Monday, November 5, 2007

North Carolina Insurance Agents - Buying Insurance in NC

North Carolina Insurance Agents

Buying insurance in NC should be no different from making any other major purchase, such as a car or house. Before making the purchase, you should determine what features you really need. This is important to assure that you get what you expect at a reasonable cost.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF INSURANCE

Insurance is a tool used to help manage financial risk. Financial risk can take many forms. There are risks to our investments, liabilities for our actions, and risks to our ability to earn income. There is insurance to manage all these risks. There are many types of insurance to help you manage financial risk, from loss of property to loss of income. Some insurance helps provide cash flow when income and savings are insufficient. You

Property and casualty insurance. Investments in real property and hard assets are at risk for theft or destruction by natural causes, accident, or mischief (generally, acts of war and terrorism are not covered by property and casualty insurance). Property and casualty insurance helps manage these risks. Property and casualty insurance is available in the form of home insurance, automobile insurance, boat insurance, business property insurance, etc. It protects specific assets from many forms of loss and insures the property owner against liability for damages resulting from the asset's use. The cost of property and casualty insurance is based upon the value of the insured assets and the environment in which the assets are located. For example, auto insurance rates vary depending on the area in which the automobile is located. Communities with high rates of auto theft and accidents will have higher auto insurance rates. Auto insurance also takes driving records and the insured's age into consideration when pricing policies. Some of the types of auto insurance coverage include: liability, medical payments coverage (or personal injury protection), comprehensive physical damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorists' collision.

Errors and omissions, professional malpractice insurance, professional liability insurance. Many occupations and professions risk causing damage to others that can result in financial awards against them. If one were sued for malpractice, this would cause financial hardship when one had to liquidate assets or assign future income to pay the awards. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, construction workers, and anyone else whose occupation can inadvertently cause harm to others or others' property may be liable for financial damages. Financial damages, whether paid from assets, future income, or both, can be daunting and pose a severe financial hardship. There is specific insurance that helps manage these risks arising from one's occupation. Premiums for such insurance are based upon industry statistics and the history of the insured person. Sometimes claims against a person may not be made for years after the occurrence of the action causing the claim, so it is important to know the conditions under which the policy will cover claims.

Health and long-term care insurance. We all know people who have high medical care costs. Often paid by employer contributions, healthcare insurance is essential to assure an adequate level of medical care. Yet, there are many Americans who have inadequate or no health care insurance at all. There are many forms of health care insurance programs available, including fee-for-services plans, hospital and medical service plans, and managed care plans (prepaid health plans that provide comprehensive health to members, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, exclusive provider organizations, and point-of-service plans). Premiums are based upon group statistics and levels of care provided. With the aging of America, there is a strong need for long-term health care insurance to cover costs of nursing homes and assisted living care for the elderly. For eligible individuals, federal Medicare and state-sponsored Medicaid insurance help defray the high cost of medical care.

Life and disability insurance. If a family were to lose its income due to the death or disability of the principal earners, it would face financial hardship. While no one can put a monetary value on human life, one can put a value on his or her earning ability. Life insurance and disability insurance pay benefits to replace lost earnings due to death or disability. The premiums for this insurance are based upon statistics for the age, health, and occupation of the insured, as well as the amount of benefits to be paid. While both life and disability insurance are available through groups, such as employer plans, individuals can buy policies tailored to their specific needs. Life insurance is so versatile that many individuals use it for advanced financial planning purposes, such as retirement planning and savings, as well as for death benefits.

Special forms of insurance are available to cover almost any other financial risks. For example, there is unemployment insurance, investment insurance, and dismemberment insurance (for loss of a body part). Some high-fashion models are even insured against loss of income due to loss of their good looks. Premiums for such insurance are also based upon the likelihood of an event occurring and the amount of benefits to be paid.

Sometimes having the wrong insurance can be worse than having no insurance.


Source: Educated Advisor

How To Pick An Attorney In North Carolina

How To Pick An Attorney In North Carolina

All attorneys are not created equal. Selecting an attorney must begin by finding one that is qualified to work in family court, criminal, dwi, divorce, and so on. The best way to find a good attorney is from someone who has had personal experience with the attorney and can give you a positive recommendation. This is still a good way to learn about an attorney's reputation. Anyway, be cautious and take your time in finding the right attorney.

Always look for an attorney who is experienced in the particular area of law that is needed. Though the competent attorney's hourly rate is usually higher, I have learned that by the time the case is completed, the competent attorney costs were usually cheaper.

Remember you are paying for good representation and not specific results. Be suspicious of any attorney who makes promises about the outcome of your case.

Select an attorney who has a proven track record in the county where your case will be heard. Ask how many divorce cases they have had in the past year.

Usually a friend who has had experience with a particular attorney in a case similar to yours is an excellent source for getting the name of an attorney.

The local bar association will help you by giving three names of local attorneys. Keep in mind that the bar association will give you names of attorneys specializing in domestic relations and have an office close to where you live or work. The names do not take into consideration the attorney's reputation or competency.

It is important to be cautious when hiring a big-name attorney for a divorce case. These attorneys usually have a reputation because they specialize in criminal law and may require expensive retainers. Your reason for hiring a high profile attorney may be to intimidate your spouse or his attorney. The strategy rarely works.

You should interview the prospective attorney before deciding to hire him. After all, the attorney will be interviewing you to see if he or she can work with you and if you have the money to pay your bill.

Look for an attorney who is interested, empathetic and knowledgeable of the law.

Going through any litigation is stressful, even if you have a strong case and are the plaintiff. In fact, the one thing you will learn from going to court is to avoid, if at all possible, going to court. Even so called winners find the experience emotionally grueling. To lessen the stress, you may want your attorney's reassurance that he or she will win your case. Though your feelings are understandable, your attorney can only represent you on the strength of the evidence and the law. They cannot guarantee you that the judge will decide in your favor.

Because you are angry, you may think that hiring a big-name attorney will intimidate your spouse or the other attorney. This rarely happens. Most experienced attorneys know each other and are not intimidated by the opposing attorney. Any intimidation is usually the client's illusion and not shared by the attorney. In fact, be cautious when hiring a big-name attorney for a divorce case. Most big-name attorneys have gained their reputation from criminal rather than divorce cases. If the attorney takes your case, he or she will be very expensive and may have little interest in your case. I once watched a big-name attorney mistake the client's girlfriend as his client. He was embarrassed and apologized.

