Discovering North Carolina

By Barbara Petty
March 2005

Chapel Hill, Not Just Another College Town

Although February has been exceptionally warm, fear not, March will most certainly be cold and miserable – certain to drive all but the heartiest of polar bears back indoors. Once again, however, Discovering North Carolina comes to the rescue with some great ideas for getting out of the house, and staying indoors. Chapel Hill, home of the Tarheels, and the last vestiges of the 60’s hippy, spreads its intellectual wings by showcasing some of the State’s most acclaimed museums.

First stop is the Chapel Hill Museum, located at 523 East Franklin Street. This often-overlooked facility is dedicated to exhibiting the character and characters of Chapel Hill. The building was originally home of the Chapel Hill Public Library until 1997 when the site was chosen for the new Chapel Hill Museum. The two-story building houses temporary and permanent exhibits, and is the home for the Chapel Hill Museum School of Traditional Arts, Crafts, and Culture (CHMSTACC).

One of the most popular exhibits is “Carolina in My Mind” The James Taylor Story, a comprehensive overview of the life and works of one of Chapel’s Hills most famous sons. More than two years in the making, the exhibit includes the actual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Trophy, his Grammy for “Hourglass”, and photographs and documents from his early life in Chapel Hill. The exhibit also includes the James Taylor Documentary Theatre, a video media center that features interviews and concerts.

There are five ongoing exhibits that range from a 1914 Fire Truck to an overview of the Civil Rights movement in Chapel Hill. If you ever wanted to know who developed Shaw Finger Paints, visit the Ruth Faison Shaw exhibit. Most notable is Shaw’s contribution to art therapy, using finger painting as a medium of expression and self-exploration. There is also an exhibit dedicated to Paul Green, North Carolina dramatist, playwright and teacher. He invented the form of “symphonic drama”, his most famous of which – The Lost Colony – is still performed annually at Manteo, NC. Or you can choose to learn about the history of the North Carolina Symphony, the first state to fund its own symphony. Many of the original supporters of the Symphony were from Chapel Hill. The Chapel Hill Museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from 1-4pm. For more information visit their Web site at www.chapelhillmuseum.org or call 919.967.1400

In the mood for something celestial? Do some stargazing at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center. Located on the UNC campus, it is one of the largest planetariums in the United States. The building was a gift of John Motley Morehead III, class of 1891, whose mission of educating the community lives on. The grounds feature a 68-foot, domed Star Theater and state-of-the-art projector, scientific exhibits and classrooms, a 24-inch reflecting telescope and observation decks, and a massive sundial.

Planetarium shows and live sky shows narrated by staff members teach the public about the night sky, lunar landings, the travels of the Voyager spacecraft, black holes, the Big Bang and more. Weekend matinees include shows for children and families alike. If you’ve never been to a planetarium show, it is a truly memorable experience. The circular dome combined with the Zeiss Model VI Star projector creates a visual panorama that simulates a three-dimensional sensation similar to a ride at Disney World.

A variety of shows provide visitors with multiple opportunities to experience “the ride” over and over. “Carolina Skies” lets the viewer explore the heavens as they will appear each night above North Carolina. It is also a show of the audience’s own making. Because each presentation is manually controlled by one of the Center’s trained projector pilots, the show can be customized based on the participants’ questions. “Life in the Universe” the newest Star Theater show, addresses the time-eternal question, “Are we alone?” This thought-provoking show breaks the question into two pieces: What are the requirements for life? And where in the universe might the conditions be right for life? “DNA: The Secret of Life” begins with a brief history of the discovery of the DNA structure and goes on to explain how this finding has paved the way for numerous advancements in science. Although designed for students grades 6-12, the 35-minute program is fascinating for all ages. “Magic Tree House Space Mission” is designed for children five to 12, and their families. Travel with brother-sister duo Jack and Annie in their flying Magic Tree House as they answer questions about the Solar System. Mary Pope Osborne, author of the children’s book series, Magic Tree House, narrates the show.

Although shown only during the holiday season, put on your calendar to catch the “Star of Bethlehem” in 2005. The show features scientists examining the possible astronomical explanation of the Star of David. Coming up in June is the Planetarium’s newest show “Extinction!” Narrated by William Shatner, the show will take viewers on a fascinating exploration of the cause of extinction from the days of dinosaur to today.

