Everyone should have the privilege of having a place where they can just go and enjoy nature at its finest. If you are ever in Richmond County in NC then the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is just the place.In the 1920s, Lockhart Gaddy, captured…Read More

Everyone should have the privilege of having a place where they can just go and enjoy nature at its finest. If you are ever in Richmond County in NC then the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is just the place.

In the 1920s, Lockhart Gaddy, captured wild geese and placed them in this area so he could attract and shoot wild geese. Thankfully in 1934 he ended this practice and started to attract the birds to just make this a migration stop on their yearly pilgrimage south. By the 1950s more than 10,000 birds stopped by during their voyage. It also soon started attracting humans who wanted to see these feathered beauties. In 1963 the government and local citizens established the land as the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. His widow ran it until 1975 when it became part of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Today the Friends of the Pee Dee help oversee the refuge.

Gaddy’s generosity has given us 8,443 acres of forests, fields, ponds, and marshes. The area has the largest bottomland hardwood tract in NC. Today more than 180 species of birds migrate here each year including the rare red-cockade woodpecker. In additional there are 49 amphibian and reptile species, 28 mammals groups, and 20 varieties of fish. The place is also teaming with butterflies and insects. The area covers both Richmond and Anson counties. In 2001 the refuge was designated as an important bird area by the National Audubon Society. It is currently the only inland NWR in NC.

Outdoor enthusiasts have a verity of options here. You can come check out our feathered friends who’s migration period runs from August until October, you can paddle your canoe down the Pee Dee River, you can bring your camera and capture images just like Ansel Adams, or just simply take off on one of the many hiking trails and allow your self to just escape the pressures of your daily life. Or if some reason you enjoy blowing away birdies or adorable animals you can hunt here. You can see their website for hunting rules and regulations.

Jaz and I decided to pay a visit to the refuge back in October. When we arrived we were disappointed to find most of the trails closed to allow hunting for the disabled. I had checked their events calendar and didn’t see any mention of the hunt. We finally found a ranger who directed us to the Gaddy bridge trail. He said since this was one of the most scenic for visitors it is often open during special events such as this to allow the refuge to be open to everyone. There is a small cleared out area where we parked our van and we found the sign for the trail. This trail is truly dazzling. You pass by ponds and marshes until you reach the Gaddy Covered Bridge. Sit a spell here and just enjoy the peace and quite. This enchanting bridge was featured on the cover of the September 2006 issue of Our State magazine. This is a short and easy path to walk. We retraced our steps and when we got back out to the parking area we took another path. This path is marked for visitors and leads you through a glorious forest, past plenty of beautiful flowering plants, and bring you to a… silo! Yes at the end of this path is an abandoned silo. I have no idea what its purpose is but there it is… for all to enjoy. You can either take a right or follow the road a short ways back to the parking area or just walking back down the path you just came up from. This path is about ½ mile each way and is a relatively easy walk.

The day Jaz and I sat out for a new adventure was just perfect. It was a lovely fall day and we had the paths all to ourselves. I was a bit disenchanted that I didn’t see any of the refuges feathered visitors, but we sure could hear them. The cool clean air and the crunch of the autumn leaves and us hiking the trails just made the stress of every day life disappear for the few hours we enjoyed here. Sadly the only wildlife I spotted, other than Jaz, were a few squirrels bounding through the woods and the horrific spider I spotted in the bathroom.

The refuge does offer a number of events through out the year including special hunts like when I was here, ranger lead nature classes, and bird counts. They are open from dusk to dawn every day of the week. The ranger office is open from 8am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday and is closed on holidays. They do have picnic tables and there is a ranger station just off Highway 52 in Wadesboro where you can pick up information and where you will find restrooms. This lovely hidden away gem was also featured in Carolina Country magazine which is where I found out about it. For more information please visit them at www.peedeefriends.org. When you need a break from everyday life, I can’t think of a better place to escape.

