9 Laid-Back Ways to Experience Person County

At summer’s peak, Person County has temperatures lower than most places in the state, opening up a pleasant rolling range of activity.

Across the county’s 404 square miles are vistas and vineyards, parks and lakes, a cultural landscape, and dining and drafts for individual appetites. A variety of experiences are growing from the area’s roots in agriculture flanked by woodland, allowing visitors to make their stay in Person County, well, personalized.

On a scale of small-town charm to wide-open space, here are some of the main attractions that leaders say are simply better in Person.

1. Hyco Lake

The largest of the county’s lakes is a 3,750-acre reservoir with 120 miles of shoreline and named after the Native American term, “hicotaminy,” meaning great turkey buzzard.

Hyco Lake and Person Caswell Recreation Park in Semora entice outdoor enthusiasts with an assortment of adventures, such as camping, boating and exploring a 3-acre natural learning area. Boaters appreciate the park’s six ramps and sightseers soak in even more natural beauty on the available boardwalks and piers.

2. Person County Quilt Trail

The Person County Quilt Trail offers travelers a self-guided tour of a patchwork of destinations, including historic sites, museums, cafes and agricultural spots. Each site displays a handcrafted quilt mural accompanied by a story that celebrates the region’s background. Trail supporters hope to imprint sightseers with a celebration of the county’s rich history.

See more: 10 Reasons to Visit Edenton This Summer

3. Rock of Ages Winery

After inheriting a family farm in Hurdle Hills, Kevin and Kimberly Moore wanted to keep the legacy in the soil. The couple transformed the farm into a winery that infuses the past and the present.

Inside the winery’s rustic building on grand property, guests can indulge in a large variety of award-winning wines, including a noteworthy selection of sweets.

The Moores welcome visitors to start with a tasting once they’ve arrived, so they can pick their favorites from the 33 different options.

4. Rockness Monster Disc Golf

Enchantment rouses playfulness at one of the most popular disc golf courses in the county. Rockness Monster Disc Golf is in the woods near Piedmont Community College’s campus in Roxboro. The free-of-charge 22-hole game on hard terrain appeals to those looking for a hill-climbing workout. Thoughtful touches on the course (such as well-marked tees and whimsical elements) score big with players.

Alternatively, the site has a walking trail that follows a rippling creek, providing a less intensive route for forest bathers.

See more: Why You Should Visit Jacksonville, N.C., This Summer

5. Kirby Cultural Arts Complex

Historic downtown Roxboro (known locally as uptown) is big on charm with its small-town feel. While the simple-life spirit of the city center is well preserved, leaders have kept an eye on the future with the development of the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex.

The centerpiece of the arts program is the Kirby Theater, a mural-adorned building established in 1949 and later remodeled. The large theater along with two art galleries, learning studios and formal event spaces entertain crowds with plays, art series, free movies and educational opportunities.

6. Mayo Lake

Once used to provide cooling water for the local coal plant, Mayo Lake in Roxboro now refreshes an array of nature enthusiasts, including professional anglers, campers, boaters, swimmers, hikers and picnic packers.

This full recreational lake is renowned for its undisturbed shorelines that house numerous native animals and serve as a scenic backdrop to the Sasquatch Disc Golf Course. The free 18-hole game in Mayo Park challenges players with a heavily wooded path and is a favorite tournament destination.

See more: 3 N.C. Agritourism Destinations to Check Out This Summer

7. Stuart’s Family Grille

Homemade biscuits, burgers, sandwiches, barbecue and signature hot dogs are a few of the fan favorites at Stuart’s Family Grille in Roxboro.

In addition to the comfort food at the family-style restaurant, one vibrant curio on site lures customers to sit for a spell. A nostalgic stained glass window depicting a rural scene in Person County covers a substantial part of a wall and illuminates a sense of pride in the county’s heritage.

Dozens of other restaurants line the streets of uptown Roxboro, including La Piazza Italian Restaurant & Bar, Savannah Jack’s Café and Depot Southern Bistro.

8. Black Creek Brewery

In the heart of uptown is a beer-enthusiast sweet spot with family ties. Black Creek Brewery is owned by siblings – one a rocket scientist and the other a mechanical engineer.

The brothers used their innovative minds and poured passion into a craft-brewing business born in a garage next to the Black Creek in Cary. After sessions of trial and error, they developed brews that literally had consumers knocking on the garage door. Many of the beers are named after wildlife around the Black Creek.

The brewery’s celebration of nature doesn’t end with wild animals. Dog owners are welcome to bring their furry friends inside the venue, or pets can relax by their owner’s side in the outdoor seating area.

Food trucks also frequently set up shop outside of Black Creek and a nearby brewery, 1792 Beer Co.

See more: Why You Should Visit Greenville in the Summer

9. Person County Museum of History

Visitors can peek into the past on the grounds of the Person County Museum of History. The property features a tobacco barn, a general store and a school dating back more than 200 years, among other historical structures. Exhibits tell the stories behind local connections including African American heritage, a World Series champion baseball player and two passengers on the Titanic.

– Rachel Akers