May Story Finds - Berries, Berry and Peas

Mmmm. Big, bright red lucious sweet strawberries. Whether picked right off the plant, served over ice cream or with a little rum in a tall glass, strawberries are one of the most popular fruits. So much, in fact, that the triangular shaped delicacy is the official fruit of North Carolina.

So, let's talk about the NC Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn. It is held each May. But the big story is what will happen in the sky. Hot air balloons! No, this won't be a big rally like Statesville, but festival goers will want to bring their cameras. May I suggest you ride in a tethered balloon - or sign up to be part of a Chase Crew. Now you know why I am working with the Denton FarmPark and Rob Wise, president of the Carolinas Balloon Association, to create a brand new rally in April 2007. Yes, I love to fly - and I love to eat Sweet Charlie strawberries. They're naturally dipped in sugar!

Most beach goers know the 2-lane stretch of road on US 74 between I-95 and Chadbourn. It can be a dull drive, but have you noticed the cotton and tobacco plants along the way? And what about that big brown sign, STRIKE AT THE WIND! - do you know what that is?

Strike at the Wind! is an outdoor drama held on Fridays and Saturdays from July 1 - August 26. It's a story about Henry Berry Lowrie and how he crusaded to help the Indians, Blacks and whites after the Civil War ended. Drama. Action. Song. Love. All the components are there - and so is food, beverage and a beautiful afternoon sunset overlooking the river. The amphitheater has undergone a major renovation just in time for the new season.

Have you ever heard of mushy peas? Didn't think so. But, if you're from the United Kingdom, you have. As long as you're driving along US 74, you may want to stop at the Southeast North Carolina Farmers' Market to find out more about mushy peas and homemade British sausage and bacon. Nope, it's absolutely nothing like what we get in this country. It's gooooood! Look around for the vendor with the British flag. Once you've stopped and met her, you'll stop and do so again!