Hemby Willoughby Tarboro North Carolina

Alright, buckle up, 'cause we're about to take a spin through Tarboro, North Carolina, population around 11,000. Now, you might be thinking, "Tarboro? Never heard of it." Well, my friend, that's about to change. This little gem is packed with so much charm and quirk, you'll be planning your road trip before you can say "barbecue sauce."

First Things First: The Name Game

Let's start with the big question: where did the name Tarboro come from? You might think it's some fancy Latin or Native American word, but no, it's actually a whole lot simpler. Back in the day, the town was named after a local river, the Tar. And the 'boro' part? Well, that's just short for 'borough.' So, Tarboro is basically just a fancy way of saying 'Tar River Town.' Pretty straightforward, huh?

Meet Hemby & Willoughby: The Dynamic Duo

Now, you might be wondering, "Who are these Hemby and Willoughby folks, and why are they so important?" Well, grab a seat, 'cause this is where things get interesting. Hemby and Willoughby were two brothers who settled in Tarboro way back in the 1700s. They were quite the pair, with a knack for making a name for themselves. Hemby was a Revolutionary War hero, while Willoughby was a bit of a rogue, known for his, shall we say, 'colorful' language. Together, they helped shape Tarboro into the town it is today.

Hemby's Heroics

Hemby, the elder of the two, was a major in the Revolutionary War. He was known for his bravery and leadership, and even had a run-in with the infamous British General Cornwallis. But here's where it gets really interesting: legend has it that Hemby was once captured by the British and sentenced to death. But, in a twist worthy of a Hollywood movie, he managed to escape by digging a tunnel under his cell! Now that's what you call a Hemby-sized Houdini moment.

Willoughby's Wild Words

Now, let's talk about Willoughby. This guy was known far and wide for his, shall we say, 'creative' use of language. He was so notorious for his colorful vocabulary that the local newspaper even published a list of 'Willoughbyisms' back in the day. Some of these phrases are so wild, they'd make a sailor blush! But hey, we can't all be perfect, right?

Tarboro's Quirky Claim to Fame

Alright, so you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but what makes Tarboro truly special?" Well, my friend, let me introduce you to the town's most unique claim to fame: the World's Largest Frying Pan. Yes, you heard that right. This bad boy is a whopping 10 feet in diameter and weighs over 1,000 pounds. It's so big, it takes a team of six to lift it! The pan is used every year to cook up a massive batch of collard greens for the town's annual Tarboro Christmas Parade. Now that's what I call a party trick!

Food, Glorious Food

Speaking of food, no trip to Tarboro would be complete without a stop at one of the town's famous barbecue joints. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Barbecue in North Carolina? How original." But hear me out, folks. Tarboro's barbecue is something special. It's all about the sauce here - a tangy, vinegar-based concoction that'll make your taste buds dance. And the best part? You can find this deliciousness at places like The Piggly Wiggly, a local institution that's been serving up 'cue since 1947. Talk about a taste of history!

Art, History, and a Whole Lot of Heart

But Tarboro isn't just about food and funny names. This town is also home to some seriously impressive art and history. The Edgecombe County Courthouse, for instance, is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. It's so beautiful, it's been featured in movies and TV shows. And if you're an art lover, you won't want to miss the annual Tarboro Arts Festival, where local artists showcase their work in a celebration of creativity and community.

So, What's the Verdict?

Well, my friend, I hope I've convinced you that Tarboro is a town worth knowing. It's got history, it's got humor, and it's got heart. And who knows? You might just find yourself saying, "Tarboro? I'd love to go there!" And hey, if you do, don't forget to try the collard greens. Trust me, they're worth the trip.