I was not aware that this was a bookable event center when I spotted the historic marker, so I did…read morenot manage to see the inside. Instead, I was able to appreciate the exterior of this Civil War era home in Statesville. The marker reads, "Col. Silas Alexander Sharpe. March 5, 1840 to December 9, 1903. Dedicated to the memory of Col. Silas A. Sharpe, a prominent industrialist and political leader in Statesville throughout the second half of the 19th century. He was sworn as the first Mayor of the City of Statesville on March 25, 1867. The home of Col. Silas A. Sharpe remains here as one of the oldest houses in Statesville and has been rightfully placed on the National Register of Historic Places." The Classical Revival home has deep ties to the civic leadership of Statesville as it was the home of the city's first mayor. Construction began in the 1850s but the Civil War delayed progress and it was eventually completed in 1866. The two-story three-bay frame dwelling includes a dramatic two-story portico with clustered columns and a symmetrical facade. The large windows, central hallway plan and deep porch are all classically intended to improve ventilation and comfort in the Southern climate. As I mentioned, I didn't tour the home but perhaps on a future visit to Statesville, I will see about doing that. [Review 588 of 2026 - 4677 in North Carolina - 25769 overall]

We held our son's wedding at The Historic Sharpe House and it was better than I could have ever…read moreimagined. First and foremost they treated us like royalty. Leading up to and booking was simple and Keith Rhyme kept in contact for any potential problems with the changing conditions we live in. Once the day arrived, the house staff took care of the ladies beyond belief with an elegant tea, and handled any of their needs while giving them all the privacy they needed to prepare for the big day. The wedding ceremony went off perfect as Keith also served as wedding director. Then the dinner. The service was incredible, and meal was one of the finest I have had. The best part was it was all very affordable. If you want your family to experience a dream event without spending a kings ransom. I recommend Crown Events at The Historic Sharpe House. #Wedding #ElegantDining #Affordable #BabyShower #Anniversary

I visited with my partner 2 years ago and had an amazing time. Our tour guide was Donovan and he…read moreshowed us all around "District 12" from the Hunger Games movies, which was a delight. I definitely recommend this unusual but charming destination!

I highly recommend visiting!! The site is a shell of a once bustling mill town. We were given a…read morehistory of the town, founders and insight into what life was like in the early 1900s by our guide Donovan. He was wonderfully knowledgable and made the little town come to life with his descriptions. The owner, Adam, also gave us great information as we peppered him with questions about the property. We learned about the prior residents (and met a former resident, Joe, who happened to meander by for some tea) and about plans to renovate the area. Sadly many of the buildings suffer from vandalism, but there is still enough to tour and learn here. We were allowed to self-explore after Donovan's guide and spend as much time as we wanted. I love that it was chosen for the Hunger Games film, but there is so much more history than just a location site still lingering here. Our hope is that Henry River Village continues to be preserved for the history and education it truly deserves. It was a wonderful experience and we plan to come back for some movie nights and future events.

We had the best time walking through the streets of Old Salem. We opted not to purchase the pass to…read morevisit the exhibits this time. We were looking to just spend the day walking outside and visiting the bakery and shops. If we had the extra time, we would have done the whole tour. We visited the bakery on our walk down. It was pretty busy per usual. We purchased some delicious goodies: cheese stars, raisin bread, cherry strudel and an oatmeal cookie sandwich. The first bag of cheese stars never made it home! We ate those as we walked to the coffee pot and God's Acre. We stopped in several shops and did some window shopping. It was so great to see all the holiday decorations out and the bridge decorated with all those beautiful Moravian stars. This is my favorite time of the year to visit Old Salem. It is simply beautiful and quaint. Definitely stroll through the streets of Old Salem anytime you want a quiet moment. It's worth a trip!

Super cute old town area with beautiful buildings and a cool bakery with a special bread baking…read moreoven. It's worth a visit!

LuRosa Atkins Manor is a breath of fresh air from all the Mayberry hoopla in Mount Airy…read more A beautiful old house with the delightful owners who have lovingly restored it to guide you through. Owners, April and Ed Atkins, are so much fun. Ed's stained glass work is amazing. I took the tour last week and it was definitely worth the money.

This museum is right across the street from the Andy Griffith Museum and they offer a deal on…read moretickets if you buy for both places. It also includes the Earle theater. I've never heard of Chang and Eng before so it was interesting learning their history. Definitely worth checking it out!

