visit rutherfordton nc

Rutherfordton

Plan now for memorial day weekend in the nc mountains.

Founded in 1787, visit one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina. Located just 16 miles east of Lake Lure , Rutherfordton in Rutherford County is a literal gold mine of interesting history. Beautiful historic antebellum homes line Main Street near downtown, along with shops, restaurants and one of the best children's museums in the state. Visit the Bechtler House to learn about a private mint that produced $2+ million in gold coins in the early 1800s, the first dollar gold coin in the nation.

Marvel at and purchase creations by 200 local artists in the Rutherford County Visual Arts Center (160 North Main Street). Month-long exhibits are held for various art forms. Nearby, stop by Small Town Coffee Roasters (116 West Court Street) for java and pastries. And check out the 1925 City Hall and Fire Station (134 North Washington Street) that has been transformed into The Firehouse Inn and the Blue Ridge Design studio. Stop by the Town Hall (129 N Main) to learn more about the local history.

The impressive KidSenses Children's InterACTIVE Museum , located at 172 N. Main Street, features 20 interactive exhibits on two floors. Since opening in October 2004, the museum has welcomed over 300,000 visitors. For more information, go to their website.

Rutherfordton's picturesque Main Street is filled with interesting local businesses to explore. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, the  Thermal Belt Rail Trail  is a 13.5 paved path for biking, jogging and walking - connecting the towns of Ruth, Rutherfordton, Spindale and Forest City with plenty to see along the way.  Read more .

Rutherfordton's Small Town Christmas is the first weekend of December with parade and many events. Throughout the month, see the towering 75-foot Christmas tree in front of the Courthouse.

Spindale Just two miles away is downtown Spindale , with an impressive collection of restaurants and live music spots. The B Sharp Music Store draws musicians from miles around. The Foundation Performing Arts Center is a cultural beacon for western North Carolina, presenting major musical performing artists and theatre productions - located on the Isothermal Community College Campus, also home to a collection of walking trails.

Nearby Just 12 miles away is the Tryon International Equestrian Center , a mecca for horse lovers with many competition weeks and free events. Located just 6 miles away is Forest City . East about 16 miles is Lake Lure . Asheville is about 55 miles away, an easy drive east on I-40 to Marion, then take US 221 South.

Have lunch at the soda fountain, see an amazing collection of vintage cars and catch a baseball game in small town American. Every winter, the Forest City’s Hometown Holidays celebration lights up Main Street with more than one million lights.

Bechtler House & Gold Mint Site

In 1832, Christopher Bechtler minted the America's first one-dollar gold coin in Rutherfordton, 17 years before the U.S. Mint. During the mid-1800s, the Bechtlers minted more than $2.24 million in one dollar gold coins. Two sites in town tell the story in Rutherford County.

Lake Lure & Rutherford County Guide

Order a free copy of the award-winning travel guide to the Rutherford County foothills that includes Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Forest City and much more!

Bennett Classics Antique Auto Museum

Named “Best Museum in the Nation” by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), see a big variety of 70 vehicles representing decades of history. Located in Forest City and Rutherford County.

Rutherford County B&Bs, Cabins & Hotels

Find plenty of unique inns, bed and breakfasts, local boutique hotels, cabins and campgrounds near all the things to do in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton and Forest City.

The Foundation Performing Arts

The "big city" 1,300-seat performing arts center is located on the Isothermal Community College Campus in tiny Spindale and features an impressive Mainstage Performing Arts Series featuring music, dance, comedy, theatre and more.

Much fun in downtown Rutherfordton: Friday night Soapbox Derby for big kids, Saturday morning Overmountain 5K and Tour de Pumpkin 50K & 100K bike rides and festival 9-5 with crafts, music, scarecrow contest.

FAB Fest, Spring Dates

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Rutherfordton Add to Trip

As the county seat of one of Western North Carolina’s oldest counties and the seat of the oldest continuous government in the region, Rutherfordton, established in 1787, has a rich history.

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

During the American Revolution the corps of Patriots known as the “Overmountain Men” marched through present-day Rutherfordton on their way to the Battle of Kings Mountain. The Patriots defeated British troops under the command of Maj. Patrick Ferguson on October 7, 1780, and in the opinion of Thomas Jefferson, “turned the tide of the war.” Today, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail runs through the town.

A Community of “Firsts”

Rutherfordton was also the location of the first U.S. Post Office in western North Carolina, established in 1798. The town was home to the first school chartered by the state legislature for Western North Carolina, the Rutherfordton Academy, which opened in 1806, and also the site of the first newspaper published in the western portion of the state, The North Carolina Spectator and Western Advertiser, founded in 1831.

