In Granville County, fall brings us outdoors. And when Granville goes outdoors…We often hit the streets. From food to music, to celebrating our heritage, Granville County festivals and events are uniquely Carolina. Come join us!!
Oct. 14 – Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival
Some festivals are more special than other. Granville County is proud to be th home of the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. The campus is North Carolina’s oldest and first home for children.
Every fall, Oxford welcomes home all of the Home’s Alumni as part of their Homecoming Festival. This year though is especially unique, as the home celebrates its 150th year. The festival features the largest Shriners parade in North Carolina, a BBQ cook-off, food truck rodeo, games, two live music performances…and plenty of love and smiles. For more information: https://mhc-oxford.org/masonic-homecoming-festival/
The Masonic Home and campus is located adjacent to the Downtown District, which means festival goers and visitors in general, can take advantage of an epicurean upswing taking place in Oxford. From steaks to BBQ to an upscale distillery and restaurant, Oxford has a place to meet your every taste need.
Strong Arm Kitchen and Bakery
Owned by Julia and Thomas Blaine, Strong Arm Kitchen and Bakery is located in downtown Oxford at 117 Main Street. The restaurant is located in a historic renovated building and maintains a sharp focus on the freshest ingredients featuring pizzas, vegetables, sandwiches and small, shareable dishes.
The business started as a "pop-up" at local events and farmers markets and quickly expanded to their current, permanent location. "Oxford is a community that likes to get together around food," exclaims Julia. "We want to make sure it is affordable – a place you can go once a week, not once a month or just for special occasions," Julia continues. For more information on Strong Arm Baking (and the restaurant), visit www.strongarmbaking.com
Tobacco Wood Brewing Company
It is not often that a "date night" turns into a career. A lifetime together perhaps, but a life changing career? But that’s the course Mara and Paul Shelton found themselves on back in 2004. "We were a young married couple, didn’t have much money, and had small children at home," explains Mara. "We signed-up for a home brew seminar as part of an inexpensive (and unique) date night out. We had so much fun we then got into the home brew business." Fast forward and the pair have now graduated from home brewing to full-fledged brewery. Welcome to Tobacco Wood Brewing Company — first woman-veteran owned brewery in North Carolina.
Tobacco Wood is less a bar and more of a gathering place. It is not unusual to see children playing oversized Connect Four and other board games while their parents finish their meal and have a casual glass of beer. Little league teams (some sponsored by the brewery) come in after games.
While the atmosphere is inviting, make no mistake, the food and brews are the draw. The aroma from the BBQ pit fills the downtown air and the brews fill the glasses. From citrus infused beers to more robust options such as the Kilted Eddie, the options are wide, and the popularity is growing. Put it all together and you have a uniquely fun, award-winning brewery that has grown from a simple garage to what many now consider Oxford’s front porch. www.tobaccowoodbrewing.com
Oxford Oaks Distillery
A final stop in Oxford is ideal for dinner or an end-of-day respite. Time to head to the Oxford Oaks Distillery. Recently opened, Oxford Oaks features Verdigris, an upscale, yet casual restaurant that brings together a focus on local products and farm-to-table cuisine concepts. A distillery that produces artisan whiskey, rum, vodka, and gin. And three bars that allow multiple tasting areas and space to enjoy your cocktail and relax with friends. The distillery blends casual and upscale and is an exciting new addition to Downtown Oxford.
https://www.oxfordoaksdistillery.com
Weekends in October – Granville Haunt Farm
With your belly full, make sure to make plans to take advantage of one of Oxford’s newest and most popular fall attractions – the Granville Haunt Farm. Feeling brave? Grab some of your bravest friends and take on the Granville Haunt Farm. Their Drive-Thru Drive-In is an expedition through your favorite scary movies. Drive through the giant movie screen and watch your favorite horror movie monsters come to life in their natural habitat as they recreate famous scenes (including "Jurassic World"). It’s a unique haunt experience unlike any other and fun for all ages. Cost is $10 per person per vehicle with discounts for 3 people or more.
Open Every Friday & Saturday in October and the 30th & 31st. They open at sunset and the last ticket is sold at 10:30 pm on Fridays/Saturdays, 9:30 on the 30th & 31st. And they stay open until the last person leaves. For more information: https://www.granvillehauntfarm.com/ (and here’s a spoiler – get ready for Christmas!!)
Granville County is not just a location, but a place where you can gather, relax, inhale/exhale, create your own space, and discover a new place. We are not a destination at which you "arrive" – but a destination in which you insert yourself and interact. Becoming not just a tourist, or guest, but part of a community. A community where quaint gives a nod to eclectic, where small town embraces the heart and soul of hometown, and where rural translates to space to find yourself. A yin, to the everyday yang. Yet this alternative is not far away, but in your own back yard – step away and join us!!!