It was another toasty, but mostly dry weekend in North Carolina. Took a pair of early morning motorcycle rides to do a bit of exploring while I was home. Always nice to get out on the bike, but even nicer when the heat index is not yet up to 100+. Photo at left was taken in Huntersville, NC. Huntersville is a nice community about 12 miles from Uptown Charlotte, population around the 30K range I would guess. Seen here is the fairly new Town Center. I like riding around there, plus there is a great series of roads out of the town; this was actually near the end of the riding on July 24. Did like the look of this building though, and there are many interesting ones locally. 
I also on July 24 rode to the college community of Davidson, NC. The school there is private and very old; Woodrow Wilson (President of the US during WW1) went for a time there. I like the downtown, as they are very restrictive of the types of businesses (no big box chains) that they allow there. They are not alone in that, Harrisburg, NC is also trying to keep things "local" which is different but a nice touch. I have seen the effects of unrestricted growth; urban sprawl, empty big box stores when they move to "greener and bigger" pastures, and a lack of variety that comes with such development. It is a nice small town area.
On July 25, rode out to High Rock Lake with Phil. Great ride as its country twisty roads and traffic was light on a week day too. Like the lake, its a remarkable peaceful place (though on this day a guy with a boat engine problem was sending up huge clouds of oil scented smoke) but nice to visit the Marina there, and enjoy a cold coke with a good friend. We enjoyed the ride, continuing on to Salisbury, NC (which is very close to the lake) and back down some more fine roads to Concord and the end of the days ride.Had a great visit, and though not long trips, nice to see these places and to get out on the motorcycles.
Hi its just me again ! Just wanted to tell you your blog helped some friends of mine who were traveling here from Washington State find some great things while they were in North Carolina ! They so enjoyed all the museums, and things to see in different places. And especially the places to eat. Not familiar with southern types of food, they fell in love with the bbq places. I had to send them the lists as they are not into computers but they wished for me to tell you thank you and how much they enjoyed everything. They came to Ft Bragg to pick up their daughter who just returned from Iraq and is now officially out of the military. I think one of their favorites was all the race places around Charlotte and also the Aviation Museum where the Hudson Miracle plane is now.
ReplyDeleteAnyways thank you again. I enjoy reading and taking a day trip now and then to see what you write about..Hope you and the Mrs. stay cool the rest of this hot summer !
Always great to hear from you, and this was good news. Glad your friends enjoyed the trip to Charlotte. It is an interesting city. There is a big museum weekend there coming the end of October; all the museums downtown will be open and free (and free is good). I hope to be there for that...some I have not seen (and the science museum has been totally redone). Liked the Carolinas Aviation Museum, though since it has been moved much of the collection can not be seen (though the Miracle on the Hudson plane was cool). I would imagine they are working on that. Virginia Aviation Museum in Richmond is also really cool, actually of the two the one here is my favorite. Race shops are really something, and I have hopes to get to Cornelius to see Mike Waltrip's shop; said to be something to see. Tell your friends they are welcome, glad they enjoyed it. Glad their daughter is home, did four years in the USN, and appreciate her service. I also appreciate your comments, and always glad to hear from you Gypsy!
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