August is here and you know what that means- the hot, sticky days of the summer are upon us. In the south, August can produce some of the most humid and hot days. This is the month to find cool activities to beat the heat. Spend this weekend doing some really "cool" activities in Central Park NC.

Summer Jam
Wadesboro, NC
Friday, August 7 from 7-10 pm

Historic Uptown Wadesboro will be alive with music during Summer Jam. The event held on East Wade Street will feature three bands and fireworks. There will be food and activities for the kids. This event is free for the public. For more information, call 704.695.1644 or click here. .

Looking for a place to stay in Wadesboro? Check out the interesting accommodations here. Many of these offer refreshing drinks in the afternoon to help beat the heat.

80s Night
Salisbury, NC
Friday, August 7 from 5-10pm

What can be cooler than reminiscing about good times? Come to downtown Salisbury dressed in your 80's best and dance the night away. During this free event, the stores will be open late, and entertainment and music will fill the air. Local Musicians will play your favorites and there will be a kids area with moon bounces, face painting, and more. For more information, click here.

Did you know? Salisbury is the site of a noted prisoner of war camp during the American Civil War and has a large historic home district with many large mansions, several of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Main Street Cruise-In
Hamlet, NC
First Friday of Every Month from 6-10pm

The tradition of the cruise-in has stayed strong in the town of Hamlet. Come and enjoy a car show, burnout and other activities such as door prizes, food, drink and FAMILY FUN! For more information, click here.

Did you know? Hamlet is birthplace of John Coltrane, (1926-1967), a famous jazz musician and composer. His birth home has been renovated by Hamlet businessmen.

Uwharrie Mountains Wine Trail
Albemarle, NC

The Uwharrie Mountains Wine Trail boasts some of the most interesting wines in the country. Made from Muscadine grapes, these wines are grown and made at the vineyards. Take the day to do wine tastings in air conditioned comfort. For vineyard information, click here.

Did you know? As one of nature's richest sources of polyphenolic antioxidants, muscadines have been studied for their potential health benefits which include preliminary evidence for effects against cancer mechanisms.

U.S. Kids Golf World Championship
Pinehurst, NC
August 6-8

The fourth international championship features the best in kid golfers. Visitors are welcome to watch as these amazing kids ranging from ages 6-12 golf the day away. For more information on this event, click here.

Did you know? Pinehurst is also a popular destination for croquet.Players from around the country are attracted to the Pinehurst Resort to play six wicket championship croquet.

Zoo Cool at the North Carolina Zoo
Asheboro, NC
Saturday, August 8 from 9am-5pm

This all day event allows the family the chance to chill out with cold treats while learning how the Zoo animals stay cool. The North Carolina Zoo is located in Asheboro, NC and is open 364 days of the year. While you are there, become a member of the Zoo Society and you will not only get free admission for the entire year, but you will be helping these great animals.

Did you know? Elephants need 18-24 gallons of water a day? In the summer, drinking lots of water keeps animals and humans cool, so make sure to take a water bottle with you.

I hope you enjoy these weekend adventures. Remember to stay cool and have fun in the Central Park NC region.

Summer is the time of year when the best of Earth's bounty is harvested. From squash and zucchini to watermelon and cantaloupes, there is plenty to choose from at your local grocery store or farmer's market. This time of year is this blogger's favorite for one reason, though...Peaches!



Many states boast their superiority in growing this fruit and claim to have the best. I have personally gone to these states and tried all that they have had to offer. From small, reddish peaches to large, yellow ones, there has not been a peach that I have not liked.

Luckily for me, on Saturday, July 18 2009, the small town of Candor located in the middle of the state of North Carolina will be holding an all day festival dedicated to my favorite food. Take this weekend to experience all that this small community has to offer and maybe you will see me there with tons of peach themed items in hand.




Friday

The Candor area has many interesting accommodations that will make your stay relaxing and enjoyable.

