The North Carolina
Visitor Center
Welcome to the North Carolina Visitor Center
From the mountains to the coast and all points in between
To receive our free North Carolina Visitor Center Newsletter by email each month, please email us at
newsletter@ncvisitorcenter.com
by Duncan Mackie
The town's growth resulted in the establishment of an academy, Robeson Institute, in 1845. A 1925 paper reports that "It was a mixed school (gender), but was taught by competent teachers." In 1885 the academy burned and was never rebuilt. A new school, combined with the Masonic Lodge, was built in 1886.
The textile industry flourished during the early part of this century with the building of three cotton mills by 1920. The worldwide depression of the 30's helped contribute to the selling of the mills in 1943 to Burlington Mills Corporation. While the textile industry has been in decline, other industries such as Mueller Steam, Smithfield Packing, Paraclete Armor and Prestage Farms have located and prospered in this area.
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Black Mountain, NC – LEAF is excited to Celebrate the Blues at Spring LEAF 2012, taking place May 10-13, 2012 in Black Mountain, NC. Headlining the 34th twice-annual festival are blues legend Taj Mahal, afrobeat progeny Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, and New Orleans institution Preservation Hall Jazz Band. In addition to Taj Mahal, several other artists will be helping to celebrate blues traditions (with support in part by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. Art Works), including The Wood Brothers, Corey Harris & The Rasta Blues Experience, David Bromberg, Gaye Adegbalola (formerly with Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women), The Shane Pruitt Band and Music Maker Relief Foundation artists Captain Luke and Cool John Ferguson.
From the dark, smoky clubs of Chicago & St. Louis, all the way down through the Hill Country and into the bayous of the Deep South, you'll be introduced to an sampling of Blues artists, intermingled with the diversity of cultural names and faces you've come to love at LEAF - The Golden Dragon Acrobats (China), Sarazino (Ecuador), The Nuala Kennedy Band (Ireland), and Msafiri Zawose (Tanzania). Rounding out the top of the lineup are dance-pop-meets-afrobeat sensations Rubblebucket, bhangra funk masters Red Baraat, North Carolina folkies The Red Clay Ramblers, Americana up-and comers The Black Lillies, and world-renowned DJ King Britt presenting his Sister Gertrude Morgan multimedia experience.
This lineup is the soundtrack to a diverse weekend festival experience that also includes a juried art show; over 50 free healing arts workshops; a dance hall with plenty of contra, salsa, swing, and professional instruction; outdoor adventures with camping and lake activities; the LEAFlet Kids Village, with two stages and an extraordinary amount of activities; a Poetry Slam with $1000+ in prize money; great food, plenty of vendors, and much more. LEAF’s Blue Ridge Mountain setting is spectacular, and the event is truly magical. LEAF is a family and friend tradition that “recharges our batteries” twice a year.
New to LEAF this May is “HayMow - A Raised Art Experience”. HayMow, in the historic Black Mountain College Barns, will feature four visual outsider artists who will showcase and sell their works of “Uncommon Art,” conduct workshops, and hold conversations with the underlying philosophy of folklore as action. This spring’s first league of HayMow artists features Lamar Sorrento of Memphis, who will be honoring Robert Johnson’s 100th birthday celebration, as part of LEAF’s Blues focus.
LEAF in Schools & Streets (LSS) in the COMMUNITY!
One of the key LEAF achievements is Empowering Youth in WNC through Festive Arts. LSS is currently working weekly with 15 music and arts programs in local public housing communities and center for after-school programs. Encompassing the festival weekend, over 20 of the LEAF performing artists will be participating in LSS arts-in-education workshops, residencies, and enrichment concerts in local schools and centers. LSS has worked with over 27,000 local youth!
