Getting to know Hoke County

Don't be fooled by this rural county. Neighborhoods are sprouting up, and residents like calling Hoke County home. Two hospitals are open along U.S. 401, a mere two miles apart. There's even a Walmart. People young and old look forward to the Stoneybrook Steeplechase in April that draws thousands of equestrian fans and creative hat-lovers who are as competitive as the steeds on the race track.

There's the N.C. Poultry Festival in September, too, where festival goers fill the streets of Raeford. You might want to visit the Raeford-Hoke Museum downtown that's in the historic McLauchlin-McFadyen House. It features the Parker-Ray House, an emergency service museum, doll house, school house and country store.

Back along U.S 401, you'll find the Paraclete XP Sky Venture, and if you have a fear of skydiving, this might be your answer without free falling into the atmosphere from an airplane. And Bayonet at Puppy Creek is a picturesque golf course with a new clubhouse and challenging hills and valleys that will test any golfer's skills.