I can't even begin to pretend that I am a history buff, nor am I an expert. So if you'd like the facts and figures, the maps and the battle lines you will have to visit the above linked site. But if you'd like the travel insiders scoop on this point of interest stick around. This is one place that is quite literally right in my own backyard. Having been there dozens of times, I may not be a "Ranger", but I AM a "Frequenter".... that should count for something, right?!
Travel Journal--
Right smack dab at the corner of Hwy 11 and Hwy 110, lies Cowpens Battlefield. It is a 178 acre historical hotspot! I say this quite literally, as not only have I visited for "educational purposes", but also on my fitness kicks. This usually occurs, on average, once every couple of months, and especially around season change. Thoughts of bathing suits in the Summer and of fitting a muffin top into my jeans for the Fall drags me away from the table, to put on my sneakers for a very aggressive three mile walk to lose a few pounds. Just like with most everything else, I don't take it easy and work up some stamina. I go full-force, as if I am preparing for an Olympic event, to only end up on Advil and a heating pad! Usually, a day or two of this training regimine is all I can handle, and with sore muscles so tight that I can barely move, I have to ease my way to the freezer for my Bryers Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream. Ehhh.... I will start again NEXT monday...
This being said, the walking trail at Cowpens Battlefield (from here on out referenced simply as CB) IS a very nice walk. I DO enjoy the scenery and the solitude it offers. About half of the walk you are moving parallel to Hwy 11, yet set far enough from the road that it feels as though you are in the middle of a forest. The remaining half is a meandering loop through the woods that circles you back to your start. The path itself is paved and the majority of the walk is shaded. You have two options for a starting location; the CB visitors center, or the CB parking area which is located a little further down highway 11. I usually park in this area as the visitors center gate closes at five. I live close enough that I could walk from the park to my own driveway, but my car being stuck behind a barricade overnight would be somewhat of a problem, besides.... all the "atheletic types" stage at the parking area. (I think they are just trying to avoid the snack machine in the park-- not that I would know anything about it) =)
You will see individuals of all strengths and hobby- the serious cyclists, the I*pod-wearing runners, the families walking their dog, the thick/the thin, the aggressive and the elderly. This path sees all levels and abilities, and it's all what you make it! Maybe I need to rethink my strategy, lace up the Asics, and get at it again... The first day of Autumn is right around the corner!
CB also fits the bill for an afternoon of education on the Revolutionary War. The visitors center has artifacts on display, and a movie that runs throughout the day. The VC (visitors center) has a nice gift shop with both books for adults and children alike, as well as trinkets of interest. Be sure to let the kids get their National Park Passport Books stamped in the gift shop while there!
There are many events that run through the year, my favorite being the July 4th festivities. There were activities all day long; costumed re-enactors, weapons firing demonstrations, question & answer sessions, childrens activities, guided battlefield walks, patriotic music and an AWESOME fire works display to close out the night.
My daughter and I were one of the dedicated groups- we came early and stayed late! We wanted the full effect of this special day. She and I brought our handy dandy picnic blanket (TRAVEL TIP: a old shower curtain makes a terrific picnic blanket!!) lol and spread it out under the shade of a huge old oak tree. We had some snacks, a frisbee, and of course my camera in our back pack. We lounged around laughing together and snapping random pics, we met some of the reenactors and were able to ask them questions about both history as well as their hobby, we walked the trail, and heard the cannons, she and I were even filmed by a news crew!
We left for some lunch and then returned later in the evening. The Chesnee Library had an entire childrens area set up with crafts and games of the time period. Mackenzie visited each table and came away with some neat projects. They really went over and above with the efforts they put into the children, I was very impressed! Mackenzie had a great time and learned a lot while at it.
After we finished the last of the kids stations, we made our way to our picnic area set up with theshower curtain (ahemmmm.... picnic blanket), outdoor chairs, and our cooler. You could basically tailgate while at the Battlefield. Some families brought coolers such as ours, others brought pizza, take out trays, and buckets of chicken. The feel of the evening was one of family fun, and not commercialized opportunity.