Very highly recommended. Close

As I mentioned in my entry on Reed’s Gold Mine in my 5 of the 22 journal, gold actually was not first discovered in California as many people believe. Instead it was discovered in a tiny town, right near my home, in NC by the…Read More

As I mentioned in my entry on Reed’s Gold Mine in my 5 of the 22 journal, gold actually was not first discovered in California as many people believe. Instead it was discovered in a tiny town, right near my home, in NC by the Reed family. Shortly afterwards gold fever spread in these parts and gold mining operations began to set up all over. To include Gold Hill.

The town was established in 1843. One of the early families in town was George Bernhardt, son-in-law of John Reed. Prospectors were lured into Gold Hill in 1823 when geological surveys showed that there were 3 areas rich with the shiny stuff. At one point it was considered the richest mine town east of the Mississippi.

As miners moved into the area, so did commerce. Soon stores, hotels and taverns were established. There would soon be a need for some sort of police power and eventually a jail was built to hold the rowdy drunks. In 1843 Gold Hill was officially established as a town.

Gold Hill transitioned from a rough and tumble mining town into a social and economical center. Soon Gold Hill would become a major social center. There were numerous events labeled Grand Affairs. Tickets were sold for high society functions and only the most elite were attending. The once elaborate Gold Hill Hotel allowed guests to dine on fine china and linen tablecloths.

Much like the fate of many other towns, the gold rush soon moved out west and life here eventually began to fade into non-existence. In 1969 Vivian Pennington Hopkins heard about one of the old mine offices burning down and decided to start reaching the history of the town. But it wasn’t until 1989 that an effort to start bringing back business here began with the first annual Founder’s Day.

In 1982 the Gold Hill Historic Foundation was started with Hopkins on the steering committee. A 16-acrea donation, from Carolina Stalite, returned the land George Newman sat aside for the park in 1912. Eventually other land donations were made or purchased. One of the first restorations projects was the old jail. From there other buildings were restored. A shelter for locals and visitors was built. One of the latest projects has been the newly built amphitheatre. The Gold Hill Rail trail has also developed the first mile of what will eventually be an 8 mile trail. They are also working on a nomination for the National Register of Historic Places.

Today the town has reinvented its self as a small, charming village. It offers a glace into our past as well as offers a place to slow down the pace and escape the hassles of a major city.

Gold Hill is alive again as visitors and locals converge to shop, dine, and explore. Cathy Cain’s studio is a bevy of beautiful things for your yard including fountains, art, and you can purchase a variety of plants here as well. There is a bakery, florist, antique shop, and music shop. There is Miss. Ruby’s, but you can see my Fall Funery entry for this place. E.H Montgomery General Store sells local crafts, souvenirs, and snacks. They also double as a picking parlor. Come Friday night, visitors are greeting to some of the best bluegrass performers around. Mauney’s 1840 Store carries local made crafts, products, and antiques. Downstairs though, you can find a museum on the history of the town.

Walk though Gold Park and enjoy the old jail, the Bernhardt Barn, mine shafts, and places to sit and relax. Cross over and enjoy the nature trails which lead down to the peaceful Gold Hill Pond. It is now a favorite place for an afternoon walk for Jaz and I.

There is also plenty to see just walking through town. There is the restored Assay Office, the picturesque United Methodist church, and a number of lovely private homes.

Throughout the year there are a number of events held. Included are:

Founder’s Day (4th Saturday in September)
Oyster Roast (in the spring)
Lighting of the Fall Fires (Monday before Thanksgiving)
Haunted Gold Hill (Saturday before Halloween)

There are quite a few places in town for large gatherings and receptions.

I have lived in this area for 6 years now and it wasn’t until I was at Reed’s, did I discover this gem. I have attended several events here and Jaz and I love to come and just stroll around. I am looking forward to the spring and headed over to Cathy Cain's to get some new thing for my yard. This place has quickly become of one of my new discoveries. So I hope you will take the time and discover it for yourself.

