Lorene’s Bakery & Catering

March 9, 2012 By

Lorene's Wedding CakesOne of the more well-known food establishments in Dobson, North Carolina is Lorene’s Bakery & Catering.  Lorene’s Bakery & Catering provides five-star catering, at reasonable prices.

Probably most famous for their exquisitely decorated cakes, Lorene’s gets booked for a lot of functions and special occasions– mostly weddings and all sorts of parties, as far as 3 to 5 months in advance.

Lorene’s Bakery & Catering is located at 314 N White St., Dobson, North Carolina 27017.  They may be reached at (336) 356-4699.  Lorene’s in open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 9AM to 5:30PM (except on Saturdays, when they close early at 1PM).

You can also visit Lorene’s on Facebook to see her beautifully decorated award-winning cakes.

Filed Under: Dobson

Pinnacle, North Carolina

March 7, 2012 By

Pinnacle is an unincorporated community in southwestern Stokes County, North Carolina, United States, approximately five miles SSE of the town of Pilot Mountain, between Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park.

The town was originally known as Culler, named for Emanuel W. Culler who owned the land on which a railroad station was built and served as the towns first mayor. The present name was adopted in 1894. Pinnacle was incorporated in 1901 but the charter was repealed in 1903.


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Some 20 miles (32 km) east of Pinnacle on State Route 1186 is the Rock House, the remains of a massive four-story stone structure with three-foot-thick walls built in 1770 by Capt. John ‘Jack’ Martin, one of the first two settlers of Stokes County, on a 8,000-acre (32 km2) grant from the Crown. Martin served in the North Carolina House of Representatives and as presiding judge of Stoke County court for over 30 years.

The house was built by slaves using local flint stones, with a fireplace large enough to roast an ox and stuccoed white plaster on the exterior, and was used as a blockhouse by early settlers.   Colonel Martin, who was born in Essex County, Virginia and became a fierce fighter for the Continental cause during the Revolutionary War.

Targeted by Tories during and following the War, when he was badly wounded while spying for American forces on the eve of the Battle of Kings Mountain, Martin was the brother of militia General Joseph Martin, namesake of Martinsville, Virginia. Col. Jack Martin saw action at the battles of Chestnut Ridge, Surrey County, Colsons, Old Fields, Alamance and Guilford Courthouse.

The Rock House served as the mustering ground for colonial forces during the Revolutionary War as well as the War of 1812.  One of the oldest structures in Stokes County and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the house burned in 1890, and only the great rock walls remain. Rock House was acquired in 1975 by the Stokes County Historical Society, which has struggled recently to protect the ruins from vandals.

Source:  Wikipedia

Filed Under: Pinnacle, Where To Go

The Heart of North Carolina Wine Country

March 7, 2012 By

With a superb combination of sun, soil and soul, Yadkin Valley wineries are ideally located in the North Carolina region that is rapidly gaining a reputation for growing high-quality grapes and producing world-class award-winning wines. Located in the Piedmont area of the Tar Heel State, wineries in the Yadkin Valley benefit from what many winemakers consider the best terroir in North Carolina.

This Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® website was established in early 2002 to provide a single stop for wine lovers seeking information about the wine, wines, wineries, vineyard, vineyards, bed and breakfasts, hotels and other lodging, restaurants and other dining, antiques and antique stores, art galleries, winery tours and other businesses affiliated with winery tourism in the Yadkin Valley.

In recognition of these unique features, the federal government approved the Yadkin Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA), effective February 7, 2003.  The Yadkin Valley AVA was North Carolina’s first, consisting of over 1.116 million acres located in Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, Davie, Davidson and Forsyth counties. Adding to the importance of the Yadkin Valley with respect to wineries, the federal government approved the Swan Creek AVA as North Carolina’s second area, effective May 27, 2008.

The Swan Creek AVA consists of 96,000 acres located in Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell counties. Over 57,000 acres of that total lies within the geographical boundaries of both viticultural areas. As of July 1, 2008, these are the only two designated AVAs in the state of North Carolina. In addition, a number of wineries in close proximity have banded together to form marketing associations. While not federally-designated AVAs, a handful of wineries listed on this site banded together as members of the Shallowford Wine Trail, the Yadkin River Wine Trail, and the Upper Yadkin Wine Trail. There are several more wine trails in the works, all within and encompassed by the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ®.

