The Granite Falls Transportation Museum is located in the former home of Andrew Baird, built sometime in the 1790s. Baird was one of the town's original founders. Awarded an NC Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant, it was used to conduct historic restoration, build sidewalks and bike paths, and to obtain transportation related items. The grand opening was 18 January 2007. Along with transportation related items, the town's history is also represented through a variety of displays. Normal hours are Sundays (except holidays) from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Other times are by appointment. Location: 107 Falls Avenue, Granite Falls, NC 28630Phone: 828-396-2792.Website: http://www.granitefallshistorymuseum.org/Town of Granite Falls website: https://www.granitefallsnc.com/museumFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/granitefallsmuseum
Located at 56 Pinewood Rd, Granite Falls, NC, the William B. Shuford Recreation Center is the hub for many residents and visitors. It sits on about 19.3 acres and was constructed about 1967. The main facility has about 16,700 square feet. One will find a gym that is newly renovated, office spaces, and multi-purpose rooms. During the summer, one can hang out at the 225,000 gallon swimming pool, which opened in 1971. It was renovated in 2015 that included zero entry and water features. The site has four newly renovated tennis couts and three multi-purpose playing fields. An ADA accessible playground and bagtoss boards were installed next to an already existing children's playground. One can find social hall rentals, fitness rooms for men and women, picnic shelters, a Veterans Monument, walking track, and adult fitness equipment at various places along the walking track.Community sports of various sorts are offered for children to participate, such as baseball, T-ball, basketball, soccer, and football. Swim meets are also held here. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday9:00 am - 9:00 pmWednesday & Friday9:00 am - 5:00 pmSaturday9:00 am - 2:00 pmClosed SundayRecreation Center Office828.396.1221Seasonal Pool Office828.396.7946
The Mitford Museum is found at 145 Cedar Valley Road. It tells the story of Jan Karon, author of the Mitford novels. Jan grew up in the town of Hudson, NC, and attended school ithrough the seventh grade where the museum is located. Learn how her elementary teachers took her under their wings to encourage her love of learning and writing that continues today. The museum also has a giftshop with Mitford collectables and items. ADMISSION: Adults $10; Seniors $9; Students $7; Children 12 and under free with adult admission; Groups of 10 or more admitted for $7/pp.
The park contains a renovated depot that was built around the turn of the 20th century and was used as a train station up until the 1970s.The museum is located right behind the town's offices at the Windmill Park. It houses artifacts from local schools, businesses, the railroad, and community people. A restored 1913 caboose from the Delaware and Hudson Line (New York) provides a glimpse into what life on a train might have looked like. For more information, please call the Hudson Town Hall at 828-728-8272.
Caldwell Chamber of Commerce leads in promoting Caldwell County as a tourism destination. It also provides members with ways to connect, grow and foster success. It seeks to provide a collaborative environment that advocates for members, communities, and educational institutions.Stopping by the Chamber is a great way to learn about Caldwell County, its resources, communities, and opportunites.
Visit Lenoir anytime between Thanksgiving Night and the last day of Epiphany, one will see what has long been tradition in Caldwell County - the star on Hibriten Mountain. The first day of Lent through Easter Monday, a cross adorns the top of this special mountain. Almost 70 years old, the star and cross were built in 1954 and is maintained by the local Moose Lodge. During Hurricane Hugo, the structures were damaged but with donations of time, money and resources, those were repaired. The tradition continued as many looked to that star as a sign of hope and of the season. Parking is found at the end of Hibriten Mountain Road, where one will then hike - or run if one is so inclined - about a mile to the top. The views from the top are incredible, especially just before sundown when the light is golden, and local lights begin twinkling on. Part of the Brushy Mountain range, it was first known as Turkey Cock because of the large number of turkesy found there. Legend says that during the Civil War, men hid in a cave to avoid capture by Yankees. It's name was changed in 1875 when Emma Baker, and English school teacher, said it reminded her of her home in Brighton, England. A pavillion was constructed during the early 1900s. Many a folk dance was held there. Girls from Davenport College climbed the mountain and most likely attended those dances. Documentation is found at Caldwell Heritage Museum's Davenport College files about the girls hiking the mountain and are shown around the pavillion. A fire tower was constructed in 1927. Hibriten High School was built not far from the base of the mountain.
The City of Lenoir Greenway provides more than nine miles of trails and paths for running, walking, biking - both mountain and cycling. These include the T. H. Broyhill Walking Park and the greenway on Morganton Boulevard. The Zack's Fork Bike Trail along provides nearly three miles of off-road trails for mountain biking. Parking can be found at:710 Powell Road, Lenoir415 Pennell Street NE (Greenway Methodist Church)120 Hospital Avenue (Caldwell County Public Library - upper lot
The building that now houses the Caldwell Heritage Museum is the last remaining building of Davenport College. The institution allowed for the education of young woman, and later young men, in Lenoir from 1855 until its merge with Greensboro College in 1933. Sitting atop a hill overlooking Lenoir and now neighboring Davenport Elementary School, the brick building that remains is one of three that were built after a fire destroyed the first school buildings 1877. In 1933, the buildings were transferred to the ownership of the Lenoir City School system. Two of the three buildings were demolished, and the third was obtained by the Caldwell County Historical Society. It opened as a museum in 1991 and remains so today.
