Oak View County Park

 Today, I drove to Historic Oak View County Park, my second visit (the last was in 2023). The park's nineteenth-century farmstead tells the story of America's agricultural and rural heritage, featuring a 19th-century farmhouse, history interpretive center, cotton field, chickens, goats, fruit orchard, Cotton Museum, pecan grove, and several walking/hiking trails.

The Wake County Beekeepers Association maintains beehives at the cotton field edge. The resident bees help pollinate the cotton crop.

Job P. Wyatt planted the pecan grove in the early 20th century to supplement the farm’s income following the Boll Weevil devastation. Today, the park retains a little less than 10 acres of a formerly much larger 170-acre pecan grove. The beltline cuts through what was once part of Oak View’s property. Eighty trees in the pecan grove were blown down during Hurricane Fran in 1996 but replaced the following year. Each year, November is a public pecan-picking season. 

Farmstead

Pecan Grove

Old farmhouse	Front porch chair
Old farmhouse	Wagon with cotton

An air-conditioned visitor’s center is filled with exhibits for older kids and adults who want to learn more about the farm's history and agricultural practices. There is also a small but charming, fenced-in play area with a bit of a farmstand, a pretend vendor booth, a play kitchen, and gardening toys such as a wheelbarrow.

This is an outstanding half-day excursion. I suggest visiting if you are in the area.

 

Carry on my friends, carry on!