Directly across the street from the Andy Griffith Museum and next to the Blackmon Amphitheater, the…read moreChang and Eng Bunker Museum tells the story of the men for whom the term "Siamese Twins" originated. Mount Airy was the home of their plantation where they retired and down the street from their final resting place. The museum features a chronological display of their lives from young boys in Siam (now Thailand) to family patriarchs in Mount Airy. The museum is full of artifacts, personal writings, and academic studies of the twins. It replaces a much smaller exhibit that was open for years across the street. [Review 1578 of 2024 - 3662 in North Carolina - 22601 overall]

I wasn't sure what to expect but the lady at the visitor center said this was a MUST DO!…read more This was a house that looked like Miss Gertrude stepped of and walked outside and you snuck in. Everything is in its place and authentic to how she had it decorated. The two ladies at the back entrance were super friendly and a wealth of knowledge. We enjoyed walking through and looking at the decor and photos. Amazing art work from around the world. I loved hearing the stories and I could just feel a sense that I had met Gertrude while walking her halls. Thank you for allowing us to stop by right at closing!!

The Gertrude Smith House is located just outside of Downtown Mt. Airy. It is within walking…read moredistance or you can drive as they have a parking lot or you can park in the street. The 1903 house is on the National Register of Historic Homes. Admission is free to tour the Victorian house as that was part of Gertrude Smith's will that admission be free. Ms. Smith left her house by will to be kept as a museum and established a trust to care and maintain it. The house is kept as if it were in the early 1900s with furniture; artwork and decor. The tour begins in the back of the house and I was greeted and given some history of the house and Ms. Smith. The house is self guided so you can spend as much time inside as you'd like. The rooms have information to read about or you can just look at the contents from the antiques; photographs; artwork; furniture; etc. I highly recommend visiting this historic gem if you are in the MT. Airy area.

Carley was a wonderful hostess for our trip to historic Southern Pines. She was interesting and…read moreengaging, telling the town's fascinating history through stories of local people and events, as well as how national events influenced the town. I highly recommend starting your trip to Southern Pines with her introduction, or regaining appreciation of your town by learning more with Carley!

From the owner: We have a passion for history and love to share it!…read more Your tour guide, in turn-of-the-century clothing, will lead you through the Southern Pines Historic District, highlighting the history, architecture, and culture of this town where North and South learned to coexist. Tours begin at the Southern Pines Welcome Center, last approximately 90 minutes, and cover 11 blocks. Adults - $12 / Children 12 & under - free (with adult) A portion of the proceeds goes to support the Southern Pines Welcome Center.

Beautiful place when I went it was closed but I was able to walk around outside. It doesn't appear…read morethat they are open for tours right now.

Fantastic historical place to eat. Much better menu than nearby establishments and the food is…read moregreat. Prices are more than the nearby venues but this is several cuts above. I also recommend taking the tour of the grounds and house. Great service! They are only open from May through December but is worth the trip!

Hadn't been in a few months and dropped in for a weekday visit…read more There appear to be some updates to the interior. Upon entry I noticed a manned coffee station, and hadn't seen this previously. You will still need to check in with the front desk for a parking pass to place in your car. I appreciate that the end of each exhibit there are cards to share your thoughts and experience. Be mindful they may not allow you to record the art but you can take pictures without flash.

Excellent customer service here. Each employee was eager to tell us about the art. I really loved…read moreseeing the passion they had for the museum and their job. So cool to see Still Life! I also was drawn to the Crip exhbit and UNCG student exhibit. Such diverse work in one building with such knowledge to share on each topic. Thank you for having us, We will be back!

I'm a native of the CLT, born and raised here also a History Major at UNC Charlotte…read more My Joplin, Missouri friends, Mark & Sonia were in town for a long weekend and wanted to check out this tour and invited me to join them. What a great experience! First of all Caleb, our driver and tour guide was top tier excellent and professional! Not bad for a Massachusetts transplant! He's been in the CLT going on four years and has a solid understanding of the history of CLT. The tour is amazing with essentially a focus on the four Wards. You'll see a 'behind' the scenes view of some of CLT's great statues and historically relevant buildings, business' and homes in Fourth Ward. There are seat belts in the Golf Cart, rear view mirrors, flashers and headlights we all felt very safe. Caleb is very friendly and allows for interactive engagement so you have an opportunity to ask questions and have a dialogue. Easy to find on the sidewalk fronting 7th street and the garage at Seventh Street Market. I especially liked the tour of Fourth Ward and drive by of all the older and historic homes.

We had a wonderful tour guide. Tremain was impressively knowledgeable while at the same time…read morefriendly and engaging. The bus was comfortable. This was part of a "staycation " for us and we learned a lot about Charlotte and saw parts of the city we would not have found on our own.