visit rutherfordton nc

Rutherfordton

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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.

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.

Forest City

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.

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

• Forest City, NC
• Hickory Nut Gorge, NC
• Lake Lure, NC
• Chimney Rock Village

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Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

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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
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• Explore the Map
• Traditional Artist Directory
• Media Inquiries

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Rutherfordton

Things to do in rutherfordton, tours near rutherfordton.

Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist

Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views

2.5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour

Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville

Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour

Half Day Hike - Water Falls

Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

Asheville Coffee Tours

Top attractions in rutherfordton.

Other Top Attractions around Rutherfordton

What travellers are saying

• Green River Plantation
• Bechtler House
• The General Store at Cherry Mountain Farm
• the Wicked Needle
• Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park
• Rutherfordton Trails
• Riverside Riding Stables
• Broad River Gems & Mining Co.

ADVENTURE PORTAL

• PURPLE MARTIN

KIWANIS PARK

• HISTORIC WALKING TOUR
• KID'S SAFARI

PLACES TO STAY

Stay awhile, you can't get it all done in a day!

Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills - Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority

Have the time of your life in Western North Carolina’s Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills, famous for its starring role and stunning backdrop in the film “Dirty Dancing”! When you visit Rutherford County, situated in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll experience outdoor adventures, scenic driving tours and iconic landmarks like Chimney Rock State Park. We are conveniently located between Charlotte and Asheville, and just an hour north of Spartanburg, making Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills the ideal springboard to a bevy of regional attractions. It is the granddaddy of small town charm, with bustling main streets and miles of rolling countryside as folksy as a vintage North Carolina postcard. Home to the quaint towns of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Spindale and Forest City, we invite you to unplug, recharge and escape from the daily grind.

146 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139

(828) 287-6113 (800) 849-5998 www.visitncsmalltowns.com [email protected]

Local Information

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

Ends: 6/15/2024

2024 Outdoor NC Pledge Sweepstakes

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(828) 287-6113 - www.visitncsmalltowns.com

Top Things to Do in Rutherfordton, NC

Things to do in rutherfordton, tours near rutherfordton.

Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist

Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views

2.5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour

Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville

Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour

Half Day Hike - Water Falls

Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

Asheville Coffee Tours

Top attractions in rutherfordton.

Other Top Attractions around Rutherfordton

What travellers are saying

• Green River Plantation
• Bechtler House
• The General Store at Cherry Mountain Farm
• the Wicked Needle
• Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park
• Rutherfordton Trails
• Riverside Riding Stables
• Broad River Gems & Mining Co.

The Preserve at Maple Creek

65+ Wooded Acres in the Blue Ridge Foothills

Historic Farmhouse, Glass Chapel, Reception Area, Log Cabins, Private Hiking-Biking Trails

1264 Maple Creek Road, Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Explore the Preserve

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Rutherfordton

Things to do in rutherfordton, tours near rutherfordton.

Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist

Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views

2.5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour

Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville

Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour

Half Day Hike - Water Falls

Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour

Asheville Coffee Tours

Top attractions in rutherfordton.

Other Top Attractions around Rutherfordton

What travellers are saying

• Green River Plantation
• Bechtler House
• The General Store at Cherry Mountain Farm
• the Wicked Needle
• Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park
• Rutherfordton Trails
• Riverside Riding Stables
• Broad River Gems & Mining Co.

• Rutherfordton
• Chimney Rock Village
• Forest City

Bound Together Building Tomorrow

Rutherford bound is a community vision..

New Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track!

Rutherford bound enters phase two.

Read the stories and see how our community is growing!

Coming to Rutherfordton: Disc Golf at the Norris Recreation Complex

Rutherford County is Home to One of NC's Newest State Trails

What is Rutherford Bound?

Trail Partners: Working Together to lay the Groundwork!

2023 is the Year of the Trail in Rutherford County!

Rutherford Bound has been busy!

See who is helping transform our community..

In the middle of EVERYWHERE!

Want to live here too?

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Rutherfordton, nc.

Visit Rutherfordton

Where to stay in rutherfordton.

Clearwater Creek

You might consider checking out Kiwanis Park while you're exploring Clearwater Creek and the larger Rutherfordton area.

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Popular places to visit.

• Tryon International Equestrian Center

Enjoy an outing to Tryon International Equestrian Center during your stay in Rutherfordton. Wander the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this relaxing area.

• Cleghorn Plantation Golf and Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Rutherfordton at Cleghorn Plantation Golf and Country Club. Wander the forest or discover the mountain views in this relaxing area.

• Green River Plantation

Find out about the history of Rutherfordton with a stop at Green River Plantation. Wander the forest or discover the mountain views in this relaxing area.

Rutherford Regional Hospital

Though Rutherford Regional Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Rutherfordton while you are here.

Rutherford Regional Health System

Though Rutherford Regional Health System might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Rutherfordton while you are here.

• Kiwanis Park

Explore the great outdoors at Kiwanis Park, a lovely green space in Rutherfordton. Discover the mountain views in this relaxing area.

Reviews of Rutherfordton

5/5 - excellent.

Rutherfordton is the definition of small town America, absolutely loved it there

• Cities near Rutherfordton

Mill Spring

• Places of interest
• Pisgah National Forest
• Chimney Rock State Park
• Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
• WestGate Mall
• Wofford College
• Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
• University of South Carolina Upstate
• Gaffney Outlet Marketplace
• Gardner-Webb University
• Lake James State Park
• Spartanburg Regional Hospital
• Converse College
• Catawba River
• Chimney Rock Village Riverwalk
• Parker-Binns Vineyard
• Green River Cove Tubing
• Burntshirt Vineyards
• Cowpens National Battlefield
• Mountain Brook Vineyards
• Catawba Falls
• Blue Ridge Mall
• Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
• Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine

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Rutherford County, North Carolina

Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills is an ideal destination all year long. Four distinct seasons offer visitors an abundance of opportunities to create unique experiences each time they visit. Join us in the spring as nature comes to life in our greenways, parks and trails, or spend your summer by the lake enjoying the cool water on a hot summer day. Relish in the peace and quiet as you meander down scenic country roads surrounded by the brilliant colors of fall that blanket the mountains, or spend the holidays entranced by a magical display of over a million Christmas lights and downtown carriage rides. Discover all the places and attractions that make Rutherford County so special.

Chimney Rock

Eat and drink, adventure itinerary.

An unforgettable adventure amidst the picturesque landscapes of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and the Blue Ridge Foothills awaits.

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What's Happening?

Live music from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

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Immerse yourself in the local music scene at our weekly live music Fridays, featuring diverse…

Yoga with a View Series

The best view of any yoga class in town, hands down! Our friends from Namaste in Nature will lead…

Purple Martin Fabulous 4 Miler

• Purple Martin Greenway

Back for 2024 with a new fabulous distance to celebrate the Earth Day weekend is the Purple Martin…

Whisky Tasting & Distillery Tour with Blue Ridge Distilling Co.

“Defiant Whisky”, the flagship product of Blue Ridge Distilling Co, is named for the power of…

Celtic Thursday at Fae Nectar

• Recurring weekly on Thursday

Join us each week for a wonderful evening of live Celtic music at our beautiful lakefront meadery…

Rutherford County Your Way

Visitors have an abundance of opportunities to create unique experiences each time they visit. Choose your own adventure and make moments that matter.

Find Your Trail

Family Vacation

Romantic Getaway

Dog Friendly

Fall Itinerary

Winter Itinerary

Create & share, #momentsthatmatter.

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