It wasn't just smoke and mirrors for a crew filming a cable television episode.

There is an outright revitalization ongoing in the county seat of Halifax.

“We're trying to bring life back to Halifax,” said Sharon Vick, town clerk. “We're trying to support Patterson (Wilson's) new restaurant. The mayor and board are working.”

Bob Caudle, a longtime attorney with deep ties to the town through his family, gives credit to Wilson, also a returning resident, who has invested in several properties, including the old hardware store that will become her restaurant — The Hen and the Hog — which will be opening soon. “She's been the spark plug in this rehabilitation. We have an active town board that's completely supportive of the rehabilitation effort and bold enough to seek out the UNC School of Government to develop a plan.”

The front of The Hen and the Hog.

The renaissance is a natural fit for the town, said Caudle. “Halifax has as much history for a town it's size in the nation. It is located off a major interstate and has a reputation as a great place to shop for antiques.”

The concrete evidence of this revival that lingers after camera crews for the Great American Country network's Endless Yard Sale show is demonstrated by the restaurant opening soon, what Caudle describes as a world class taxidermy studio operated by Chris Mayo, several antique emporiums and the planned opening of an art studio by Wilson. “All artisans will be welcome to ply their craft.”

Wilson bought an old farmhouse directly across from the Historic Courthouse that will also be an antique shop.

The steps inside the restaurant were painted with the names of the Thirteen Original colonies during the nation's bicentennial celebration.

To say Caudle is enamored with the town and the efforts taking place is an understatement. “It's where I grew up. It's where I love to spend my time.”

His grandmother ran the old Roanoke Hotel. “My mother and father met there and married there.”

Caudle believes if the revival is successful, it can spill over to other successes in the town where the Halifax Resolves was crafted and signed. “Success breeds success. Rising tides lift up ships pertaining to the business district and the state site. With cooperation from the state and county it's a can't fail situation. We just need that final push to get these buildings rehabilitated and people will come. It's going to happen.”

A conversation at the mural by artist Napoleon Hill.

In the past, Caudle has watched cars with out-of-state plates come through town and leave with no place to stop and eat. “All that is changing now. Halifax is becoming a destination.”

Mayor John White was pleased and surprised with the turnout today, an event planned ahead of this weekend's 301 Endless Yard Sale for the TV crew. “I'm convinced with Patterson and her project we'll succeed. Today looks great.”

Halifax County Commissioner Rives Manning said the change in Halifax will help the county as a whole. “I think it's terrific that we are all pulling together to improve Halifax County and improve the opportunities we have. It's the beginning of something good.”

Items bought at an antique shop.

The truth, Manning said, is, “We have more history in Halifax than Williamsburg does. They got to the Rockefeller money before we did.”

Lori Medlin, president of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said she believes the show, which will most likely be aired in the fall, will help bring more visitors to the town.

She said today's event in Halifax was a way to help kick off the yard sale, which begins Friday and will run from Halifax County to the South Carolina line.

Tomatoes for sale.

It is the HCVB's duty to help bring visitors to the county, Medlin said. The revitalization in Halifax falls in with that responsibility. “The more rehabilitated buildings we have, the more we have to sell the town. The town has come to life. They should do this every Saturday.”

Wilson was preparing to feed the TV crew, giving them a taste of what the restaurant will be like when it opens to the public.

With the investments she has made and the other efforts going on behind the scenes, she feels there is new hope. “It feels like a rebirth for the town, helping us save history and heritage. It's bringing new life into the buildings.”