For more information please visit www.historicgoldhill.com. Highly Recommended Close

A while back while I was at another historical place, I picked up several brochures on historical things to do in the region. John has the summer off from playing and I have wanted to get out and explore the region, so I was gathering…Read More

A while back while I was at another historical place, I picked up several brochures on historical things to do in the region. John has the summer off from playing and I have wanted to get out and explore the region, so I was gathering information to keep me going through the summer. That is when I stumbled upon a brochure on the town of Badin.

Now I knew where Badin was and that there was a lake there as John’s band used to play at a boat club before it caught fire. But I had never heard anyone mention anything historical about it. Now this is an exact quote from the brochure which got me all excited:

"Drop in at the Town Hall for a map of the area or a booklet on the history of the town. Grab your camera and walk around the village, down narrow lanes, past Old French Colonial houses with their little entry bridges over rock-lined storm drains".

Oooh... I was hooked. I showed it to John and he got a very puzzled look on his face and asked me if I was sure that was Badin because he had never seen anything close to what the brochure described. John and I both are history lovers and he is quite willing to go along with me to historical spots. When it comes to this region though, he is not the most helpful guy in the universe. I have no idea how many times I have picked up a brochure from some outstanding place located near my house. When I get home I waved the brochures in his face all the time pointing and declaring ‘why have you never told me this was nearby. Why have you never mentioned we should go? What do I have to find this out for myself?" Only to hear "I didn’t think you would be interested." To quote Wildcat Dianne…grrrr! But this was the first time he looked as clueless as I was.

I though well the next time I was down that way I would stop and explore the town. My chance came a few weeks later after visiting Town Creek Indian Grounds. In my haste to get in my car and avoid the rainfall I dropped my cell phone and had to go back to retrieve it. I knew Badin was on the way. So I gathered up my cameras, loaded up my backpack, grabbed Jazzy, and off we went.

The history of Badin dates back to 1913 when a French company, L’Auluminium Francaise, started to work on a dam of the Yadkin River to provide power for smelter. As workers started to arrive, houses, restaurants, and other stores had to be built for the employees and their families. The town began to grow right along side the newly built lake and was named for the company president, Adrian Badin.

With the advent of WW1, the company had to redirect their efforts towards the war, thus ending the construction project in Badin. In 1915 The Philly based Mellon Company used its aluminum company, Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA), to buy up the half-finished town. ALCOA is still in production and providing employment to most of the town’s residents.
The former owners had already built a few plant buildings, a club house for single male employees and visitors, a plant managers residents, and single family residents along Henderson St. Work had already been started on 150 apartments, but it would be another 3 years before they were completed. Eventually bungalows were built along Tallassee St., cottages on Pine, and a women’s annex to the main club house.

By 1917 the town was established as a permanent settlement and offered a hospital, 20-room school, a theater, and several commercial buildings. They also offered housing and cultural facilities for black workers, unheard of at the time.

By the 1920s automobiles and better roads allowed workers to move to larger towns and the population shrank from about 5,000 to about 1,500 residents. In 1983 Badin was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the remaining company towns. Badin also is situated along the Scenic Byway of NC.

After retrieving my phone Jaz and I took the turn to get to Badin. The drive into here is indeed quite a treat for the eyes. The town is located at the base of the Uwharrie Mountains. As we drove along the road we passed extraordinary farmlands, rolling hills, attractive homes with perfect gardens, wide open spaces filled with splendid wild flowers, and stunning views of the mountains. This is one time I slowed down and just enjoyed the view as it unfolded before me. Before long we reached the middle of town and quickly located the town hall. I grabbed my cameras, backpack, and Jazzy. I went in the town hall and asked if they had an area map or some information on the historical areas. What I might as well have said was ‘excuse me but do you happen to have the alien body that was recovered from that wreck in the '50s in Roswell?" I think I would have gotten the same stare! I quickly flipped open my brochure and read the part about French Colonial Houses with their rock-lined storm drains. The employees looked at each other with that she’s crazy look. I was informed there was a museum across the street. I explained I had my dog and couldn’t go inside anywhere. Then they directed me to the library. Well… since I have about 300 books of my own I don’t frequent libraries unless I am donating books or going to a lecture. One man did explain to me that when the school was first built in 1916 they offered the same quality education for both the black and white children of the company workers. Again quite unusual for the time. But the old school had been rebuilt somewhere in the 1950s so it isn’t historical. They also told me there was a lake there. Course I knew that.

