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Summer Stuff

The cooler days of June are perfect for experiencing some of our area’s adventures. And with gas prices what they are, this may be the summer of the short-hop adventure. Here are a few of our favorites on the June calendar:

Holly Hill Daylily Farm

The annual daylily sale is the main draw, but Jim Massey has turned his three acres into an art garden. His collection of folk art is housed nearby in the old Haywood post office. The farm is open weekends through June. Times and directions at hollyhilldaylilies.com

Botanical Garden

If you can’t get out among the lily pads on Ulake, you can still get up close with them at the water gardens at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. On a warm day, try a walk through the shady, cool mountain habitat. Something about seeing rhododendrons lowers the temperature. Keep your eye out for special programs for kids and families at ncbg.unc.edu. On June 8, for instance, naturalist Bob Palmatier hosts “The Secret Life of Turtles.”
Galumpha acrobatics troupe.
Fiesta Latina

For obvious reasons, this would be a good time to contribute to the coffers of the Hispanic Liaison of Chatham County. You can also have a swell time showing your solidarity by heading out to Shakori Hills on June 21 for their annual Fiesta Latina. It’s kid friendly and the food alone is worth the trip. But stick around for the music, which can range from Brazilian guitars to Raleigh punk rockers to Norteño. Also returning is Galumpha, a world-famous acrobatics troupe. More information at evhnc.org

Potluck in a Pasture

In addition to being a regular at local farmers’ markets, Ayshire Farm founder Bill Dow has been a chief source of fine organic vegetables for local restaurants for decades. He opens up his doors for a potluck dinner in conjunction with Chatham Arts on Sunday, June 29 from 6-8 p.m.

Featured artists include musicians Susan Ketchin and Sarah Shook, mural artist Erick Davis, woodwork artisan Diane Swan and Rambler magazine publishers Dave Korzon and Elizabeth Oliver. More information at chathamarts.org

John HowieSaxapahaw

There may be no better way to take in a band on a Saturday afternoon than from a blanket spread on the grassy hill just up from the old mill in Saxapahaw. Check out the farmers’ market and food vendors or take a stroll down to the Haw and skip some stones. Music runs from 6-8 p.m. through the summer. The farmers’ market goes from 5-8 p.m.

University Lake

Last year, the dry grassbeds that were once a thriving part of University Lake were a sad sight from the causeway on Jones Ferry Road. What better way to celebrate the recent rains than with a tour of the refilled reservoir by rowboat? The lake is open Friday through Monday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recreation includes boat and electric motor rentals and fishing and a picnic area.

Snow Camp

One of North Carolina’s famed outdoor dramas, Sword of Peace recalls the struggles of our area’s Cane Creek Quaker community during the Revolutionary War. The production, which relies on volunteers and donations, is now in its 35th season. Opening night this year is June 26. Tickets and information at snowcampdrama.com

The cast of the outdoor drama Sword of Peace.