded milkshakes,” Laura Wood said, describing the loaded milkshakes as “extreme.”

Among the most popular loaded milkshakes, which are 16 ounces and come in cups that are frosted and dipped, are “Smore’s Galore,” “Strawberry Cheesecake,” “Chocolate Extreme,” “Cinnamon Toast Crunch” and “Vanilla and Oreos.” Part of what pushes the creamy concoctions above and beyond are the toppings, which range from actual cheesecake to cupcakes and, as Laura Wood said, “anything in between.”

Rocky Mount Mills

One of the most popular social gathering spots in Nash County is Rocky Mount Mills, located at 1511 Falls Road in Rocky Mount.

Formerly an 1818 cotton yarn mill - the second to be built in North Carolina and on the National Register of Historic Places - the “Mills” is now home to five breweries with pubs, four restaurants, one coffeeshop and offers a unique combination of commercial and residential space with plenty of parking.

Beautifully landscaped with crepe myrtles and a combination of brick or concrete multilevel pathways, the Mills, located directly on the Tar River Falls, offers multiple indoor and outdoor nooks with seating ideal for quiet conversation.

Two main mill buildings include office or restaurant space on the ground floor and 50 loft apartments for residents above. The former Power House, managed by Rose Hill, has 5,000 feet of event space available for weddings, receptions, conferences and meetings.

Plank floors, regular skylights, cutouts with

Not one to rest on her laurels, Laura Wood, who had no prior food service experience, said she teaches herself by watching YouTube videos.

“I practiced every day,” Wood said. “I try to stay on top of all things popular so that’s how I added milk teas and boba and then the loaded energy teas. I want to offer things you can get in a bigger city without leaving our small town.”

Expect to spend some time poring over drink options, because screen after screen listing Espressos, Lattes, Mochas, Frappes, Smoothies, Hot Chocolates, Teas and Iced and Hot Coffee options leave customers with plenty to choose from as they stand at the counter to order.

Corner Coffee Café also offers a variety of fresh-baked goods including bagels, muffins, Danishes and apple fritters from partner businesses Winde Jackson Cakes (Rocky Mount), Around The Table (Nashville).and Farmer and the Dail (Snow Hill).

exposed steel or timber beams and interior brickwork invite walkers to explore or walk with a beer in hand amid the comfort of air conditioning.

Above the falls, an intricate array of steel girders, pulleys and winches bear testimony to the cotton mill’s legacy, to be remarked on while visitors enjoy the shade and flowers amid artfully placed tables and chairs.

Some of the breweries are nestled in what was once a 1901 shipping warehouse, with a Brewing & Entrepreneurial Lab for Nash

“Part of what makes us different is that we work with other small, local businesses, and the hospitality at our coffee shop sets us apart from others,” Laura Wood said. “Plus, we love being in such a great community and it’s easy to love what you do when you have such great customers!”

The Corner Coffee Café is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sundays.

Community College nearby. An 1891 canteen now houses the coffeehouse “Books and Beans.”

Paddlers on the Tar River Paddle Trail or other visitors may book overnight stays at some of the 20 tiny homes on site, managed by River & Twine, or in a renovated 1900s mill house.

For more information about the Rocky Mount Mills, including its ongoing series of musical and entertainment events, visit rockymountmills.com.

5must see places in

Northampton

Story by Thadd White Photos by Thadd White & Contributed

Ask most folks in Northampton County where they live and they’ll gladly tell you it is “God’s country.” It is hard to argue.

The beautiful landscape of the county’s farms and wildlife draw those who enjoy nature’s beauty. Add to that the waters of the Roanoke River and Lake Gaston and there are stunning views all around.

Add to the natural beauty a historic downtown in Jackson, one of the most beautiful veterans monuments in the region and a state-of-the-art shooting range and it is easy to see why Northampton County residents love their home.

Roanoke River

The river is home for Black Bear, River Otter, White Tail Deer, Bob Cats, Beaver, Mink and WildTurkey. There are 200 bird species including Bald Eagles, owl’s, and Osprey. A Bird Watchers Paradise.

The Roanoke River flows over 137 miles across North Carolina’s coastal plain and contains the largest intact bottomland forest ecosystem remaining in the mid-Atlantic. These bottomland forests and wetlands provide critical habitat for wildlife and more than 200 species of birds have been observed in the floodplain - including 51 species of neotropical migrants. TNC has helped to protect over 94,000 acres in the Roanoke River floodplain.

During spring and summer, birders can see large numbers of neotropical migrants including Prothonotary warbler, Louisiana waterthrush, American redstart, and the rare cerulean warbler. Other commonly seen birds include wood duck, mallard and eastern wild turkey.

TNC's Roanoke Preserves are not open to the public, but the Roanoke River can be accessed via the Roanoke River Paddle Trail and the paddle trail's camping platforms.

For information on planning paddle trips on the Roanoke, visit the Roanoke River Partners website; also check out the Fish and Wildlife's bird checklist.

Lafayette’s Tour

Jackson was one of the sites visited by American hero and French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette. He visited Northampton County on February 27, 1825. There he reunited with Col. William Polk, an old friend fro the Revolutionary War. He was received and addressed inside the Northampton County Courthouse by the first chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, John Louis Taylor.

Currently, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation is organizing the trail which was taken by Lafayette, which included stops in Murfreesboro, Enfield and on to Raleigh and then to South Carolina and Georgia.

