Historic Stagville & Horton Grove (Durham, NC)

Overview: Enjoy a lovely day at Historic Stagville and then explore the Triangle Land Conservancy's extensive Horton Grove Preserve (for permission and hiking suggestions, contact Walt Tysinger, TLC's land manager) in north Durham, North Carolina.

Directions: Historic Stagville is located at 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham, NC 27712. The TLC's Horton Grove Preserve begins roughly behind the Great Barn on the other side of the road (site #54 on map).

Observations & Ponderings: Stay tuned for more to come!

Historic Bennehan Home (c. 1787), Historic Stagville, Durham, NC

The Great Barn (c. 1860), Historic Stagville, Durham, NC

Horton Grove (c. 1850-1860), Historic Stagville, Durham, NC

TLC's Horton Grove Preserve, Durham, NC



TLC's Horton Grove Preserve, Durham, NC

Ayr Mount and Poet's Walk (Hillsborough, NC)

Overview: Take pleasure in a quick, one-mile winter walk on the Poet's Walk at Ayr Mount, while enjoying a glimpse into early 19th century history at this beautifully preserved site along the Eno River in historic Hillsborough, North Carolina. Interested in a tour of the historic 1815 Kirkland home? The home can be toured from March 21 until December 20, on Wednesdays at 11am; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11am and 2pm; and Sundays at 2pm for a fee of $10 per person.

Directions: Ayr Mount is located at 376 St. Mary’s Road, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278. A map of the location can be found here.

Observations & Ponderings: A walk along the Poet's Walk at Ayr Mount quickly transported me into North Carolina's fascinating past. Every few steps revealed a new piece of history, whether it was an old tree, a family cemetery or the old trading path that was used by North Carolina American Indians and Civil War soldiers alike.

Map of Poet's Walk at Ayr Mount, Hillsborough, NC

Eno River at Ayr Mount, Hillsborough, NC


Ayr Mount, Hillsborough, NC

Old trading path at Ayr Mount, Hillsborough, NC