Homeland Creamery: 44 miles

By Michael Breedlove

While it’s only a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Greensboro to Homeland Creamery Dairy Farm, it might as well be another world away. The farm’s sweeping hills and wildflower-lined pastures paint a picture of pastoral perfection, where grazing cows far outnumber people, and where 12-hour work days are an accepted part of life.
Homeland Creamery is owned by brothers Chris and David Bowman, along with their wives, Jayne and Terry. The brothers are the sixth generation of Bowmans to work the farm, which dates back nearly 150 years. In the early days, Homeland had a mere 12 cows, all of which had to be milked by hand. Now, an automated system allows workers to milk more than 200 cows a day.
A few years ago, Homeland started offering tours to the public for a next-to-nothing charge. “We wanted [people] to know how milk is made and where it comes from,” Terry says. “But we also wanted them to know that hard work can pay off.”
Each tour begins with a scenic hayride through the farm’s lush property. “A hayride is really the only way to tour a farm,” guide Diana Euliss notes.
The ride introduces tour-goers to the hundreds of cows roaming the Homeland property, along with a few other guests. There’s a lonely llama named Little Joe, a slew of Mediterranean donkeys, and a few other surprises along the way.
After the hayride, guests enter a hands-on portion of the tour, where they are invited to hand-feed a baby calf and hand-milk an artificial cow. From there, groups head inside the dairy’s milking parlor for a quick history lesson on making milk the Homeland way.
Anyone who has sampled Homeland’s dairy products — from milk to ice cream to just about anything else — will tell you there’s something special about them. This is likely due to the farm’s old-fashioned approach to pasteurization. Where large farms quickly zap milk to kill bacteria and other pathogens, Homeland employs a slow-cook method. The difference in approach means a difference in taste.
“Our milk is more cooked, and that’s what makes it much creamier,” Terry says. “It takes more time, sure, but we’re more interested in the flavor than the time it takes to make it.”
The tour ends on an extra-sweet note, as samples of Homeland’s legendary ice cream are dished out. Take it from us: The delightfully creamy dessert will put just about any other blend to shame. While standards like chocolate and vanilla are among the top sellers, the butter pecan remains the most popular variety at the farm. One taste and you’ll know why.
IF YOU GO
Homeland Creamery is at 6506 Bowman Dairy Rd. in the Guilford County town of Julian. While tours are typically comprised of school and church groups, the farm always welcomes individual families.
Tours run Monday through Friday and usually start at 10 a.m., lasting approximately 1.5 hours. The cost is $6 per person. Reservations must be made beforehand by calling 336-674-8598.
The farm also houses an on-site store that sells ice cream, milk, and other locally made products. It’s open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and on Sundays 1–6 p.m. For more information about the farm and its products, go to http://www.homelandcreamery.com.

