Happenings: Pittsboro is a Main Street town!

Pittsboro was one of only five North Carolina towns selected for the N.C. Small Town Main Street program! Now the real work begins.... 

This project is offered through the N.C. Department of Commerce to help communities revitalize their downtown districts.This could mean renovating historic buildings, installing "pocket parks" or giving our parking areas a face lift. We decide!


Don't expect a team to sweep in and do the work. It'll be up to us to make it happen. Professionals from the Main Street program will be our Sherpa guides - teaching us how to enroll members of the community, how to agree on a look that reflects Pittsboro's unique character, how to encourage investment in our community, and so on. 

Things will really get moving at the next meeting, set for October 13 at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall. Meetings will be held every second Thursday of the month. Anyone who cares about our downtown is invited!

Why does it matter? Main Street is the heart of our community!

"It tells us who we are and who we were, and how the past has shaped us. We do not go to suburbs or enclosed shopping malls to learn about our past, explore our culture, or discover our identity. Our Main Streets are the places of shared memory where people still come together to live, work, and play."

“Revitalizing downtown means creating jobs by helping grow local small businesses and attracting investments,” Gov. Beverly Perdue said in a written statement announcing the additions. “Our successful Main Street programs have proven that.”

The N.C. Small Town Main Street program provides downtown revitalization assistance to towns with populations under 7,500. Admittance into the Small Town Main Street program is through an annual, competitive application process.

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About the Main Street program

Pittsboro's application
Join Facebook page

This photo by Duane Hall

Renovations to our Court House start this fall!

Places: Best spot to swim near Pittsboro...

My favorite place to swim around Pittsboro is the Haw River just above the Bynum dam. There is a sense of the land going back to the woods along the banks. The rusty dam machinery is being swallowed up by vines (mostly poison ivy) and it feels a bit like stepping back in time. Actually, 50 years ago these banks were much more developed, as riverside industry was at its height. The water wasn't safe to swim in then. The river is much cleaner now and life has returned to its waters. I'm always happy to spot a crawdaddy in the river.

On a typical summer day, the water is always the perfect temperature. The flow of the river is gentle, even close to the dam (unless there has been a lot of rain - see list of hazards below!).  If you keep an eye out, you might spot Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Osprey, and Belted Kingfishers. You'll also see turtles lounging in the sun or on rare occasions deer swimming across the river.

Paddle across to the island in front of you and look for a path. This will take you to a rope swing hanging high up in a tree. I couldn't help but squeal with delight the first time I tried it. I've seen guys run right up the trunk to the top and leap off without even slowing down!

Hazards:

1. The dam is dangerous because of recirculating currents below it. Stay well away.
2. Poison ivy grows thick along the river. Watch what you grab or where you leave your towel!
3. Avoid the river when the water is high. You really don't want to be on the Haw right after significant rain.

 Note: the water above the dam is deep, so this swimming spot is for strong swimmers.

 It is easy to get to. From Pittsboro, take Highway 15-501 North toward Chapel Hill. After you cross the bridge, look for the parking lot to your left. From there, follow a well-beaten mud path down to the river.

Learn more about the Haw River
View Haw River dam video 
History of the Haw River 

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