Know in Advance How Fees Are Determined. The least expensive hourly rate is not always the cheapest attorney. Ask the attorney about their hourly fees and what you are getting for the money. Many attorneys will charge for their time on the phone, doing research, or standing in line to file papers. You should know ahead of time what you are paying for so you are not surprised when you get the bill. Remember that attorneys are in business to make a living and are not a charitable institution

Monday, October 22, 2007

North Carolina Fishing Holes

North Carolina Fishing Holes


North Carolina offers world-class fishing in diverse settings such as icy mountain streams, sprawling Piedmont reservoirs and rolling coastal rivers. The NCWRC has made finding a fishing hole easy by maintaining Public Fishing Areas (PFA) and Community Fishing Program (CFP) sites. Check out these sites and the mountain trout maps, to find your next fishing spot!

Public Fishing Areas (PFA) have been created throughout the state to provide free fishing opportunities from the banks of North Carolina's lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs. The Wildlife Resources Commission has enhanced fishing opportunities at PFAs by clearing banks of underbrush, and in some cases, by constructing handicapped-accessible fishing piers, creating graveled or paved parking lots, installing fish attractors, or baiting the areas with grain or fish feed.

Community Fishing Program (CFP) sites are located primarily in city- or county-owned parks, providing urban anglers fishing opportunities in intensively managed bodies of water. Community Fishing Program sites feature solar-powered fish feeders, handicapped-accessible fishing piers (at most CFPs), and periodic stockings of harvestable-sized channel catfish from April through September.


North Carolina Designated Public Mountain Trout WatersThese maps are provided to give anglers a guide to fishing regulations in effect on specific streams. They also provide locations of all waters open to public trout fishing. Designated waters are shown in thick colored lines that correspond to colors of existing signs conspicuously posted at major access areas to trout waters. Undesignated waters are shown as thin light blue lines. As an additional guide, game lands boundaries are also displayed. Please consult the current NC Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Regulations Digest or see the trout regulations for further information. Also see Fishing News.



Tuesday, October 16, 2007

North Carolina Zoo Events

North Carolina Zoo Events Oct 2007 - Dec 2008

Visit The North Carolina Zoo website

Special Events
KidZone ► Opening March 27, 2007 -
Hey kids! Do you enjoy looking for bugs, climbing and running or making mud pies? Would you like to learn how to grow and eat your name? Well, check out all the fun things you can do at the kidZone - a special place just for KIDS opening this spring at the North Carolina Zoo.

ZooFest ► October Saturdays, 2007 -
Fall festivals at the NC Zoo! Celebrations of the exotic, the endangered, and the mysterious for the young -- and young at heart

October 6 - Native American Art, Dance, Music and MysteryOctober 13 - African Art, Dance, Music and MysteryOctober 20 - HOWL-O-Ween – Hear the howls and tales of the Red Wolves.

October 27- 28 - BOO at the ZOO - A magical weekend featuring, games, music, face painting, treats, costume contest and plenty of Halloween fun.

Feb. 2
GROUNDHOG DAY
Join the fun as our groundhog predicts winter weather.

March 22
EGG-STRAVAGANZA
Watch Zoo animals search for holiday treats!

March 29 & 30
S.O.S. Save Our Snakes!
Come ssssssssee why snakes are so sssssssspecial!

April Saturdays
ZooFLING
Roar into Spring at the NC Zoo! Meet Zoo Keepers and discover the secrets to animal appetites, creature comforts, and wild lifestyles.

April 5, 6
Watani Grasslands Grand Opening Celebration – Have tons of fun exploring the new Elephant and Rhinoceros exhibit!

April 12
Feast of the Beasts

April 19, 20
Earth Day Celebration

April 26
Creature Comforts

May 10 & 11
BIRDS AND BLOOMS Not your garden variety Mother’s Day weekend!

May 10
Celebrate NC Zoo’s International Migratory Bird Day and explore more than 60,000 beautiful plants.

May 11
Bring Mom to the Zoo with online discount admission.

June Saturdays
BEE A BEAR
Explore life as a bear and catch the latest buzz on bees.

June 7
Polar Paws & Claws

June 14
Grizzly Walks and Talks

June 21, 22
Black Bears & Bees
Father’s Day
Bring Papa Bear to the Zoowith online discount admission.

June 28
Teddy Bear Fair
Bring your Teddy Bear for a check up with our zoo veterinarians.

August 9 & 10
ZooCOOL
Forecasters are calling for snow at the NC Zoo! Chill out as we show you how Zoo animals beat the heat.

ZooFEST
October Saturdays

Fall festivals at the NC Zoo!
Celebrations of the exotic, the endangered, and the mysterious.

October 4 - Native American Art, Dance, Music and Mystery

October 11 - African Art, Dance, Music and Mystery

October 18 - HOWL-O-Ween – Hearthe howls and tales of the Red Wolves.

October 25, 26 BOO at the ZOO - A magical weekend featuring games, music, face painting, treats, costume contests and plenty of Halloween fun.

BATOLOGY

November 1 & 2
Discover the good nature of bats at Sonora Desert . Watch Zoo Keepers feed the bats.

Visit The Carolina Community Resources Website for North Carolina businesses, Services and Real Estate Needs

North Carolina State Fairground Events

North Carolina State Fairground Events Oct 2007 - Dec 2008

NC State Fair Webcam

Source NC DA&CS: 2007- 2008 CalendarThis is a listing of the events staged at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds on a monthly basis. Included is the name of the event and building location. For more information please contact the Event promoter listed with the event or the Fairgrounds office at 919-821-7400 - Events Information Line - Extension 22 or Facility Rentals - Extension 4501. All events are subject to last minute changes.


October 2007
November 2007
December 2007
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
Hunt Horse Complex 2007 Calendar
Hunt Horse Complex 2008 Calendar

N.C. State Fair opening ceremony set for 11 a.m. Friday in Heritage Circle
(10-11-07)
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt will officially open the 2007 N.C. State Fair at 11 a.m. Friday at the old tobacco barn in Heritage Circle. The ceremony will feature music by the Wells Family.

