I've been to all three stores. Ranked in order of my preference; Burlington, Smithfield, Statesville. The Smithfield does usually have a better selection of pipes
Since you are in NC, you should know that Raleigh has made it illegal to smoke in city owned parks. The two exceptions are downtown where most of our "esteemed" legislators hang out
As a kid growing up in the Bronx ( I moved in 1979) I can remember several of the Irish and Italian social clubs having those kinds of dinners. Most of their member were hunters and the bill of fare was very varied as far as wild life went. I don't think beaver was on the menu in those day...