According to battlefields.org, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, better known simply as the Marquis de Lafayette, was born into an extremely noble family in Chavaniac, France in 1757. In April of 1777, Lafayette embarked on the Victoire—a ship paid for with his personal funds—for North America desperate to serve as a military leader in the

Veteran’s Memorial

The northern Northampton County town of Conway took a step to honor veterans and provide a beautiful memorial to the same on Main Street in the town.

Back in May of 2007, the town broke ground on the memorial which was a project of the town’s board of commissioners.

In a letter, the veteran’s committee said, “This memorial will honor the service of the men and women who have defended freedom in the past, those who stand watch today and those who will carry the flag of this nation into the future.”

Residents and others were encouraged to buy bricks for veterans or to honor other special loved ones to help make the memorial a special place.

In November, 2008, a dedication was held at the site, which is located near the Conway Town Hall. The Veteran’s Park includes five pillars for the branches of service along with a

Revolution, despite a royal decree prohibiting French officers from serving in America. Shortly after arriving, the Continental Congress commissioned him a major general and he became a member of George Washington’s staff.

Lafayette was invited to return to the United States four decades after his service in the Revolutionary War. In 1824, Marquis de Lafayette was invited to visit the United States for the first time in 41 years, the Pomeroy Foundation says. As an American hero and one of the only surviving commanders from the Revolution, Lafayette’s visit to the U.S. was highly anticipated and met with a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement. Lafayette’s Tour extended from 1824 to 1825. During this period of time he visited Washington D.C., as well as other major cities and small communities across 24 states.

Jackson and other cities Lafayette visit plan to celebrate his trip in 2024.

large American flag, as well as a North Carolina flag and a POW/MIA flag. There is also a World War II Memorial given by Winfred S. Outland Sr. and Janie Martin Outland.

conwaytownhall@mchsi.com.

Bricks scatter the landscape with names of those who have served or are serving. For more information, email

The Odom Shooting Range just outside Jackson, provides one of the newest avenues for those who like to get outside and target practice or get guns prepared for the various hunting seasons.

“We are constantly trying to expand our range program,” said N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Shooting Sports Coordinator Josh Jernigan. “Any time we have the opportunity to do so, we do.”

The Odom Shooting Range basically was a “right time, right place” situation, according to Jernigan. N.C. Wildlife was already involved with the Department of Public Safety, who operated the now closed Odom Correctional Institute, in providing a new boat ramp.

Those wishing to use the Odom Safety Range can show up any time during the hours of operation, which include Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“To begin with, you have to watch a fiveminute safety video if it’s your first time shooting at a range,” Taylor said. “Those who wish to shoot should bring their own eye and ear protection and their own paper targets.”

Those interested in using the facility can use anything except 50 BMG or tracer rounds. Those are prohibited.

The Odom Shooting Range is located at

Boon’s

Mill

Boon’s Mill, a former Civil War battleground site, has become home to a variety of wildlife and a quiet place for folks to spend an afternoon.

The site, just west of Jackson, is home to a place to hold a family picnic and fish off the pier. There flowing waters of Boone’s Millpond is surrounded by foilage that makes for a scenic spot right off U.S. 158.

The site itself is home to a N.C. Historical Marker for the battle fought there. According to the N.C. Department of Cultural and Natural Resources, that occurred in July of 1863 when the Union Army made advances towards Weldon with the intent of destroying the railroad bridge over the Roanoke River.

On July 28, 1863, Union Troops clashed with Brig. Gen. Matt W. Ransome’s Confederate forces at Boon’s Mill. Ransom and his men were in Petersburg, Va. When they hurried to Garysburg by rail upon hearing about the battle. For Ransom, the situation was grim as his plantation “Verona” was located only a few miles from Boon’s Mill and was in the path of the Union advance.

The battle was a five-hour skirmish which effectively ended the Union’s effort to destroy the Weldon bridge in 1863.

While the site was one of a historic battle, it is now a calm and serene place which allows people to relax and enjoy an afternoon.

709 Striper Lane in Jackson.

In addition, just a short drive down the dirt path is Odom Boating Access Area, which allows visitors to put a boat in the water or just

get an closeup look at the beautiful waters of the river.

The boat ramp is located at 1017 Striper Lane in Jackson.

COUNTY

Hertford

Story by Sarah Davis Photos by Sarah Davis & Contributed

Spring in Como

Connecting U.S. 258 as it heads north from Murfreesboro to Virginia with U.S. 158, which heads east from Murfreesboro to Winton before turning north to head to Virginia, is one of only three two-car cable ferries remaining in North Carolina.

Existing in some form since the early 1900s, the ferry has been run by the North Carolina Department of Transportation since the 1930s. In early 2018, it was taken out of

service for a major refurbishing, and, thanks in part to COVID, did not return to service until late 2020.

The major operation begins in spring each year with hours from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. March through September; from September through March, it only operates from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

One can access the ferry by heading from Winton to Murfreesboro on 158, turning right onto Parker’s Ferry Road, just beyond the Hertford County Courthouse. There the visitor should continue about a half mile on

Hertford County is home to one of the most historic towns in the region – Murfreesboro – and one of the centers of commerce in Ahoskie.

Scattered in between are small towns with histories of their own from Como to Harrellsville and all spots in between.

The result is a wonderful county that is not only a wonderful place to live, but also a terrific place to visit – year round.

pavement before it becomes a gravel road that eventually is mostly sand as you arrive at the river.