The Morehead Planetarium & Science Center is located at 250 East Franklin St, Chapel Hill. For show times, reservations and other information call 919.962.1236. www.moreheadplanetarium.org

Also located on the UNC Campus is the Ackland Art Museum. The museum was founded through the bequest of William Hayes Ackland (1855-1940). He “wanted the people of his native South to know and love the fine arts.” The building was dedicated in 1958 and comprises exhibition galleries, an art library, classrooms, studios, and offices. The museum also works hand-in-hand with the Art Department on UNC Campus, partnering with them regularly to offer educational opportunities in concert with permanent and traveling exhibitions.

The Ackland’s permanent collection includes over 15,000 objects from Asia, Africa, Europe, and America with works ranging from ancient times to the 21st century. The museum holds the most significant collection of Asian art in the state and one of the largest collections of works on paper in the Southeast. Long known for its strength in European painting and sculpture, the Ackland has most recently focused on its collection of 20th century and contemporary art.

On display through March 27, 2005 are works of faculty artists from the Art Department at UNC Chapel Hill. Participating faculty artists include Jim Hirschfield’s carved wood, Juan Logan’s sculpture, Michael Harris’ portraits of African Americans, and Dennis Zaborowski’s tempura paintings on paper. Museum hours are 10am-5pm Wednesday-Saturday, and Sunday, 1-5pm. For more information about the museum, you can call 919.966.5736 or online at ww.ackland.org

Ready for tea? Head on over to The Carolina Inn, 211 Pittsboro Street, in Chapel Hill. Between 3-5pm, afternoon tea is served on a collection of vintage china teacups and saucers with a classical offering of high-quality teas. In the British tradition, an assortment of tea sandwiches, sweets and scones are also served. If you haven’t made reservations, you may not be seated, but fret not, you can browse around the Inn and enjoy a Chapel Hill favorite steeped in tradition.

More than 200 years ago, a small Episcopal chapel called New Hope Chapel on the Hill stood on this location, a crossroads near the future site of the nation’s first state university. In fact, the town of Chapel Hill derived its name from that church. A succession of boarding houses and small hotels occupied that site until John Sprunt Hill, an 1889 graduate of UNC bought the property and spent $200,000 to build The Carolina Inn. It opened in 1924 with 52 guestrooms. 11 years later, Mr. Hill and his family gave the Inn to the University to serve as “a cheerful inn for visitors, a town hall for the safe, and a home for returning sons and daughters of the alma mater.”

The first major expansion added 42 guestrooms and a cafeteria, and was renovated and expanded again in the 1960’s. In 1993 Doubletree Hotels Corporation was hired to manage the Inn. In 1994, a massive makeover and an expansion of a 55-room wing brought the Inn to its present size of 184 guestrooms and suites.

As you stroll the premises you may want to pick up a small booklet called “Guide to the Historic Furnishings and Photographic Displays of The Carolina Inn. The guide provides you with information about specific furnishings around the Inn.

Another main attraction is the Legend of the Legends, a key to photographs of UNC sports heroes that line the wall of the Crossroads Lounge. Test your knowledge of local sports celebrities, but no cheating (unless you get stuck).

If the day lingers on and you find yourself in need of sustenance, Carolina Crossroads Restaurant and Bar can provide you with a dining experience of exceptional quality and distinction. The restaurant boasts a Four-Diamond Award from AAA, and a Four-Star rating from the Mobil Travel Guide. To make an evening turn into an entire day, plan to stay the night in one of the well-appointed rooms. For more information, contact The Carolina Inn at 919.933.2001, www.carolinainn.com

If your tastes are more inclined to the cosmopolitan style, you should head over to the Siena Hotel, located on 1505 east Franklin Street, in Chapel Hill. Established in 1987, this Four-Diamond boutique hotel draws inspiration from the art, architecture, and ambiance of Italy, reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. The décor is luxurious, furnished with fine, hand-selected European antiques and rich fabrics, and each of the 80 guestrooms is individually appointed. The Siena Hotel has reached the pinnacle of recognition by attaining the Condé Nast Travelers Gold List for 2005 as one of the best places to stay in the world.