Raiders under Gen. Alvan C. Gillem, occupied Lenoir over Easter weekend, April 15-17, 1865. They filled the grounds and sanctuary of Saint James Episcopal Church, which served as a hospital as well as a prison.Union General George Stoneman led about 6,000 cavalrymen from Tennessee into southwestern Virginia and western North Carolina, intent on disrupting Confederate supply lines by destroying sections of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, the NC Railroad, and the Piedmont Railroad. He was in Boone on 28 March, Virginia on 2 April, and back to NC about a week later. He raid ended when Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston surrendeder to General William Sherman.St. James Episcopal in 1865 was used as a prison for several days when Stoneman and others under General Alvan C.Gillem occupied Lenoir over Easter weekend 15 - 17 April 1865. There were about 900 prisoners who were old men, boys, and Confederate soldiers captured while they recoveredf at home from wounds and illnesses. The grounds were a hospital and prison. While some looting and damage occured in town, and at Davenport College a block over, most only had a scar. Joseph Norwood, local resident, said that the soldiers were not allowed to plunder to any great degeree or commit acts of violence. On 17 April, part of Stoenman's forces rode toward Morganton while Stoneman, the prisoners, and a guard left tor Blowing Rock. Read the marker for further details and information.
Caldwell County Courthouse has served as the seat of county government since its construction in 1905. Designed by Charlotte-based firm Wheeler and Runge in the Classical Revival style, interesting features of the building include Doric pilasters, a highly decorative Doric frieze, and a main entrance surrounded by torch-like Classical lamps. The building's understated Classical appearance reflects the transition in architecture at the time from elaborate to more abstract and functional design. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Located beside the Caldwell County Courthouse, on the square, The Charters of Freedom provide an opportunity for citizens to view replicas of our nation's most important documents - The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The settings include bronze replicaas of these precious documents. Community and elected officials dedicated the site on 3 July 2019. The project was led and funded by Foundation Forward, Inc. and completed with help from Caldwell County Public Schools and the City of Lenoir Works Department. This setting was the first to be constructed and bricked by the high school masonry classes at Hibriten, South Caldwell and West Caldwell High Schools. For more information about the Charters of Freedom, please click on this link: https://www.chartersoffreedom.com/
Located at the corner of Harper and Church Street, downtown Lenoir, one finds an unusual piece of artwork in a circular "sawblade" shape. This sculpture was created by Thomas Sayre and commissioned by the Caldwell Arts Council. This concrete circular form with jagged, toothy edges rises about 26 feet above ground. One can see water wheels, saw mills, and furniture factories in this structure, referencing back to an industry that provided an economic base for the county for many years. The structure is made of concrete and steel with iron oxide cast in molds dug from earth that gives it that reddish, earthy tone.
Known by locals as the "walking park," the T. H. Broyhill Walking Park covers about 20 acres, provides a paved walking trail, a lake, the Joe T. Ingram Nature Sanctuary, gardens, an observation deck, and pavillion. Hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. The gates are locked at 9:00 p.m.
The City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents while providing safe and enjoyable opportunities for all citizens.The facility covers about 27 acres and includes indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. Some of those include: baseball / softall fields; basketball courts (in and outdoors); a gyn; playground; pickleball courts (in and outdoors); picnic shelters; skate park; tee-ball fields; and tennis courts. Hours are: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed. Playgrounds are open dawn to dusk. Skate Park: open dawn to dusk.
City of Lenoir parks are open from dawn to dusk. They are officially closed when park lights are turned off or after dusk when they become dark. It is unlawful for anyone to be on the premisis after facilties close. Nor is it lawful for vehicles to be parked or left onsite after closing. This link will take you to the site available under the City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation directorship. https://www.cityoflenoir.com/265/Parks-Recreation-Centers
Currently under construction. An opening is tentatively scheduled for May 2024.For more information:Phone: 828-754-1991E-mail: townofgamewell@bellsouth.net
"Talking trees". A one room schoolhouse. Hiking. Educational exhibits; Picnic areas; Lingle School. Forestry Center. Kids Fish for Fun Day. A great place to stop and relax.Tuttle Educational State Forest offers a vast array of pines and hardwoods, clear streams, and beautiful terrain on which to explore. Trails are well marked, exhibits and displays explain the ecology of the area, and staff are available to do classes, talk to visitors, and share about this wonderful testimony to Caldwell's resources. Miss Leila Judson Tuttle, who also attended Davenport College in Lenoir, deeded 160 acres to the Tuttle Forest Foundation in 1956. Her vision required that the land be used for educational and recreational purposes while remaining a natural forest. In 1973 the Foundation leased the land to the NC Forest Service for use as a small State Forest. Development began in the fall of 1975, completed by the summer of 1977, and the forest opened to the public at that time. It's name changed in 1986 to Tuttle Educational State Forest to reflect Miss Tuttle's purpose.Over the years, since 1997 more land was purchased, bringing the total to about 362 acres. Keeping with Miss Tuttle's vision, residents of North Carolina have a readily accessible living, outdoor classroom where all ages can enjoy and learn. Rangers also work closely with educators in social studies and science curriculum standards. Tuttle State Educational Forest is open to the public and all programs are free of charge.Hours of Operation are: 1 March - 31 October: Tuesday - Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.1 November - end of February: Tuesday - Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Saturday & Sunday - ClosedClosed for desginated NC state holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Veterans Day - Thanksgiving - Christmas - New Year's
Congress designated the Wilson Creek area as a National Wild and Scenic River on 18 August 2000 as a result of years of support from local governments and environmental groups. The trailhead includes National Forest lands between the Upper Creek drainage, the Blue Ridge Parkway, US Hwy 321, and the Piedmont. Grandfather Mountain is also the headwaters for this beautiful body of water. Ridges of more than 4,000 feet hight, one finds whitewater rapids, trails leading to beautiful waterfalls, hiking, scenic viewing, mountain biking, fishing, camping, horseback riding and backpacking. A visitors center opened in October 2002 on Brown Mountain Beach Road.