Once on that road, one is in the Chowan Swamp Game Land, and will definitely feel the atmosphere. On this side of the river one must honk your horn to get the ferry operator’s attention. It takes him about five minutes to make a pick up, and in another five minutes or so, one will find themselves in Maney’s Neck, just south of Como.

5must see places in

Summer in Harrellsville

(Ruby Junes in June)

Head south on N.C. 45, and just before one leaves Hertford County, they will find one of the true gems of the area: Griffin’s, a family farm that has furnished produce to area grocery stores for more than seventy years and for at least thirty has permitted individuals to pick their own strawberries, from a one-acre patch.

Strawberry farming has changed through the years, from dirt to plastic beds and with the type strawberry grown. Currently the favorite is one called Ruby June (replacing earlier favorites, the Chandler and Camarose); a large berry, it picks easy, caps easy, and keeps easy.

If one is lucky enough to go at a time to meet Debbie and/or Dot, they are in for quite a treat. Dot started farming with her husband in the late 1940s, and, at age 92, she might not be quite as active in the fields as she once was, but she is still active in the business, keeping the books, old school as she says, without the

Autumn in Ahoskie

Like local history? Love horror? Looking for a safe scare? Then, the Haunted Hotel on Railroad Street in Ahoskie is the place come Halloween.

Begun in 2017 by Tommy Hurdle and thespian friends, the Haunt, originally called The Basement, was located in the basement of the Ahoskie Town Hall. Since then it has migrated to the former Garrett Hotel (built by the same person as the Richard Theatre, now the Gallery) and been renamed The Hotel.

Each year, it names a local charity to receive the proceeds, donating to the Ahoskie Food Pantry for several years, raising $710,000 per year for that organization.

Actors, usually about 25, join other volunteers in the labor of love, accepting no salary and funding much of the production themselves. Many actors are local, but some drive as much as two hours one way to participate.

Visitors come from as far as Washington,

aid of a computer.

Debbie was born into farming life and has never wanted to do anything else. She’ll regale visitors with stories of riding on a tractor with her father when she could barely walk, eventually graduating to accompanying him to grocery stores, then delivering with him, and finally, following his death in 2004,

continuing the tradition solo.

Visit, and one will see not only the land but the equipment that keeps it up, including a tractor in operation for more than fifty years. Whether the emerald green of the grass and plant foliage or the ruby red or the berries, all are jewels in the Hertford County crown.

D.C. and western North Carolina to enjoy what has been recognized by the North Carolina Haunted House Association as one of the top fifteen haunts in North Carolina.

Each year a different theme is selected, and this year may feature monsters from different time periods. Just as no two years are the same, so no two performances in a single year are the same, but there are always clowns because clowns address a major fear

of a major portion of the population. Also always present is the mascot, a giant rabbit which regular Gallery goers will remember from Batboy.

Those unable to make a performance might spot some of the actors on the street prior to performances, or they might schedule a ghost tour of the upper floors of the former hotel.

Winter in Winton

Since 1948, youngsters of all ages (usually 150-200 of them) converge on the Fire Department on Main Street in Winton at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve to participate in a parade.

All fire vehicles are moved to the street, and the youngsters climb aboard to participate in a parade that takes them southeast to the C.S.Brown School where they turn around in front of the Cultural Arts Center and move back up the street toward the river, ending at the town Christmas Tree.

There, Santa Claus (who has been on the last vehicle in the parade) meets with each child, listening to Christmas wishes and giving each child a bag of fruit and candy.

Originally riding on a fire truck, in recent years Santa has arrived via boat (a part of the WVFD fleet), and although he originally came alone, lately, he has brought Mrs. Claus and even some elves to help him. After all, he is in Winton very close to the time he has to begin his world-wide travels.

Any Season in Murfreesboro

For almost eighty years, Walter’s Grill has been a Main Street attraction in Murfreesboro whether beckoning those hungry for food (especially its hot dog), history or local culture.

Opened in 1944 and owned until 1977 by the late Walter Liverman, the name has remained even though successively owned by Katherine Umphlett (1977-1987) and Billy Theodorakis (1987-present).

The hot dogs make it famous, but it’s the fixin’ and the fixin’s that set them apart. Regulars can remember Liverman lining them up (sometimes as many as fourteen) on his arm to fix with mustard, chili and slaw.

When Theodorakis bought it, he determined not to fix what wasn’t broken and so kept the hot dogs and the reputation for down-home cooking at reasonable prices, but he did make some changes, doubling the seating area, first for outdoor dining, then enclosing it as well as adding central heat and air.

If the walls could talk, they would tell of

Provided entirely by the Winton Volunteer Fire Department, this event attracts people who attended as children and now bring their children and even grandchildren, some from great distances who come “home” for Christmas.

the breakfast and lunch crowds (going to or interrupting the workday for a meal), the families who enjoy supper or the late-night Chowan students with their DJ.

And the walls do “talk” with stories of Murfreesboro–a 1926 letter to the Mayor of Murfreesboro, old newspapers, pictures of

the 1934 Murfreesboro High School Football Championship Team, other ball teams, high school homecoming courts, veterans, bands, and a legendary Bob Burke picture.

As a poem on the wall proclaims: “The Town of Murfreesboro has its place/Walter’s Grill, a saving grace.”

