Catchy title, eh? My next journey is to Wilmington, North Carolina, and am driving on I 40 which reminds me of Upstate New York with the beautiful green trees. As I drive I could not help but take note of the many decorative, standardized winery signs. There are 200 wineries in North Carolina according to Auntie Google. Signs for one boasted being a center for weddings. I must tell my daughter and check out the place.
Better yet I will drop an email to Andrew Cuomo’s site so he can do these pretty signs on New York State highways. Perhaps he has already done this as he is such a forward thinker. New York State wines are sublime especially those from grapes on Long Island where the breezes of the bay and the ocean affect the grape flavor.
I digress.. Having already tried a North Carolina red I have found them to be of good quality. Think I need to visit several and do a blog. For another time as…
Indian Dancing Circle with Longhouse in background
Began day 2 traveling back to 1585 at Roanoke Festival Park. This attraction depicts the first English settlement in America. Start with the 45 minute film which sets the tone for the park then venture forth through the Indian village. From here the journey led down a path to a recreated ship of the era with sailors dressed in authentic garb.
The Elizabeth
Then to the settlers village, not an easy life for those adventurers. Here is a replica of their blacksmith shop.
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
Visit the grounds outside the attraction as it holds amazing ocean views, then journey across the bridge to the Town of Mateo. This quaint spot has wonderful restaurants, shops, and my favorite lighthouse ever. Here’s the picture, isn’t it adorable? Andy Griffith of Mayberry fame lived here till his death, and was known to have helped remake this lovely setting.
Within 5 miles of Manteo is Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. The Elizabethan Garden on this site is a must see for all who love nature. It is a well deserved tribute to our first settlers. While I could rattle on a picture is worth a 1,000 words.
Virginia Dare
The first non-native child born in the Americas was Virginia Dare. While we have no idea of what happened to these Roanoke colonists this garden statute is a tribute to her. It assumes how she may have appeared as an adult.
The Lost Colony
My final event was the play The Lost Colony on the grounds of the Raleigh National Historic Site. This production is the longest running outdoor play having 82 seasons as of this year. They were awarded a well deserved Tony several years ago. Franklin Roosevelt even attended the performance. The story describes the Roanoke colony intertwined with the Indians as well as the British monarchy. It was an amazing performance.
Hope you enjoyed our visit…
Prior to the performance I attended the backstage tour. Sir Walter Raleigh was the tour guide in full regalia. Hearing the rehearsals of songs, props moving about, and even the choreography of a fight scene was intriguing. When you visit see both venues. Unforgettable.
Moral: Always check the picture before you leave the site.
With the first week of orientation completed and a free weekend available, I took the opportunity to venture forth. Having never been to the Outer Banks this was my first of many North Carolina spots to visit.
The trek was quick from Goldsboro with many twists and turns among bucolic North Carolina farm lands. Arriving in the Outer Banks at dusk I was unprepared for the enormity of its beauty. What must those coming to the new world in the 1500’s, have thought of this amazing land of beaches, dunes, and mixed greenery.
Driving the speed limit was challenging once on the island. Trucks hauling trailers drove 40 mph when the speed limit was 55. This caused caravans of 15 plus cars behind them. Be prepared for this aggravation as you soak in the beauty. Arriving in Hatteras at 9:30 p.m. I noted a text from my tour company that traffic warnings were in affect for the weekend. Even with my acute NYC driving skills I decided to leave for the tour at 5 a.m. to ensure I’d make it by 8:30 and I was glad I did as this left adequate time for a stop at the Hatteras Lighthouse.
What a beauty and the beaches here pristine and free!
The morning tour was the Wild Horses of Corolla. These 115 horses roam the beaches and the 700 homes of this gated preserve. In the early 1900’s there were 7500 horses, however, the government saw the need to decrease this population.
These Spanish horses arrived on the Outer Banks from ship wrecks and being tossed into the ocean when cargo weight needed decrease. Excellent swimmers they sought sanction in the shores of these beaches and acclimated to a diet of brackish water and sea oats.
There is a community of volunteers who care for and monitor these magnificent creatures. The remaining horses are well protected and a tribute to government working well.
The guide shared a funny story regarding the horses. They are intelligent and had been known to roam the towns near the preserve. At one point they became interested in a local grocery store and learned how to open the automatic doors by stepping on the mat. Several times they raided the produce counters until the store manager removed the automatic doors.
For all those who know me I am obsessed with the Dollar Tree. The Dollar Tree owners have a vacation house on this preserve. Here is it! With my purchases I probably paid for one of the windows or maybe even a door. Had to include the picture.
After the tour I explored the town of Currituck Beach which has a brick lighthouse. You can also walk to the top of this structure for a fee. Surrounding the lighthouse are historic houses and a gift shop. It is a shady place for a picnic lunch or stop by the North Carolina rib house nearby.
Onward to the Federal Park commerating the first in flight brothers, the Wrights. On this day they had a kite festival and children filled the museum taking in the sites with glee.
On the first day of orientation I arrived at the wrong site. Instructions had changed and I wasn’t notified. While I’m usually 15 minutes early on this day I decided to refrain from this practice. As stood next to a door with a sign stating, “Do not exit – alarmed,” my guide explained where the class was. Embarrassed, I quipped, “I best not depart here.” In response she stated, “Oh, the alarm doesn’t work, and you can leave this way. I can even make the door ring if you’d like.” Laughter ensued and I was on my way.
Upon finding the new building I attempted to sneak into a room of 15 people, however, this was difficult. Grateful class had not begun and some with internet service were peering into their cell phones, I signed in and tip toed to a seat.
Shortly after sitting the instructor appeared in a t-shirt stating, “Relax, I’m hilarious,” and she certainly was. The training was informative and entertaining with portions of The Big Bang Theory and Friends explaining the concepts we were to learn. It worked and made the training enjoyable.
Prior to break we completed paperwork. The instructor stated several times how there is always one that forgets to sign on the back of the form as 3 out of 10 pages required this additional signature. I signed the back of all 10 pages. Hope she got a chuckle.
The first step to a visit anywhere is a stop at the local welcoming center. These places are usually proximate to touristy destinations and the folks working the desk are delightful, insightful, and helpful. In North Carolina working with Miss Peggy was a charming experience as she armed me with 20 pounds of books and brochures to make my stay pleasant. She also spent about 15 minutes giving me the low down on her favorite haunts. I know have much homework and will review the many recommended things to do such as moonshine factory tours, civil war trail info, historic homes, and state parks.
I am thinking about my next move as I leave Daytona Beach Airport, pick up my car, and journey north. For the last six months I have been traveling the world, but now have taken a 13 week gig in the North Carolina mountains to escape the Florida hurricane season.
Once settled I will be exploring another part of our beautiful country on my time off. I’m looking forward to this, and know there will be many chuckles along the way.
“In the meantime,” to quote my hero, Stephen Colbert, stay tuned as I begin the exploration of the First in Freedom State.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 