Rutherfordton Today

But Rutherfordton offers contemporary riches, too. Explore one of North Carolina best children’s museums, a variety of independent restaurants, one of the premier women’s clothing outlets in Western North Carolina, and opportunities for golf in Western North Carolina, in addition to other activities and attractions.

In Rutherfordton, many visitors enjoy seeing the town’s history as reflected in its architecture on one of the North Carolina walking tours. A walking map of Historic Downtown Rutherfordton includes a cluster of antebellum homes and historic churches that represent fine historical architectural examples.

Tiffany Stained Glass

St. Francis Episcopal Church downtown has a collection of Tiffany stained glass windows in one of the North Carolina historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking tour maps can be found inside the Town Hall building on Main Street. For more information, visitors can also call the Downtown Rutherfordton Revitalization Project at 828-287-2071 .

Located in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, Rutherfordton enjoys the benefit of being in a “thermal belt”, providing a moderate climate in all seasons.

The Town of Rutherfordton maintains four municipal parks to accommodate a broad spectrum of recreational activities from Little League baseball games to a family picnic under a canopy of shade trees next to a creek. The Rutherfordton Golf Club provides another alternative to relax and enjoy the beauty of the area. Area parks include Crestview Park, Kiwanis Park, 2nd Street Park, and Main Street Park.

Festivals & Events

Rutherfordton’s annual festivals draw enthusiastic crowds. MayFest in May offers art, live entertainment and children’s activities.

The Hilltop Fall Festival in October features a 5k run. The Tour de Pumpkin , the same weekend as the Hilltop festival, highlights cycling in North Carolina. The tour, sponsored by the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, includes 100k and 50k rides and is among the most popular Western North Carolina biking events.

Farmers Tailgate Market

The Rutherfordton Farmers Market is located at 146 North Main Street. Crafts, fruits, vegetables, local specialties and organic food. May-September, Saturday 9 am – 12 pm. 828-287-2071 .

Rutherfordton is located 40 miles east of Asheville, NC on Highway 74/I-26 and is easily accessed from North Carolina Highways 74 and 64, and Interstates 85, 26 and 40.

Some Nearby History

Listen to the stories of the North Carolina Gold Rush, the Overmountain Victory Historic Trail, and the theory that Abraham Lincoln was born in North Carolina on these Living Traditions Moments audio vignettes.

North Carolina Gold

Overmountain Victory Historic Trail

Abraham Lincoln

For more information

Rutherford County Tourism 117 West Court Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Phone: 828-287-6113 ; Toll Free: 800-849-5998

Located Nearby

Forest City

Saint John’s Episcopal Church

• Our Heritage
• Blue Ridge Music Trail
• Places To Go
• Things To Do
• Explore the Map
• Traditional Artist Directory
• Media Inquiries

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Top Things to Do in Rutherfordton - Rutherfordton Must-See Attractions

Things to do in rutherfordton, tours near rutherfordton.

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Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park

In 1832, Christopher Bechtler of Rutherfordton minted the country's first one dollar gold coin (17 years before the U.S. mint). During the mid-1800s, the Bechtler's minted more than $2.24 million in gold coins. Explore the original location of the Bechtler mint and mine shaft. The site is a small park with a short loop walking trail with information boards that tell the story of local gold mining. Explore the original location of the Bechtler mint and mine shaft. It's also a great spot to hike or bike on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Explore the original location of the Bechtler mint. See a replica of the "hidden floor of gold" Christopher Bechtler designed to catch any loose gold dust that came in on miner's boots. This park is always open during daylight hours.

• Parking: Free
• Dog friendly
• Tours: Self guided

342 Gilboa Church Rd Rutherfordton, NC 28139

(828) 351-9575 www.visitncgold.com [email protected]

Local Information

Lake lure & the blue ridge foothills - rutherford county tourism development authority.

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Mint A Historic Day Trip to Rutherfordton

For centuries the Town of Rutherfordton has been attracting visitors both far and wide. Once home to Christopher Bechtler, the man who minted America’s first one-dollar gold coin, Rutherfordton is one of the oldest towns in western North Carolina known for its longstanding heritage and scenic landscapes. Between the nuggets of gold, resting sites of war soldiers, antebellum homes and a legacy of architectural structures, your experience will be a minted original. Spend a day in a friendly small town and be awe-inspired by the various trails to explore, a world culinary tour that pleases the taste buds and where family fun is aplenty. Discoveries are found at every turn here in Rutherfordton.

