Carteret County, North Carolina

Emerald Isle

George and I were lucky enough to spend Mother's Day Weekend 2012 in Emerald Isle, which is in Carteret County, NC. I grew up going to the beach in Carteret County (Atlantic Beach, mostly, later Pine Knoll Shores), so this is familiar territory! My sister and her husband have rental property in Emerald Isle now, so we gathered at the beach for good times on this holiday weekend! We were planning to go out on a boat Sunday afternoon, but the wind picked up, so I decided to explore Carteret County for this blog instead! I thought it was going to be a solo afternoon trip, but my mom decided to join me! It was a nice mother-daughter mini-adventure on Mother's Day!

North Carolina Aquarium

I stopped at the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores first. It's had a big renovation since the last time I was there, and since it was Mother's Day, there was a pretty big crowd! I enjoyed the big tanks of sea creatures, though the special penguin exhibit was small. The gift shop is bigger than I remember, and now there's a Dairy Queen/Orange Julius outside the exit. That was a little startling to see, but there was a line already, so it seems to be a popular addition, if a little out of place commercially.

I have many good memories of the NC Aquarium, seeing exhibits and taking classes there with my nieces there while they were growing up. It was a different feel, walking through by myself.  Still, I'm glad I stopped! A nice facility before, it's larger now, with more parking as well.

Emily, Lisa, and Mom at the Sanitary Fish Market, Morehead City

After the Aquarium visit, I learned that my mom wanted to join me, so I met up with her in Morehead City, where I stopped in at DeeGee's and the Sanitary Fish Market, two Morehead City institutions! Mom and I went into Sanitary together, hoping to see John Tunnel, a regular, there. We didn't see him, but I found this great StoryCorps clip of him talking about early days at the Sanitary. Click here to listen. (It'll only take about four and a half minutes of your time, and you'll be glad you did!)

Harker's Island

Next, Mom and I struck out for Harkers Island. Harkers Island is a bit out of the way, and was actually separated from the mainland for a long time, so native Harkers Islanders have a distinctive dialect. A common example of this dialect is that the word "tide" sounds like "toid," Harkers Island is known for fishing, boat building, and more recently, waterfowl decoys. Mom and I drove to the far end of the island, where we were delighted to spot the Cape Lookout Lighthouse across the sound. I took a picture, but the lighthouse is so tiny, you can barely see it.

Carteret County Courthouse, Beaufort, North Carolina

In Beaufort, the county seat, we stopped for a few pictures of the courthouse before visiting the waterfront. Beaufort is a charming town, home to numerous old homes and churches, cute and yummy restaurants like Beaufort Grocery Company, and a charming waterfront, in addition to the Duke Marine Lab on Pivers Island. (Click here for a webcam of the view of the Beaufort waterfront from Pivers Island.) NOAA's Beaufort Lab is also on Pivers Island. I've been to Beaufort so many times, and it never fails to charm. I would have loved taking more photos around Beaufort that afternoon, but time was limited.

Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Next, Mom and I drove back over the bridge that connects Morehead City to Atlantic Beach, and turned left toward Fort Macon State Park. This state park offers public beach access, in addition to open access to Fort Macon, which was built after the War of 1812, and was active during the Civil War. (Read here about the Battle of Fort Macon.) We saw the new visitor center, which looked really nice, but being in a hurry, we went straight for the fort, and where I got some pictures to record the visit. The family has been to Fort Macon State Park several times over the years during summer vacations, including a memorable outdoor music event that we still talk about (but not for the music!).

After Fort Macon, Mom and I headed back to Emerald Isle, so George and I could pack up the car and head back home. It was a fun afternoon, and as always,  I look forward to heading back to Carteret County!

All of my Carteret County pictures are located here.

Beaufort County, North Carolina

I had the pleasure of visiting Beaufort County, North Carolina, on December 28, 2011. It's a beautiful county with lots of history in the eastern part of the state. I made it a partial day trip, and wish I'd had longer! So much to see!

Beaufort County was first referred to as Pamptecough, according to NCpedia, but the name was changed around 1712, in honor of Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort. Bath was the first county seat, but Washington (know in these parts as "Little Washington") became the county seat in 1785.

Before I left home for Beaufort County, I decided to make Bath and Washington my priorities for the county, and if I had time, I'd fit in Belhaven, Goose Creek State Park, Chocowinity, and Aurora too, time permitting. I ended up savoring my time in Bath so much that I had just enough time to do a couple of things in Washington before heading back home! Still, it was a delightful day, and I hope to make it back to Beaufort County sometime!

