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Weekender
Thursday. October 1 6, 1 900
Thursday, Octc
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The Bue Rcfge Parkway, wth its
many overlooks and recreational
areas, offers newcomers and the
old-time enthusiasts new sites
and experiences.
DTHScott Sharpe
From page 1
hobbies, livestock, poultry and rabbit shows and the
North Carolina State Fair Horse Show, with more than
1,500 horses participating, will be included.
For those planning to drive a little further, the
National Balloon Rally, will be held Oct. 17-19 in
Statesville. Sue Meddock, public relationsmarketing
assistant for the rally's sponsors, The Balloon Works,
said more than 100 balloonists are expected to
participate in the noncompetitive rally.
Just after dawn, the first group of brightly colored
balloons will soar above the launch sitea large
pasture area. The balloons will be assembled once
again, and will embark on a mid-afternoon second
flight between 3:30 and 4:30.
"It turns into a festival atmosphere without a lot
going on," Meddock said.
The afternoon also will also have championship
amateur kite, airplane and powered hang glider
exhibitions. There will be concession stands and picnic,
areas.
To see these lofty creations, take N.C. 115 about 12
miles north out of Statesville toward North
Wilkesboro. Meddock said signs for further directions
should be posted.
"The balloons go with-the wind," she said. "The
event is very weather-dependent." High winds and rain
would be the only reasons for cancelling the balloon
flights. Local radio stations in the Statesville area will
supply up-to-date weather information.
r FRICA this time of the year might be a nice
place to spend part of the break. The North
k u Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro has built
natural habitats with the continental theme of Africa.
Plans for other 'continents' are on the drawing boards.
The new zoo, which opened June 28, features
cssIess, wide-open areas with more than a dozen
different species of animals. Approximately 2C0
animals are located on the grounds of the zco, which
covers 1,371 acres. However, not all of the animals are
on display.
Giraffes can be seen strolling side by side with
zebras, while rhinos wallow in their warm pools. Other
animals on exhibit include ostriches baboons,
Egyptian geese, lions and crowned cranes.
About a mile north of 'Africa' is the Education
Center, which was used as the old interim zoo. There is
no charge to stroll through the center, which houses
otters, reptiles, wolves and apes. Camels roam , an
outdoor paddock near the center.
The zoo, 'Africa' and the Education Center are ppen
every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission for
'Africa' is $2 for persons 16 and older, 50 cents
between the ages of two and 15 and free for the
handicapped children under two years of age, and
senior citizens. There is no charge for parking, and
picnic areas and food services are available.
Marcia Constantino, public affairs officer for the
zoo, suggested that visitors should dress comfortably
and wear walking shoes for the mile-long walk around
'Africa'.
The easiest way to the zoo from Chapel Hill is to
take U.S. 15-501 to Pittsboro and then travel west on
U.S. 64 to Asheboro.
Within the immediate vicinity of Chapel Hill, there
is plenty to see and plenty to do if you are not planning
an extended trip.
Those who choose to remain in the Triangle Area are
offered a variety of lakes and parks for outdoor
relaxation over fall break.
Eno River State Park is a predominantly wilderness
area located northeast of Chapel Hill. Main highways
in the area include 1-85, U.S. 15-501, N.C. 55 and N.C.
70. Hiking, fishing and picnicking are just a few of the
area's offerings.
With 5,332 acres of outdoor natural beauty, William
B. Umstead Park near fcaleigh offers a number of
opportunities for rest and relaxation. The park has
facilities for camping, picnicking, hiking and boating.
Sarah P. Duke Memorial Gardens, located in
Durham, is a 55-acre garden bordered by a pine forest.
The gardens lie in a valley located on Duke
University's West Campus. Duke Memorial Gardens
are open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and guided tours can
be requested.
Lakes abound in the Tr
Lake Michie near Butnj
Raleigh are just three wd
break.
T7 URTHER north, ne.
iiaic line, 13 ij
Recreational Area.
The John H. Kerr Darrj
the U.S. Army Corps ot
106,860 acres. With Kerr f
boating and fishing are a
Seven major areas hr
shores of the lake just r
many outdoor adventure
Bridge; Bullocksville, C
Hibernia and Henderson
areas, horseback ridinn a!
are approximately 65-75 r
on 1-85 North.
With the fall processioi
another consideration for
U.S. Forest Service, fall
from now through Oct. 2
The Blue Ridge Parkvv
and recreational areas, of
enthusiasts new sights a
agencies and the park s!
should expect traffic, espr
you're planning to travej
take a sweater or two. Th
weekend.
Cindy Sharrock, assist:
Travel Agency, said r
"shoulder season" for mc
"Most places will be
weeks, though." Sharrc
around the area can fill ii
is real popular." I
A refreshing spot alon
Price Memorial Park, I
Camping and picnicking
DPArpfnl wav tr npnH r
Several hiking trails can i
Grandfather Mountain
striking views of the foli
from the Blue Ridge Pari
Grandfather Mountain h
views and hiking trails.
Southwest of Crandfatl
Blue Ridre Parkwav is Af
state's history. The Bi(
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