Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: https://ballantynemagazine.epubxp.com/i/79319
SAXAPAHAW BALLANTYNE Ballantyne to Saxapahaw – 144 miles – 2 hrs., 15 mins. IT'S THE HOTTEST LITTLE TOWN YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF — Saxapahaw — pronounced with a lingering southern drawl, as in "Sax-a-puh-HAW." If you're lucky, you might stumble across it while you're moseying along a country road near Chapel Hill, thinking you missed something when you blinked, and turning back to see what, precisely, all the fuss is about on the other side of the river. That much ado about something turns out to be worth a visit. This once sleepy mill town on the banks of the Haw River in Alamance County is suddenly on the national map. The New York Times and Washington Post have taken notice of Saxapahaw's rural reincarnation, championing it as a model for transforming small American towns on the brink of extinction. Saxapahaw is a 21st century village that leverages historical preservation, local food sources, the beauty of nature and architectural sustainability all in one charming, highly livable package. The heart and soul of this picturesque hamlet is the Saxapahaw Rivermill, a splendidly restored cotton mill and dye house perched beside the tumbling waters of the Haw River. Thanks to the determination of the Jordans, a local family whose forebears played an integral role in the textile mill's turbulent modern history, this antebellum brick factory built by slaves in 1848 is finding new life as ultra-green living spaces for an environmentally conscious generation. The decision to revitalize the mill in a town that has suffered several near-death experiences was the dream of John Jordan Sr. Around the time that his family sold the mill to Dixie Yarns The Saxapahaw Art Gallery displays work from many artists, including Jean Serasani, pictured with one of her pieces. She moved to the area from Miami. James "Radar" Fletcher moved to Saxapahaw for its history and small- town feel. He also enjoys fly fishing. The Saxapahaw General Store offers local produce. Paul and Shelley Gregory bring veggies to the town's farmers market. The Saxaphaw Rivermill is a restored cotton mill and dye house along the Haw River. FALL 2012 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 87 Photo by Steve Exum