A family-friendly outreach performance and school field trip opportunity:
LEAF in Schools & Streets Presents: The Golden Dragon Acrobats
The Premiere Chinese Acrobatic Touring Company
Monday, May 14th 11am at The Orange Peel, downtown Asheville
All Ages: $2 for kids under age 18 | $5 for adults
Tickets: The Orange Peel box office, www.theorangepeel.net, Ticket Web:866|468-7630
LSS provides this special low cost event to make this outreach performance accessible for schools, families & the community.
More info: outreach@theLEAF.org | 828/68-MUSIC (686-8742) | LEAFinSchoolsandStreets.org
The ultimate animal adventure is waiting just around the corner. In fact, you need not venture beyond North Carolina to experience lions, tigers, wildebeests, woolly worms, wolfdogs, and more. In Animal Adventures in North Carolina, readers are directed to 70 locations in the state where they can view, interact with and be educated about wildlife. It’s no wonder Zoo and Aquarium Visitor ranked North Carolina among its 2008 “Top 10 Animal Attraction States.”
From the mountains to the coast, each destination offers a unique experience. In Madison County, for example, English Mountain Llama Treks treat guests to overnight hiking excursions with llama companions and steak dinners around the campfire. Lucy Lowe, proprietor of English Mountain Llama Treks, guarantees trekkers will not lose weight on one of her trips! Lowe also promises to provide able hikers unforgettable adventures and non-hikers easy but extraordinary experiences.
At Noah’s Landing in Harnett County, visitors can experience hands-on encounters with a variety of kid-friendly critters such as an armadillo, fennec fox, miniature Sicilian donkeys, an opossum, and a rose-haired tarantula. Dora Turner founded the facility with a goal of educating children about animals in an environment dedicated to hands-on learning. In showcasing a variety of animals and allowing visitors to connect with them through touch, Turner fulfills her goal by creating irreplaceable memories.
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North Carolina.....
Not only is North Carolina one of the most diverse and naturally beautiful states in America, but it also lays claim to some of our nation's most interesting characters. Scroll down to see who we chose for this issue.
Fascinating North Carolinian
Jimmy Capps
NC native - Living Legend
Over the last 50 years countless guitarists have come to Nashville with $5.00 in their pockets and their guitars slung over their backs in hopes of making their dream a reality. Only a chosen few ever made it! Especially those whose "fingerprints" are left on #1 hit recordings. Guitar great Jimmy Capps is one of the chosen few.
For years now, Jimmy has been turning songs he's never heard before into hits...and in some cases even 'classics'.
These timeless classics include:
- "Stand By Your Man" - Tammy Wynette
- "He Stopped Loving Her Today" - George Jones
- "The Rose" - Conway Twitty
- "The Gambler" - Kenney Rogers
- "The Lighthouse - The Hensons
As one of Country Music's finest guitar players, Jimmy Capps is a 'master of smoothness'. He is known in the studio for his ability to move flawlessly from electric to acoustic' with a polished and refined touch that he brings to every recording or performance he is a part of.
When you hear the richness and grace of his acoustic intros on "The Gambler"(K.Rogers)..."how Blue" (Reba)..."Near You" (George & Tammy"...After All These Years" (B.Mandrell)...and on Conway Twitty's "I Don't know A Thing About Love...it comes as no surprise that this gifted guitarist can easily alternate into his more distinctive electrifying sounds that you hear on the intros of Waylon's "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man"...Terri Gibbs' "Somebody's Knockin'"...Charley Pride's Honky Tonk Blues"...or The Louvins Brothers "Second Time Around"...just to name a few.
Some other incredible recordings you can hear Jimmy on are Conway's "Red Neckin' Love Makin' Night..."Lost In The Feeling"..."Don't Call Him a Cowboy" Dottie West's "Killing Him Softly"...The Oaks' "Elvira" & "Sail Away"...Barbara Mandrells' "Sleeping Single In a Double Bed"...Alan Jackson's Here in The Real World...as well as artists such as Andy Williams...Mac Davis...John Conlee, Janie Frickie...Moe Bandy...Joe Stampley...Billie Jo Spears...Freddie Hart...John Denver...Johnny Paycheck...and all of Ronnie Milsap's recordings through 1988.