The Blair House Bed and Breakfast

The Blair House B&B is really two homes. The main house was built in 1893 by a country lawyer and completely renovated in 2001, the Arscott House was built in 1830 and renovated in 2006. Both homes offer suites with numerous amenities and a real country-style breakfast.

Star Hotel Bed and Breakfast

Built in 1896, the Star Hotel Bed and Breakfast is located next to where the East/West rail line met the North/South. In addition to all the traditional B&B amenities the Star Hotel allows guests to stable their horses for free.

The Underground House

Built as a vacation home, this unique two bedroom, two bath house has geothermal heating and cooling. Guests will enjoy convenient access to the Uwharrie Mountain region and all its outdoor activities.

Ellerbe Springs Inn and Restaurant

Built in 1906, this landmark listed with the National Historic Registry offers 13 guest rooms decorated in Victorian style antiques. A renovated dance hall on the premises serve as a restaurant with full bar.

For more excellent lodging choices, please click here.



After you have checked in, pack up your lawn chairs and get ready for a local game of baseball. In conjunction with the Peach Festival, the Candor Volunteer Fire Department will host a Donkey Baseball game on the night before at the Candor Lions Club baseball field, July 17th.

For more information, call Candor Town Hall at (910) 974-4221.


Saturday

Wake up, grab some breakfast, and get ready for a day filled with peaches! The festival began in 1997 and is currently in its 13th year. This annual event is hosted by the Town of Candor and boasts live entertainment and events.

A parade starts at 10 a.m. and will follow a route through downtown Candor on Main Street and will feature the Peach Queen Whitney Richardson, peach wagons, vintage cars and trucks, tractors, fire trucks and many more entries.



The festivities will continue in the park where there promises to be lots of local peaches, peach ice cream, and peach desserts. For your musical pleasure, The Sand Band (award winning beach music) and Blue Horizon (bluegrass/gospel) will be playing and for the shopaholic, all types of booths from crafts to clothing items will be set-up.

If you are bringing the entire family, there are other activities to choose from. For the railway enthusiast, the Aberdeen, Carolina and Western Railway will be hosting train rides and a miniature train will be on hand for the kids. For the really adventurous at heart, Pinnacle 1 Aviation will be providing helicopter rides for a spectacular view of the Festival and the Town.



After a whole day of peachy pleasures, take the evening to relax and digest.


Sunday

If you are like this blogger, you have eaten more than enough calories for the entire month. You will need an activity to work these off, but not look like exercise. (Hey, this is vacation after all.) Head over to the Uwharrie Mountains and explore all there is to offer at the nation's oldest mountains.

Here are some of our favorite calorie burning activities for a Sunday based on interests:

Hiking:

The Uwharrie Mountains have so many trails to choose from that you will never get bored. The trails range from easy to very difficult, but never lack in the amount of beauty that you will see along the way.



Click here to see a full list of trails in the Uwharrie National Forest with descriptions and level of difficulty.

Canoeing and Kayaking:

The Uwharrie River flows through the beautiful backcountry of Randolph and Montgomery County. It meets the Yadkin River at the base of Morrow Mountain. This slow moving water is ideal for river riders and fishermen alike. Look out for landmarks scattered along the river's journey, such as old mills, gold mines and foot bridges that allow a glimpse into the not so distant past.



Canoes and Kayaks can be rented at Eldorado Outpost. Shuttle services are available that will drop off and pick up you and your canoe. For more information, click here.

Horseback Riding:

Want to explore the trails, but not walk or hike, climb on a horse and let him do all of the work. Uwharrie Stables offers guided rides for the public that take you along trails and through the forest.



For more information about horse rentals, click here.

Going home from this weekend, you will have lots of memories to take with you. And if you are smart, a car full of delicious peach delights. Enjoy!