N.C. State Fair has a green feel (10-10-07)
RALEIGH – During the N.C. State Fair, the fairgrounds in West Raleigh can best be compared to a small city. With good weather, more than 750,000 people will likely cross through the gates during the Fair’s 10-day run. Like most cities in North Carolina today, the Fair will be doing its part for water conservation, and it will also feature a number of other environmentally friendly measures. Read More>>

Pittsboro mother-son crafters will be featured at the N.C. State Fair (10-2-07)
RALEIGH—Similar to a colonial village of years gone by, the Village of Yesteryear crafters gather at the N.C. State Fair each year to showcase their wares. This family reunion of sorts is bound by a love for craftsmanship and early American working handicrafts. Among the many items available for sale and display are Native American pottery, carvings, beadwork, stained glass, wooden utensils, toys, woven goods and more. Read More>>

Alternative transportation information updated (9-24-07)
Just added! Ride TTA to the Fair on Saturdays from Chapel Hill or RTP!

Seriously Twisted Fun planned for 2007 State Fair (9-13-07)
RALEIGH – Fairgoers will find plenty of tried-and-true attractions to go along with some new twists on fun at the N.C. State Fair Oct. 12-21. Read More>>

Subway, N.C. State Fair launch Seriously Twisted Sub contest (9-13-07)
N.C. State Fair plans to recognize seniors, military; hosting several special events (8-30-07)

Visit The Carolina Community Resources Website for North Carolina businesses, Services and Real Estate Needs

Thursday, October 4, 2007

North Carolina Newspapers

North Carolina Newspapers

Ahoskie Roanoke-Chowan News Herald
Albemarle The Stanly News & Press
Andrews The Andrews Journal
Asheboro The Courier Tribune
Asheville Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville Mountain Xpress
Asheville W. Carolina Business Journal
Black Mountain Black Mountain News
Boone The Mountain Times
Boone Watauga Democrat
Bryson City Smoky Mountain Times
Burlington Times-News
Carolina Beach Island Gazette
Cary The Cary News
Cashiers Crossroads Chronicle
Chapel Hill Chapel Hill News
Charlotte Business Journal of Charlotte
Charlotte Charlotte Observer
Charlotte Charlotte Post
Charlotte Charlotte Weekly
Charlotte Creative Loafing
Charlotte La Noticia
Charlotte Mecklenburg Times
Charlotte PeriĆ³dico Mi Gente
Charlotte Que Pasa
Charlotte Rhino Times
Clayton The Clayton News-Star
Clemmons The Clemmons Courier
Clinton The Sampson Independent
Columbus Polk County News-Journal
Concord Independent Tribune
Creedmoor Butner-Creedmoor News
Denton The Denton Orator
Denver http://www.newsatnorman.com/
Dunn The Daily Record
Durham The Herald-Sun
Durham The Independent
Eden Daily News
Elizabeth City The Daily Advance
Elizabethtown The Bladen Journal
Elkin The Tribune (
Fayetteville Acento Latino
Fayetteville Fayetteville Observer
Forest City Daily Courier
Franklin Macon County News
Franklin The Franklin Press
Fremont Wayne Wilson News Leader
Fuquay Varina Fuquay-Varina Independent
Garner The Garner News
Gastonia The Gaston Gazette
Goldsboro The News-Argus
Greensboro Carolina Peacemaker
Greensboro The Business Journal
Greensboro The News and Record
Greensboro Yes! Weekly
Greenville The Daily Reflector
Hampstead Topsail Voice
Havelock Havelock News
Henderson The Daily Dispatch
Hendersonville Times News
Hickory Hickory Daily Record
High Point High Point Enterprise
Highlands The Highlander
Hillsborough The News of Orange County
Huntersville Huntersville Herald
Jacksonville Jacksonville Daily News
Jamestown The Jamestown News
Kannapolis Independent Tribune
Kenly The Kenly News
Kernersville Kernersville News
Kinston The Free Press
Laurinburg Laurinburg Exchange
Lenoir Lenoir News Topic
Lexington The Dispatch
Lincolnton Lincoln Times-News
Locust The Weekly Post
Lumberton The Robesonian
Madison The Madison Messenger
Marion McDowell News
Mebane Mebane Enterprise
Mocksville The Enterprise-Record(A) (C)
Monroe The Enquirer-Journal
Mooresville Lake Norman Times
Mooresville Mooresville Tribune
Morehead City Carteret Co News-Times
Morganton The News Herald
Mount Airy Mount Airy News
Mount Olive Mount Olive Tribune
Murphy The Cherokee Scout
Nags Head Outer Banks Sentinel
New Bern Sun Journal
Newland Avery Journal
Newton Observer News Enterprise
North Wilkesboro The Record
North Wilkesboro Wilkes Journal-Patriot
Oriental The Pamlico News
Pittsboro Chatham Journal
Princeton Princeton News Leader
Raeford The News-Journal
Raleigh News and Observer
Raleigh Que Pasa
Raleigh The Raleigh Chronicle
Raleigh Triangle Business Journal
Reidsville The Reidsville Review
Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald
Robbinsville The Graham Star
Rockingham Richmond County Daily Journal
Rocky Mount Rocky Mount Telegram
Roxboro Courier Times
Salisbury Salisbury Post
Sanford The Sanford Herald
Shallotte The Brunswick Beacon
Shelby The Shelby Star
Siler City The Chatham News
Smithfield The Smithfield Herald
Southern Pines The Pilot
Sparta The Alleghany News
Spruce Pine News-Journal
Statesville Statesville Record & Landmark
Swansboro Tideland News
Sylva Herald and Ruralite
Tarboro The Daily Southerner
Taylorsville Taylorsville Times
Thomasville Thomasville Times
Troy The Montgomery Herald
Tryon The Tryon Daily Bulletin
Wadesboro The Anson Record
Wadesboro The Express Newspaper
Wake Forest The Wake Weekly
Warrenton The Warren Record
Washington Daily News
Waynesville Smoky Mountain News
Waynesville The Mountaineer
West Jefferson Jefferson Post
Whiteville The News Reporter
Wilmington Star-News Online
Wilson Wilson Daily Times
Winston Salem Que Pasa
Winston Salem The Chronicle
Winston Salem Winston-Salem Journal
Wrightsville Beach The Lumina News
Yadkinville The Yadkin Ripple
Yanceyville The Caswell Messenger
Zebulon Eastern Wake News