At one time Jimmy averaged 520 recording sessions a year, yet he still took time to go to Belmont College to learn his craft even further, studying 'time evaluation' under John Pell. But how did it all start for Jimmy Capps?
Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Alice and Tommy Capps, and raised in Benson. He was inspired by champion fiddle-playing Uncle Lynn Cook who encouraged him to play guitar. Hayden Ive, a picker friend of Jimmy's, gave up his own guitar and presented it as a gift to Jimmy. The 12 year old took his first guitar and started working local dances.
Carthage Buggy Festival 2012
May 11 & 12, 2012
Parker was born in Kinston, North Carolina. His father played piano and drums; his mother and father both sang in church. His brother Melvin played drums and his brother Kellis trombone.[1] He and his brother, Melvin, joined James Brown in 1964; in his auto-biography, Brown says that he originally wanted Melvin as hisdrummer, but agreed to take Maceo under his wing as part of the deal.[2] In 1970 Parker, his brother Melvin, and a few of Brown's band members left to found Maceo & All the King's Men which toured for two years.[3]
Read More, courtesy Wikipedia
Discover Great Art at the Free Weaverville Art Safari, May 12-13
Celebrate spring in the mountains, and discover the thriving artist community in and around Weaverville, NC, during the Weaverville Art Safari, May 12-13. This year’s free event features more than 40 artists of national and regional acclaim.
On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., artists open their studios to the public for a rare glimpse of the creative process. Guests will have the opportunity to view exclusive collections and talk to the artists. Several studios will offer door prizes and demonstrations.
The event is a self-guided tour through the town and surrounding areas of Weaverville, and it allows guests the opportunity to tailor their day based on interests and artistic tastes. Works of art showcased include pottery, handmade glass, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, paintings, fiber art and more.
A special preview party at Reems Creek Golf Club on Friday, May 11, kicks off the event. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and includes old-time fiddle music, door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a cash bar. The highlight of the evening is a silent auction featuring art donated by participating artists. Event tickets are only $10 at the door, with additional door prize tickets available for $5 each. All event proceeds fund future Weaverville Art Safari events.
Weaverville Art Safari brochures containing maps and artist information are available at greater Asheville-area galleries, restaurants and shops beginning in late April. Brochures will be distributed from an Art Safari information booth located on Main Street in downtown Weaverville during the show weekend. A downloadable brochure is also available at www.weavervilleartsafari.com.
by Dawn Maynard
The Elizabethtown – White lake Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome and introduce you to our southeastern North Carolina community. From the pristine water of the family resort of White Lake, to the fertile agricultural fields stretching across acres of Carolina farmland, Bladen County is a picturesque homeland.
Experience the charm of our downtown business district in the county seat of Elizabethtown. Marvel at the mystery of a landscape dotted with Carolina Bays, terrestrial curiosities that have given the land five area lakes of cosmic origin. Gaze upon field after field of vibrant agricultural produce that nourishes both the appetite and the soul. Walk through history in our carefully preserved and highly respected two-hundred year old churches, homes and cemeteries.
Bladen County boasts of a progressive environment for growing and expanding businesses, unique recreational and relaxation escapes, and the highest regard for the American farmland. We are a small-town haven of Southern traditions, steeped in history and focused on a bright and ambitious future.
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May in Anson County
May 10, 2012, the Ansonia Theatre 112 S Rutherford Street, Wadesboro, NC presents " The Great Kaplan”: David Kaplan, virtuoso juggler, magician, inventor, musi- cian, deadpan physical comedian, brings his one-man va- riety show to Ansonia Theatre at 6:30 PM. Inviting the audience into the humor is the focus of the show. Wheth- er he’s juggling bean bag chairs, playing a melody on “concert balloon”, or defying the laws of physics with a bowling ball, Kaplan’s preposterous blend of dazzling skill and shameless gimmickry is sure to amaze and amuse. Kaplan’s greatest talent may lie in his uncanny ability to appeal to a wide cross-section of the audience. Spectators, young and old visit a wonderfully strange world they will not soon forget.. Ticket are $7.00 and available at the Anson County Arts Council. For more in- formation call 704-694-4950.
