Old Mill of Guilford— an HISTORIC FULLY OPERATIONAL, WATER-POWERED, 18TH CENTURY GRIST MILL— has become a favorite pit stop of my family when traveling through quaint Oak Ridge, North Carolina on our way to visit my brother, a North Carolina State Park Ranger at Hanging Rock State Park.
Once we leave the beaten path of the interstate behind us, we are eager for a hiatus and there is no better place than Old Mill of Guilford.
We love to seek refuge on the grounds of Old Mill of Guilford and tour the mill that allows its guests a peak inside the treasured North Carolina historical landmark and business.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a rustic, covered porch lined with rockers, a handmade wooden, plank bench and a few charming antiquities….
as well as a resident calico cat.
The front door of the mill stays ajar during spring and summer to welcome a stray breeze and visitors to enter the heart of the small mill of yore’s daily operations.
My seven-year-old son is fascinated by the idea of water funneled in from a nearby watershed powers the machinery.
For parents seeking educational opportunities for their kiddos during the summer months, this is a great way to share a lesson on engineering, food production and North Carolina history.
Off to the right of the mill’s main floor is a glass window paned, white, wooden framed door, decorated with hundreds of handwritten names of previous customers to the onsite mill store.
Visitors can peruse the cache of Old Mill of Guilford Stone Ground products as well as other locally made goods.
We’ve grown quite fond of the Buttermilk and Apple Cinnamon Pancake Mixes which are perfect for a weekend, family breakfast. 🥞
My son (and friends) enjoy putting their tooth fairy money to use by purchasing bars of local, handmade scented soaps 🧼 and a piece of candy 🍬 or two.
The mill store uses an oldtimey cash register which is a great conversation starter, and endearing relic of days gone by.
The mill’s grounds are a perfect stage for an al fresco lunch while overlooking the old sky-high footbridge over the creek, and bright, red-painted carriage wheel fencing.
According to the company website: https://oldmillofguilford.com/
“Mill of Guilford was founded in North Carolina on Beaver Creek in 1767 to grind grain for the early settlers of what is now Guilford County. Today, the mill continues to produce all-natural, stone-ground, whole grain foods, just as it has for over 240 years.
The Mill produces all natural corn meal, grits and flour along with a wide range of mixes including: Gingerbread Mixes, Muffin Mixes, Pancake Mixes, Cookie Mixes, Scone Mixes, Biscuit Mixes and Hushpuppy Mix. The Mill’s signature mix is the Sweet Potato Muffin. Visit the Old Mill Store for these products and other fine foods and crafts from North Carolina.”
If interested in visiting Old Mill of Guilford, look here:
Old Mill of Guilford is a wonderful byway stop worthy of your time, rich in history and peaceful landscapes of which my family has come to love.
-Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS
Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck
http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com
https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178
anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom
Instagram @alisonklak
Twitter @KlakowiczAlison
Alison Paul Klakowicz is a North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.
Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog 