Duke Homestead celebrates North Carolina’s food history and culture July 22 at “Pork, Pickles and Peanuts: Tastes of North Carolina.” This free, fun family event focuses on everything that makes the state taste great with the highly competitive annual Barbecue Cook-Off and Pie Competition from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors can get a taste of the action themselves by voting in the coveted BBQ People’s Choice Award, or donating $1 for a slice of competition pies! You can also snack on peanuts and pickles from our vendors. Enjoy live music from local artists throughout the day, and local vendors selling crafts, art, jewelry and more.

Historical cooking demonstrations take center stage at the historic Duke house to explore North Carolina’s delicious past. Visitors will see 19^th century pickling, a peanut boil and both savory and sweet treats being prepared in the Duke’s own kitchen. Kids can try out 19^th century games and toys, and make and take their very own pickling spice blend.

The fun isn’t limited to kids! In the afternoon, adults and supervised young people are invited to participate in a demonstration on making shrubs, the 19^th century sweet and sour vinegar drink making a comeback in the 21^st century. Visitors will be invited to help in the process of making the shrubs syrup the historic way, and take a sample to try at home (while supplies last).

Duke Homestead is proud to partner with Rose’s Meats & Sweets to host a whole hog butchery demonstration at noon. Visitors are invited to learn about a traditional and essential skill of all 19^th century farmers.

“Pork, Pickles and Peanuts: Tastes of North Carolina” is sponsored by LeafFilter™ North, Inc. For more information contact (919) 477-5498 or visit DukeHomestead.org. Duke Homestead is located at 2828 Duke Homestead Rd., Durham, and part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.                    

Duke Homestead is the site of the Duke family’s nineteenth-century farm, where Washington Duke started a tobacco business that later became the largest in the world. With the money generated by this venture, the Dukes endowed Duke University, began what later grew into Duke Energy, and founded an endowment that continues to contribute to charitable causes today.

Each year, Duke Homestead puts on numerous fun, family-friendly events. For more information visit DukeHomestead.org.