Rocky River Romance
Want to spark a little romance in your life? Call the babysitter and take your beloved on our Rocky River Romance Backyard Adventure.
There are two suggested options for this Adventure. You could do the main itinerary in one day, or you could stay overnight at one of the region’s bed and breakfasts and tack on a few other excursions. We’ll go over the main itinerary first, then offer some ideas to extend this getaway.
After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, head to Mt. Vernon Springs. Once the home of a large hotel, the springs were sought by the sick and infirm from far-flung locations. Today, the springs are still free flowing, and locals continue to fill jugs of water to take home. Fill your water bottles, then hit the road for Wood’s Mill Bend.
View Rocky River Romance in a larger map
Park along the side of the road, and head into the woods on an old roadbed. About 250 yards in a pink and yellow flagged trail heads downhill to the left and the old roadbed is blocked with brush. Follow the flagged trail through the woods down to the Rocky River. (Click here for a map of the trail.) Take a moment to bask on the rocks and enjoy the babble of this tranquil stream, then, if you wish, continue to follow the flags for a longer trek along the river.
Wood’s Mill Bend was donated to TLC in 2002 by Peg Parker, a longtime member and frequent volunteer. She purchased the land in 1973 with her husband, John, as a family retreat and potential home site. With John’s premature death, the dreams of a dwelling overhanging the river vanished and Peg donated the property to TLC.
“I am grateful for TLC’s protection of this special land as a preserved playground for other families, a haven for the survival of the fittest animals, trees and plants, and an undisturbed open space to experience and observe,” Peg said. “It’s wonderful to know the fascinating facets of our Rocky River property will be available for others to discover, enjoy and be revived by.”
Once you’ve finished your hike, you’ll surely need some refreshment. Drive to Siler City and drop by Johnson’s Hamburgers for a romantic cheeseburger. You don’t think a cheeseburger is romantic? Well, according to its customers, you can’t find any cheeseburger to love more than this one, and it would be almost criminal to be so close and not try one! You may need to wait in line, but according to all accounts, it is definitely worth the wait.
Once you have polished off your burger, head to Horizon Cellars or Silk Hope Winery (or both!) to try some North Carolina vino. Take a tour of the vineyard, and pick up an extra bottle or two to help you savor your memories of this Backyard Adventure!
For a longer getaway...
Start off by checking in at one of three local B&B’s: Celebrity Dairy, Rosemary House, or the Bed & Breakfast at Laurel Ridge. Each accommodation has its own, distinct character, so choose the one that best fits your style.
Celebrity Dairy
Rosemary House
Bed & Breakfast at Laurel Ridge
Options for other things to do:
NC Arts Incubator
Siler City’s Historic District
Celebrity Dairy
Rodeo at East of Mesquite near Goldston
Sharpe Store Music
Best time to visit: Anytime!
"I just really love the outdoors. For me, it’s the belief in something bigger than myself and also having the ability to leave a legacy, because this is all we’ve got."