John's River offers whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling. The area from Route 1328 to Route 1438, about 6.5 miles long, has been designated by American Whitewater to be a class I-II section. Camping can be found nearby. Temperatures typically run in the 70s. Once the sun dips it can drop to the 50s. In the winter, daylight highs are in the 40s, by nightfall they can be in the 10s.
The Chapel of Rest, first built in 1887, overlooks the Yadkin River in Happy Valley, in the foothills of western North Carolina. In 1916 the Chapel burned to the ground, but was rebuilt in 1917. The Chapel of Rest is protected and preserved by The Chapel of Rest Preservation Society. Open to the public during daylight hours, the Chapel of Rest is a place to pause, meditate and enjoy an extended view of the beautiful Happy Valley.
The Western North Carolina (WNC( Sculpture Center at Patterson School is housed in the school's gynasium. Thirty foot ceilings are conducive to all types of studio space that allow artists to work on a larger scale than might be found elsewhere. It will be outfitted for general, private, and community studios, with interior gallery space for work of all sorts and sizes. This large space will allow for demonstrations, workshops, classes and events.This campus offers artists in residence opportunities in blacksmithing, ceramics, metal casting, mixed media and non-specific media.Also found on the grounds is a Sculpture Park, found on 1,400 acres. It is open to the public, is a destination for visitors, has a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibits and sits midst beautiful gently rolling hills and landscapes. Open fields and hiking trails can also be found there.
Fort Defiance was the home of General William Lenoir, a Major General in the North Carolina militia during the American Revolution. Lenoir is best known for his written account of the pivotal battle of Kings Mountain that helped turned the tide against the British in their southern campaign. Lenoir built his home in 1792 near the site of an original fort that he had commissioned to fend off Cherokee raiders. Many generations of William Lenoir’s family lived in the home until the house was acquired in 1965. The site allows tours through the home to see furniture from the era and experience what life was like during the period.
The Green Park Inn is a historic hotel located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Built in 1882, it situated along an entrance to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Given this location, it has attracted tourists and celebrities alike since its inception. Three businessmen, including a former Civil War veteran Major George Washington Findlay Harper, built the hotel in order to accommodate guests who sought the region's cooler climate and mountain views. It is the last of the "grand manor" hotels left in western North Carolina and the second oldest one still in operation in the state. It closed facing foreclosure in 2009 but the New York City real estate businessmen Eugene and Steven Irace bought it a year later and began extensive renovations. The hotel reopened in 2011. The town's first post office was housed in the hotel and it still remains as the "History Room," which tells visitors about the hotel's history. The hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum is a natural history museum located in Grandfather Mountain State Park near Linville, North Carolina. The museum features exhibits about birds, early explorers to the area like Daniel Boone, Native American artifacts, and flower, mushroom and plant wax replicas made by artist Paul Manchard. The museum also features a large gem and mineral collection. Highlights include Tar Heel gold specimens, emeralds and rubies found in the state, and the largest amethyst found in North America.
The history of Grandfather Mountain begins well before European contact with indigenous populations. The Cherokee knew the mountain as Tanawah, meaning "Fabulous Hawk or Eagle", long before European explorers and settlers would see the old man's face in the mountain. The mountain was acquired in the 1800s by Donald MacRae and the property remained in private ownership until 2008 when North Carolina State Parks took possession for $12 million dollars from the Morton family who currently owned it as a tourist attraction.
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Lenoir, NC is home to a large circular, earthcast sculpture with a 26-foot diameter and a weight of 40,000 pounds. World renowned artist Thomas Sayre worked alongside local contractors to construct and erect this piece of art as a testimony to Caldwell County’s history. The piece is meant to resemble the water wheels, turbines, and sawmills that put the industrial advancements of Caldwell County on the map.