Lexington: 22 miles

By Michael Breedlove

Growing up in Davidson County, I always considered Lexington more of a home than a destination. Don’t get me wrong, I love that little town, but it never seemed to offer much for the average day-tripper aside from some unbeatable barbecue.
It took one meeting with Robin Bivens, director of the Lexington Tourism Authority, to change my mind. Within minutes, I came to the realization that a lot had changed since I called the town home.
First off, the entire city has been overrun by a fleet of fiberglass pigs. Now in its fifth year, Pigs in the City is a collection of handcrafted, life-size pigs that are outfitted in fantastically creative costumes. They’re stationed throughout the Uptown area, with a prime focus on Main Street. To find all the swine, stop by any of the Uptown merchants and pick up a map.
Like most things in the town, the pigs give a nod to Lexington’s famed barbecue, which is pit-cooked over hickory wood and laced with a special vinegar-based sauce. The barbecue is served chopped or sliced and meshes perfectly with slaw, hush puppies, and sweet tea. But you probably already knew that.
What you might not have known is that Lexington has something to offer just about everyone, whether you’re a barbecue junkie, art enthusiast, wine lover, or sports nut.
Start your day with a trip to the Bob Timberlake Gallery and grab a cup of joe in the gallery’s recently opened coffee shop. If the weather permits, take a seat in the gallery’s beautifully rendered patio. After perking up your senses, immerse yourself in the world of Lexington native Bob Timberlake, one of our state’s most beloved realist artists. Gallery workers will tell you that Timberlake aims to make every guest feel at home. With the space’s mountain-lodge-meets-grandma’s-house appeal, it’s hard not to feel welcomed.
Once inside, you’ll find hundreds of original Timberlake works — including his newest painting, Lighthouse View — along with tranquilizing décor and furniture items.
From there, head to Uptown Lexington and find a parking spot along Main Street. The avenue is lined with one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, and outfitters. For starters, there’s Lanier’s Hardware — perhaps the holy grail of hardware stores. Ask any local, and they’ll proudly tell you: “If you can’t find it in Lanier’s, you probably didn’t need it anyway.”
Other must-stops include Lexington Home Brands Outlet, The Gallery Hall, Black Dog Emporium, and The Homestead. Then there’s Conrad & Hinkle, an old-fashioned country store and butcher shop resembling a 1950s-era food market. If you’ve never tried their locally famous pimento cheese, let me be the first to recommend it. And no trip Uptown would be complete without a stop at The Candy Factory, a throwback sweet shop that will bring out the kid in just about anyone.
For lunch, you can grab a bite at any of the 18 barbecue joints that call Lexington home. Each restaurant has its own unique offerings and special touches to compliment the tried-and-true ’q. I grew up on Speedy’s Barbecue, just off Old Highway 52, and still find myself stopping in for a chopped plate every now and then — the portions are huge! I’ll also suggest a trip to the Barbecue Center (900 N. Main St.). Along with its prized pork, you’ll find some of the best hushpuppies known to man. And make sure you save room for the Center’s mountainous banana split. If for some reason you’re not in the barbecue mood, you can’t go wrong with Main Street Pizza & Deli (13 N. Main St.).
After getting your fill, it’s a quick trip to Lexington’s best-known attraction: The Childress Vineyards.
Here, stunning décor mixes with Southern charm to create an environment that’s truly worth celebrating. Be sure to hop on a free vineyard tour to see how the whole operation works. Childress Vineyards also has an onsite bistro that serves lunch and an outdoor seating area that hosts weekend concerts. And if you’re of-age, make sure you stop by the tasting room, named one of the top 25 tasting rooms in America by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
If you’ve got any time left, head north up Highway 52 to the RCR Racing Museum in the community of Welcome. Part museum, part workshop, the facility houses dozens of NASCAR racing vehicles — including 28 No. 3 cars driven by the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. — along with countless displays, videos, and memorabilia.
Welcome is also home to Weathervane Winery, one of the newest entrants in the vino world. Opened in 2008, the winery’s dazzling collection of sweet wines is creating a buzz throughout the state. Stop by for an afternoon tasting session Thursday through Sunday and see why.
From treasured wine and legendary food, to timeless art and cup-winning cars, there’s a lot more to Lexington than even a Davidson County native could have imagined. While this gives you a few starting points, it’s impossible to list all the must-see spots and stops. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Lexington Tourism Authority to get the full scope of offerings.
And if you can’t get it all done in one day, don’t fret. It’s all just a few miles away.
IF YOU GO
Lexington Tourism Authority: 114 E. Center St. 336-236-4218. http://www.visitlexingtonnc.com
Bob Timberlake Gallery: 1714 E. Center St. Ext. 336-249-4428. http://www.bobtimberlake.com
Childress Vineyards: 1000 Childress Vineyards Rd. 336-236-9463. http://www.childressvineyards.com
RCR Racing Museum: 180 Industrial Drive. 800-476-3389. http://www.rcrracing.com
Weathervane Winery: 1452 Welcome Arcadia Rd. 336-793-3366. http://www.weathervanewinery.com