May 20, 2012 the Anson County Arts Council presents “War Bonds” at the Anso- nia Theatre, 112 S Rutherford Street, Wadesboro, NC. The Songs and Letters of World War II -- a musical journey through a war that redefined the world. This multi-media living history cabaret is interspersed with personal letters from the front and headline news of the period. Actual veterans stories create a sentimental journey back through the days when blackouts and rationing were a small sacri- fice in order to obtain freedom.
Well priced homes, good health care options
Located halfway between New York and Florida on Interstate 95 off exits 17-22, Lumberton offers fun, opportunities and conveniences for potential retirees at an affordable cost. A few great reasons to retire in Lumberton are its moderate climate, affordable housing, inexpensive cost of living, lower taxes, and outstanding medical care. Average sale price of a single family home is $120,000 for the City of Lumberton and $101,970 for Robeson County.
Within an hour drive around the circumference of Lumberton, potential residents will find a vast assortment of cultural activities in the areas of arts, music, theatres and more. Historic properties and museums are located in all directions, and festivals and events are held in nearly every nearby community. From boating or fishing, playing golf or tennis, swimming or walking, recreational sites and facilities abound.
Health care facilities, housing and other services pertinent to potential residents who are 55+ are available in Lumberton, which also features great access and nearness to the beach and mountains. Interstate 74 traverses North Carolina from the coast to the mountains and intersects I-95 just south of the city. Highway 211 runs through Lumberton and connects to Pinehurst, as well as the coast. Fayetteville Regional Airport can be reached in 30 minutes and Raleigh-Durham International Airport can be reached in 90 minutes, both via interstate. Lumberton has a municipal airport for smaller aircraft.
In 2010, the North Carolina Legislature designated Lumberton as THE FIRST Certified Retirement Community in the state. Lumberton invites you to come for a visit or a lifetime. Read more about Lumberton at www.ci.lumberton.nc.us,www.welcometolumberton.com and www.lumbertonchamber.com.
Learn more about North Carolina's Certified Retirement Program at http://www.visitnc.com/retire
Live Performance at the historic Carolina Civic Center in Lumberton, NC:
Great American Songbook
Saturday May 19 at 7 pm:
The Great American Songbook will be a live version of the WHQR radio feature. Classic popular songs will performed by Julie Rehder (vocals), Jack Krupicka (piano and vocals), Jim McFayden (bass) and Jack Pindell (trombone and pocket trumpet). Stories behind the songs written and narrated by Phil Furia and illustrated by Laurie Patterson from archival images of songwriters, performers, shows, and movies.
The concert will feature some of the most enduring popular songs Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, and Rodgers & Hart.
As a special treat, please join us for a free 6pm reception with WHQR Public Radio staff (wine and light appetizers). Tickets $15 or just $10 for individuals or organizations purchasing ten or more at a time.
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Contest Aims to Gather New Images of Mysterious Lights
MORGANTON, N.C. - Although people have seen the Brown Mountain Lights for hundreds of years, only a few photos and videos exist of the mysteriously glowing orbs.
Now, local tourism officials hope a new contest will bring more images to light. The Burke County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has launched the "Brown Mountain Lights Photo and Video Contest" to let the general public to play a role in documenting this natural phenomenon.
The contest offers $1,000 in prizes - $500 for best photo and $500 for best video. It is broken down into monthly competitions for best photo and best video through September. In October, all monthly winners advance to a final round of competition, with the top overall photo and top overall video each receiving a $500 first prize.
The rules of the contest are simple. Entries must be actual photos or videos of the lights shot in Burke County. Entrants must be 18 years old and legal residents of the United States, or the parent/legal guardian submitting an entry for a minor who is a legal resident.