College Newspapers
A & T State The A & T Register
Appalachian State The Appalachian
Chowan College Chowan Connections
Davidson College The Davidsonian
Duke Univ The Chronicle
E. Carolina Univ Greenville East Carolinian
Elon College The Pendulum
Guilford College The Guilfordian
Lenoir-Rhyne Lenoir-Rhynean
Mars Hill College The Hilltop
Montreat College The Whetstone
NC Central University Campus Echo
NC State Raleigh Technician Online
Univ NC Asheville The Blue Banner
Univ NC Chapel Hill The Daily Tar Heel
Univ NC Charlotte The Niner Online
Univ NC Pembroke The Pine Needle
Univ NC Wilmington The Seahawk
Wake Forest Old Gold and Black
Western Carolina Univ Western Carolinian

Magazines
Appalachian Highways
Sportfishing Report
Up & Coming Weekly

NC Online Directory Website
North Carolina Community Resources

Friday, September 28, 2007

Best Hiking Trails In North Carolina

Best Hiking Trails In North Carolina

#1. Black Mountain Crest
An inspiring overnight backpack or shorter day hike across the Black Mountains, with summits all well above 6.000 feet. Views are astounding along this sparsely vegetated ridge, plummeting 4000 feet

From the guidebook "Hiking North Carolina"
Asheville, NC - Hiking - 12 miles (About Top Trails)

#2. Mount Mitchell
Mt. Mitchell—the highest peak east of the Mississippi—is a crowning part of the Blue Ridge Parkway experience. The only motorized access to the mountain is from the Parkway, at Milepost 355.3,
From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Asheville, NC - Hiking - 12 miles (About Top Trails)

#3. Uwharrie National Forest
Wonderful, woodsy circuit hikes in Uwharrie National Forest, some of substantial length. The Uwharrie and Dutchmans Creek trails form a figure eight
From the guidebook "Hiking North Carolina"
Asheboro, NC - Hiking - 20.1 miles (About Top Trails)

#4. Mount Pisgah Area Trails
Driving the Parkway from Asheville to Mt. Pisgah is a humbling experience —especially if you stopped by Biltmore House and Gardens on the way through town.
From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Brevard, NC - Hiking - 6.4 miles (About Top Trails)

#5. Appalachian Trail: Clingmans Dome to Spence Field
This hike is a long, difficult, beautiful hike, and by the end, you will have your own definition of a southern Appalachian knob.
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Cades Cove, NC - Hiking - 22.1 miles (About Top Trails)

#6. Appalachian Trail - Southern Balds Section
An inspiring hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT) over the mountaintop meadows called the Southern Balds. As a whole, this is a wonderful but strenuous backpacking trip. Hikers can also make day hikes
From the guidebook "Hiking North Carolina"
Bakersville, NC - Hiking - 13 miles (About Top Trails)

#7. Appalachian Trail: Allen Gap to Devil Fork Gap
The northern half of this hike borders the Bald Mountain Ridge Scenic Area in the Cherokee National Forest, and the AT runs along a rugged, isolated crest. Outstanding view
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Hot Springs, NC - Hiking - 20.2 miles (About Top Trails)

#8. Gregory Bald Overnight Loop
This hike combines the best that the high and low country have to offer. First, you'll travel up the Twentymile Trail past Twentymile Cascades to the Upper Flats streamside camp.
From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park"
Fontana Village, NC - Hiking - 15.7 miles (About Top Trails)

#9. Craggy Gardens
A more than mile-high area of crags and bald mountains with a variety of hikes, easy to moderate, with spectacular vistas and a waterfall. General location: Blue Ridge Parkway
From the guidebook "Hiking North Carolina"
Asheville, NC - Hiking - 6.2 miles (About Top Trails)

#10. Shining Rock Wilderness
Hikes to bald summits and evergreen forests of the Shining Rock wilderness. Most of these hikes begin on the Graveyard Trail, a less-used and scenic route. General location: Blue Ridge Parkway
From the guidebook "Hiking North Carolina"
Asheville, NC - Hiking - 9 miles (About Top Trails)

#11. Linville Gorge Wilderness
A 12,002-acre tract of designated wilderness, Linville Gorge lies between Jonas Ridge to the east and Linville Mountain to the west. The Blue Ridge Parkway skirts the head of the gorge From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Crossnore, NC - Hiking - 14 miles (About Top Trails)

#12. Andrews Bald
This is one of the Smokies' finest hikes. The trip passes through an extraordinary spruce-fir forest to the grassy field of Andrews Bald. Resplendent with stunning view
From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park"
Cherokee, NC - Hiking - 3.6 miles (About Top Trails)

#13. Shining Rock Wilderness
As you drive south out of Asheville and climb past Mt. Pisgah, the Shining Rock Wilderness can’t help but catch your attention.
From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Brevard, NC - Hiking - 8.8 miles (About Top Trails)

#14. Bartram Trail
An outstanding ridge walk, perfect for backpacking or day hiking. The graded trail traverses a rarely visited ridge and spectacular summits. General location: North of Highlands....
From the guidebook "Hiking North Carolina"
Highlands, NC - Hiking - 8.5 miles (About Top Trails)

#15. Appalachian Trail:
Carvers Gap to Roan High Bluff & Rhododendron Gardens
Roan Mountain is a place of mystery, legend, wild beauty, and superlatives. The largest of the southern Appalachian grassy balds
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Bakersville, NC - Hiking - 5.6 miles (About Top Trails)

#16. Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to US 19E
Wide-open spaces, miles of waving grass, alpine wildflowers … Is this the southern Appalachians? Botanist Asa Gray observed in the 1880s that he could ride his horse for 14 miles on Roan Mountain
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Roan Mountain, TN - Hiking - 13.4 miles (About Top Trails)

#17. Appalachian Trail: Davenport Gap to Max Patch
Because of distance and several long ups and downs, the rating on this hike is "strenuous," but in general the grade is good with no difficult or rough spots. From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Waterville, NC - Hiking - 16 miles (About Top Trails)

#18. Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
A loop that reaches two waterfalls and explores a high, alpine-like valley. A second circuit involves a new portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Brevard, NC - Hiking - 9.5 miles

#19. Fontana Lake Overnight Loop
If you like a combination of mountains and lakes, this moderate hike is for you and any younger or inexperienced backpackers you may wish to bring along.
From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park"
Fontana Village, NC - Hiking - 17.7 miles

#20. Appalachian Trail: Deep Gap to Timber Ridge Trail
At 5498 feet, Standing Indian Mountain is the highest point south of the Smokies and the southernmost mile-high peak on the AT. However, the trail climbs gradually with switchbacks
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Franklin, NC - Hiking - 10.4 miles

Thursday, September 13, 2007

North Carolina- NC- Top 20 Best Scenic Drives

North Carolina- NC- Top 20 Best Scenic Drives

#1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This park is close to major population centers, but its lush greenery and pleasantly rounded peaks create a soothing aura of tranquillity.

