Carl Sandburg, one of America's most beloved and influential writers made his home in Flat Rock, NC.  He called it Connemara.  Sandburg was a Pulitzer Prize winning poet, an avid collector of folk music (who did a great deal to bring national and international attention to the music of Appalachia) and a breeder of champion dairy goats.

Sandburg and his family lived at Connemara from 1945 until his death in 1967.  The property is now a National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service.  Guided tours of the house are offered are offered by Park Service staff. 

Connemara is not only of literary importance though, the property features several hiking and walking trails of various length and difficulty.  The scenery is beautifully pastoral.  There are both vegetable and flower gardens, several ponds and and an apple orchard.  Anyone interested in dairy goat farming will find a wealth of information at the dairy barn.

The exhibit at the Audio-Visual Room features a 12 minute video of an interview with Carl Sandburg by famed journalist Edward R. Murrow. There are several programs, events and exhibits featured throughout the year.  The bookstore is not to be missed.

Fees range from $3.00 - $5.00 per person.  For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm