On Friday, Judy and I embarked on one of
our signature Gypsy trips. We knew our
destination was Hillsborough, NC, but we
didn't know what we might seeing while
going or coming.
The first thing I saw of interest was this
mosaic near the courthouse square in Pittsboro.
We often travel through this bustling town.
This day we got some tasty marked-down
items at a bakery. This mosaic actually
glitters, and the photo doesn't do it justice.
Here is the renovated historic courthouse
in the heart of Pittsboro. You may recall that
it was damaged by fire several years ago, but
it cleaned up pretty well.
Below is a different courthouse, in Hillsborough,
the county seat of Orange County. It's at the far
end from Chapel Hill- Carrboro, where we go
frequently. It's funny that when I was a student
at UNC-CH from 1972-75, Mama and Daddy
always brought me to school via I-85 and we
took the Hillsborough exit to Chapel Hill. But
we never had cause to stop in Hillsborough.
So today was a get-acquainted trip for me and
Judy, and time well spent.
We had discovered the Saratoga Grill on
TripAdvisor.com, which I trust for travel tips.
Saratoga refers to the battle in upstate New
York which was the turning point of the
Revolutionary War.
This is just inside the entrance. Then you
ascend the stairs.
The grill is a bit unusual, in that it is upstairs
with no handicapped access. It has a bank of
windows which look out on the historic
courthouse, and we got a window seat.
We were early birds, and glad we were.
Here's that view.
And here's another nice view.
Can you say "Scallop and Cheddar Burger?"
Judy and I both said it, and enjoyed every bite.
The food was great and the atmosphere made
everything even better.
As you can see, by the time we finished the
place was packed. Can you see Judy at center
at our window table?
I was a little heavier going down the stairs
than when I came up.
This historic plaque refers to the same David
Fanning who took part in the skirmish at
Moore County's House in the Horseshoe.
The date is 1781, though it looks like 1731.
This monument recognizes Daniel Boone
whose adventures took him through here,
and Trader's Path, an old Indian route.
We enjoyed a short visit to the visitor's
center, where we got helpful maps, saw
a short slide show, and got personal attention
from a tour guide.
Among other historic connections, General
Lord Cornwallis spent time here near the end
of the Revolutionary War. Also, the surrender
of General Joseph Johnston to General Sherman
in the Civil War was nearby.
As gardeners and flower lovers, we deeply
appreciate bees and other pollinators.
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And since we detest mosquitoes, we adore
all things "dragonfly." Judy eyed this bench,
wondering where we could find one.
A historic home, Ayr Mount, had a steep
price for a tour, $12. So we passed on that,
opting for the FREE one-mile walking trail
called Poet's Walk. It was perfect!
They didn't charge us to look at the house.
More about Poet's Walk.
We loved this ubiquitous wetland plant.
Not until we got home was I able to research
it. I learned it is Trout Lily, which also goes
by other names. But it does resemble a
speckled trout.
This one is a little more open than most.
This internet photo shows what it will look
like in full flower.
The Poet's Walk took us down to the Eno
River, which was still rushing from recent rains.
(Ah, alliteration!) As you know, we have
discovered and loved the nearby Eno River
State Park (see previous blogs).
No, it's not what you think it is, it's something
else. Exactly what, I'm not sure.
The last of the walk comes back to this
reflecting pond. Note the double meaning.
Not only is a pond that reflects its beautiful
surroundings, but it's a spot that invites
poets and would-be poets to reflect on their
own experiences here.
I snapped this photo, aware that back at
home, Hunter and Brianna were studying
ecosystems with 4-H this day.
We're all about "life-long learning," kids!
Back in the heart of town, we parked at
the site of the farmer's market (not open
yet, of course). It reminded us of the nice
shelter we had seen in Abingdon, Virginia
last fall.
From that parking area, we entered the newly
completed River Walk, and were impressed.
We would have walked further, but had already had
a good leg stretcher. Plus it was on the cool side.
A view of the Eno from the pedestrian bridge.
As we departed from Hillsborough, we
located the Occoneechee Mountain State
Natural Area. It has a 2.2 mile loop trail
to the summit, which at 350 feet above the
Eno River, is said to be the highest point
between Hillsborough and the Atlantic Ocean.
It's definitely the highest point in Orange County.
We proceeded on, via rustic back roads,
to the little known former mill village of
Saxapahaw, beside the Haw River in
Alamance County (just south of Burlington).
We came here to see an old general store,
which along with other shops, has given new
life to the abandoned mill buildings.
Here's a view of the Haw River from the
parking area.
This end of the building contains several
loft apartments overlooking the river,
plus a nice restaurant.
This ampitheater is home to regular concerts
on a seasonal basis.
The General Store was more like a health
foods store, and high-priced, in Judy's
estimation (trust her). But we were glad
to see this creative enterprise succeeding.
The entire building also houses a coffee
shop and even a charter school!
From Saxapahaw, Highway 87 led us straight
back to Pittsboro, and the car knew the way
home from there. What a nice day trip for
the first day of spring. We'll be going back
to Hillsborough for more hiking, for sure.
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