The kids are out of school for the summer and they are eager to go somewhere fun during their time off. A lot of planning and preparation is not necessary for your family fun this summer. Take a weekend adventure to the Salisbury, NC area of Central Park NC .



FRIDAY

On Friday, pack up the family (even give the family dog a vacation) and drive to the peaceful small towns of the Salisbury area with its beautiful lakes and rivers, historical sites, and rolling hills.

When it comes to accommodations, the Salisbury- Rowan County area has a lot to offer. Whether looking for a bed and breakfast to upscale sleeping arrangements, this area has it all.

The Bed and Bike Inn

Bikers interested in year-round opportunities for cycling through rural America will love the Bed and Bike Inn. This B&B offers a full range of different types of accommodations from the newer Grove House to rustic log cabins.

Turn of the Century Victorian Bed and Breakfast

Historic downtown Salisbury awaits guests at the award-winning Turn of the Century Victorian Bed & Breakfast. We invite you to join us for a gracious mix of 1905 hospitality and the comforts of this elegant home.

Rowan Oak Bed and Breakfast

The Rowan Oak Bed and Breakfast has lavish bedrooms and private baths. A gazebo in the back provides opportunities to relax outdoors as well.

For more options for accommodations, please click here.

After you have checked in, it is time to relax and watch some baseball. Kids and parents alike will love watching the action of the Kannapolis Intimidators . This Class A minor league team plays every other weekend during the summer (so plan your trip during a home game.) Tickets are reasonable and good times will be had by the entire family. For more information about the Intimidators, please click here.

Saturday

Today is filled with lots of kid-friendly activities that will be fun for the entire family.

In most rural communities, the tradition of going to the farmer's market or local farm on Saturday morning to get the week's fruits and vegetables is still going strong today. Take the morning to find some delicious treats for breakfast or to pack up for a family picnic. The Salisbury area prides itself on having many wonderful "agri-culinary" experiences. Here are a few:



Carolina Lily at the Farm

Come and spend the day strolling through century old boxwoods and magnolias at the antique country farmplace of Carolina Lily. Enjoy a unique gathering of new and vintage treasures in our two cottage shops. Treat yourself to a picnic-in-a-pot (gourmet lunch in a flowerpot) or Tea Party in-a-hat (teaparty foods served in a garden hat) Luncheons and teas by advance reservation only.

Correll Farms

The Correll Farm has been in the family for 4 generations and over 100 years, and until November 2005 was a dairy farm and wholesale tomato operation. Currently we are raising beef cattle, dairy heifers, tomatoes for wholesale, and many vegetables and some fruits to sell at local Farmers Markets, as well as at our farm.

McLaughlin's Farmhouse

We offer custom-made gift boxes and gift baskets, our farm fresh country sausage, livermush, country ham, fresh hand cut western Angus beef, deli meats, and home-town congeniality every time you walk through the door.

For more farms and markets, please click here.

Take the family and your picnic to the Gold Hill Mines Historic Park. This 70 acre historic theme park is the site of Barnhardt and Randolph Gold Mines reportedly the richest mining properties East of the Mississippi and the home of the first gold rush. There is plenty to see and do at the mine which includes hiking the trails, listening to ghost stories, and learning about the great history behind the mine.



For more information about the mine, please click here .

After such a great day out, go back and relax. Take the evening to explore the downtown Salisbury area and find something wonderful to eat from southern home cooking to barbeque. Remember what we always say, ask a local. They are your greatest asset on this trip. They have lived in the area for years and definitely have the in on what is good.

Sunday

On your last day in the Salisbury area, take time to enjoy nature. Known for its beautiful scenery, Rowan County has plenty to offer. Here are a few things that will make your last day special.

Did you bring your bike?



If you did, spend the day with your family cycling through Rowan County. Stop by the Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau and pick up the Bicycling Rowan County Map that details the bicycle route system with five numbered routes and a system of unsigned connectors. This 226-mile system links cities, towns, points of interest and recreational areas via the more lightly traveled roads favored by local bicyclists. This is a great way to explore Rowan County.

