Enjoy Chatham County in September
September is an exciting month around here! In addition to the cooler weather, there are many things to do in the area — everything from wine tasting to hiking. Check out the many ways you can experience the best of Chatham County this month.
Wine Tasting:
Did you know September is NC Wine and Grape Month? North Carolina is home to the nation’s first cultivated wine grape, the scuppernong, which grew wild on Roanoke Island. This fascinating plant, also known as the “Mother Vine,” is more than 400 years old and covers half an acre! Wine has a large impact on North Carolina’s economy today, and we produce an assortment of both muscadine and vinifera grapes. To celebrate our wineries, Gov. Pat McCrory proclaimed September as North Carolina Wine and Grape Month, to recognize the industry’s estimated $1.28 billion economic impact on the state.
Join the celebration in Chatham County; we’ve got lots of options! Pittsoboro is home to SilkHope Winery, Starrlight Mead, and Vino!! Wine Shop. If you’re not into wine, it’s not a problem! We’ve also got several breweries in Chatham County, and you can check them out here. Also, be sure to check out the Heart of North Carolina Wine Trail.
Jam Out to Bluegrass:
Every North Carolina native knows bluegrass is the soul of our state’s music. Head to Pittsboro this weekend to enjoy the Hoppin’ John Old-Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention, a traditional old-time and bluegrass fiddlers’ convention, Shakori Hills’ style. Watch band and individuals compete, or take part in workshops and showcases, square dances, camping, food and a hoppin’ john cook-off. The festival begins Thursday, but the contests start Friday afternoon.
Chocolate and Champagne:
Who doesn’t love the sound of that? Joyful Jewel in Pittsboro is celebrating its 7th anniversary, and I have to say, they’re doing it in style! Visit the store at 7 p.m. Sunday, September 20, for the party. If you can’t make that, stop by the store (44-A Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312) any time this weekend to enjoy a 10 percent discount as part of the store’s annual sale.
Hike the Trails:
North Carolina has miles and miles of trails for running, mountain biking or hiking, and some of the best are in Chatham County. For example, Briar Chapel has 24 miles of trails, including nature trails through woods and wetlands, and an art trail with sculptures by local artists. Head to Briar Chapel this Sunday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and you’ll become an expert on the local trail system. Learn about how the system is designed and constructed on this educational walk with Smith Raynor, trails specialist with the NC Trails Program.
Register for this free tour by calling (919) 545-8044 Monday through Friday at the Central Carolina Community College’s Continuing Education department.
Enjoy!
With the weather cooling down, September is the perfect month for you to experience the best of Chatham County. Be sure to let me know if you went to an event, and tell me what you thought about it!
Photo courtesy of E Photos on Flikr