Brandon Williams, currently chief, is a fourth-generation member of the Winton VFD. Remembering Christmas Eve of his youth, he looks forward to the event every year and says it is definitely one of the places worth visiting in Hertford County.

COUNTY

Beaufort

Story & Photos by Deborah Griffin

Turnage Theater

A block from Washington’s Waterfront, located at 150 West Main, is the historic Turnage Theater, a N.C. designated historic site. The structure, built in 1913, has been preserved through multiple revisions.

The 32,000-square-foot building houses two theaters.

The multimillion-dollar restored structure is headquarters for the region’s state-designated arts council, the Arts of the Pamlico, which serves a vibrant connector for eastern North Carolina with cultural events and activities.

The arts council’s calendar is packed each month with a plethora of artistic opportunities, including acting camps, professional acts, music workshops, concerts, festivals and exhibitions.

St. Thomas, Bath

Nine miles from Goose Creek State Park, is the historic community of Bath, North Carolina’s oldest town. North Carolina’s oldest church is located there, only yards from Bath Creek, a tributary of the Pamlico.

For three centuries, St. Thomas Episcopal Church has served as a silent sentinel of this picturesque coastal town. The unassuming, single-room, red brick church has held strong — a testament to the unshakable faith of the early founders.

Bath first was settled in 1695, then incorporated in 1705. St. Thomas was built in 1734.

The church has enjoyed a perpetual congregation throughout its history, with or without a resident priest. Even when the church fell into disrepair in the mid-1800s, faithful members still held services there,

The council also hosts music acts and stage performances on the renovated stage in the palace-style theater, which has 432 seats.

In the early 1900s, the original theater, a vaudeville playhouse, was located on the second floor.

In the 1920s, silent movies became popular and the theater began showing them regularly.

Then, in 1927, “modern” films with sound were shown. But its location on Main Street made hearing over outside traffic almost impossible. So, in the mid-1930s, a man named C.A. Turnage built a second theater in the rear, away from the street noise.

Over the years, decay, lack of use and damage threatened to condemn the building to destruction.

Forward-thinking residents kept the

according to the Rev. Diane Tomlinson, priest at St. Thomas since October 2014.

Services continue to be held here each Sunday morning, as well as at special times throughout the year.

Just like the black walnut trees, and longleaf and loblolly pines which adorn the grounds, St. Thomas has remained deeply rooted in the community.

The church is located at 101 Craven Street, just off of Bath’s Main Street. Both streets meander out to Bonner Point, a State Historic Site situated on the edge of the Pamlico River, on land between two tranquil creeks.

Tomlinson said the faith of her current flock is built upon the faith of the first congregations and those throughout the ages. She feels a sense of obligation to those who came before.

“It is our responsibility to keep the church going,” she added.

It’s impossible to experience Beaufort County apart from the waterways that give this coastal inlet its personality. Two Rivers meet forming the brackish water the region has become inseparable from.

The Pamlico and Tar rivers mingle, then split the county in two, passing through the county seat of Washington, emptying into the Sound, flowing on to the Atlantic Ocean.

Most recently the Turnage received a new roof after $1.4 million was raised through private donations, foundation grants, local, state and federal government sources and historic preservation funding, which will preserve the historic theatre for generations to come.

For a list of events, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org.

“As a historic church, we acknowledge where we have come from and embrace where we are going.”

5must see places in

Turnage from demolition more than once.

Goose Creek State Park

Twelve miles down river from the Estuarium is Goose Creek State Park, covering 1,672 acres. The park is located just off the Pamlico Sound, at 2190 Camp Leach Rd.

Overnight accommodations include primitive camp sites and R.V. hook-up sites. Sleeping cabins (no running water) can be reserved with a two-night minimum. Reservations, required, can be made online or by calling 1-877-722-6762.

Eight miles of trails, some board-walked for easy accessibility, lead visitors through Spanish Moss draped forests, coastal wetlands and cypress swamps of the Pamlico Sound.

An environmental education/visitor center, is open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and

N.C. Estuarium

Just minutes from the Turnage Theater is the North Carolina Estuarium, located on the river at 223 East Water St.

It is, according to Director Tom Stroud, the world’s first of its kind.

Estuaries are the wide part of a river where fresh and saltwater mix. “They are

detailed exhibits explain the flora, fauna and wildlife of the area.

Easy access into or onto the waters of the sound include swim beaches, boat ramps and a paddling launch. Paddling is suggested, for a peaceful way to enjoy tree-lined creek banks and watch graceful waterfowl. Paddlers must make arrangements to bring vessels with them, as there are none for rent in the park. Park rangers warn paddlers to be aware of incoming storms and always wear a life vest. Day users can access Goose Creek from Dinah's Landing while overnight campers can put in at the end of the campground road.

Fishing the creeks and river offer anglers plenty of fresh and saltwater fish, especially in warmer weather. Species include largemouth

vital ecosystems for many reasons, including the fact that over 90 percent of the seafood species caught by North Carolina’s fishermen — such as blue crab, flounder and shrimp — spend at least part of their lives in estuaries,” Stroud said.

Thousands of square miles of estuaries lie inside North Carolina’s barrier island shoreline.

“People love the rivers and waterways of eastern North Carolina. We are the only facility that talks about why they are so special, what we need to do to take care of them, and what lives here — in addition to people,” he added.

The estuarium not only explains the science of the region, but also tries to make an emotional connection to the water, he said.