#2. Blue Ridge Parkway: Asheville to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A 75-mile paved section of one of the most famous routes in America, following the dramatic crest of the Pisgah and Great Balsam Mountains to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Asheville, NC - Scenic Drives - 75 miles (About Top Trails)

#3. Uwharrie Mountains: Uwharrie National Forest
A 34-mile paved and gravel route that winds through the ancient Uwharrie Mountains and the Uwharrie National Forest, past rivers, a lake, a covered bridge, and many hiking opportunities. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Eldorado, NC - Scenic Drives - 34 miles

#4. Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
A 61.3-mile paved route through the southern Appalachian Mountains, with whitewater river gorges, hardwood forests, and rural farm country. The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway traverses beautiful mountains. From the guidebook "National Forest Scenic Byways East & South"

Highlands, NC - Scenic Drives - 61.3 miles

#5. Mountain Waters Scenic Byway: Highlands to the Nantahala River Gorge
A 61-mile paved route that winds through some of the most spectacular country in the Nantahala National Forest, including multiple waterfalls, a roaring whitewater river, and tremendous mountaintop views. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Franklin, NC - Scenic Drives - 61 miles

#6. Whitewater Falls: Highlands to Rosman
A 41-mile paved route through the resort towns of Highlands, Cashiers, and Lake Toxaway via Whitewater Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Cashiers, NC - Scenic Drives - 41 miles

#7. Bentonville Battleground: Cliffs of the Neuse State Park to Bentonville Battleground
A 33-mile paved route from a state park with cliffs (surprising for the coastal plain) to Bentonville Battleground, the site of the last major Confederate offensive of the Civil War. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Goldsboro, NC - Scenic Drives - 33 miles

#8. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest to Tennessee State Line
A 25-mile paved road through beautiful, undeveloped Nantahala National Forest, including old-growth trees at Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and tremendous views from the crest of the Unicoi Mountains. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Robbinsville, NC - Scenic Drives - 25 miles

#9. Crowders Mountain: Kings Mountain National Military Park, SC to Crowders Mountain
A short, paved 10-mile route chock-full of interesting sights, including a Revolutionary War battlefield, two state parks, a living history farm just over the border in South Carolina. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Gastonia, NC - Scenic Drives - 10 miles

#10. Linville Gorge: Pisgah National Forest near Linville Falls
A 19-mile gravel and paved route that encircles rugged Linville Gorge. This drive partially encircles Linville Gorge, a yawning chasm where the Linville River tumbles 2,000 feet in 14 miles. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Linville Falls, NC - Scenic Drives - 19 miles

#11. Blowing Rock: Blowing Rock to Roseboro
A 26-mile paved and gravel road from the busy resort town of Blowing Rock deep into the tranquil Pisgah National Forest and past the tiny communities of Globe, Edgemont, Mortimer, and Roseboro. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Blowing Rock, NC - Scenic Drives - 26 miles

#12. Newfound Gap & Clingmans Dome: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A 24-mile paved road that climbs from the base of the Great Smoky Mountains to the highest peak, past historic sites, rushing mountain streams, numerous overlooks, and lush forest. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Bryson City, NC - Scenic Drives - 24 miles

#13. Hanging Rock: Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock
A 24-mile paved road between two prominent remnants of the ancient Sauratown Mountains, often called “the mountains away from the mountains” because of their isolation from the Blue Ridge. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Mount Airy, NC - Scenic Drives - 24 miles

#14. Green Swamp: Clarkton to Supply
A 44-mile drive across a very lightly developed area of the coastal plain, past the interesting Green Swamp. This is a low-key trip across a very lightly developed section of the coastal plain. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Supply, NC - Scenic Drives - 44 miles

#15. Heintooga-Round Bottom Road: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A 35-mile paved and gravel road through a scenic but lightly visited part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Cherokee, NC - Scenic Drives - 35 miles

#16. Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to Hatteras
A 48-mile drive past the seemingly endless beaches and dunes of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with a visit to a wildlife refuge and what is probably the best-known lighthouse in America. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Waves, NC - Scenic Drives - 48 miles

#17. Overhill Skyway
A winding, 44-mile paved route through the southern Appalachian Mountains, through the ancestral territories of the Cherokee Indian nation. This route is also called the Cherohala Skyway. From the guidebook "National Forest Scenic Byways East & South"

Tellico Plains, TN - Scenic Drives - 44 miles

#18. Elk Falls: Vilas to Elk Falls
A 25-mile mostly paved road through rugged mountains, past a historic general store to a large, accessible waterfall. This drive follows a winding route through the mountains west of Boone. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Banner Elk, NC - Scenic Drives - 25 miles

#19. Forest Heritage Scenic Drive: Pisgah National Forest near Brevard
A 65-mile paved road through the heart of the Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, past waterfalls, historic sites, mountain overlooks, and miles of lush, undeveloped forest. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Brevard, NC - Scenic Drives - 65 miles

#20. Roan Mountain: Spruce Pine to Roan Mountain
A 25-mile paved route from the historic mining town of Spruce Pine to the extensive rhododendron gardens on the summit of Roan Mountain. From the guidebook "Scenic Driving North Carolina"

Spruce Pine, NC - Scenic Drives - 25 miles

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Forest City North Carolina

Forest City North Carolina

Forest City is located six miles east of Rutherfordton, the county seat, and is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The town is interconnected by three US highways, 74, 221, 64, and one state highway 108. Forest City is a wonderful community with a colorful history and a bright future.

What is now Forest City began as a crossroads on the Shelby-Rutherfordton and Spartanburg-Lincolnton Roads. Originally, the town was incorporated as Burnt Chimney in 1877. A replica near the site of the original chimney adorns the public square today. The "chimney" was the remains of the McArthur home that marked the crossroads.

The name was changed to Forest City in 1887, named after a prominent citizen, Forest Davis. The 1880 census counted 110 residents in the small crossroads town. By 1890, 419 people lived in Forest City - the increase was primarily due to the coming of the railroad and the building of the Florence Mill. By 1910, Forest City was a flourishing community with 1,090 residents with electric lights and water and 12 passenger trains daily.

