Publisher’s Note

WELCOMING A NEW YEAR, new look on Main Street

Downtown Washington is a special place, cherished by visitors and residents alike. And Main Street has been the heart of downtown for more than 200 years.

Those who have long called Washington home might have fond memories of past parades, hotels and department stores. For day-trippers last weekend, it might be the galleries, markets, restaurants and small businesses that drew them in. Change has rolled through our community on horse and buggy and semi truck. Downtown has been an ever-changing reflection of the times.

A stroll down Main Street today reveals the character of countless business owners and city leaders, past and present. But the vision of one in particular looms as large as the man and personality behind it.

Mac Hodges is evident here. The late Washington mayor loved his town and was particularly dedicated to improving Main Street and the Washington waterfront. To see his vision become a reality and know that it will be enjoyed by so many, is a heartwarming consolation to the fact Hodges never got to see today’s new-and-improved Main Street for himself.

Join us as we take a look at the evolution of Main Street on page 38.

River cottages, camp houses and summer homes dot the banks of the Pamlico River. They each have their own stories to tell. For the Paschal family, cool breezes, rickety boats and crab pickin’s at a Summer Haven house have meant a ‘little piece of heaven” for four generations. Recount the memories so rich and vivid you can almost hear the water ripple on page 20.

Sound Rivers is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021, marking years of work to keep local rivers swimmable, fishable and drinkable. The organization has come a long way from its early kitchen-table meetings to becoming a powerful advocate for watershed protection. Look back on the journey on page 28.

Owning a pet can be good for your health, both physically and mentally. Both aspects have been top-of-mind in the pandemic world that emerged in 2020. Check in with local residents to see how animals have made their lives richer on page 44.

Turning the page on 2020 couldn’t happen soon enough for many residents of Washington and Beaufort County. As we hope to put many of the hardships and challenges of the past year in the rearview, let’s also look forward to safe, happy and healthy 2021.

Ashley Vansant, Publisher

We would love to hear what you think about Washington the Magazine. Email us at news@ thewashingtondailynews.com or write to P.O. Box 1788, Washington, NC 27889. Letters chosen for publication may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of Washington the Magazine. Write to us

Publisher Ashley Vansant

Editorial Steve Barnes Chelsea Hofmann Vail Stewart Rumley Brandon Tester

Contributors Richard Andrews Ric Carter Henry Capogna Anthony Comella Bobby Davis Carleigh Flynn Brian Fuller Ernie Larkin Mary Mehlich Paschal Family Ray Midgett Sound Rivers Sylvan Heights Bird Park Jack Willard

Advertising Director David Singleton

Marketing & Sales Kristen Smith Scott Williamson

Distribution Kim Riggs

Art Direction Elizabeth Reed

Contact information Washington the Magazine P.O. Box 1788 Washington, NC 27889

Advertising inquiries 252-946-2144 Ext. 221

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Washington the Magazine is published six times a year by Washington Newsmedia, LLC. Copyright 2021, Washington Newsmedia, LLC.

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