I spent most of my time in Bath, which is a North Carolina State Historic Site. Since I'm a North Carolina history buff (thanks in part to my genealogy work), I felt like I was in my element! I started at the Visitor Center, where the docent helped me get oriented to the area.

One of the interesting tidbits the docent shared with me is that the North Carolina Historic Marker for Edward Teach (Blackbeard, the famous pirate) is in front of a house that was in 4th grade state history books for years was named as Blackbeard's home. It turns out that Blackbeard never lived there, the historic marker just happens to be in front of that house! Oops!



In Washington, I enjoyed exploring an old cemetery, finding the Beaufort County Courthouse, and driving through downtown. My favorite thing about Washington, though, was the North Carolina Estuarium. It sits right on the Pamlico/Tar River estuary, which is the second largest estuary system in the United States. (The Chesapeake is the largest.) I enjoyed the docent's talk about the interactive structures in the lobby of the North Carolina Estuarium, as well as the short film that followed. Afterward, I joined the other visitors in the exhibit area, then enjoyed my time on the boardwalk behind the estuarium.  The rest of my photos of the estuarium are here.

I took a lot of photos during my trip to Beaufort County, and had a hard time choosing which ones to post! I've uploaded them to Flickr, where you'll find them here. Among my photos are the oldest church building in North Carolina, Bonner's Point, the Bath Community Library, Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, and the Beaufort County Courthouse.

Franklin County, North Carolina

Last Wednesday, December 21, I enjoyed a daytrip to Franklin County, North Carolina. The county was formed in 1779 (which makes it pretty old!), and named after Benjamin Franklin. My first stop was in Youngsville. Although the population of Youngsville is pretty small (less than 1000 people), it has had some notable residents, including "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken and fitness and weight loss guru Richard Simmons.

Youngsville Mural

 

Old CocaCola Mural in Franklin

My next stop was Franklinton, another small North Carolina town. I enjoyed driving around town and seeing the big old homes and Christmas decorations. I also stepped into the Franklinton Library, which was a treat for me. Notable residents include comedian Soupy Sales and Wilbur Wade Card, Duke University's first basketball coach and athletics director.



WPA Mural in Louisburg Post Office

My final stop in Franklin County was in the county seat of Louisburg. It's home to Louisburg College, the only residential two-year college in the state. I enjoyed finding a WPA mural in the Louisburg Post Office, as well as the Franklin County Courthouse. 

The rest of my Franklin County pictures are here.

Union County, North Carolina

George and I paid an unexpected, but fun visit to Union County last summer, on June 26. We were on our way back from a family reunion in South Carolina, and stopped to visit more with Junelle, Jessica, J.K., and Margie, on our way back home. Junelle and her family have a new home in Waxhaw, so that was our main destination. We had a delightful time there!

Me, Jessica, Junelle, Margie, & JK 

When we got to Waxhaw, we parked the cars and walked around a bit. George took this picture of the rest of us on a footbridge there in town. It was so good to spend more time with family, especially since Junelle is already familiar with the area.

Jessica and Junelle at Waxhaw Reading Room

We also stopped at the Waxhaw Reading Room Used Bookstore, the proceeds of which go help support the local public library. The volunteer who helped us that afternoon was very chatty and helpful!

Fried Pickles at Maxwell's Tavern

We stopped at Maxwell's Tavern for a late lunch, where I had fried pickles for the first time. Apparently, this is not a new delicacy. (I've just had my head in the sand!) Of course, I've noticed them at other restaurants since then. We had fun over lunch, talking more and hearing some stories from when J.K. and my dad (who are first cousins) were children.

Old Union County Courthouse, Monroe

Our last stop of the day was at the Old Union County Courthouse in Monroe, so that I could take a quick shot. It's one of the prettiest courthouses I've seen. Part of me wishes we'd had time to go inside. Maybe another time!

Union County was formed in 1842, its name a compromise between the Whigs and the Democrats at the time. Its location next to Mecklenburg County (home of Charlotte) seems to be helping its growth. Monroe, the county seat, was named for James Monroe, the 5th president of the United States.

The visit to Union County was short but fun! (And thanks, Junelle, for being our hostess!) 

The rest of my Union County pictures are here.

Pender County, North Carolina

I've had the pleasure of visiting Pender County, North Carolina, twice in 2011. The first time was on February 20, specifically to drive around the county for this blog post. The second time, I visited on June 18 to participate in the North Carolina Festival 5K, which happened in conjunction with the North Carolina Blueberry Festival in Burgaw. Both visits were delightful, though in different ways.