In 1914, the Forest City Betterment Club embarked on a project to beautify the town's Main Street and today the original landscaped medians and fountain still exist. In 1927, the town was selected as one of the ten most beautiful and best planned towns in the United States by the US Department of Agriculture. By 1940, Forest City had 4,068 residents and had established itself as the commercial hub of the county.

Today, the population of Forest City NC is 7,450. The town remains the commercial hub, and the legacy of "community betterment" can still be seen in the pride the town and its residents take in keeping Forest City a beautiful and livable community
Source Forest City NC

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Archdale North Carolina

Archdale North Carolina

The City of Archdale is conveniently located in the middle of the Piedmont Triad. We are a forward thinking and forward moving community. Our location along Interstate 85 and the new Interstate 74 provides quick and easy travel to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Piedmont Triad International Airport, and all points in between.

Our schools continue to excel at educating our future leaders. Our three elementary schools have achieved the “School of Excellence” award for the last two years. Creekside Park offers over 100 acres of recreational amenities, including: ball fields, greenways, tennis courts, and a recreational center. Our city also supports a state-of-art library and an active Senior Citizens Center. Our City Council and Chamber of Commerce are dedicated to attracting new economic development opportunities to our community.

While Archdale has experienced remarkable growth over the past several years, we have still managed to preserve the quaint, small town feel of our community. Whether you are a newcomer, visitor, or long time resident, we know you will find our community will meet your needs.

In the last five years the City has acquired several tracts of open space and natural areas adjacent to its Creekside Park creating approximately 100 acres of ballfields, greenways, natural areas, and other recreational facilities. The City has plans to construct miles of greenway in a system that will eventually connect to the yet-to-be-completed Randleman Lake. There also are several institutions of higher education with in easy access of Archdale. There are the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina A & T University, and Greensboro College all of which are located in Greensboro, Guilford College (15 miles), High Point University (10 miles), campuses of Guilford Technical Community College within 5 miles at Jamestown and High Point, and a campus of Randolph Community College located at Creekside Park itself. Medical facilities include High Point Regional Health System which is located just 7 miles away in downtown High Point. Cornerstone Health Care and its wide-ranging medical services have various facilities located in both High Point and Archdale. Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital is located in Greensboro and internationally-recognized Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is just 25 miles away in Winston-Salem. In addition, Duke University Hospital in Durham and UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill are located a mere one-hour drive away.
Source Archdale NC

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Wrightsville Beach North Carolina

Wrightsville Beach North Carolina

The town of Wrightsville Beach occupies one of the chain of barrier islands along North Carolina's southeastern coast. These islands, geologically relatively young, presented prior to urban development a combination of wide sandy beaches, dunes, and marine forests.

Westward of the long and narrow barrier islands are the sounds and marshlands where sea water continually flows in and out across waterways and wetlands. The barrier islands are in a state of constant transition because of natural forces.

The island of Wrightsville Beach today is 1,000-5,000 feet in width and stretches almost four miles from Masonboro inlet on the south to Mason inlet on the north.

This is a man-made configuration that may not stand the test of time. When North Carolinians named the island it was called New Hanover Banks, a sandy barrier cut by shallow Moor's Inlet. The northern portion was called Shell Island.

Today, Moore's Inlet is bulldozed and closed, and Lumina Avenue and a magnificent wide beach run the length of Wrightsville Beach.

On the mainland side of Wrightsville Beach European settlers encountered a sound nearly two miles wide, a stretch of waterways, marsh and small islands.

Dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway earlier in the 20th century produced sand and clay which were compacted to form a sizable island in the sound that was originally called The Hammocks--now Harbor Island--between the barrier island and the western shore of the sound, which is punctuated by creeks, tidal flats and marshlands.

The entire habitat--ocean and barrier island, sound and creeks, was originally rich with salt water and anadromous fish along with turtles, raccoons and even alligators.

The city limits of the town of Wrightsville Beach today encompass not only the barrier island but also Harbor Island and a small portion of mainland. "The Beach," or the island itself, once owned by the State of North Carolina and known as New Hanover Banks. It was transferred into private hands in three separate grants between 1791 and 1881.

Development, however, was slow, impeded by distance and lack of transportation other than by boat. The established port city of Wilmington on the lower Cape Fear River, a municipality founded in 1740, sits ten miles by land to the Southwest, but the early owners of portions of New Hanover Banks could only reach the area by traveling on oar-driven skiffs or sailing craft down to the mouth of the Cape Fear River and then northeastward up the sounds or coast.

For a century after the beach passed into private hands there were no residents, and the only visitors were fishermen, drawn to the area by the great numbers of Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish, and hunters who used marsh lands to the west to hunt game hen and game birds.

Sailing became a popular pastime in the area, and frequent races led to the founding of the Carolina Yacht Club in April, 1853. Club members erected a clubhouse, the first structure on what began to be called Wrightsville Beach (after the Wright family who owned land on the nearby mainland) as their meeting place. The Carolina Yacht Club held dozens of races every year, and is now recognized as the third oldest yacht club in the United States.

The Civil War disrupted these events for a few years, as many members of the club and their boats went into military service. The waterways adjacent to Cape Fear were busy with traffic during the war, with blockade runners making their dangerous, usually nocturnal dash from the Atlantic into the mouth of the river on their way to the port of Wilmington.

At least three blockade runners are said to have foundered on Wrightsville Beach itself, one allegedly carrying a sword covered in jewels, meant for the Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

The inaccessibility of the area began to change in 1875, when a charter was granted for the construction of a turnpike connecting Wilmington to Wrightsville Sound. The passage was completed in 1887, completely topped by oyster shells, thus earning the nickname "the Shell Road."

Later that year a charter was granted to the Wilmington Seacoast Railroad Company to build a track to extend from Wilmington all the way to the Hammocks. With rail transportation to the Hammocks and a footbridge to Wrightsville Beach, development of the island began to accelerate.

Another yacht club was erected, two hotels and several beach cottages, the first apparently built by Col. F. W. Foster. The Hammocks attracted a popular hotel, the Island Beach, in 1897, and in 1889 the rail line was extended across the Hammocks and Bank's Channel to Wrightsville Beach where it then ran southward along a route now marked by South Lumina Avenue.

