First stop, the Billy Graham Library (Charlotte). So I have been wanting to visit here since I first learned about it many years ago & I honestly have no idea why I never went until this weekend. This place is wonderful! A must see, spend a couple of hours (or more) kind of place. I had no idea what awaited for me when I pulled into the parking lot of the Billy Graham Library.
I toured the Graham family home, the library and the grounds. The family home was built in 1927 (for $9,000.00) and was originally located an estimated 4 miles from its current location. Billy Graham grew up with his 3 siblings in this house.
After touring this beautiful home, I began my tour of the library. Upon entering the library there is an introduction part (a talking cow & a short film). After the film our tour group was directed into the somewhat self-guided individual rooms to tour. Each room tells the story/history of Billy Graham's life and what an amazing life!
Ruth Graham (wife of Billy Graham) is buried on the property and after learning so much about her during my tour of the house and library, I wanted to pay my respects.
"End of Construction - Thank you for your patience" was a construction sign Ruth Graham saw while going down the highway and stated that she wanted that saying on her tombstone. While touring the library you learn that Ruth Graham had a great sense of humor which was reflected throughout her life and on her tombstone.
The Billy Graham Library is a fantastic place to visit! If you haven't been, I suggest making this what you do in the near future because it is truly a beautiful, inspiring, and very moving place.
After leaving Charlotte, I headed to Pineville, NC. President James K. Polk was born in Pineville, N.C. and his birthplace is now a historic site where visitors can learn more about the life of President Polk. There was a great museum dedicated to the life of President Polk and self-guided and guided tours of the outside portions of the site.
Adventure day came to an end in Waxhaw. Waxhaw is an adorable town. I stopped at one of the antique stores located in Waxhaw & purchased a beautiful vintage 1972 Hurricane lamp. (Side note: oh the 70s from the music to the pyrex, I can't help myself I LOVE it all so it's fitting that the 1972 hurricane lamp is 70s orange/brown/green floral.) I definitely would like to return to Waxhaw to spend some time touring this adorable town.
Waxhaw has a great museum which provides history of the area & Andrew Jackson who may (or may not) have been born in Waxhaw. The Museum of the Waxhaws: A History of the Region & Memorial to Andrew Jackson has amazing volunteers who love telling the history of the area. At the museum there is an outdoor area with a living history section. A wonderful volunteer told our group the history of living/farming over 200 years ago. Our group was given a tour of the garden, learned about plants, toured the cabin, the blacksmith shop, the smokehouse, and the springhouse. After a very enjoyable living history tour, I toured the museum. The museum provides history of the area from 1650 to the 1900s. The museum has some very fun upcoming events planned: 8/26 The Great Pirate Invasion, 10a-3p ($6 per person); 9/10 (will continue the 2nd Sunday of the month through November) Spinners & More; and 10/21 Historical Haunted Walk, 7p, 8p, & 9p ($6 per person).
Happy Travels,
Amber
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