Though each has a population of fewer than 30,000, Davidson County's two largest cities are also two of the state's - and perhaps the South's - most well-known.

Davidson County lays claim to Thomasville, home of the World's Largest Chair. Standing in the center of downtown, the chair symbolizes Thomasville's heritage. What began in 1904 as Thomasville Chair Co., today is known the world over as Thomasville Furniture Industries, employing approximately 6300 people in more than 20 factories across the South. Thomasville (the town) is home to more than half that work force. And it all began in early 1800s when John W. Thomas bought 1200 acres long the future tracks of the NC Railroad. The Thomasville railroad depot, the state's oldest, is now the town's Visitor Center.

Lexington, the county seat is home to about 20,000 North Carolinians, who enjoy a ratio of greater than 1 barbecue restaurant per 1,000 residents! But what else would you expect in this self-proclaimed "Barbecue Capital of the World"? Apparently, thousands of diners partial to the pig agree, as more than 100,000 visitors descend upon historic Uptown for the annual Lexington Barbecue Festival. The Festival is the culmination of events held throughout October celebrating the great Carolina delicacy. Perhaps you've heard of the Tour de Pig? No Lance Armstrong hasn't won this race yet, but the cycling event is a major fundraiser for the Mental Health Association of Davidson County.

But, there's more to Lexington that meets the taste buds. Lexington is also known as the hometown, and continued residence, of famed landscape artist Bob Timberlake. The Bob Timberlake Gallery features original artwork as well as limited edition prints & reproductions, personal memorabilia, and items from Timberlake's home furnishings line.

Lexington and Thomasville, ally situated for those who want to live the small town life, but have access to the offerings of larger cities. In fact, many people who work in Greensboro or Winston-Salem live in Davidson County because they can get more home for their money without sacrificing housing variety. Lexington and Thomasville are also only an hour from Charlotte, the state's largest city.

A favorite attraction in Davidson County is High Rock Lake. The Lake spans more than 15,000 acres and is a fisherman's heaven. In fact, High Rock has hosted three B.A.S.S. Master's Classics - the Super Bowl of sport fishing. If you'd rather stick to dry land, visit the former home of Daniel Boone, now a county park along the Yadkin River that includes a reconstructed version of his home and what's said to be his cave hideout. Hikers and mountain bikers will enjoy exploring the 65 miles of trails in the Uwharrie National Forest.

Just of f I-85, between Lexington and Thomasville, you'll find the N.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Here, brick walls bear the names of the 1624 North Carolinians who died in the war.

NASCAR fans know Davidson County is home to one of the sport's premier racing teams - Richard Childress Racing. The RCR complex on US 52 features a state of the art garage and a museum, which prominently features information and memorabilia about their most famous driver, the late Dale Earnhardt.

Davidson County has three school systems - Davidson County Schools, Lexington City Schools, and Thomasville City Schools. Davidson County Community College focuses on technical job skills training and is a great resource for the local business community.

The county is served by the Thomasville Medical Center, a 164-bed acute care facility, as well as the excellent medical centers in nearby Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

Contributed by: Allen Tate Company