Want to go hiking?

Dunn's Mountain Park is the newest park in the Salisbury area with a donation from Friends of the Mountain and a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant and generosity of the Land Trust For Central North Carolina. Take the family exploring through the area or organize a light hike.

Turn the day into a treasure hunt!



Many people have caught on to the idea of making life into a treasure hunt. Geo-cashing and Letterboxing have become a popular family activity. Learn more about how to find treasures, leave your mark on the area, and have a great time with the family all at the same time!

Like water?

High Rock Lake is a must-see in the Salisbury area. This 15,000-acre reservoir on the Yadkin River features excellent boating and fishing opportunities. There are plenty of activities to do in and out of the water for families. Research your trip before going to see if there are any events or festivals going on on the lake.


Salisbury and Rowan County have lots to offer visitors to the area. Take the time to explore the region and to really love it. This itinerary is meant as an introduction to the area. When you get there, you will see that there is so much more to see. Have a great time!

With the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes you need to take time out with that special person in your life. The Pinehurst area of North Carolina is a romantic and exciting place to take that one you love.

Located within a few hours of Fayetteville, Raleigh, Charlotte, and many other urban areas. Pinehurst is one of Moore County's most visited destinations.

FRIDAY



Start off your romantic weekend in one of the many unique accommodations in the area.

The Inn at Bryant House
214 N. Poplar Street
Aberdeen, NC
(910) 944-3300

Let us create the perfect ambiance you are looking for in a romantic getaway to the Pinehurst area. Enter your room with rose petals on the bed, homemade chocolates, candles softly lit and the smell of fresh flowers and romantic music playing in the background.

Midland Road Manor
1625 Midland Road
Southern Pines, NC
(910) 693-7979

Midland offers its guests a convenient location in the heart of the Sandhills of North Carolina on the road once described as the "Park Avenue of the Sandhills".

Inn at Eagle Springs
1813 Samarcand Road
Eagle Springs, NC
(910) 673-2722

Originally operated as the Routh Pines School, The Inn at Eagle Springs is a secluded bed and breakfast inn located just 20 minutes west of the Village of Pinehurst.

Take some time to relax and get ready for a romantic dinner at one of the areas fine dining restaurants.



Chef Warrens
215 NE Broad Street
Southern Pines, NC
(910) 692-5240

Chef Warrens has been preparing delicious food to the Pinehurst area for over 11 years. Sample a world of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes from Chef Warrens' eclectic menu.

Elliotts on Linden
905 Linden Road
Pinehurst, NC
(910) 215-0775

Fresh, seasonal, aware, respectfully-prepared... these are the philosophies that guide the menus at Elliotts. Whether we're feeding two guests or 600, we've made a reputation in Pinehurst for serving up the best ingredients in creative, inspired ways, always guided by the highest standard: taste.

195-American Fusion
195 Bell Ave Southern Pines
North Carolina 28387
910-692-7110

Fresh, creative cuisine prepared in a casual contemporary setting is what is on the menu at 195.

For other fine dining options, please click here.

SATURDAY

Pinehurst is famous around the country for having the some of the best golf courses. Today, start out the day by taking a golf lesson at The Pinehurst Resort.



Challenge courses as famous as those who've played them with invaluable guidance from the experienced instructors at The Pinehurst Golf Academy. Test your skills on the famed turtleback greens and deceptive fairways that have attracted champions like Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer. With stellar courses, expert instruction, brand new practice facilities and an unrivaled championship history, you'll not only be inspired to improve your game- you'll also be prepared.

Together, you and your significant other will learn a new hobby that you can enjoy even at home.

For other golf schools in the area, click here.



Having spent the morning walking the courses, you are both ready for some relaxation. Walk over to the Pinehurst Resort's Spa and luxuriate in their couple's escape package. Hold hands side by side as you are pampered and relaxed.

