ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA - NC Highway Patrol Retiree's Association

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA

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Eastern

Currituck Beach Lighthouse is located at 1101 Corolla Village Road in Corolla. It is the northernmost lighthouse on the Outer Banks and the last major brick lighthouse built on the Banks. Begun in 1873 and completed two years later, it serves the upper most portion of the Banks. It covers the area between Cape Henry, Virginia and Bodie Island, North Carolina. At 162 feet tall, the lighthouse has a light visible for more than 18 nautical miles. Originally powered by a mineral oil lamp that consisted of five concentric wicks averaging four inches in diameter, it is now powered by electricity. The lighthouse keepers were required to physically move the huge lens every two and half hours to keep the light flashing. The light beam floods the night sky for three seconds and fades to black for seventeen seconds. The lighthouse is a navigational tool today and used by all seafaring ships in the Atlantic. There are 214 steps to the top of old Currituck and you are invited to visit and try your hand at the climb. There is a lighthouse keepers home on the grounds that is currently being refurbished.

On 3 February, go to The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts in Rocky Mount to attend a Valentine Day show put on by Rozzie Kind, sister to Barbra Streisand. The show offers a lot of old fashion razzle-dazzle and intimate songs. Admission is $30.00.

In New Bern on 10-12 February attend the Antique Show and Sale at the New Bern Riverfront Center. Appraisers are available and will help in the discussion of your antiques.

In Kenly on 4, 11, 18 and 25 February take in "Stepping in the Past". This event celebrates the farming tradition of rural eastern North Carolina. The event takes place at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum.

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Piedmont

The North Carolina State Capitol is located at 1 East Edenton Street on Capitol Square. On the lawn, you'll find three bronze sculptures representing the U. S. Presidents from North Carolina. James Polk and Andrew Johnson is seated and Andrew Jackson is depicted on horseback. The first State Capitol burned to the ground in 1831. This structure was built and completed in 1796. In 1840, the present Capitol was completed and occupied by the Governor, Lt. Governor, members of the Senate and House Representatives. Even today, the Governor maintains an office in the Capitol along with other members of the Administration.

From 1-19 February see the new artwork of local artists at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts. The attending artist will display paintings, metal sculptures, photography, blown glass and pottery.

In Burlington on 5 February take in the American Girl Doll Tea at the Alamance County Historical Museum. This month features "Julie". Parents and Grandparents are welcomed.

In Concord, the play "To Kill a Mockingbird" is presented on 9-12, 17-19 and 24-26 February. The play is held at the Old Courthouse Theatre. Admission is charged.

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Mountains

The Blue Ridge Parkway is part of the national park system and is a linear park stretching 470 miles from the Shenandoah National Park, milepost 0. Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which ends at the North Carolina and Tennessee border milepost 470. Take your time when traveling the parkway as it offers many and varied beautiful views. The speed limit is 45 MPH and gives the visitor the opportunity to stop at the overlooks and/or stop at the many shops and small towns along the way. It was a park project during the depression that gave out of work people a chance to earn a decent living. Each overlook and stop along the way will have a sign(s) to explain the elevation and some information about that particular section of the park.

On Thursdays 2, 9, 16 and 23 February in Marion take in the Bluegrass Music Jam. A gathering of bluegrass musicians that will entertain you from 7:00 to 9:00 PM each evening. This music festival is held in the Marion Depot building.

In Asheville on 17-19 February, the 17th Annual Bluegrass First Class Festival is held in the Crown Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort. Admission charged.

The Classic Car Show takes place in Old Fort on 19 February. This show is held in the Gazebo in downtown Old Fort. Bring your vintage vehicle to show off to the many participants.

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