Photos and videos must be authentic, un-doctored shots of the Brown Mountain Lights. Participants may submit their entries in a variety of ways, with all acceptable entries posted on the Facebook page of the Burke County TDA.
Monthly winners will be determined by the number of "likes" received that month on the Facebook page. Those receiving the most "likes" each month advance to the final round of competition, which will be judged by a panel assembled by the Burke County TDA.
"For many years, the technology didn't exist for the average person to capture a photo or video of the Brown Mountain Lights," said Ed Phillips, director of the Burke County TDA. "But with the technology available today, it's much easier to get video and still images. Whether it be from a digital camera, smart phone or another device, we're optimistic that people will be able to capture images of the unexplained lights and maybe help unlock the mystery."
Contest entries may be submitted via email to: photocontest@discoverburkecounty.com. They may also be submitted in person or via U.S. Mail to: Brown Mountain Lights Photo Contest, Burke County Visitor Center, 110 East Meeting Street, Morganton, NC, 28655.
More details available at: www.DiscoverBurkeCounty.com, or by calling (828) 433-6793.
NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK
Do Your Part to Encourage Travelers to Stop in Lumberton, North Carolina
Lumberton will observe National Travel and Tourism Week May 5-13, 2012. The City of Lumberton, the Lumberton Tourism Development Authority, and the Lumberton Visitors Bureau will join hundreds of cities, states, and travel-related businesses nationwide in recognition of a week devoted to the celebration of the value and scope of the nation’s $1.8 trillion travel and tourism industry.
Our hotels, retail businesses, local attractions, and restaurants are among the businesses impacted by the traveler who stops to spend the night in Lumberton. Our location, approximately halfway between New York and Florida, makes Lumberton an ideal overnight stop for many travelers. We should all be aware of the importance of these travelers to our economy and strive to entice them to spend more time here. Every resident of Robeson County can help by speaking positively about our community, by getting involved in the community and by working to make the Lumberton area a better place to live, play, and work.
The Lumberton Visitors Bureau wants to recognize and promote the economic and social contributions tourism brings to Robeson County. Did you know that tourism in Robeson County in 2010 generated an economic impact of $116.42 million? This was an 8.93 percent change from 2009. In 2010, Robeson County ranked 32 in travel impact among North Carolina’s 100 counties. The industry also represents one of Robeson County’s largest employers, supporting over 1,050 jobs. Travel generated a $17.36 million payroll in 2010. State and local tax revenues from travel to Robeson County amounted to $9.37 million. This represents a $69.66 tax saving to each county resident.
North Carolina will celebrate its tourism industry with a NC Travel & Tourism Day in Raleigh on May 16. Participants will showcase the importance of tourism to our State’s economy while the General Assembly is in session. The Lumberton Visitors Bureau (LVB) will provide hotel employees with Lumberton logo t-shirts to wear in recognition of this national celebration. LVB staff will greet visitors at the I-95 North Welcome Center in Roanoke Rapids on Thursday, May10, and provide information about our area. On Friday, May 11, LVB staff will be at I-95 South Welcome Center in Rowland to extend our southern hospitality to travelers going north.
Join us in celebrating the importance of tourism to our community. Get to know what the Lumberton area has to offer by visiting our website at www.lumberton-nc.com. The link “Calendar of Events” keeps visitors and residents informed of the many things to do each day. Discover even more by “liking” us and becoming a Fan on the Lumberton Visitors Bureau facebook page. Share your ideas and comments with us. Most of all, do your part to make travelers feel welcome so they will want to stop here, spend the night and enjoy our beautiful community.