A towering sculpture made of driftwood scavenged from the Pamlico is the first thing

Downtown Washington

This picturesque, harbor-town is the county’s eclectic tie to art, culture, history, education, eateries, breweries and entertainment. The waterfront is Washington’s Crown Jewel.

Washington City Manager Jonathan Russel said, “Our number one asset is our geographical location — the riverfront,” on Water Street.

“People of all ages and income levels are able to enjoy the beautiful waterfront,” Russel said.

Main Street, which runs parallel to Water Street, is a mix of art galleries, retail shops,

restaurants and businesses.

Many of the downtown eateries are unique and make use of beautiful, older buildings.

The posh Hackney, 192 West Main, is located inside a refurbished 1922 bank, complete with marble floors. Across the street, at 189 West Main, The Mulberry House features a rooftop bar where visitors can sip on drinks as the sun sets over the river.

Around the corner on Gladden Street, only steps from the Pamlico, is the original, famous Bill’s Hot Dog Stand which has served up a simple fare of deep fried hot dogs and a spicy white bean chili since 1928. Long lines testify to the popularity of the franks.

bass, bluegill, and white and yellow perch. State fishing licenses are required and the rules of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Marine Fisheries apply. There is no fee for fishing at Goose Creek State Park.

Visit ncparks.gov/goose-creek-statepark/home for hours of operation and more information.

that greets visitors. It demonstrates how water that flows from the North Carolina mountains all the way to the sea, is everlasting.

“The water cycle is eternal,” Stroud continued. “The molecules of water that you brushed your teeth with this morning, a dinosaur might have bathed in millions of years ago.”

Four rooms of exhibits explain how pollution and hurricanes affect the fragile life growing in the estuaries.

“Estuaries are like the womb of the oceans,” Stroud said.

Reservations are required for the free boat tours offered Wednesdays - Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. For reservations, call the Estuarium at 252948-0000.

At the corner of Main and Gladden streets is the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum, located in a restored Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Caboose.

The Pamlico River itself can be experienced by paddle board or kayak which are rentable, along with bicycles, at several local outfitters. Beaufort County boasts of two recently installed kayak launchers.

Photo by Nathan Summers

ALL IN A Day’s Trip

Story & Photos by Meghan Brown Grant

The hidden gems of Warrenton

If you are looking for a day trip to take, look no further than Warrenton. This little town has quite a bit going on and a gem of a spot for a day trip.

Rosemont of Virginia Vineyards

Take a drive up to Rosemont Vineyards for an afternoon of good wine and beautiful views. Take a few minutes to stop at JB Jones & Co., which is a gas station less than half a mile from the vineyard, to grab a baked good or two to take with you up to the vineyard.

Rosemont Vineyards is offering wine tastings of four wines for $10. You may make reservations for 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy the wine tastings, which is highly recommended.

They also have various items available to make your own charcuterie board while there. This gem of a place is definitely worth the drive. It's only about 25 minutes from Warrenton. Also, there is the cutest pup, Maddie, who you should absolutely give pets to because she's a good girl.

Rosemont of Virginia is located at 1050 Blackridge Rd., La Crosse, VA 23950.

P.S. I brought home a bottle of Virginia Red and Virginia White.

Chilly Chicken Creamery

No trip to Warrenton is complete without a stop at Chilly Chicken Creamery. They make 16 flavors in house, including seasonal flavors, that can be served in cups or cones or in delicious milkshakes. They also have sundaes, homemade ice cream sandwiches and floats.

When I visit in the fall, I will always order a milkshake with pumpkin sorbet and pumpkin spice latte ice cream and wow was it delicious.

Chilly Chicken also serves gourmet grilled cheeses and soup. The Sophomore paired with Tomato Soup is on my list of things to try the next time we visit.

Chilly Chicken Creamery is open MondayThursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.. It's located at 111 Bragg St., Warrenton, NC 27589.

Have Lunch at Drip

Coffee + Market

Make your first stop to Drip Coffee + Market! My go-to order is the BLT croissant and a Chai Latte to go. Drip is such an adorable spot right in downtown Warrenton.

Their turkey club is another great option. The space is warm, welcoming and spacious. They have a delicious menu, including mini donuts and soup of the day options. On Fridays and Saturdays, they are offering casual dinner options and homemade ice cream.

Drip is located at 108 S Main St., Warrenton, NC 27589.

George’s of Warrenton

George’s recently opened in Warrenton and offers a menu of pizzas, pastas and a variety of sandwiches and wraps. The restaurant is also open for lunch, too. There is ample seating, friendly staff and a very familiar and comfort food driven menu.

George’s of Warrenton is open seven days a week starting at 11 a.m. MondayThursday, it is open until 9 p.m., FridaySaturday until 10 p.m. and Sunday at 8 p.m.

Mill Hill Taproom

Mill Hill Taproom is right outside of the historic downtown area and has ample outdoor seating. They offer live music and food trucks so be sure to check their social media channels for their line-ups.

Locorum Distillery

Locorum Distillery is a beautiful space right in the historic district. It's a great spot to stop for a drink and sip a cocktail featuring their distilled spirits.

Meghan Brown Grant is the author of I’m Fixin’ To, a lifestyle blog focusing on North Carolina, and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living. She lives in Willow Springs with her husband, David, and two dogs.

F inding a n ew H ome

Officers make move to small town of Robersonville

Robersonville might seem to some like the mythical town of Mayberry with its small-town friendliness and unhurried living.

