Pilot Mountain State Park is one of the most distinctive natural features in North Carolina. The mountain consists of The Big Pinnacle and the Little Pinnacle Overlook that is adjacent to it. The Overlook is accessible from a parking lot off US 52 and via a very steep climb over rocks. It is NOT a hiking path.

The peaks were formed from quartzite that survived the erosion around them for millions of years. It is one of four similar knobs in North Carolina. The view from the Overlook is similar to those in the Blue Ridge Parkway in that you can see for miles.

The city of Kinston was created by the NC General Assembly in 1762 to honor King George III, who had just recently ascended to the throne. After the Revolution, the “g” was removed from the name. Kinston has been the County Seat of Lenoir County since 1791. Prior to the English settlement, the area was inhabited by the Neusick people along the Neuse River. Richard Caswell introduced the bill forming the city. He later became the first Governor of the state of North Carolina. I have toured his home, Harmony Hall, which is now a museum house. +

Westgate Gardens is one of several gardens in the city: Greensboro Arboretum, Greensboro Botanical Gardens, Bog Garden, and Tanger Family Botanical Garden. Some are located inside of parks, and others are free-standing. These do not include the numerous parks that have extensive plantings. The gardens were developed by Greensboro Beautiful in association with the city.