Finally deciding I was not getting any help I just said thanks and decided I would explore on my own. As we walked up the road I saw a blue sign indicating a walking tour. We followed the signs for about 15 minutes. All I ever saw were houses that were either relatively new or looked like something out the 70s and Bradyville. It was hot and Jaz and I both were miserable so we sullenly trudged back to the van. We made a quick stop at the convenience store for water and we headed for the lake. I figured I could get a few pictures and let Jasmine wade around and cool off. Then we took off for something else I noticed in the brochure, which I should have guessed by now was inaccurate. The brochure also described a scenic walk along the upper and lower section of the dam. I followed the directions and one road went straight to a private road. The other road ended up just another place to launch you boat on the lake. Though I did find a huge sign showing all the sections of the lake project and indeed the nature trials along the dam. It just wasn’t what the brochure said I had no idea how to get there. Finally admitting defeat Jaz and I just headed back out towards the house.

Now Badin isn’t a total lost cause. If you have your own personal watercraft then Badin Lake is a great spot. Or just bring your intertube or inflatable chair and just enjoy floating around the lake. If you happen to be in the area and need a place to stop and refuel, then there are several quaint restaurants in town. For anyone who likes the small off the beaten path type of museums, then you may enjoy the tiny but charming museum. There is also a county club and golf course. The original club house that was built for employees in 1913 has been immaculately restored. The restaurant inside is open to the public for lunch. And as I said earlier, the ride in is certainly worth it.

They do have the Best of Badin Festival in September which is quite well known. I just see no sense in paying to have brochures printed out to come visit a town and then you don’t have anyone to direct people to what you have listed in the brochure. If you are in the area then stop by, otherwise I don’t recommend making a special trip here. Badin is about 15 minutes from Morrow Mt. (see my Albemarle journals for more information) or 45 minutes from Asheboro. It is accessible via Highways 740, 73, or 52. For more information please go to www.badin.org.

Somewhat recommend to recommended. Close

When you first pull into the large and impressive gates at the winery you feel like you are in the middle of California’s wine country. Driving down the winding path you first catch a glimpse of the impressive Tuscan-inspired building in the distance and grapevines…Read More

When you first pull into the large and impressive gates at the winery you feel like you are in the middle of California’s wine country. Driving down the winding path you first catch a glimpse of the impressive Tuscan-inspired building in the distance and grapevines as far as the eye can see. Though since we were here just recently the vines were bare.

John and I pulled up to the driveway we couldn’t help admire the beautiful building. The massive brick and stone structure features plenty of alcoves, trellises, and columns. In the front is a beautiful fountain and amazing views of the vineyards. I can imagine how beautiful it must be in the warmer months when things are in full bloom. The building has the look and feel of a Tuscan home. As you open the massive wood doors you will notice the Childress shield emblazoned on the doors.

Once you walk inside, the buildings gives a feeling or warm and richness with the lovely textured walls and deep rich wood, a lovely fountain in the middle of the 2 story Grand Hall, and a beautiful painting in an alcove on the left. The building encompasses over 35,000 square feet and was designed by NC architect, Kyle Troxell. Since it was decorated for Christmas there was a huge tree in the corner and visitors are greeted by a 6 foot Santa.

On the right you can see inside one of several of their banquet rooms. On the left is the large gift shop. On past the fountain you will run into the bistro. In the back you will run into an inviting sitting area. Here you will also find the rest rooms which are very clean and lovely inside.

When we first arrived John and I headed straight over to the bistro. The bistro features lunch and is open 7 days a week. Please see my separate entry on dining here. After our scrumptious meal we signed up for the next winery tour at 2. While waiting we briefly looked around the massive gift shop. Tours are held here at 12, 2, and 4 and are free. You meet in the Grand Hall, but someone will come into the gift shop and announce the tour is about to start for anyone interested.

