Published: May 29, 2008 11:57 am            

Larry Penkava: May 28, 2008

With gas prices rising through the roof, lots of Americans are staying close to home this summer. But that needn't mean they can't have any fun.

There are lots of things to do in the community, but some events aren't advertised so you have to pay close attention to what's going on.

For instance, I'm always on the lookout for pyrotechnic displays down at the cul-de-sac. Those teenage neighbors of mine never bother to announce when they're going to light 'em up so I have to keep a keen eye out.

If you live in Randolph County, there's always the N.C. Zoo just down the road. In fact, I hitchhiked with my kids and grandkids over there just this past weekend. We finally got a ride on a hay wagon.

Just over the county line, you can take in some country music at the Redneck Barn. Even if you don't like the music you're sure to see a good fight or two.

There are quite a few fishing ponds around, and the recent rains have them full. I don't fish, myself, but I like to go sit and watch the mosquitoes swarm on my bare legs. I get more bites than Bill Dance.

You might want to try agritourism. That's where you go to an agritourism farm and they put you to work.

You might want to volunteer for feeding the chickens or slopping the hogs. If you get pulled into hay harvesting or manure spreading, your vacation may be somewhat less than you desired.

Hiking is something the entire family can enjoy and it doesn't require going to a park or recreation area. If you don't like walking along highways, try hiking on railroad tracks. There's seldom any traffic at all - except maybe once or twice a day.

A corollary to railroad hiking is freight hopping. You can get on a slow-moving train fairly easily, but remember to carry a map. The fun part is you never know where you might end up.

On your way back from Barnwell, S.C., you might want to check out the Sandlapper State Monument. It's a real hoot.

Back in the county, you might consider checking out all the former covered bridge sites. There's really nothing left to see, but exercising your imagination can be fun.

If you want to travel a bit, don't forget about the Devil's Tramping Ground in Chatham County. Other destinations include the spring at Holly Spring, the Island at Cedar Falls and the footbridge at Franklinville. And don't forget to look for the hoof print left in Faith Rock when Andrew Hunter escaped by horse from David Fanning during the Revolution.

While at Cedar Falls, nearby Buzzard's Roost should be a busy place this time of year. Be sure and carry along some roadkill to sate the birds' appetites.

Speaking of roadkill, you might want to go on a dead snake hunt. If you have a good eye, you can spot a dead snake on the blacktop from 100 yards. You get extra points for identifying what kind it is - black snakes count less than rattlers.

So, as you can see staying close to home can be just as entertaining as traveling to some dull destination such as Hawaii or Cancun. It just takes planning.



Larry Penkava, who has written Now and Then since 1994, will be looking for a thrilling game of marbles.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.