Mickey Gregory
Executive Director
Lumberton Visitors Bureau
Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. In conjunction with our biennial quilt show, " Stars Over the Smokies ", we are also hosting the 2012 North Carolina Quilt Symposium. Co-sponsored by the North Carolina Quilt Symposium, Inc. , this is the farthest west that this annual quilt symposium has been held in the state. This year it will be held on the beautiful campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. from June 7 - 10 .The symposium consists of three and a half days of lectures, workshops, quilt show, merchants mall, silent auction, opportunity quilt raffle, members boutique and much , much more. The instructors are nationally known and there are a variety of classes from which to choose. A lot of quilters choose the " full time boarding student " option which provides room and board as well as 12 hours of workshops, one free lecture, unlimited access to the quilt show, and more. Or you can buy individual classes or lectures. Registration is still open for the symposium or for showing your own quilt in the show.
Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild is a nonprofit organization formed to stimulate an intelligent interest in the art of quilting, and to provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas, instruction and presentation of pertinent information among the members of the guild and the community. We have grown to over 170 members from western Carolina and northeast Georgia, offering two meetings a month and numerous workshops and lectures during the year.
For more information regarding the quilt guild, quilt show, or Symposium visit our website at www.smokymtnquilters.org. Registration forms can be downloaded and information on all aspects of the Symposium can be found.
Early Bird Registration Open, Run For The Warriors® in Jacksonville
Award-winning Race includes half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile distances
Registration is now open for the 7th Annual Run For The Warriors®, winner of the 2011 Event of the Year “Artie Award.” The race will be held at Jacksonville High School on May 19, 2012. Everyone is encouraged to register now, before rates increase on April 1, 2012. Early registration rates are $45 for the half marathon, $20 for the 10K, 5K and 1-mile walk/run. There is also special pricing for families. Register today or learn more by visiting: www.hopeforthewarriors.org/jacksonvillerun.
In keeping with tradition, this event will begin with an opening ceremony and a singing of the National Anthem. The opening ceremony sets Run For The Warriors® apart from other races. It is an event in the sequence that Hope For The Warriors® understands to be essential to all involved. The opening ceremony provides a time to remember those who have given of themselves in the line of duty, and reflect on how that has tremendously affected our nation. Additionally, it serves as a time for the service members who participate to receive just a small piece of gratitude that is unequivocally shared by a nation indebted to their service.
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The White Lake Water Festival
May 18, 19, and 20, 2012
the 34th ANNUAL WHITE LAKE WATER FESTIVAL!
The family-oriented fun includes tractor pulls, firemen olympics,
classic car show, beach music bands, dancing, parade, clowns,
vendors, arts, 10K run, crafts, and a fun run!
http://whitelake-waterfestival.com/
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http://www.blairpub.com/authors/bower_jenniferbean.htm
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2012 North Carolina Quilt Symposium
Hosted by Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild and the NCQSI Board
June 7 - 10, 2012 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC
For more details of this 3 1/2 days of workshops, lectures, quilt show, vendors, silent auction and much more - visit us at our website at smokymtnquilters.org and click on 2012 Quilt Symposium.
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Chestnut Cove Log
Homes-Model
4276 Pickens Hwy.
Rosman, NC 28772
Open House
June 16
828-862-8126
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Fabio's Restaurant in Downtown Newland... celebrating more than 7 years in business!
Cuisine that is always "exciting and new" from the former executive chef of the Love Boat!
Wonderful Wine Tastings at Fabio's!
Visit http://www.fabioandkids.com/ for schedule
Call for reservations
Call for Details
106 Pineola St Newland, NC.
828-733-1314
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Hands Together is a nonprofit organization devoted to educating, inspiring and encouraging people to understand the importance of responding to the needs of the poor and disadvantaged. Our Mission, as we strive to build a more compassionate and human world, proceeds from the spiritual belief that we are all members of one, equal, interconnected family under a loving God.
www.handstogether.org
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The High Cotton Company publishes area visitor and relocation guides for towns, cities and regions of the American South.
Check out our newest project online:
www.welcometolumberton.com
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Each month we send out an email newsletter to approximately 75,000 North Carolinians who are would like to know about your business. Our advertising rates are very reasonable.
To find out more, please email: editor@ncvisitorcenter.com
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