But Pete Hendrick, the town’s new Chief of Police, wants people to understand the Robersonville Police Department is on par with some of the biggest cities in America when it comes to training, technology and tactical gear.

Hendrick, who came to Robersonville in December, left Fort Myers, Florida after a 29year career in police work. He was looking for a slower pace.

“I’ve come in every morning, and I haven’t hit a traffic jam yet,” he said. “One thing I had to learn is you have to wave at everybody.”

He liked being here so much, a monthand-a-half later he convinced his coworker and friend, Tim Short, also from Fort Myers, to come to Robersonville and be his Deputy Chief.

The pair admit it is not a typical move.

Both were at a place in their lives where they could pick up and move their families.

Hendrick has three children ages 6, 17 and 19.

Short’s children are all grown.

Hendrick explained why he wanted Short for the position. Besides being used to working together, he said, “You usually try to find someone you can really trust. We bring a slightly different approach [to police work] because we come from such a bigger place.”

They went from a department of 1,700 people in Lee County, Florida to a staff of six.

Their previous department had more people than the 1,500 people who live within Robersonville city limits.

Both said that is why they came here.

Short said, “I don’t want to run homicides all day, every day.”

Hendrick and Short want to bring a more professional approach to law enforcement.

“The officers here have been receptive to it,” Hendrick said.

One of the first things he worked to

Story & Photo by Deborah Griffin

implement was police uniforms and marked police cars.

“There have been times the town has struggled to maintain the police department. We want it to be something they can be proud of,” he said.

He said he also pushed for better equipment.

“[These officers] face real world threats,” he said, just as in any town. “They need the same equipment that big cities have. We’ve done well so far. The town has really helped out and done a lot with helping us move forward.”

The department has new guns, holsters, tasers, body armor and new chemical agents, “so we have less lethal choices when we have people out of control,” explained Short.

He added the department needed new guns because “15-year-old firearms, if not properly maintained, or armored by a certified armorer, become a liability over time. We were able to replace the firearms; and just as importantly, we were able to replace the sighting system. This system is much safer for the officer,” improving accuracy.

“Small things like that show the officers we are willing to invest in them and the equipment. We are going to bring the latest technology that we can afford to bring here,” Hendrick said.

Training, one of Short’s specialties, has been a priority.

Henrick said the next step will be updating the computer system.

So far, the crime fighting duo has felt welcomed.

“People are very supportive of the police department,” Hendrick said.

Working in a small town, means working with a smaller budget.

“Everybody wants more. If we had more money we could do more. If we had more people we could do more. We’ve been trying to find that balance,” he continued.

One of the hardest decisions Hendrick made was to cut a position.

“We had to pay our people more,” he explained. “We were so underpaid. We were at a point we potentially could have lost over half our staff because they could have gone somewhere else and made more money. We

took that money [from the cut position] and spread it out over the people who remained. I felt like it was something we had to do.”

He eventually hopes to bring that position back.

Even though it made the overall workload heavier, Hendrick said, “I think it let the officers know they are valued and showed them we are trying to keep up with the times. We had fallen so far behind. It was tough.”

Another thing he found difficult was a disconnect between the townspeople and the department.

“We want to reconnect with the town,” he said. “They feel like the department hasn’t been very responsive in the past. We want to change that. It’s going to take time, but we want to follow through on issues – small or big. We want people to know that if you call us, we are going to treat it as serious.”

The crimes they see in Robersonville are like what they saw in Florida, only on a much smaller scale.

“We see a lower number than we see in the big city, but it is all the same, everywhere you go,” Hendrick said.

He has met with civic leaders and churches and is planning a National Night Out in August.

He appreciates the fact the town wants its own police department.

“We are currently under the auspices of the Local Government Commission [LGC]. One of the first things they do when they come in is to see where they can cut and save money. They saw the value in having their own police department and fought to keep it,” Hendrick said. “When people are supportive of law enforcement, it makes you feel good.”

Besides Williamston, Robersonville is the only other town in Martin County that has their own police department.

Hendrick admits there are some conveniences he misses, but “being able to know your neighbors, and wave at people and they wave back – is something I’ll trade [for convenience] any day of the week,” he said.

Both men are still adjusting to the slower pace.

“We are used to being busy,” said Hendrick. “We welcome calls. We may only get five or six calls a day now, but the good thing is we’re

not rushed. Police officers across the United States are literally running from call to call to call to call. They get about five minutes with people because there are three other calls stacking up. There is no personalized treatment.”

Hendrick and Short bring 59 years of experience between them.

“If there is a shooting, stabbing or robbery — we’ve been trained to handle it,” he said.

Concerning the school shooting in Texas, Hendrick said, “We have years and years of training in those type of things. We are wellpositioned to handle [something like] that. Those experiences benefit the town.”

Hendrick said the slower pace allows him to impact more people.

“In a place this small, you can make meaningful change pretty easily,” he added.

Hendrick was drawn to police work as a child because it was exciting, but as he matured, he said he likes the job because he can help people.

“We try to make bad times people are having just a little bit better,” he said.

“I love it that the town is a lot like Mayberry,” said Hendrick.

Short said it was one of the attractive things about being here.

“People will know my name,” said Short. “I will know theirs. They wave at you and will talk to you at breakfast [in a restaurant]. Those are the important things. Then they will feel safe enough to reach out when they need you.”