Download a printable flyer of this itinerary along with complete addresses and hours of stops featured. Below you’ll find a quick reference to all the stops in the itinerary.

Firehouse Inn B&B | Carrier House B&B | Paradise Retreat | 4Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

Mi Pubelito Mexican Restaurant | The Olive Tree | Rutherford Thai | Barley’s Pizzeria and Taproom | Fat Tracy’s | Gregory’s | Bee Happy Eats & Sweets | Corner BBQ | Small Town Coffee Roasters | Amendment 21 | Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream | The Twisted Pear Taproom | Yellow Sun Brewery

Shopping & Attractions

Crestview Park | Main Street Safari Trail | The N.C. Gold Trail & Bechtler House | Historic Downtown Walking Tour | Purple Martin Greenway | KidSenses Interactive Children’s Museum | Tips to Toes Day Spa |  Blue Ridge Design & Gift Shop | The Gallery | Hills Hardware & General Store | Victorian Lace Antique Mall | Art @ the VAC Art Gallery & Gift Shop | Michelle Parisou Factory Store | Paws and Purrs Barkery & Boutique

Can't Miss Seasonal Events

Gardenwoods | Cleghorn Gun & Golf Clubs | Art Mural Tour | Jesse James Railroad Express | MayFest Spring Craft Festival | Hilltop Fall Festival & Soapbox Derby | Carolina Christmas

Arriving in Rutherfordton you instantly feel at home, an escape from the hustle and bustle into a place that is a literal gold mine of rich history. As you approach downtown, you’ll pass beautiful antebellum homes leading you to a collection of historic buildings that line the main street, filled with up and coming small businesses including boutiques, galleries, eateries and attractions. Start the day off with a delicious breakfast in an unlikely place. Popular for its Greek cuisine and expansive lounge, The Olive Tree serves up generous portions of omelets, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and country sides. A tip from the locals, try the homemade potatoes! Afterwards, take a left out of the restaurant and follow the side street down to an eclectic showroom located inside the iconic Firehouse Inn. Browse Blue Ridge Design & Gift Shop for home décor, body and bath products and handmade jewelry. Then head around the corner towards Main Street and grab a cup of Joe to perk you up and keep you moving. The aroma from Small Town Coffee Roasters will leer you in!

Continue strolling the streets of downtown Rutherfordton, featuring a variety of shops spanning generations. Discover a new brand of clothing made right here in Rutherfordton at Michelle Parisou Factory Store , a collection of International lifestyle prints. Then, step into The Gallery , a beautiful place providing a great selection of unique items, which make perfect gifts. Next, head across the street to Victorian Lace Antique Mall and scout out antique collectibles, furniture, vintage clothing, old books, coins and more. On one side of the antique mall is Paws and Purrs Barkery Boutique , the perfect place to pick up something special for the fury friends in your life. On the other side visit Hills Hardware and General Store to find locally made shirts, toys and home goods. Complete your shopping excursion marveling at creations by local artists inside the Art at the VAC Gallery and Gift Shop offering a collection of unique pieces from pottery and glasswork to jewelry, photography and paintings.

Next, check out one of the downtown attractions. Unwind with a pampered moment at Tips to Toes Day Spa . Receive a massage treatment, rejuvenating facial, and treat yourself to a pedicure all leaving you refreshed and relaxed. They are great with kids too! Speaking of the young ones, KidSenses Interactive Children’s Museum is the perfect place to let their imaginations run wild. With twelve different interactive exhibits and innovative science programs, the opportunity to stimulate creativity and exploration will blow their little minds keeping them entertained for hours. Kids can take the adventure outside and continue exploring along the Main Street Safari Trail , a guide through time and history throughout the town. They even get a chance to earn points and prizes through The Kids in Parks program.

Between all of the shopping and fun activities, it’s time to break for lunch. There are plenty of options to choose from offering authentic items from around the globe. Rutherford Thai , located just off Main Street, is the best! From dumplings and spring rolls to pad Thai and drunken noodles, your taste buds will thank you. If Mexican is up your alley, then take a short walk down to Mi Pueblito to snack on chips and salsa while you choose from burritos, enchiladas, or the popular La Favorita. Prefer something lighter, go no further than Bee Happy Eats and Sweets for a homemade sandwich, salad or daily special. Opt to try a local favorite, just a short drive from Downtown Main Street, with our southern flare at Corner BBQ , a counter walkup serving pile-high barbeque pork sandwiches, plus hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and onion rings. And if you’re not sure what you are in the mood for, Gregory’s Original is a perfect alternative as they provide a menu pleasing to all palates including wings, pasta, salads, hot subs, burgers and more.

