Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Matthew Keegan

I am blessed to live in an area that has so much to offer. Raleigh, the state capital, is nearby with all of its Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Civil Rights significance. Durham, home of many tobacco makers, boasts Duke University while Chapel Hill is the home of the University of North Carolina. All three cities have so much to offer but it is nearby Chatham County that offers a charm of its own.

Founded in the mid1700s by Irish-Scot, English, German, and Quaker immigrants Chatham County is situated in the heart of North Carolina, just southeast of Raleigh. In its earlier years it was a summer resort for those seeking to escape the high temperatures and humidity of the Raleigh area. Today, the county boasts a combination of old time towns along with bustling suburbs. Indeed, Siler City at 7,000 people, is its largest “city” so the smalltown effect has yet to completely been moved to the side.

The seat of government for the county of Chatham is located in Pittsboro, a town peppered with restaurants and antique stores. The court house is a “can’t miss” destination as it was plunked down in the center of town in 1787 where it remains to this day.

While the early years of county life featured rabbit breeding the current county agri-business is now poultry. Beyond all that, the county is now attracting new settlers who want a taste of country while having accessibility to the city life of Raleigh. Indeed, new housing developments continue to spring up particularly in the area of the Fearrington Village development.

If you like outdoor activities, Chatham County will not disappoint you. My favorite spot is the Jordan Lake State Recreational Area, a 14000 acre park featuring hiking, bird watching, swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. You can spend several days at the park and still not be able to take in all that it has to offer.

Throughout the year other activities are held including an arts and crafts festival and a bluegrass music festival. The county also has an award winning winery, the Silk Hope Winery, featuring wine from American and French hybrid grapes, as well as a collection of gardens.

If you visit the central part of North Carolina, make sure that your travel plans include a stop in Chatham County. It may not be a Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, but it is a destination worth visiting in its own right.

By Matthew C. Keegan

When traveling through the South, certain destinations such as Charleston and Savannah have strong appeal to many as they are rich in history and warmth. In North Carolina, New Bern has a similar appeal and it is just now being “discovered” by visitors as a terrific destination in itself. See why this birthplace of North Carolina holds such a strong interest for visitors.

In 1710, New Bern was settled by German and Swiss adventurers from Bern, Switzerland. During colonial times, the city acted as the first capitol for the North Carolina colony. Thus, much of what is of strong historical significance for the city can be found within three districts dotting New Bern. Indeed, over 150 sites are listed with the National Register of Historic Places including many homes, stores, and churches.

Chief among the historical sites are:

1. The Issac Taylor House, built in 1792.

2. The Old City Hall, constructed in 1816.

3. Union Point, the location selected by the settlers and purchased from Carolina natives in 1710 for the government house.

4. The Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens, considered by many to be the loveliest government building ever built. It was occupied by the first royal governor of the colony, William Tryon.

5. The Attmore-Oliver House, built in 1790. It now houses the New Bern Historical Society.

In addition, New Bern has other claims to fame including:

1. The birthplace of Pepsi. Atlanta has Coca-Cola, but New Bern gave birth to Pepsi. Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist, created the soft drink for medicinal as well as taste purposes. You can visit the store — which only opened in 1998 — and sample some of Bradham’s speciality.

2. Croatan National Forest. Civil war buffs will enjoy stopping by here as “the forest” was an important battlefield during the War Between the States.

3. USMC Aviation Exhibit. Just outside of New Bern, in Havelock, is the Marine aviation exhibit. Artifacts, photographs, scaled models, and restored aircraft are chief amongst the attractions found at the exhibit.

Visitors to New Bern will find ample and varied lodging and eating establishments in the city. Due to its proximity to the ocean, fresh seafood is in abundance and is a favorite for many. Day trips up and down the coast or inland to the present capitol, Raleigh, are well within reach. Like Savannah and Charleston, the city exudes Southern charm at a lower cost and with less crowds. Truly, New Bern is history at its finest and available to you at a price you will find affordable.

(c)2005; Matthew C. Keegan