Deborah Griffin is News Editor of The Enterprise in Williamston and a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living.

“We try to make bad times people are having just a little bit better.

- Pete Hendrick, Robersonville Chief of Policce

Grandma’s Kitchen

Talking to my cousin, Wayne, recently, he was reminiscing about the vegetable garden my mom and dad planted every year. We could hardly wait for the garden to start producing.

Wayne and I were raised like brother and sister. He was remembering my mom telling him, “Go out to the garden and pick whatever you want to eat and I will cook it.”

My dad often chose our meals the same way. Our table was always full of freshly picked food in the summer. Is there anything better? I ate very little meat when there was so much goodness on the table.

My mom cooked many things the same way her mom cooked vegetables from her garden. She cooked other things her own way.

I didn’t cook with my mom, but watched what she did. Our favorite thing from the garden was fried corn. Fried cabbage was a close second. We also liked fried okra and squash. Seems like a lot was fried, right?

But other foods balanced it out. We had cucumbers in vinegar, sliced tomatoes, green beans, peas and many other vegetables.

As the garden began to produce more than we could eat, mom and I canned for the winter months. Not only did we can vegetables, but we canned fruit and made relishes and jams.

The hardest thing we did was chow chow.

It involved a lot of vegetables diced very small and we made a lot of batches at one time. We continued to can together even after I was married.

I had my own garden then and we gathered enough from both gardens to can for two households. There is something about sharing work that makes it fun and draws you closer together.

Seeing all the jars on the counter ready to be used when the garden is gone is very satisfying. Knowing that you will have something for your family that is better than you can buy at the grocery store is a feeling of a job well done.

I have gotten too old now to plant a garden and can its surplus, but I still cook some of the vegetables the same way my mom and grandmother did. Grandmother’s recipes were brought with her from her home in the Shenandoah Valley. All of her family lived there from the 1700’s. They were Scot-Irish and she married a man who was of German descent. Her cooking was some of both.

I have not seen anyone who cooked fried corn or cabbage this way, so I will try to tell you how it is done. They are cooked almost the same way.

Sometimes it is hard to turn what you have always done into measurements someone can follow. It is worth it though because it is the best corn and cabbage I’ve ever eaten.

Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

F ried C orn

bottom of skillet.

6 ears of corn

One slice of streak of lean meat or a little bacon grease

Cut all the corn off the cob

In a cast iron skillet, fry out the meat or heat the bacon grease. Remove the meat You do not want much grease in your pan. Just enough to cover

Put corn in the skillet and fry until charred

Add just enough water to come almost to top of corn.

Add salt and pepper to taste

Cover and cook until water is gone

F ried Cabbage

Cut one small cabbage into about 1 inch by 2 inch pieces Fry two pieces of streak of lean meat in cast iron skillet until browned. Remove meat

Put cabbage in skillet and keep

turning until charred and wilted Add enough water to cover cabbage.

Add salt and pepper to taste Cover and cook until water is gone and cabbage is almost soft.

Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.

Grace & Truth 5 things to see here

Iwas born in Hertford County. I have lived in Bertie County my entire life except when I pastored a church near Raleigh for a few years. By God’s grace, I have returned to pastor my home church and now live in Chowan County.

I have also been so fortunate to travel the world. My thirty-six years have seen remarkable things. No one can see more potential and enjoy this area more than I. I hope you can see the things I love about these plains in plain view.

Here are five things you can see here:

Genuine People

Societal expectations are a weight in our world. So many want to be accepted by the ways of so-called experts and those that laud their education or experiences. So, they lay aside their intuitive beliefs and understandings to align with the prevailing thoughts.

But, here, you might still find people who will live their whole life according to what sits right in their spirit - no ax to grind and no war to fight. They live a life that says, “That’s how I see it, and that’s enough for me.”

I love meeting people who are “what you see is what you get,” and that may just be what you find around these parts.

Generous People

I’ve seen people who looked like they could barely make it, but they would invite you to dinner and give you everything that isn’t nailed down.

I know a lady in whose home you’ll see no personal luxuries, but it’s filled with cleaning supplies, food and everyday items she takes to an orphanage annually. She wears the same dresses I’ve seen her wear all the years I’ve

known her, and yet she abundantly blesses everyone she meets.

Yes, we may not have many attractions here, but the people are astonishing.

Gentler Speed of Life

Many are living at that breakneck speed, but if you look closely, you may see some letting life come to them.

In our world of hurry, “dog eat dog,” production first, it’s an absolute joy to see life lived one day at a time. Farmers have such an impact on our culture here that the seasons still influence many things. Businesses change their hours to accommodate their families and the town’s life flow. People recognize the need for rain and talk about when we need less of it.

These people are much more in tune with the earth and each other than our TVs and media. Maybe walk down one of our streets or stop and watch some corn stalks dance in

P astor W ebb H oggard

the wind. If it’s gentleness you crave, there is a place for you here.

Gentlemen

In a world that’s increasingly becoming hostile to all discussions of gender, I’m glad that some of the “patriarchy” still see their place as a position to help and serve others. In the “good ole days”, the word gentleman referred to a landowner.

Today, this word means a nice way of treating one another. During the 1800s, people began to connect the idea that those with the most should be the most generous. The word generous means “like royalty,” and kings and queens should use their authority to bless those around them.

All that to say, you can still find men that put others before themselves. We have people who live the golden rule.