Now that you are fueled up, spend the early afternoon getting acquainted with the sights that make up the rich history of Rutherfordton. The best way to enjoy these is to follow along the Historic Walking Trail , a guide you can pick up at the Welcome Center in Rutherfordton or download online at RutherfordtonTrails.com. Follow the path of the Overmountain Men on their way to the battle at Kings Mountain. Stroll by the largest remaining cluster of antebellum homes in the southeast region. Visit the final resting sites of Civil War soldiers and learn about how the town received its name during the Revolutionary War.

Did you know America’s first Gold Rush happened in North Carolina almost 50 years before the California Gold Rush? End the walking trail tour at the Bechtler House Heritage Center , headquarters of the NC Gold Trail and home to jeweler, gunsmith and minter of the first $1 gold coin seventeen years before the U.S. Mint made their own. Visitors can view the coin press and the only known Bechtler rifle in existence. Then, just a short drive up the road, explore the Bechtler Mint & Historic Park where you will be lead to the tunnel extending along a mineral vein and the “hidden floor of gold” designed by Christopher Bechtler himself. Don’t forget to pick up a map of the NC Gold Trail, a heritage destination driving tour highlighting significant points across the state that contributed to the history of the N.C Gold Rush.

Upon your return to Rutherfordton, treat yourself with something decadent at Main Street Coffee and Ice Cream . Choose from over twenty-eight different flavors of Hershey’s ice cream and build yourself a sundae or try one of the percolating drinks. Unwind and indulge in your sweets while sitting at Main Street Park in the heart of downtown. Afterwards, take a short drive down the street to Crestview Park and live it up outdoors at the many surrounding recreational activities. Step on the Purple Martin Greenway , Rutherfordton’s first natural trail system. Have fun discovering local fauna and flora, creeks and a waterfall. The pathway is great for walking with pets, biking and hiking in the woods.

As the evening hours begin to roll in, paint the town and grab a bite to eat. Tour and sample Rutherfordton’s locally made craft beer at Yellow Sun Brewery . Be entertained at the Twisted Pear taproom with live music and trivia nights while sampling a wide selection of craft beers and wine from all around North Carolina. Kickback in a neighborhood bar and grill over pub-style eats and an eclectic variety of spirits and brews.

Having too much fun to leave? Consider staying overnight inside one of Rutherfordton’s bed and breakfasts, campgrounds or rental homes. Located on Main Street, The Carrier Houses B&B has two Victorian style homes decorated with period furnishings, relaxing front porches, a garden with a water fountain and a lovely dinning room providing delicious breakfast. One block from downtown sits the Firehouse Inn , a restored firehouse station complete with European décor, fireplaces, garden terrace and a large dining room. Traveling with pets? America’s first dog-dedicated campground can be found in Rutherfordton at 4 Paws Kingdom Campground and Dog Retreat . Choose from RV sites, rental cabins and yurts. Stay and play in the dog park and enjoy unique special events. Check out our pet-friendly getaway HERE for even more fur friendly fun.

Stick around in the morning to visit attractions you missed the prior day. Grab a quick breakfast at Jesse James Railroad Express offering locally favorite donuts and egg sandwiches. Get out on the course at Cleghorn Golf and Country Club and test your marksmanship skills on the range at Cleghorn Gun Club . Shop at Gardenwoods for quality products for the home, garden, and specialty gifts. And if you want to get to know the whole county, hop on our mural trail starting in downtown Rutherfordton providing views of drawings that speak to our history, beauty and love of the arts.

Make plans to come back and see us again! Many annual festivals and holiday events happen throughout the year that are chocked full of family activities, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and seasonal fun. Check out our event calendar and don’t miss a chance for another weekend getaway to Historic Downtown Rutherfordton, or visit any one of the other small towns in Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Spindale, Forest City and Bostic.  For more information and things to do in Rutherfordton, visit MyRutherfordton.com.

Rutherford County Tourism

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Top Things to Do in Rutherfordton, NC

Places to visit in rutherfordton, tours near rutherfordton.

Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist

2.5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour

Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views

Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville

Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

Beautiful Self Guided Kayaking by the Biltmore

Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour

Local Craft Breweries Tour in Asheville on a Canoe

Privately Guided Half Day Hike

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