For more spas in the area, click here.



Continue the evening with dinner and some shopping in Pinehurst Village or nearby Aberdeen's Historic Downtown. Both offer a main street community that features antiques, collectibles, handicrafts and unique gift boutiques.

SUNDAY

Pinehurst is also the home of great equestrian activities.



After breakfast, dress comfortably and head over to McClendon Hills Equestrian Center. Located on Hwy 211 in West End, NC, McClendon Hills offers visitors the chance to take a 2 and 1/2 hour ride.

After your leisurely ride, ask a local to suggest a great place to eat lunch. No one knows the great food in the area like someone who lives there. It also gives you a chance to meet someone new!



For the afternoon, explore the quaint Village of Pinehurst via horse-drawn carriage while learning the history of days gone by. The Carriage Tours of Pinehurst Village, Inc. offers tours that depart from the Carolina Hotel or the Magnolia Inn. Tuesday-Sunday, day and evening tours, all approximately 30 minutes.

After a weekend of romance, you will be ready to head home with renewed love for each other and a new love for Pinehurst, NC. Enjoy!

This weekend calls for sunny skies and warm weather. On a weekend like this, the first thing that most people think about is going outside and having some fun! Your weekend adventure this week lets you get both types of your bicycles out for some great fun! You will spend Saturday riding your motorcycle around with a tough guy and then spend Sunday getting your blood and your pedals pumping.

Friday

For this trip, you will be taking in the sites of three of the eight counties of Central Park NC. Take the night to relax in one of our unique accommodations. The Central Park region boasts some of the finest accommodations that specialize in great southern hospitality.



May we suggest:

The Forever Inn
Wadesboro, NC
Newspapers like The Charlotte Observer and The The News & Observer have touted the Forever Inn's tasty breakfast featuring (among others) tender lemon buttermilk pancakes, maple pecan chocolate-stuffed french toast, and bacon avocado tomato omelets.
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Sullivan Place Bed and Breakfast
403 Park Road
Wadesboro, NC
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The Badin Inn
Badin, NC
Stay in a historic inn, modern condo, or village townhouse with golf course or village views at this private, 18-hole course. All rooms are Wi-Fi equipped, there is a full-service pub-style grill, and lodgers can swim and play tennis at the club.
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Norwood Family Campground
Norwood, NC
Norwood's campers have easy access to Uwharrie National Forest
or campground activities like horseshoe tournaments, junior fishing tournaments, and special events around the holidays.
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Whip O Will Campground
200 Whip O Will Rd
New London, NC
61 campsites on Badin Lake, some with the option of annual leasing.

Saturday

Wake up early today because you have an appointment with the DA. Don't worry, District Attorney Michael Parker may be tough in the courtroom, but it will be all fun today as you ride your favorite motorcycle around Anson, Stanly, and Richmond Counties. Imagine a 120 mile motorcycle ride covering four counties, four scenic byways, two local racetracks and lunch at a relaxing Bed and Breakfast!

You and lots of your fellow bikers will lap Rockingham Raceway Park's Big Rock and Little Rock Racetracks. Lunch will be a Ellerbe Springs Inn and the ride will culminate with a Bike Show and $175 in Prize-Give-Aways.

Registration for the event will start at RPM Cycles in Albemarle. For more information, visit www.michaelparkerda.com

Sunday

Unload your bicycle and get ready for a day of riding along more of our beautiful region.

Today you will be doing the Richmond County Cruise. The Richmond County Cruise links three charming and historic small towns in Richmond County-- Ellerbe, Rockingham, and Hamlet-- on a 33.7-mile ride. The tour begins at the Rankin Museum in Ellerbe at the edge of peach country, then travels cross-country to the county seat of Rockingham, where the main street circles the county courthouse in the downtown. From Rockingham it's a short distance to Hamlet, which served as a major hub for the Seaboard Atlantic Railroad at its picturesque and historic depot. The return route passes Ledbetter Lake then retraces the initial part of the route beginning at the intersection at Greenleaf Church.