Hundreds of visitors from around the state of North Carolina began to arrive each summer. From 10th and Princess streets in downtown Wilmington the train (after 1902, electric trolley) ride to the beach took thirty minutes. Until the automobile era the "Beach Car" trolley was "the lifeline of Wrightsville Beach," in one resident's recollection. (4) On July 4, 1907, for example, 8,700 passengers were carried to the beach on the popular line.

On March 6, 1899, the residents incorporated the Town of Wrightsville Beach. The population at this time cannot be determined with accuracy, but probably was not more than 40 or 50, most of them seasonal dwellers who did not live on the beach year-round.

Their civic commitment was soon tested. The great hurricane of 1899 swept in from the Atlantic and destroyed virtually everything on Wrightsville Beach, including the train tracks that connected it to the mainland. Like Hazel in 1954, the storm struck during the exact hour of high tide, and sent huge waves across the beaches, inundating the island.

The spirit of the people of Wrightsville Beach rose to the occasion. The railroad was rebuilt the very next year, and the electric trolley cars (after 1902) carried thousands of visitors to a beach that was fast becoming a main attraction not only for the people of Wilmington and much of North Carolina but for tourists from New York and other eastern cities.

Hugh MacRae, president of the Tide Water Power Company, the parent company of the trolley line, added to the enticements of sun and sand by building an immense public pavilion at the final stop on the line.

Lumina was constructed on 200 feet of ocean frontage at Station #7, the end of the line, and opened on June 3, 1905. Costing $7,000 to build--a very large sum in that day-- Lumina's 12,500 square foot complex presented visitors with three levels of games and activities.

A bowling alley, shooting gallery and snack shop occupied the ground floor, and a broad staircase led up to the dance hall with balcony for the band and onlookers.

The instantly-popular Lumina was enlarged several times to accommodate the crowds, and a movie screen was erected fifty feet into the surf.

In 1911, over 600 tungsten lights were placed along Lumina's exterior, and television news commentator David Brinkley, born and raised in Wilmington, remembers in the late 1930s changing light bulbs in the eight-foot high sign LUMINA on the roof, making the facility a glittering landmark easily seen from the mainland or from ships at sea.

In 1935 the trolley era gave way to the automobile, when a two-lane bridge was built across the Intracoastal Waterway to Harbor Island and then over Bank's Channel to the beach.

The Great Fire of Wrightsville Beach, Jan. 28, 1934, destroyed over one hundred cottages as well as the Oceanic Hotel, though Lumina survived.

Her lights went out during World War II, as naval authorities feared that allied shipping might be silhouetted against the brightly illuminated building, to the benefit of German submarines.

But Wrightsville Beach was far from the sea lanes, protected from submarines by shallow offshore waters. German U-boat Commander Erich Cremer, interviewed in 1984, recalled the waters off Wrightsville Beach as "a shallow grave" that protected the area from the coastal U-boat activity that raised anxieties at other points on the Atlantic shore.

A population of approximately 110 year-round residents in 1930 grew to 1500 in 1945. David Brinkley tells us in his autobiography, David Brinkley: A Memoir, that Wrightsville was not a place only for the rich, like some of the beaches of Long Island, Florida, and elsewhere. "Wilmington residents of even modest prosperity could have a house in town and a shingled cottage built up on stilts on the beach....For a schoolboy with a summer job at the beach making a little money working as a soda jerk...with girls all around in swimsuits that then seemed skimpy, the beach, the surf, Lumina with big bands playing every night, it was heaven."

Mostly heaven. But nature had a way of punctuating the good life at the beach. On October 15, 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck the mainland at the North Carolina-South Carolina border,hitting at high tide and at full moon with estimated winds between 125-140 MPH at Wrightsville Beach.
A storm surge of 12-14 feet above mean low water mark destroyed between 100-250 houses--estimates vary-- and damaged 500 more, again tearing out the Carolina Yacht Club and the town sewer plant.

Again, Wrightsville residents rebuilt. The seven-story Blockade Runner Motor Hotel open in 1964, reflecting confidence in the future of tourism at the beach.

Lumina era, however, was coming to a close. Crowds had diminished with the end of the trolley line, the building deteriorated, and was judged unsafe and condemned by town officials in 1972.

Historian Rupert Benson reminisced: "The finest orchestras of the country...the Sunday school picnics...pictures over the water in the evening for everyone to enjoy, a grand era of good enjoyment passed on. The auto changed all this and what a mess."

There was no Wrightsville Beach Preservation Society or other group to mobilize public support for at least the documentation of the famous landmark, if not the preservation of part or all of it, and Lumina was demolished in 1973.

Recent decades have seen a gradual in-filling of development until few vacant lots are left. A towering Shell Island Resort with attached parking garage was constructed at the edge of the inlet on the north end of the island in 1984--too towering, many residents thought of the awkward, ungraceful structure, and too close to the inlet, it was learned in 1996 as Mason Inlet began to migrate southward and threatened to erode the building's foundations.

Three thousand people now live on the island during the off-season, and the arrival of warm weather greatly increases that number. What brings them to cherish this place, whether as residents or visitors for the weekend?

Wrightsville resident and historian Rupert Benson gave an apt description when he wrote of the mid-century years: "Sky and sea are ablaze with sunset splendor and the snowy crest of the breakers tipped with the colors of the sunset...makes one feel God left his hand here."

The Lord Giveth, but occasionally, even on the beach, the Lord Taketh Away. In the summer of 1996, two large hurricanes made landfall near the mouth of the Cape Fear River--Bertha, on July 12 and Fran, on September 5. Both the island's piers were sheared back, hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged, and the imposing dunes topped by seat oats were leveled all along the coast.

Again, Wrightsville Beach citizens regrouped, and rebuilt their community between the broad white beach and the marshes, waterways, and glowing sunsets to the west.

Benson captured this resurgent spirit when he wrote in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1934: "Public minded citizens of the Beach rose up and sought a new day.
Source: Wrightsville Beach NC

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Spring Lake North Carolina

Spring Lake North Carolina

Spring Lake is a pleasant little town located in the northwestern end of Cumberland County, nestled between Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. In the early 1920’s, the Town became a bedroom community for Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base.

