March Story Finds - Pickler, Kudzu and Camping

I'm working in 30 counties on a variety of projects, including one for the NC Arts Council, homegrownhandmade.com. Along the way, I find interesting stories that I share with travel writers - and you. March's stories come from Davidson, Union and Stanly counties.

(While you're here, I invite you to see this month's marketing tip on my other blog. You can access it by clicking on my profile. )

Pick Pickler! That's the new mantra in the Stanly County towns of Albemarle and Oakboro. The American Idol contestant, Kellie Pickler, is from Albemarle, but has opened for major performers at the Oakboro Music Hall. Oakboro is located 20 minutes north of Charlotte on NC Hwy. 24/27....

In the middle of nowhere, the Denton FarmPark is home to several events throughout the year, most notably the Southeast Old Threshers' Reunion held each July 4 week. But, did you know there are 500 camping hookups? With 8.2 million campers on the road nationally, some of them are spending the week camping at the Reunion. Others bring camping groups and enjoy an old country farm setting. The FarmPark is located 20 minutes south of Asheboro just off NC Hwy. 49 ...

Kudzu. It grows everywhere and you simply cannot kill it. But, the vine and flowers can be used for all kinds of crafts, including crafts and jelly. The Museum of the Waxhaw, located in the town of Waxhaw, has a Kudzu Festival each September, just after the vine has blossomed. The museum director goes out and stomps through the thicket, cuts lots of vine and flowers and spends days each August making jelly, wreathes and jewelry to sell during the September event. Waxhaw is located 15 minutes south of US Hwy. 74 in Monroe ...