Exploring Littleton
You might sense a little something spooky in the air in Littleton. What was that noise? Did you see something move in the bushes? Don’t worry—you’re not alone in feeling this way. The town draws many folks interested in the paranormal, seeking haunted happenings and ghostly glimpses.
According to its website, the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum is “dedicated to the study and display of creatures and phenomena not recognized by traditional science.” Stop in to see plaster casts of Bigfoot tracks, photos and evidence of river monsters, haunted dolls, and famous fakes, such as the Fiji mermaid. The curator, local cryptozoologist Stephen Barcelo, is known for his storytelling skills and can share his experiences and observations with even the most skeptical audience.
If a visit to the museum isn’t enough to convince you of otherworldly events, sign up for a Haunted Littleton Ghost Tour. The guide will lead you on a walking excursion through the historic district of downtown to sites where unexplainable events have occurred. While visiting these places, you’ll learn about the history of the area and ghost stories that have been passed down through generations as well as get a hands-on opportunity to practice your ghost hunting skills with some of the equipment commonly used by the professionals.
Person’s Ordinary, built in 1739 and the county’s oldest historical landmark, was once a place for “ordinary”—that is, not wealthy—men to stop and sleep while traveling the stagecoach route from Hillsborough to Halifax. Though the age of the building is enough to give it the air of a haunted house, ghost hunters have recorded unexplainable fluctuations in energy fields, using standard K-11 EMF meters. Is this real evidence of ghosts? You decide.
Paranormal Activity?
Dining and Drinking
No visit to North Carolina is complete without a meal of real, eastern-style barbecue. At Grandpa’s Kitchen, that’s what you’ll get—none of the sweet, sticky barbecue sauce here. The fall-off-the-bone, tender meat is cooked with the savory vinegar-based flavor this region is known for. Each meal is served with traditional hushpuppies and a choice of two veggies, including black-eyed peas and boiled potatoes. Make sure to save room for the banana pudding for dessert!
For a quick bite or a cup of joe, try Daphne’s Coffee, conveniently located on Main Street. This cute shop features sketches of the town’s children drawn by the original Daphne. The freshly brewed coffee and gourmet snacks make this a welcoming place to take an afternoon break.
Shopping
Main Street Wines, which recently opened its doors, transports shoppers to Europe, Australia, Argentina, and California with its global variety of wines. You can also pick up wine-related books, glasses, and other accessories. In a hurry and don’t have time to chill your white wine on the way to dinner? It’s no problem here—the shop has a chilling station that will get your bottle cold in around 5 minutes.
Also on Main Street, Once Upon a County Line sells an eclectic collection of vintage items, gifts, jewelry, and home furnishings. Pick up a souvenir T-shirt, a cozy throw pillow, or a handmade quilt to remember your stay in Littleton.
Get Out on the Water
With the shores of Lake Gaston nearby, watersports are a popular pastime in Littleton. The Big Air Fair, held in June, brings watersports enthusiasts from near and far for a day of lakeside fun. Demos, new gear, and entertainment make this an unforgettable event, whether you’re watching the boats from the land or the water. The East Coast Watersports Championship, held in September, sees the area’s amateur competitors stake their claims to the wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding titles. This all-ages event has competition for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced athletes.
If watching the ECW Championships unleashes your inner wakesurfer, visit WakeSurf NC. Named one of the top WakeSurf schools in the USA by Boarders Magazine, WakeSurfNC’s expert riders will have you surfing the wave before you know it. It’s fun for the entire family!