Generations in One Place

The last thing I think you might see are families who stay together. I pastor a church blessed with many new families, and I’m so grateful for each of them. But, we also have children whose grandparents and great-grandparents began, built and stayed committed to the work here in Bertie.

My boys are growing up in the same church that I did, and I grew up on the same road where my mom lived her childhood. Many generations have settled here and, as far as I’m concerned, after traveling and living in some other places, being home is not settling at all.

Emanuel Webb Hoggard is Pastor at Askewville Assembly of God and a resident of Edenton. He can be reached via email at pastorwebb@hotmail.com.

Yes, we may not have many attractions here, but the people are astonishing.

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County: Halifax Marker ID: E-106

Date Cast: 1995

North Carolina native Plummer Bernard Young (1884-1962), best known by his initials P. B., for over fifty years published the largest black newspaper in the South. P. B. Young’s father Winfield Scott Young, born into slavery, emerged after the war as a member of the African American elite in Halifax County.

In 1870 he moved to Littleton on the line with Warren County and there operated a dry goods store. By 1884 Winfield Young had established in that town the True Reformer, a weekly newspaper. P. B. Young attended Reedy Creek Academy and, from 1900 to 1906, was a part-time student at Saint Augustine’s College.

In 1907 P. B. Young, recently married, moved to Norfolk, Virginia, to take a position as plant foreman for the Journal and Guide, the newspaper owned by the Supreme Lodge Knights of Gideon, a fraternal order to which his father belonged. Norfolk in 1907 was thirty percent African American with a thriving black business community. The newspaper was then distributed to about 600 subscribers, mostly lodge members.

In 1910 the Gideons sold the paper to Young for $3,050. Young increased

investment in the business and by 1918, while maintaining the primary readership and advertising base in tidewater Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, had readers nationwide and was competing with black papers in Chicago and Pittsburgh. By 1935 the Norfolk Journal and Guide had forty-two employees and a readership of 35,000, the most of any black-owned paper in the South.

Editorially Young was conservative or accommodationist, from his support of the uplift philosophy of Booker T. Washington in the 1910s through to criticism received from civil rights activists in the 1950s. Henry Lewis Suggs, who wrote a biography of Young, concluded that “three words from P. B. Young’s basic philosophy best epitomized his overall character: arbitration, negotiation, and compromise.” Young was active in the Commission of Interracial Cooperation, working with James E. Shepard, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Frank Porter Graham among others. Historian Carter Woodson and educator Charlotte Hawkins Brown were among the contributors to his newspaper. For ten years Young served as trustee chairman of Howard University and Hampton Institute.

REFERENCES

PLUMMER BERNARD YOUNG Journalist. Publisher of Norfolk Journal & Guide, 1910-1962, leading black-owned newspaper in the South. Birthplace nearby.

Henry Lewis Suggs, P. B. Young, Newspaperman: Race, Politics, and Journalism in the New South, 1910-1962 (1988) Thomas C. Parramore, Norfolk: The First Four Centuries (1994) Jeffrey J. Crow, Paul D. Escott, and Flora J. Hatley, A History of African Americans in North Carolina (1992)

One of the best things about Eastern North Carolina Living is being able to visit the 18 counties in our coverage region. I’ve had the opportunity to be in all of them and I enjoy each one for its own unique draws.

As we work to provide stories for our magazine, we each have the chance to visit new places, meet new people and explore the counties we call home.

Personally, I live in Northampton County, work in Bertie, Martin, Chowan and Perquimans counties and visit almost every other one for both work and pleasure.

As we were deciding themes for this magazine, it occurred to us that we often

PARTING SHOTS

By Thadd White

promote other counties in our All in a Day’s Trip feature, but there are plenty of things people should see right here in our home counties.

Bertie County, my home, is one of the poorest counties in North Carolina, but has things that draw people on a regular basis –the Cashie Tree House Village, Livermon Zoo and Historic Hope.

Pitt County draws people to visit on a daily basis and there are literally dozens of reasons to spend a day in the county. From East Carolina University sports to beautiful parks, there is something for everyone.

There are historic sites in beautiful Chowan County, wonderful places of nature in Northampton County, incredible variety in Halifax County and beautiful and wonderful places in Martin County.

And they are just to name a few.

There is something in just about every county that you our readers will be surprised to find. You’ll discover new reasons to spend a day or weekend right here near home.

It is always fun to get out and explore, but I think this magazine will prove its easy to do that right here in Eastern North Carolina. Whether you’re a person that loves the arts,

the outdoors, physical activities or sports –Eastern North Carolina is a wonderful place to live and to visit.

We hope you’ll take the time to read each of our stories, learn about the places that interest you and plan visits to these wonderful places. Just remember, we’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg with the five places we’ve chosen. There are literally hundreds more that are equally impressive.

We’ll be back in September with our next issue. In it, you’ll meet some of the people who coach our youth in sports from recreation league all the way to college. If you have ideas of someone we should feature, feel free to drop me at note at twhite@apgenc.com.

Until next time, remember… all who wander are not lost. Continue joining us as we wander through Beaufort, Bertie, Chowan, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Washington and Wilson counties.

Thadd White is Editor of five Adams Publishing Group publications in Eastern North Carolina. He can be reached via email at twhite@apgenc.com.

Whether you’re a person that loves the arts, the outdoors, physical activities or sports – Eastern North Carolina is a wonderful place to live and to visit.