Month: June 2021

Hickory Flea Market

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This Flea Market is open every Thursday from 5 till noon. It lies on the grounds of the Hickory Fairgrounds which is happening September 1-6. If in the area, another blog…

There were the usual food vendors, however, few so have breakfast before the visit..

Reminder of Costa Rica – most of the vendors are Asian and Latin American

And don’t forget your carrier, this one is the best.

Many children help out at the booths. Isn’t this little guy adorable?? And he sells shoes to boot.. Ha!Ha!

Some other booths: leather goods, rugs, phone accessories, fishing gear, tools, clothing, and ducks — unsure if they were for sale but you never know..

Flowers – Alive and Silk..

Something different – a table of Coca Cola memorabilia

And a positive sign of the times – face shields on CLEARANCE

Some dog love among vendor friends..

The grounds also have a building for weddings – what a thought marry on a Thursday and your guests could visit the Flea Market..

Let’s end with more levity, always need a good laugh in these times, or any time.

Enjoy!

Comma Comedy Fundraiser

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The night began with the Comma and Outreach Center staff greeting the crowd.

What a stellar night for this event sitting outside on the grounds. Though I am vaccinated was grateful for this seating as North Carolina has a 50% vaccination rate.

The Outreach Center staffer has a side gig as a singer and song writer. He sang for the group a song which is currently being broadcast nationally. Remember his name, Todd Greene, as am sure we’ll hear more from him.

Then the fun began with comedians from Charlotte, North Carolina. Starting with Tara Brown, whose jokes centered on life after 50. What a hoot…

Jason Allen King was the second comedian who focused on short man jokes. He was equally funny, however, somehow I forgot to take his picture. Guess it was the Hillary Clinton joke. Leave her alone….

What a lovely evening. Think they’ll be more blogs from Comma till my North Carolina departure.

Comma Fresco

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,Attended Comma in Morganton, North Carolina, for an Outreach Center fundraiser. This group assists those needing food and provides tutoring as well as cultural events for children in need. What a great organization. Over $1000. was donated to the group.

On this visit found the famous Comma Fresco inside the building. What a beautiful creation and tribute to the Muses done by Benjamin F. Long, IV. This privately funded Fresco portrays the Muses of Love, Sacred, Lyric, and Epic Poetry, as well as the Muse of History and Astronomy. They are said to have a mission to entertain humanity with their singing. Some pictures of Mr. Long’s work.

The Muses
Photo from Comma pamphlet
Ceiling View from Comma pamphlet

Evita at Hickory Community Theatre

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Caught the last performance of Evita at the Hickory Community Theatre and was I glad. It was an amazing performance with actor’s singing, dancing, and acting.

The Hickory Theatre began in 1948 with a series of radio dramas and by 1949 the Hickory Little Theatre was created. It grew throughout the 1950’s and its home became the former city hall.

Throughout the years managing artistic directors have impacted the theatre growth as have volunteers, fundraisers, patrons, and the actors as well.

Current Managing Artistic Director with his dog welcoming the audience.

It is truly a community endeavor and well done.

For tickets and other information: http://www.hickorytheatre.org

Boone, North Carolina: Hickory Ridge History Museum

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Entrance to the Village
Friendly, costume adorned receptionist – many of the staff are locals who volunteer their time at the site.

This Village is set in the Revolutionary War era and the cabins authentic. This gives a different perspective to this time period and a great learning experience for adults and children.

Knowledgeable Spinning Staff

During the visit there was a memorial service for a volunteer who had passed. Aren’t the flowers lovely?

What a beautiful tribute..

On the property there are several other cabins as well as a blacksmith shop. However, my favorite was the tavern.

The Museum is an interesting step into history.

Take time for a visit.

Flat Top Mountain: Cone Estate

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On the Blue Ridge Parkway is the country estate of the Cone Textile Mills owner, Moses Cone, and his wife Bertha. Here the king of denim lived for 7 years prior to his early demise. As the couple had no children the Estate was eventually donated to the National Park Service. It is currently undergoing a 2 million dollar renovation by the Park Service.

Let’s take a peek:

The renovation

The view from the porch – priceless..

A must see – renovated home will be available Spring 2022

Other Boone “Stuff”

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On the way to Boone there are many farm stands along the way. They have everything from fruits and vegetables, to bird houses, and Amish furniture. Even if these items don’t tickle your fancy it is a fun and interesting stop.

Here are two other places you might wish to check out, especially if you have young children or teens who hate to be seen with their parents.

Tweetsie Railroad

This amusement park is rated 5 stars on many sites. It is a family oriented theme park with a steam engine ride, carousel rides, zoo, and, live entertainment. Locals who I work with have visited with their families, and it was memorable. Check it out. http://www.tweetsie.com

Another view..

Sure looks like a fun place!!

Mystery Hill

This venue boasts 8 attractions for the price of one ticket. It has a gravity and bubbles venue, a history museum, gem mining, and did I mention ax throwing??? Something for everyone, more pictures..

Boone certainly has some fun attractions for all ages.

Horn in the West

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While visiting the farmer’s market and seeking out a loo came across this venue in practice.

Upon further inquiry found there is an annual play conducted on the grounds of the history museum.

The Horn In The West is the third longest running outdoor drama in the United States. It is set during around the time of the Revolutionary War portraying a settler family who lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Many locals are involved in this production which runs from June 25th through early August, Tuesday-Sunday. Gates open at 7:30 pm for the 8:00 pm performance.

http://www.HORNINTHEWEST.com

for more information and to obtain tickets

Here’s another picture of practicing singers..

Boone, North Carolina: Farmer’s Market, Daniel Boone Garden..

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The Watauga Farmer’s Market was a delight. There were many organic farmers selling at this site along with a variety of other products. A vendor even sold orchids at this market – beautiful, and how I wish I could grow them… anyone out there have any ideas for me??

Let’s take a look, and if in the area, every Saturday from 8 a.m.

Some lucky lady is getting flowers…

Near the Farmer’s Market is the Daniel Boone Gardens. This natural garden is a loving tribute with short walks, spots to rest, meditate, or simply soak in the beauty.

Squire Boone’s Cabin – This authentic cabin was reconstructed on the Gardens after two mountain boys dragged the cabin logs through snake infested underbrush. It is typical of what Blue Ridge settlers used in the 1700’s.

And what a view in front of the cabin..

Walk the Fern Garden while visiting as it is quite unique.

Across the street from the grounds are a picnic area with a playground for children. Great spot for a get together.

Next: Hickory Ridge History Museum and the Horn in the West Play

Boone, North Carolina: Daniel Boone

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This mountainous town lies in Watauga County, North Carolina. While unsure if Daniel Boone lived in this actual town, according to Auntie Google he used Western North Carolina as his home base and this is where hundreds of his descendants still reside. Born to Quaker parents in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, he lived in Western North Carolina longer than any other state.

As an explorer he led family and settlers across the Mississippi into Indian lands. He was known for his hunting and trailblazing abilities and said to be educated and good natured. Interesting fact – he knew George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

This fascinating pioneer left us at 85 years of age becoming one of America’s greatest folk heroes. Let’s end this passage with a laugh from one of his quotes reflecting his honesty..

I can’t say as ever I was lost, but I was bewildered once for three days.