Chinqua Penn Plantation & Vineyards: 42 miles

By Lauren Rippey

My trusty GPS seems to know what it is doing, guiding me down all the scenic back roads out to Reidsville.
Most direct route? Probably not. Most relaxing? Certainly.
By the time I reach Chinqua Penn Plantation, I feel transported in time. All the stresses of daily life forgotten, I enter through the stately gates eager to tour this 1920s English countryside mansion.
Ann Toler, who has been a part of the Chinqua Penn staff since 1975, is our curator as we explore the 27-room Guilded Age abode built by Thomas Jefferson Penn (Jeff) and his wife, Beatrice Schoellkopf Penn (Betsy). The property is now privately owned by Calvin and Lisa Phelps, who generously allow the public access to this historical site.
“Being in the house is like going on a world tour,” Toler says, as she guides us from room to room decked with furnishings from more than 30 countries. Each space rolls out treasured antiques, painted tiles, religious relics, and over-the-top touches — including a replica of King Tut’s golden chair and 1,500 organ pipes pumping music from the basement — which, when added together, produce a crazy conglomeration that oddly makes sense in the shadow of the oft-traveling Penns.
Each more remarkable than the last, rooms like the reception hall, mud room, owner’s suite, formal dining room, and library appear fit for royalty. Notable, too, is the grandeur of the guest quarters — where visitors would take up residence for weeks at a time. The estate was designed with entertaining in mind, and the home seems to summon you to stay. Plan a full hour for your tour — you won’t want to miss a thing.
Truly, the best way to see the 22-acre plantation is slowly. Take your time, stroll the grounds, and bring a picnic. The 1930 Chinese pagoda, formal garden, herb garden, and greenhouse are must-sees. The budding grape arbors offer a spot of shade from the sun, while the Chinqua Penn Trail beckons walkers to bring their tennis shoes along.
After your tour, don’t forget to venture down to the wine-tasting room below the clock tower. A glass of chilled Muscadine Blush on the patio offers a refreshing pause to a summer’s day, or you can enjoy a commemorative glass and tasting of six wines for $5.
Then, on your way out, be sure to browse the plantation’s gift shop, where you can pick up art, books, and other goodies from North Carolina craftsmen, as well as memorabilia from this most memorable plantation.
“It’s Jeff and Betsy style,” Jeff Penn once responded when asked to describe Chinqua Penn’s architecture. “The kind that makes you want to come back again and again.”
IF YOU GO:
Chinqua Penn Plantation & Vineyards is at 2138 Wentworth St. in Reidsville. The plantation is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays 1–5 p.m. For admission prices and special events, call 336-349-4576 or go to http://www.chinquapenn.com.
ROAMING REIDSVILLE:
If you choose to venture into town, Backstreet Buzz Coffee House offers a selection of sandwiches and espresso drinks — like the frozen caramel frappe — that are sure to cure any craving. The grilled chicken sandwich is a popular pick, while the fiesta wrap offers a summertime kick. Also, take a few minutes to explore historic Reidsville. Although a new city space has been under construction for quite some time, downtown offers a number of galleries and antiques shops worthy of exploring.
For more information about Rockingham County, go to http://www.ncnorthstar.com.

Lowe’s Motor Speedway: 67 miles

By Claudia Bottoms

When you marry a Winston-Salem boy, chances are his love for you rivals only his passion for A.) the ACC team of his choice, or B.) NASCAR. In my case my husband, Rick, loves them both.
While my admiration for the Tar Heels has grown steadily over the past decade, I couldn’t say the same for the sport of driving in circles. That was until recently, when we headed to Lowe’s Motor Speedway for a myriad of lessons on driving a race car.
At the Richard Petty Driving Experience, we began with classroom instruction, which is where I learned Lesson No. 1: If you’re one of only two females in the room, and you confess that you haven’t driven a manual transmission since high school, expect a few raised eyebrows.
The instructors, who were very kind and a lot of fun, not-so-secretly questioned my ability to be the next Jimmy Johnson.
Confidence unwavered, we completed the classroom segment and went for a van ride to go over the rules: Follow the pace car, leaving three to five car lengths between us, and watch for flags signaling us to speed up, slow down, or do a better job of following the pace car’s tracks.
Here’s where I learned Lesson No. 2: Holy cow, the curves on the track are steep! It’s something you really can’t appreciate until the van driver comes to a complete stop on the embankment and you’re clinging to your seatbelt, trying desperately not to invade the personal space of the racing student sitting below you.
After a few laps as a passenger in the race car, the moment had arrived to take the wheel. Revving the engine, with fire suit and helmet on, it was time to quench my need for speed. Here’s where I learned my most unfortunate Lesson No. 3: The instructors were right. Not being able to shift the car properly, I putt-putted around the track in first gear like a grandma. Deflated, and feeling like the stereotype of a female who can’t drive, I was determined to try again and repair the damage I had done to my gender.
Meanwhile, Rick whizzed around the track, reaching 140 mph, with a lap time only .5 seconds slower than the school allows.
Fortunately, I had my chance at redemption when we attended the Jeff Gordon Racing School the following week. This school also began with classroom instruction and a van ride. After explaining my plight to Tony Jr., my pit instructor, he kindly walked me through the steps again. Get up to 3,000 rpms between shifts, and put the pedal to the metal.
Taking a deep breath, I got to second gear like a pro, rounded turn one shifting into third, and jackpot: fourth gear. With a perma-grin, I knew I was home free. With each lap I gained more confidence behind the wheel, followed my lines, and let the physics of those steep curves do its job. I was in a groove like Tony Stewart, unstoppable until Victory Lane. That’s when I spied a flag.
Lesson No. 4: Let a mother of two, who spends most of the day behind the computer, on a racetrack, and she just might unleash her inner rebel. A yellow flag? That meant I was following the pace car too closely. If I saw many more of those I’d be parked with a slap on the wrist. I was so proud.
I topped out at 130 mph, and left with a new appreciation for those guys who spend their Sunday afternoons making left turns.
IF YOU GO:
The Richard Petty Driving Experience seems to be the right choice for novices. They allow you to get a feel for the race car, but the pace car makes hitting your marks and navigating the track a lot easier. The Jeff Gordon Racing School allows you to drive through the corners without letting off the gas, giving you a better appreciation for how the car handles. And with six Cars of Today, they were well-equipped.

