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Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
Allen encouraged residents to go outside and enjoy the end-of-summer weather. “I would definitely advise people to get outside this weekend. It’s going to be a beautiful Labor Day weekend in Granville County.”
Outdoor Activities:
Granville Athletic Park (GAP) – open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, the GAP features over three miles of walking trails, baseball and softball fields, regulation soccer fields, a splash park and playgrounds. The GAP is located at 4615 Belltown Road, just off I-85 in Oxford.
The park was recently added to the list of destinations on the Quilt Trails of the Tar and Roanoke Rivers with the installation of a quilt block on its historic tobacco barn.
The block was installed by the Franklin County Arts Council, connecting the GAP and Granville County to a heritage trail that meanders through eastern North Carolina. Easily visible from the main parking lot and walking trail, the block’s design reflects the community’s efforts to preserve the GAP property (click here for the history of the GAP).
Lake Devin – open to the public year-round, Lake Devin in Oxford offers fishing, 2.5 miles of walking trails, kayaking, dock and boat ramp.
Lake Rogers – covering over 175 acres just northwest of downtown Creedmoor, Lake Rogers offers several picnic shelters, boat rentals and light concessions.
Lake Holt – offers fishing opportunities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating in Butner.
Hix Dog Park – the first dog park in Granville County, Hix allows dogs to run and play inside a fenced-in area. Shady spots and benches located inside the park provide pet owners comfort while they watch the dogs socialize and exercise. Located at 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.
Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – features five miles of hiking and walking trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Hikers will enjoy seeing fields being restored to forest, wildflower meadows and wildlife sightings as they traverse the trails. Located at 3189 Brogden Road in Stem.
Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail – the 1.1-mile trail is outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The Gauntlet is the work of Jonathan Gaudette, who worked on the project in pursuit of his Eagle Scout badge. Located at 2186 Brassfield Road in Creedmoor.
Allen announced there will also be a great indoor event this weekend at the Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor – the National Teapot Show XI. The show features over 200 teapots by more than 150 artisans. Styles include traditional, contemporary, functional, conceptual and whimsical teapots created with a variety of materials.
Cedar Creek Gallery has hosted this show every three years for the past thirty years. The show continues through Monday, September 7, 2020. The gallery is located at 1150 Fleming Road in Creedmoor. Please visit Cedar Creek’s website for additional information (click here).
Looking ahead to the fall and holiday season, Allen said upcoming event details will be finalized and announced soon. With the recent announcement that the City of Oxford has canceled the annual downtown trick-or-treat event and recommends no city-wide or neighborhood candy collections this year due to COVID, Allen said there are still Halloween attractions to keep people entertained.
“I’m happy to announce the Granville Haunt Farm will be open in October, though it will look a little different this year,” said Allen. “They will be the first NC drive-thru haunted attraction.”
Beginning the season October 9, the farm will be open every Friday and Saturday for the remainder of October. Visitors will be able to enjoy a contact-free haunt experience from the safety of their own vehicles, Allen explained. Granville Haunt Farm is located at 4534 US Hwy 15 in Oxford.
“Even during the pandemic, people want to get out,” said Allen. “They may not travel as far as they use to travel, but we are just 30-45 minutes down the road from Raleigh and Durham, and offer plenty to do.”
For more information, including additional events and attractions, please visit Granville Tourism online at www.visitgranvillenc.com or via Facebook at Visit Granville County, NC.
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.