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. |