The on-site restaurant, Il Palio Ristorante, is the only Four Diamond Italian restaurant in North Carolina and is the winner of numerous local and national awards. The innovative quality of the cuisine is only matched by the breadth and depth of their wine selection – a winner of the Wine Spectator Award for over ten years. For additional information, you can call The Siena Hotel at 919.929.4000, or www.sienahotel.com

For intellectual stimulation as well as top-notch restaurants and overnight accommodations, one would find it very difficult to outclass Chapel Hill. And best of all, it is right here in our neighborhood. No wonder the Triangle continually is rated as one of the best places to live in the United States.

Flower Power!

There's little risk in becoming overly proud of one's garden because gardening by its very nature is humbling. It has away of keeping you on your knees." -- Joann Barrick

It’s the ultimate celebration of all things southern. The NC Azalea Festival was organized 50+ years ago to glorify Wilmington’s exceptional gardens. Now, like the flowers it honors, the Festival itself blossoms more beautifully each year as a showcase for the community's rich array of artwork, and the natural beauty of its lush gardens, history and culture.

But like the best in southern culture, formality never outdoes fun. And this festival is all about fun. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington's premier annual community celebration and the largest festival of its kind in the state. For five days in April, all of Wilmington celebrates and shares a great sense of community pride. Visitors share in fun family events, the ultimate street fair, head-line entertainment, festive galas, garden parties, a circus, a parade and more – a total of 125 events.

You can also expect more than 300,000 people over the five days of events but relax, there are quick and easy escapes from the crowds . In Wilmington, the beauty and serenity of nature is always only a few steps away. Garden club and historic home tours, a horse show, an art show and a flower show compliment the Festival’s other activities.

"Whatever a man's age, he can reduce it several years by putting a bright-colored flower in his buttonhole."
-- Mark Twain

The Festival kicks off on April 6th with the morning arrival of the 2005 NC Azalea festival Queen. This year’s reigning monarch is Actress Kelly Packard, best known for her role as “April” on the popular television program Baywatch. Packard’s first series regular role was on the NBC comedy California Dreams, following teenage guest appearances on shows such as The Wonder Years, Boy Meets World, Step by Step and Living Dolls. Her coronation ceremony takes place later that day followed by a concert, featuring country music star Travis Tritt, in the evening.

Nothing is more breathtaking than an entire city in bloom with the flowering plant often described as the “most beautiful of our indigenous shrubs.” Although it seems an injustice to call the honorable azalea a “shrub”. There are many thousands of named varieties of azaleas, more of which, it is said, are killed by kindness than neglect. In Wilmington, kindness is apparently lavishly bestowed (and well deserved) on the thousand + volunteers it takes to organize and pull off this elaborate event.

Former city councilwoman and Mayor Pro tem, Hannah Block was deeply involved in the life of the city as well as the Azalea Festival. She moved to Wilmington in 1935, shortly after marrying, and once said of her new home, “I loved it, it was so unique.” She described Wilmington as “a city of people who accept you for what you are until you proved otherwise.”

When it comes to describing the beauty of azaleas or any flowers, the power of their perfume, their impact on your soul, the poets usually do it best. But when it’s time to put together an organized celebration of North Carolina’s best known and loved flower, nobody does it better than Wilmington and the Azalea Festival volunteers.

The NC Azalea Festival always boasts headline entertainers and special guests. It’s also earned a spot in the top 20 Southeast Tourism Society events, and the cover of Southern Living Magazine (April 2004). Over the years, high profile personalities such as former President Ronald Reagan, and entertainers Bob Hope, Esther Williams, Bill Cosby and Frank Sinatra, just to name a few, have made appearances at the Azalea Festival. Organizers have this event running smoother than the underside of a rose petal! Whether you’re a newcomer or native North Carolinian, the NC Azalea festival is one you and your family will not want to miss.

For a full schedule of events and ticket information, please visit www.ncazaleafestival.org or call 910.794.4650.

Wilmington and the Cape Fear Coast are home to a host of fine restaurants, hotels and Bed and Breakfast establishments. For more information, please visit www.cape-fear.nc.us or call 1.800.222.4757.