What's New in Halifax County NC for 2009!

Phase II of the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, which opened Phase I in October 2005, will open in January 2009. The second phase will double the size of the current museum exhibit space, as well as redesign some of the current exhibits. The 7.5-mile hiking, biking & nature trail that was once the bed and tow path of the Roanoke Navigation Canal will also have several new interpretive signs describing the native flora & fauna, as well as historical structures along the trail. Phase II of the museum exhibits will describe the conversion of the Roanoke Canal from navigation to power generation, the life of batteaumen who poled the boats laden with goods on the river, and the story of the Roanoke River from beginning to end. A prominent feature of Phase II will be a walkway through the old penstock leading visitors into the canal bed where they will be able to view a replica batteau up close.

Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park has opened an exhibit of the largest collection of Lesser Flamingoes (the smaller and more rare) on the East Coast. There are also some Chilean Flamingoes that were raised at the park. Plans are underway to open a handicapped accessible treehouse, one of the first of its kind in North Carolina, overlooking the natural wetland area, as well as a duck blind for viewing wild waterfowl and bird interactive exhibit, in Summer 2009.

Historic Halifax has restored the cell blocks and opened the 1838 brick jail for tours. The jail is the third jail to be constructed on that site in Halifax, as the first two were constructed of wood and burned to the ground by escaping prisoners. The Historic Site is also hard at work restoring the home of William R. Davie, considered the father of the university system.

The Roanoke Rapids Theatre will be under new management and will open under a new name in early 2009. The theatre will offer a variety of musical entertainment including weekly matinees. Visit www.visithalifax.com for the latest information.

Medoc Mountain State Park has acquired 1400 new acres and will be opening over 10 miles of equestrian trails in early 2009. Medoc currently offers tent and trailer camping, more than 10 miles of hiking trails, open fields and a large shelter for picnicking, canoe rental and paddling options on Little Fishing Creek, fishing opportunities, and a wide variety of environment education programs.