Although it was settled in 1757, Pleasant Garden didn't incor­porate until 1997. The town of 4,800, located south of Greensboro, offers new subdivisions as well as 409-acre Hagan Stone Park with hiking trails, camping and a wildlife refuge.

Summerfield, founded in 1769 as Bruce's Crossroads, was divided by U. S. 220 until both sides incorporated in 1997. Located in north­ west Guilford County near Oak Ridge and Stokesdale, Summerfield offers residents peaceful country living. With about 7,300 residents, Summerfield is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state.

Named for its location on a ridge covered with trees, Oak Ridge is a suburban expansion into northwest Guilford County With about 4,200 residents, the town has seen fast growth including a new shopping center and high-end real estate. It still holds on to a vestige of the past: the Old Mill of Guilford, a fully functional, 18th century grist mill.

Tucked in the corner of northwest Guilford County, Stokesdale
incorporated in 1907, but after going bankrupt during the Depression, lost its charter in 1971. The town re-incorporated in 1989 and has maintained its close-knit community in spite of the growth. With 3,400 residents, Stokesdale is largely rural and features a quaint main street lined with small shops.

Divided between Guilford and Alamance County, Gibsonville is an old mill town named after Joseph Gibson who built a railroad through the town. The town of about 4,600 features miniature train tracks down Main Street and Burke Manor Inn, a popular bed and breakfast. Several new subdivisions have been built on the Alamance County side of town.

The town of Elon developed around one of the best private colleges in the state, and so was named after it when it was founded in 1893. With 7,200 residents, this tranquil town includes plenty of economic develop­ment beyond the university.

Southeast of Burlington near 1-40, Graham has seen tremendous
expansion in recent years, and the city has developed streets and water and sewer lines to accommodate this growth. Graham's ideal position between the

Triad and the Triangle make it a prime location for commuters. This city of 13,800 also features a 19th century fire station, which is noted on the National Register of Historic Places.

Settled by Quakers and Methodists, Archdale has developed as a suburb of High Point across the line in Randolph County. With 9,400 residents, its greatest area of new development can be seen on the north side of town. Archdale shares a high school with Trinity, once the site of Trinity College before it moved to Durham and became Duke University in 1924.

North of Asheboro, Randleman is known as the birthplace of NASCAR driver Richard Petty. A museum and festival in August honor the racing legend. Randleman's hosiery industry helped establish it, but its location has made it even more attractive. The town of 4,000 has seen a housing boom on the northwest side of town.

East of Asheboro, Franklin and Ramseur offer quiet living in spite
of increased growth along U.S. 64. Liberty, the largest town in eastern Randolph County, is known for its night­ life which features live entertainment on the weekends.

Home to the biggest barbecue festival in the nation, Lexington welcomes crowds nearing 120,000 to its October feast, which includes arts, crafts and entertainment. This city of 21,000 has fostered a rebirth downtown that has made it an excellent place to walk and shop.

Also in Davidson County, Thomasville maintains its reputation as the "Chair City" because of its 30-foot chair downtown. The city of 26,000 sees an influx of shoppers, as it is a hub for manufac­turing, retail and wholesale furniture. Thomasville has witnessed its greatest development in the south where 1-85 passes through.

Once known as "Lucky City" after Lucky Strike cigarettes before the
factory closed in 1994, Reidsville is Rockingham County's second-largest city with about 14,800 residents. Part of its development includes a new technical and industrial park that is expected to span 700 acres when it is completed.

North of Reidsville, Eden earns its name from its lush foliage that reminded an early resident of the "Garden of Eden." Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Eden is just south of the Virginia border, and with 16,000 residents, it is the largest city in Rockingham County.