I am not sure if I missed our guides name or if she never offered it. Anyways our lovely and petite guide turned out to be fabulous. She was very knowledgeable of the winery and very patient even with a few in our party who had been hitting the wine tasting before hand and seemed to ask the same questions that she had just explained. She took her time so everyone got to look at everything. Not once did we feel rushed. The tour takes us outside where we can see the crops growing, past their garden, and down to the back entrance. They have a lovely pond at the garden and the entrance is flanked by two large black urns. Since it was December and the plants were dormant I didn’t feel the need to go check it out. But if you go during warmer months it is worth checking out and often the host of smaller weddings held in the winery.

Our first stop was the sorting area. Grapes are brought in and loaded into a machine which sorts them and removes any debris. From here we went inside down a lovely hall full of beautiful paintings and statues. Next we went into one of the barrel rooms. This room was full of barrels of wines. The wines here had to be stored in cooler temperatures. This room is unbelievably cold so a light jacket even in warmer months might not be a bad idea. The room can host small banquets of up to 50 people. On top of the barrels there are candles to give a romantic feeling when it is rented out for banquets. If you decided to rent out this room you might be well advised to warn you guests to bring their ski wear.

After finely leaving the cold of this room we stopped in front of the bottle assembly room. The room itself is closed to visitors but you can see the workers processing, labeling, and corking the bottles when the grapes are being processed. From here we went into the barrel cave. This is yet another room full of wine barrels, but the wines here have to be kept in warmer temperatures. There are two rows of barrels down the middle and then barrels stacked up on each side. In the back there are several long wooden tables and banquets can be held here also. Down here is also where Richard’s wine room is. This room holds Richard’s own private collection as well as bottles which have his racing team’s numbers and have been signed by the drivers. The public is not allowed inside the room but it can be viewed here.

From here we left out of a back entrance and came up into the bistro. There are several dozen tables in the back which overlook the fermenting room. You can go look over the railing and check out the room below. The tour takes about an hour.

Make sure you stop in at their gift shop. Along the right side of the room is the tasting bar. The bar itself is made of a deep rich wood and is quite lovely. Here you can take home the final product of all that work you have just seen. There are literally dozens of different types of wines and prices for any pocketbook. They range from $10 to over $500 for gift sets. They have seasonal wines here. Since we were here at the holidays there were several different holiday reds and white each with their own label. In addition to wine they of course have everything you need for a wine party including bottle openers, coasters, and all types of cheese accruements for a wine and cheese party. They also offer grape juice and olive oil in addition to a number of other food stuffs such as salsa and jams. Then of course they carry the typical souvenirs such as post cards and magnates. Even if you’re not a vino fan it is worth coming inside the shop. The shops looks like a quaint European shop you might find in Rome or Paris. Pick up a bottle of wine and keep it to serve at your next party or when you need a hostess gift. If nothing else red wine is great in cooking. I purchased a bottle of their least expensive red for my cooking. I have already used it in a roast I prepared for the holidays and it was delightful.

They do have several rooms that can be rented for any special occasion you might have. They also host weddings. If you would like to have your wedding in this beautiful place you will need to book well in advanced. Our guide told us that during the summer they stay booked up with weddings, hosting several each weekend.

The winery is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. They are open year round. They host a number of events throughout the year. One thing to note. The 2007 harvest will be the first yield from the grapes grown by the company. Since it takes a few years to grow the grapes and process them, this is the first year they are ready. Up until now the company has been using locally grown grapes and processing them on the premises.

Even if you are not a fan of the grape, or like me and simply don’t drink anything stronger than caffeine… well a winery is still for you. The lunch here is wonderful and even though I don’t drink wine I found the tour and process to be fascinating. Make sure you bring your camera because photography is allowed. For more information on the winery or to purchase any of their wines please go to www.childressvineyards.com. Close