On my first visit back in February, I went by myself, and it was both interesting and relaxing to drive around the county, based in part on what looked intriguing! I had a plan, though, to head for the far eastern border of the county, which happens to be the Atlantic Ocean, and after exploring the coast, head west toward home, with any interesting stops I could find along the way. I had a North Carolina map and a GPS in hand, so there was some method to my madness, light on the structure and heavy on the whim.

Pender County was named for William Dorsey Pender, who was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, and was fatally wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg.  The county was formed in 1875 from New Hanover County, North Carolina, (home of Wilmington), and the county seat is Burgaw.

Pender County Courthouse

There are several things I enjoyed about my time in Pender County. First of all, the Pender County Courthouse Square is a pretty one. I like the courthouse architecture, and the grounds are well groomed.







General John Ashe



There are also a lot of North Carolina Historical Markers around Pender County. I pulled over and photographed as many as I could! It's the North Carolina history buff in me.










Topsail

I also enjoyed getting all the way to the North Carolina coast, a d getting to see the Atlantic Ocean. It's been about 30 years since I've been to Topsail Beach on Topsail Island, so it was really nice to see it again!

Moores Creek National Battlefield

I got an additional history lesson by visiting Moores Creek National Battlefield from the Revolutionary War. I'd never heard of Currie or Moores Creek until I made this trip. What a nice treat!

2011 NC Blueberry Festival

In June, I went with Marjorie and her boyfriend to Burgaw to run in the North Carolina Blueberry Festival 5K. After the race, we walked around the Courthouse Square, checking out the vendors. We all came home with blueberries, of course!

The rest of my pictures from the North Carolina Blueberry Festival are here.



The remainder of the Pender County pictures from my February 2011 trip are here.

Jackson County, North Carolina



Jarrett House, Dillsboro

George and I visited Jackson County, North Carolina, together, on October 28, 2010. It was part of a delightful, nearly weeklong vacation in the North Carolina mountains,  which included visiting six different counties!
The Jarrett House in Dillsboro is a historic bed and breakfast, established in 1884. The food there is supposed to be good, but George and I were too early for lunch.



Dogwood Crafters, Dillsboro

Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro looked like a charming store, and I wish we'd taken the time to go inside!



Near Train Depot in Dillsboro

The railroad used to play a big role in Dillsboro. Now there are lots of little shops, several of them dedicated to mountain arts and crafts, it seems,



Old Jackson County Courthouse, Sylva

Downtown Sylva

Downtown Sylva

This is the old Jackson County Courthouse, in the county seat of Sylva. It's pretty majestic looking, especially with the steps leading up to the big white building. One of interesting things about the building is that it's been renovated to become part of the Jackson County Public Library Complex. When we were there last October (when this picture was taken), it was still a work in progress. It was finished earlier this year and dedicated last month. I'd love to do back and see it sometime.

This was my first sighting of downtown Sylva, very charming! As you can see, it was a beautiful fall day!

Jackson County was formed in 1851 from parts of Macon County and Haywood County. It was named for President Andrew Jackson. Sylva became the county seat in 1913.

Another shot of downtown Sylva, once we parked the car.

By the way, some scenes from the movies The Fugitive and Deliverence were filmed in/near Sylva.




While George and I were talking outloud about where to eat lunch, a woman on the sidewalk pointed out Pixie's, a local place right across the street. It used to be a barbershop!

We had a delightful time visiting Jackson County! I'd recommend it highly. Check out my Flickr set of Jackson County for the rest of the stop.

Haywood County, North Carolina

George and I visited Waynesville, the county seat of Haywood County, on October 28, 2010. It was a beautiful fall day, and the first time to Waynesville for both of us. We found the newer Haywood County Courthouse first, but I was especially charmed by the OLD Haywood County Courthouse, so you'll find a couple of pictures of it below!

Haywood County was part of Buncombe County until 1808, and was named after former State (NC) Treasurer John Haywood.

If you've read the book Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier, or seen the movie based on the book, you'll like knowing that there is a real Cold Mountain, and it's in Haywood County. George and I didn't go there, but here's a webcam of Cold Mountain.

I wonder what Wayneville's like in the spring! I'm ready to go back, but in the mean time, the rest of my Haywood County pictures are here!

Old Haywood County Courthouse



Old Haywood County Courthouse




Downtown Waynesville from Front of Old Courthouse

 

NC Education Association Started in Haywood County



Mural of Mountains Across the Seasons

"Old Time Music" in Downtown Waynesville