Graham, NC
Graham is a city in Alamance County, North Carolina, USA. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2020 census, the population was 17,153. It is the county seat of Alamance County. Graham, North Carolina did not officially become a city until 1961. It is named after William Alexander Graham, a US senator from North Carolina who became the state’s governor in 1845. The Haw River passes by Graham, making it a great place for outdoor adventurers and explorers. This small town has many unique nature parks and activities. Alamance Center for the Arts is Graham’s Cultural Center. The Art Center is committed to shaping the cultural identity of Alamance County by making the arts accessible to all citizens, regardless of background. The Alamance Center for the Arts hosts community events and art exhibits, as well as weekly classes open to the public on a variety of topics. This art center hosts several art groups open to the public, such as a children’s theater, a photography club, a craftsman’s guild, a jazz band, and even a writer’s club. This cultural arts center has something for everyone. Although cemeteries are not a priority for most travelers, historic Linwood Cemetery has a lot of history to offer visitors. This old cemetery is well maintained and incredibly peaceful. You can spend hours looking for old tombstones and reading interesting messages from their memories. There are grave markers from the early 1800s and even governors are buried in these plots.
Watch out for passing ghosts, as locals say Linwood Cemetery is haunted. The Children’s Museum of Alamance County believes children learn by playing. Although the exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Alamance County are aimed at children, they are fun for visitors of all ages. Exhibitions are constantly updated and changed according to new research objects. Current exhibits include a construction site, a wellness center, a science adventure, and an artists’ workshop. Admission is only $5 per guest over the age of 5 and is sure to be an unforgettable family-friendly experience. This old-fashioned cinema is a far cry from the corporate cinemas popular today. Graham Cinema focuses on affordable entertainment for the whole family with affordable ticket prices and food. Admission to this theater is surprisingly low at $4 and only a certain number of movies are shown each day. Graham Cinema even hosts local events that support nearby charities and foundations. It’s the perfect place to catch the latest hits on the big screen without breaking the bank.
Opened in April 2017, the 7-hectare (18-acre) park features a youth challenge course, zip lines, ski trails, swings, climbing blocks, exercise equipment and open spaces for recreation. This park is perfect for visitors of all ages who want to explore the outdoors, burn off some energy, or rejuvenate. The exercise equipment is great for outdoor exercise, while the recreation areas are great for kids who want to climb, explore and play. Although the Graham Regional Park has only been open for a short time, it is already a popular place for locals to soak up the sun. North Carolina, near Graham, is Cedack Park. This large park offers a variety of outdoor activities and local events throughout the year. Cedarock Park is over 200 hectares (500 acres) in size and receives over 150,000 visitors each year. Established in 1975 on historic property, the park continues to be a great place for the surrounding community. There are 10 kilometers (six miles) of hiking trails, 10 kilometers (six miles) of equestrian trails, frisbee golf courses, and a historic farm restored to resemble the 19th century. It’s the perfect place for a picnic or a leisurely afternoon stroll. This local museum is located in an old fire house from 1914. The building was once used as a town hall and even a courthouse, but today it houses a charming museum. The Graham History Museum has local history exhibits with artifacts and finds. It currently houses an exhibit on Graham native Jeanne Swanner Robertson, a former Miss North Carolina and Miss Congeniality in the 1963 Miss America pageant.
Don’t miss this quaint and unique North Carolina museum. If you find yourself in downtown Graham, be sure to stop by Steve’s Smokehouse for a delicious meal. This barbecue joint has been named one of the best in the area, with countless customers loving dishes like brisket and ribs. There’s a reason this new place is always busy. After a Smokehouse meal, can you end the evening with a cocktail? Just a 10-minute walk from the Smokehouse, Fitzgerald and Faulkner is a southern hub where guests can enjoy unique cocktails in an intimate setting. See the best of North Carolina by visiting Graham. This city may be small, but there is definitely a lot to see! With cultural programs, annual events and a unique downtown high street, Graham has something for everyone! Graham, North Carolina is perfect for families and couples looking for a uniquely enjoyable getaway in this quiet part of the state! Home to an award-winning children’s museum and one of the city’s last remaining cinemas, Graham offers charm to visitors and locals alike. Get active along the Haw River at one of Graham’s star parks or enjoy local art at the Alamance Art Center. Graham is easy to overlook when it comes to towns in the Carolinas, but it’s well worth a visit.