There is a lot of history in the Yadkin Valley, from the original native Americans, to the Moravian settlers in the 1750s, to Daniel Boone, to the Revolutionary War, to the War Between the States, to Tom Dula (known as Tom Dooley) and Mayberry, as well as numerous wine festivals and tasting events, music festivals, craft and antique fairs. Many of the businesses along and around the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® contain a wonderful combination of Americana history, culture, arts and music along with award-winning wines.

Read more here:  Yadkin Valley Wine Trail Official Site

Filed Under: Pinnacle, Where To Go

The Town of Dobson

February 22, 2012 By

The Town of Dobson was founded in 1850 as a consequence of a geographical division of Surry County by the North Carolina General Assembly. A central site was needed for a new county seat. A courthouse was therefore completed in 1853. The Town appears to have been named in honor of William Polk Dobson, a State Senator from Surry County, who died in 1846.

Welcome to Dobson! Photo by Bob King of BobKingKia.comThe Town was incorporated in 1891 and, since that year, has had a municipal government. A second courthouse was built on the site of the old one in 1918; the second courthouse was remodeled in 1971. The development of Surry Community College in the 1960′s and the construction of new public schools in the 1960′s and 1980′s have helped Dobson to maintain its status as a governmental service center. Surry county government offices are also located within
the corporal limits of the Town of Dobson.

William Polk Dobson – Family History

William Dobson came to North Carolina circa 1770 and lived in the present-day town of Kernersville. Dobson had at least two children, William Polk Dobson and Henry Baker Dobson.  William Polk Dobson left the Kernersville area and purchased a plantation near Rockford (Surry County), North Carolina, around 1810. W.P. Dobson married Mary Hughes in 1802 and had twelve children. Their descendants live throughout the United States. Family legend connects
William P. Dobson’s mother to the family of President James Polk.

Famous Residents:

1. Tabitha Ann Holten – first licensed female lawyer in the southern United States; licensed in 1878 and practiced law in Dobson from 1878 – 1886.
2. Roy H. Park – famous broadcaster and entrepreneur who graduated from Dobson High School; Park owned several companies and made Forbes list of the top 40 (1993) wealthiest people in the United States.

Filed Under: Dobson

Pilot Knob Park

February 22, 2012 By

Located just minutes from beautiful Pilot Mountain State Park, Pilot Knob Park was designed by renowned course architect Gene Hamm.

One of the prettiest and well-manicured golf courses in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Pilot Knob Park is a favorite with locals as well as numerous golf visitors traveling to the sand hills of Pinehurst or the North and South Carolina beaches The 18-hole “Pilot Knob Park” course at the Pilot Knob Park Country Club facility in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina features 6,225 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70 . The course rating is 68.0 and it has a slope rating of 132 on Bermuda fairways leading up to Diamond Zoysia greens.

Pilot Knob Park provides one of the most unique settings in the area for group events. Whether you are a couple looking for a place to have your wedding, wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, a family or school looking for a place for your reunion or a group looking for a place to hold a golf outing, Pilot Knob Park can provide it all.

From Hor d’ oeuvres, to Buffets, to Plated dinners, you can let your imagination come to reality. Our staff will ensure your event will be rewarding Our Golf Staff will ensure you of a great golf event. From setup to scoring our Golf Staff will completely coordinate your golf event.

Filed Under: Pilot Mountain, Where To Go

Pilot Mountain State Park

February 22, 2012 By

Pilot MountainApproach from any direction and see Pilot Mountain rising more than 1,400 feet above the rolling countryside of the upper Piedmont plateau.

Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, this solitary peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. Fun, from relaxation to exhilaration, is easy to find here.

Treat yourself to a horseback ride through the woods or challenge the river from raft or canoe. A seven-mile woodland corridor joins two sections of the park, each section offering a wealth of opportunities for outdoor fun. The mountain segment, which includes the two pinnacles, contains most of the visitor facilities. The more primitive river section centers around the lazy, meandering Yadkin River.

Filed Under: Pilot Mountain, Where To Go

Tennis at Cross Creek

February 22, 2012 By

Cross Creek offers a variety of tennis programming and services for players of all ages and skill level.