Spring Lake NC is now more than twice its original size. The Fayetteville Technical Community College just opened their Spring Lake Center. Wal-Mart recently opened a new Super Center, and there are many other projects in the works. The Town is moving forward. No matter what part of the world you are from, you will find a piece of home in our diverse restaurants and shops of every ethnic variety. Diversity is our strength. There is a wide array of cultural and recreational opportunities as well. We are a small community with a big heart and offer a small town atmosphere, located only a short distance from the Research Triangle Area. We have an eye on the future to make Spring Lake the best place to live, work, and play.
Source: Spring Lake NC

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Friday, August 17, 2007

Rocky Mount North Carolina

Rocky Mount North Carolina

Remarkable Rocky Mount NC, twice recognized as an All-American city, guarantees to make you feel right at home with a wide variety of restaurants - from unbelievably tasty home cookin' to the very best of the national chains, ample hotel accommodations in all price ranges, and a touch of "good ole southern charm." Remarkable... You bet!

Whether you're a lifelong resident of Nash county or a first-time resident, we want to help guide you to the many exciting activities, attractions, festivals, and special events the area has to offer. Remarkable Rocky Mount NC and the charming small towns of Nash county offer an interesting blend of recreational opportunities, historical sites worth exploring, sports events, plus arts and cultural experiences.

Rocky Mount, Nash county NC location is both convenient and easily accessible from all directions, making it the perfect spot for sports tournaments, family reunions, business meetings, seminars, conferences, and all kinds of special events as well as the best stop for I-95 and US 64 travelers.

The "New South" was emerging, and Rocky Mount was ready. A "Chamber of Commerce" was formed in 1904 and tobacco and "King Cotton" were staples of a booming economy.

In fact, by 1960 Rocky Mount boasted its ranking as the world's largest bright leaf tobacco market. It was also during this time that the area's economy diversified for the first time, spawning new industry and new job opportunities.

Nothing impacted the area more than the founding of Hardee's Food Systems in 1961. Formed by Rocky Mount natives Jim Gardner and Leonard Rawls, Hardee's grew to become a giant in the fast food business.

Today, Rocky Mount NC is home to major manufacturers in the fields of aeronautics (Honeywell), pharmaceuticals (Hospira), and diesel engines (Consolidated Diesel Co.). The area also boasts fast food franchising (Boddie-Noell Enterprises), food distribution (MBM Corp.), food preparation (Cheesecake Factory Bakery), agribusiness (Dale Bone Farms), and egg production (Braswell Foods), and residential development (Ford's Colony of Rocky Mount).

Source: Rocky Mount

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Mecklenburg County NC

Mecklenburg County NC

Mecklenburg County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2006, the population was 827,445. Its county seat is Charlotte6. It is the most populous county in the state.

History
Mecklenburg County was formed in 1762 from the western part of Anson County. It was named for the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818), who had become queen consort of King George III the previous year. She is also the eponym of Mecklenburg County's county seat and largest city, Charlotte.

In 1768 the part of Mecklenburg County west of the Catawba River became Tryon County. The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was allegedly signed on May 20, 1775; if the document is indeed genuine, Mecklenburg County was the first part of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from Great Britain. In 1792 the northeastern part of Mecklenburg County became Cabarrus County. Finally, in 1842 the southeastern part of Mecklenburg County was combined with the western part of Anson County to become Union County.

James Knox Polk, the eleventh President of the United States, was born here in 1795 in what is now Pineville.

Law and government
Mecklenburg County is a member of the regional Centralina Council of Governments.

The County has two governing bodies: the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. Both are nine member boards, with six district representatives and three representatives elected at-large by the entire county. The current chairman of the Mecklenburg BOCC is Jennifer Roberts.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,415 km² (546 mi²). 1,363 km² (526 mi²) of it is land and 52 km² (20 mi²) of it (3.65%) is water.

Municipalities
Mecklenburg County contains seven (7) municipalities including the City of Charlotte and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville (north of Charlotte); and the towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville (south and east of Charlotte). Extra-territorial jurisdictions within the county are annexed by municipalities as soon as they reach sufficient concentrations.

One common school district, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), serves the entire county.

Adjacent Counties
Iredell County, North Carolina - north
Cabarrus County, North Carolina - northeast
Union County, North Carolina - southeast
Lancaster County, South Carolina - south
York County, South Carolina - southwest
Gaston County, North Carolina - west
Lincoln County, North Carolina - northwest

Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 695,454 people, 273,416 households, and 174,986 families residing in the county. The population density was 510/km² (1,322/mi²). There were 292,780 housing units at an average density of 215/km² (556/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 64.02% White, 27.87% Black or African American, 0.35% Native American, 3.15% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.01% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. 6.45% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race, and growing. This is especially evident around the town of Pineville/South Blvd. and the area of Eastland/Central in Charlotte.

There were 273,416 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.70% were married couples living together, 12.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.00% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the county the population was spread out with 25.10% under the age of 18, 9.70% from 18 to 24, 36.40% from 25 to 44, 20.30% from 45 to 64, and 8.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $50,579, and the median income for a family was $60,608. Males had a median income of $40,934 versus $30,100 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,352. About 6.60% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.50% of those under age 18 and 9.30% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns
Charlotte
Cornelius
Davidson
Huntersville
Matthews
Mint Hill
Pineville

Original Townships of Mecklenburg County
In 1959, the North Carolina State Legislature revised laws that govern how cities may annex adjacent areas, allowing municipalities to annex unincorporated lands without permission of those residents.[1] Due to decades of an aggressive annexation policy, cities (especially Charlotte) have greatly expanded their borders,[2] diminishing or totally engulfing all of the original 15 Townships of Mecklenburg County. Although seldom mentioned by residents anymore, the U.S. Census still recognizes all of the Townships except Sharon Township.(see modern map).

Charlotte Township - completely annexed into the City of Charlotte
Mallard Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Crab Orchard Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Clear Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte and Mint Hill annexation
Morning Star Township - almost entirely annexed by Charlotte, Mint Hill, and Matthews
Sharon Township - completely annexed into Charlotte and eliminated
Providence Township - almost entirely annexed into Charlotte
Pineville Township - mostly annexed by the City of Pineville
Steele Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Berryhill Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Paw Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Long Creek Township - greatly reduced by Charlotte annexation
Deweese Township - reduced by Davidson and Cornelius annexation
Huntersville Township - reduced by Huntersville annexation
Lemley Township - mostly beneath Lake Norman since it was created in 1963, and reduced by Huntersville annexation
Source: Wikipedia