Richard Petty Driving Experience
1800bepetty.com
Jeff Gordon Racing School
http://www.jeffgordonracingschool.com

A Spa “Stay”cation

By Lauren Rippey

You don’t have to leave town to reap the relaxing benefits of a vacation. Consider booking a day at a local spa, and you’ll feel your worries melt away.
Passport-free Pampering
VanDavis Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Day Spa
Forget any misconceptions you may have had about strip-mall spas. VanDavis Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Day Spa prides itself on creating a hip yet tranquil place where clients can check stress at the door. For the utmost in cabana calm — sans flight — follow a therapist to the back of the spa and settle in for three and a half hours of bliss. The Caribbean Escape package submerses you in the tropics from head to toe — literally.
Begin with the Caribbean Body Wrap, a ritualistic experience that engages all your senses. Following a dry exfoliation, a warming seaweed masque is applied to your body. Then, warm blankets and towels coax you into an island-inspired state. Restorative massage, rich lotions, and soothing aromas complete the experience.
From there, you’ll continue your tropical vacation with a Caribbean Therapy Hand and Foot Treatment. Your digits will dive into an exfoliating bath of sea salts, ginger, and oranges, and then enjoy the softening sensations of a seaweed masque for themselves. Top it off with polish the color of summer — we like Miami Beet — for an easy reminder of your coastal excursion.
“Our treatments are high-touch, not high-tech,” explains owner Cindy Davis. “Our staff is made up of people who really care. They’re here to ensure that you are perfectly pampered.”
VanDavis Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Day Spa is at 244 S. Stratford Rd. For information, call 336-761-1133 or go to http://www.vandavisaveda.com.
Cottage Indulgence European Touch
Danuta Olejarczyk, owner of European Touch, believes that a spa experience begins before clients ever walk in the door. “We’ve heard people say that they start feeling relaxed when they reach our sidewalk,” she notes. Set in picturesque Reynolda Village, European Touch is a cottage haven with hardwood floors, cool-colored walls, and soothing tunes. Add a selection of top-notch treatments, and you’ll soon find yourself on a countryside getaway.
Relax in a massage chair while you indulge in a 60-minute Spa Pedicure. Raspberry scrub gently polishes the peds, while a cooling masque and hot towels soften and moisturize. Next, continue to the facial room where you’ll tuck into a cozy bed while an experienced esthetician — oftentimes Olejarczyk herself — will evaluate your skin and customize your treatment. The 75-minute European Facial — a recommended start for all skin types — combines cleansing, toning, exfoliating, steam, masque, and massage for a revitalizing experience using the Parisian Guinot skincare line.
If you’d prefer to combine services into a spa package, European Touch offers options ranging from the Spa Sampler — a massage, express facial, express manicure, mini-pedicure, and makeup application — to the truly decadent Signature Spa Package, which includes a super hydradermic facial, salt glow with mud wrap and vichy shower, body massage, spa manicure, and spa pedicure. A light lunch from Village Tavern tops off all packages, ensuring that you can truly make a day out of this European-themed retreat.
European Touch is at 116 Reynolda Village. For information, call 336-750-0552 or go to http://www.european-touch.com.

Also Try…

Face the Day
Lamberti’s Salon & Day Spa
Put your best face forward with a mini-vacation for your skin. Lamberti’s Salon & Day Spa is most popular among regulars for its hair design, but it also boasts estheticians like Dolly Wendt, who specializes in the science of skin. Be wowed at your face when you view it through a skin scope before and after a gel peel. Then enjoy the exciting transformation of a makeover, featuring the salon’s signature line of mineral makeup.
Lamberti’s Salon & Day Spa is at 50-D Miller St. For information, call 336-723-0791 or go to http://www.lambertis.net.