The temperature was warm, but not muggy, and the breeze was blowing away any opportunity for mosquitos to become a nuisance. The strains of patriotic music could be heard from the musicians playing on stage. The air was alive with anticipation of a fireworks display. You could see everyone checking their watches every few moments as the sun dipped low on the horizon. As the last vestiges of sunlight disappeared, the first rocket lit the night sky, exploding in bright holiday light. The "oohs and ahhs" could be heard from everyone as their necks craned to see the dazzling display. I don't know if its just me, the sentimental person that I am, but as I watched, there at that battlefield, I felt my heart quicken. I felt the stirrings of intense patriotism for what we were celebrating this night. It became more about the meaning, and less about the trappings of the holiday. I could hear the words of our National Anthem being played as the lights before me took my breath away. The thoughts of the soldiers both past and present... the ones that had trod this very ground, or the ones sifting through sand right then, came to my mind. There was something very special about this 4th of July, celebrating here at this National Park battlegound just felt right. This would be a night to remember......
This being said, the walking trail at Cowpens Battlefield (from here on out referenced simply as CB) IS a very nice walk. I DO enjoy the scenery and the solitude it offers. About half of the walk you are moving parallel to Hwy 11, yet set far enough from the road that it feels as though you are in the middle of a forest. The remaining half is a meandering loop through the woods that circles you back to your start. The path itself is paved and the majority of the walk is shaded. You have two options for a starting location; the CB visitors center, or the CB parking area which is located a little further down highway 11. I usually park in this area as the visitors center gate closes at five. I live close enough that I could walk from the park to my own driveway, but my car being stuck behind a barricade overnight would be somewhat of a problem, besides.... all the "atheletic types" stage at the parking area. (I think they are just trying to avoid the snack machine in the park-- not that I would know anything about it) =)
You will see individuals of all strengths and hobby- the serious cyclists, the I*pod-wearing runners, the families walking their dog, the thick/the thin, the aggressive and the elderly. This path sees all levels and abilities, and it's all what you make it! Maybe I need to rethink my strategy, lace up the Asics, and get at it again... The first day of Autumn is right around the corner!
CB also fits the bill for an afternoon of education on the Revolutionary War. The visitors center has artifacts on display, and a movie that runs throughout the day. The VC (visitors center) has a nice gift shop with both books for adults and children alike, as well as trinkets of interest. Be sure to let the kids get their National Park Passport Books stamped in the gift shop while there!
There are many events that run through the year, my favorite being the July 4th festivities. There were activities all day long; costumed re-enactors, weapons firing demonstrations, question & answer sessions, childrens activities, guided battlefield walks, patriotic music and an AWESOME fire works display to close out the night.
My daughter and I were one of the dedicated groups- we came early and stayed late! We wanted the full effect of this special day. She and I brought our handy dandy picnic blanket (TRAVEL TIP: a old shower curtain makes a terrific picnic blanket!!) lol and spread it out under the shade of a huge old oak tree. We had some snacks, a frisbee, and of course my camera in our back pack. We lounged around laughing together and snapping random pics, we met some of the reenactors and were able to ask them questions about both history as well as their hobby, we walked the trail, and heard the cannons, she and I were even filmed by a news crew!
We left for some lunch and then returned later in the evening. The Chesnee Library had an entire childrens area set up with crafts and games of the time period. Mackenzie visited each table and came away with some neat projects. They really went over and above with the efforts they put into the children, I was very impressed! Mackenzie had a great time and learned a lot while at it.
After we finished the last of the kids stations, we made our way to our picnic area set up with the
The temperature was warm, but not muggy, and the breeze was blowing away any opportunity for mosquitos to become a nuisance. The strains of patriotic music could be heard from the musicians playing on stage. The air was alive with anticipation of a fireworks display. You could see everyone checking their watches every few moments as the sun dipped low on the horizon. As the last vestiges of sunlight disappeared, the first rocket lit the night sky, exploding in bright holiday light. The "oohs and ahhs" could be heard from everyone as their necks craned to see the dazzling display. I don't know if its just me, the sentimental person that I am, but as I watched, there at that battlefield, I felt my heart quicken. I felt the stirrings of intense patriotism for what we were celebrating this night. It became more about the meaning, and less about the trappings of the holiday. I could hear the words of our National Anthem being played as the lights before me took my breath away. The thoughts of the soldiers both past and present... the ones that had trod this very ground, or the ones sifting through sand right then, came to my mind. There was something very special about this 4th of July, celebrating here at this National Park battlegound just felt right. This would be a night to remember......
No comments:
Post a Comment