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Part of the beauty of Rockingham County lies in its quaint, rural charm. Residents are able to avoid the traffic of larger nearby cities, such as Greensboro and Winston-Salem, but can conveniently get to those places if the need arises, said 25-year resident Judy Wall.

But don't think residents are necessarily eager to hit those highways. The county has its own sources of fun and entertainment.

"We have so many things to do in Rockingham County," Wall said. Local historian Lindley Butler said the county's outdoor recreational opportunities are unique.

He points to its four rivers: the Dan, Smith, Haw and Mayo.

"All of them can be used for recreation," said Butler, a native of the county who helped found the Dan River Basin Association.

Besides the rivers, Butler highlights new and expanded trails that have popped up in Eden and Reidsville as other sources of outdoor entertainment and recreation.

But the outdoors aren't all that make the county special. Residents take pride in Chinqua Penn Plantation, a 27-room mansion in Reidsville that attracted the attention of an independent film crew last year.

The county also has a unique shopping atmosphere. Specialty shops for antiques, wines and other items can be found by strolling through Eden's Olde Leaksville district, or downtown Reidsville and Madison.

For the artist and art lover, the county is a haven. Wall said some of the best potters, painters, photographers and woodworkers live in Rockingham County. Rockingham Community College is home to one of the best woodworking programs in the nation, she said.

Though its residents may be privy to what makes it special, Rockingham County is positioning itself to have a greater impact. County leaders are working vigorously to fund and build the Horse Park of the South, a 400-stall facility that could create hundreds of

jobs and draw thousands of visitors annually. The facility would capitalize on the area's large horse population, be a venue to host regional horse shows and competitions, and provide educational and training opportunities.

Wall said she believes such a large undertaking can happen here. Even though it's not the best of economic times, the fruits of previous leaders' labors are starting to show, she said.

And the municipalities are learning to work together for one common goal: to make Rockingham County a better place to work, play and live.

"I see more cooperation going on in the county," Wall said. "We're just up and moving."

Contact Jonnelle Davis at 627-4881, Ext. 126, or jonnelle.davis@news-record.com

Other cities and towns in Rockingham County:

EDEN

Population: 15,908

Incorporated: 1967, when Leaksville, Spray and Draper merged

Named for: William Byrd named it "Land of Eden" in 1728.

Government: The City Council meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers, 308 E. Stadium Drive. 623-2110; www.ci.eden.nc.us.

Elected officials: Mayor John E. Grogan, 623-8682; Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Tuggle Sr., 627-8022; Donna Turner, 627-7552; Jim Burnette, 623-3210; Christine H. Myott, 623-8336; Jerry Epps, 627-0618; Darryl Carter, 623-5809; Jerry Ellis, 635-1788.

Best place to visit: "One of the places that I think is really pretty is the waterfall," in the city's Spray section, said Gloria Hall, 66, who has lived in Eden all of her life and owns The Front Porch.

MADISON

Population: 2,262

Incorporated: 1851

Named for: James Madison (1751-1836), president of the U.S. when the town was authorized.

Government: The Board of Aldermen meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Madison Town Hall, 120 N. Market St. 427-0221; www.townofmadison.org.

Elected officials: Mayor Micky S. Silvers, 548-2990 or 627-6034; Mayor Pro Tem Thomas G. Rogers, 427-0708 or 427-0279; Aldermen: Arthur R. Gwaltney, 427-5900 or 427-9041; Monte McIntosh, 427-4229; Janice R. Tate, 427-4458; Leon Wall, 548-2352 or 548-8634; Jerry Welch, 427-4451.

REIDSVILLE

Population: 14,630

Incorporated: 1873

Named for: The Reid family, who moved to the area in 1814. David Reid later became a state senator and governor.

Government: The City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in council chambers, 230 W. Morehead St. 349-1030; www.ci.reidsville.nc.us.

Elected officials: Mayor James K. Festerman, 349-6146; Mayor Pro Tem Donald L. Gorham, 349-8502; John H. Gentry, 342-0597; John H. Henderson, 349-4105; W. Clark Turner, 349-7972; George O. Rucker, 342-2109; Joan M. Zdanski, 342-0727.

Best place to visit: Wayne Strider, 63, owner of Settle Street Station antiques and a lifelong resident, recommends Chinqua-Penn Plantation and Short Sugar's barbecue.

WENTWORTH

Population: 2,786

Incorporated: 1998

Named for: Charles Watson Wentworth, the Marquis of Rockingham.

Government: The Town Council meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the National Guard Armory, 292 N.C. 65. 342-6288; www.townofwentworth.com.

Elected officials: Mayor Dennis Paschal, 349-3745; Council members: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Connor, 349-9628; James Belcher, 342-0178; Robert Aswell Sr.; 342-1001; Iris Powell, 349-7158.

Best place to visit: "I would tell them not to miss dining at Mom's Kitchen. They do great country food, wonderful hors d'oeuvres, catering. They're used by the whole county but are right here in Wentworth. It's packed every day," said Brenda Ward, 61, a lifelong resident.