Bring a camera and lots of water for this challenging, yet fun ride.

If you get hungry on your ride, check out one of the fine eateries on the Central Park website.

Hope you enjoy your weekend adventure.

Send pictures from your weekend adventures! We love to see the pictures from our itineraries!

Lexington, North Carolina is famous for its barbecue. For some, the thought of good southern cooked pork is enough reason to visit the area. Lexington has so much more to offer.

This weekend adventure features an itinerary that shows not only the great food, but also the great culture of Lexington and the surrounding area.

(P.S. The Central Park staff would greatly appreciate the donation of some Lexington barbecue...we love great food!)

Friday- May 15, 2009

You get in by plane, train, or automobile on Friday and you are most likely hungry and tired. Check into one of Lexington's great accommodations then treat yourself to some delicious food. Lexington IS known as the "Hickory Smoked Barbecue Capital of North Carolina." Try one of these restaurants to satisfy your tastes:


(Restaurants with websites)
The Barbecue Center
900 North Main Street, Lexington 336-248-4633

Smiley's Barbecue
917 Winston Road, Lexington 336-248-4528

Whitley's Restaurant
917 Winston Road, Lexington 336-248-4528

For more listings for great barbecue, visit the Lexington Visitors Center Website here.


Saturday

Today's activities involve music, wine, and lots of shopping in Lexington and Thomasville!

Venture to Childress Vineyards in Lexington for "Music in the Vineyards". From 11am to 3pm, the winery features free performances on the lawn beneath the terrace. Today's performance is by the Reggie Buie Trio, a jazz group from Winston-Salem, NC.

If you are hungry after the music, take lunch at The Bistro at Childress Vineyards where Chef David Thomas has developed a menu that features Bistro cuisine with an Italian flair that focuses on fresh, organic produce, meats, seafood and homemade pastas.


After a morning of good food and entertainment, you will have the energy to tackle some of the best furniture shopping in South. About half an hour east of Lexington is the city of Thomasville. Thomasville has a long history in furniture that lives on today. Start by visiting, The Big Chair, a 30 foot landmark replica of a Duncan Phyfe armchair that rests in the middle of the city. The original "Big Chair" was constructed in 1922 by the Thomasville Chair Company (now Thomasville Furniture Industries) out of lumber and Swiss steer hide to reflect the city's prominent furniture industry.

Take the rest of the afternoon and shop the many excellent furniture stores that specialize in everything from antiques to collectibles. The Thomasville Tourism Commission has some suggests on where to start here.


Sunday

Load up your canoes and kayaks for an all-day adventure at the High Rock Lake Paddlefest!


Wake up early and participate in the 5:30am sunrise paddle. The North Carolina sun never looks better than over a lake in the morning. The day continues with a 10k race, free demonstrations, classes, and trainings, music, food and fun. By the end of a day like this, you will be glowing from a great day in the sun with new friends.


Monday

Normally, the weekend would end on a Sunday, but take one more day off to experience one of the greatest and funniest events in Lexington. The Pigs in the City Premiere at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center is worth an extra day. Be the first to see the 20 new whimisically decorated pigs which will dot the streets of Historic Uptown Lexington beginning May 22. Four pigs will also be inducted into the new Pigs in the City Hall of Fame.


Tickets for the Premiere and After Party are $17.50 or 2 for $30. General admissison tickets to the Premiere only are $2.00. Uptown Lexington will also be collecting non-perishible food items for Pastor's Pantry and Crisis Ministry. For tickets or more information call 336-249-0383.


The Lexington area has so much to offer anyone looking for a weekend adventure. While in the area, pick up brochures or ask around and you will find other great places, restaurants, and historic sites. Have a great time.

For more information about Davidson County attractions and towns, please click here.