Tennis at the Cross Creek Country Club, from the Cross Creek Country Club official website

Our members can choose from private or group lessons and clinics given by our USPTA Certified Tennis Professional. Some of our most popular tennis activates include Men’s Night, Ladies & Mixed Quadrants, and Quick Start tennis for juniors.

The Cross Creek Tennis Association always has an active calendar of events that the members enjoy. Cross Creek continues to host The Mount Airy Junior Novices Tennis Tournament which is the second oldest Junior Novice Tournament in N.C.

So if it’s competitive tennis or social tennis Cross Creek is the place for you and your family

Filed Under: Mount Airy

The Aquatic Center

February 22, 2012 By

The aquatic center at Cross Creek features a beautiful Olympic size “Lazy Z” pool and wading pool for the toddlers.

The facility includes a children’s playground area, men’s and women’s dressing room, wireless internet connections capabilities and a snack bar for your convenience. During the pool season, in addition to the snack bar, we offer full menu services from the clubhouse. All can be enjoyed on the covered patio poolside.

Whether you are cooling off after a round of golf, a few sets of tennis, or soaking up the sun, the pool serves as a center of activity during the warm summer months.

The Cross Creek Country Club, by visitmayberry.com

Filed Under: Mount Airy Tagged With: , ,

Golf at Cross Creek

February 21, 2012 By

Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains Cross Creek Country Club’s 18 hole championship golf course opened in 1973.  A Joe Lee design flows just under 6800 yards and plays to a par 72. Multiple tees give our members and guests a true challenge of golf. A recent Kris Spence renovation updated the putting surface with an A-1 and A-4 blend of bent grass.

Golf, at the Cross Creek Country Club

There are 68 strategically placed bunkers and 7 bodies of water throughout the course that will penalize any wayward shot. Our Zoysia lined green side bunkers are steep faced so you will need to be comfortable with your club selection in order to ensure precise shot placement. Many holes are designed where length and power off the tee are critical elements and will stimulate the player for whom the sport is as much an intellectual challenge as it is a test of skill.

Our professional golf staff is always on hand to assist and plan any corporate golf outing, individual lesson, or group clinic. A full calendar of golf awaits you along with our Men’s Golf Association, Ladies Golf Association, and a very active Juniors program.

Our comprehensive practice facility includes a convenient driving range with target greens, a new short game chipping green and practice bunker, and putting green.

The well appointed pro shop offers a complete line of golf merchandise, along with club fitting and repair.

Course conditions at Cross Creek have always been a priority and is upheld by very high standards of operations. Greens, tees, and approaches are walk mowed or cut to precise specifications. Cross Creek Country Club’s attention to detail will ensure you a golf experience second to none.

Filed Under: Mount Airy Tagged With: ,

The Clubhouse at Cross Creek

February 21, 2012 By

Cross Creek Country Club has several unique dining venues all with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Cross Creek Room offers the most elegant and intimate dining experience for those who want to enjoy a quiet relaxing meal. Select that perfect wine to accompany an expertly prepared entrée you might only expect to find in a large metropolitan area.

Cross Creek Country Club Ballroom, by jsclark.com

Our club is widely recognized as a family club and to satisfy that niche we offer our Club Room which caters to families with children. This dining area also has several computer stations complete with games and internet access, plus a large flat screen TV to entertain the whole family before, during, or after the meal.

Our Sports Bar was voted by Business NC magazine as one of the top 5 in the Triad region. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a great meal in a casual environment while watching your favorite sporting event on any of the large flat screen TV’s. Stay in touch with the office with our wireless internet connection throughout the entire Clubhouse.

Adjacent to the Sports Bar, the Formal Bar provides a more relaxed environment to enjoy your favorite libation. Sit back in any of the overstuffed leather chairs and sample what’s new on the wine list and order an appetizer or meal to complete your day on the course.

Many of our members enjoy dining “alfresco” at Cross Creek’s signature dining feature the “Pavilion”. This one of a kind outdoor facility is handsomely appointed with a stacked fieldstone fireplace, granite topped bar all with unobstructed views of the golf course and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Grand Ballroom is the perfect setting for that special social event or corporate gathering. Cross Creek provides the privacy, elegance and versatility for all of your special event needs. Let our culinary staff help you create a memory that you will cherish for a lifetime.

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