Rutherfordton

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 and has beautiful trail systems for walking, hiking, and biking. 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 their website to learn more.

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. Visit 

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.

To enjoy the outdoors in Rutherfordton, you can also visit the Purple Martin Trail. It offers miles of natural trail. It is named after a bird that appeared on the family crest of the namesake of the town, General Griffith Rutherford. The Purple Martin Greenway is the town's first "natural" trail system. It introduces you to wildlife and local plants as it meanders beside creeks and waterfalls. The trail is rated as bike-, kid- and pet-friendly. It is also designed to be handicap accessible. The Purple Martin Trail is ocated just off US Hwy 221, south of downtown Rutherfordton. Learn more about the trail at the Rutherford County Tourism website. 

To really feel part of the history during a visit to Rutherfordton, you can stay downtown in an historic bed and breakfast .

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.

Festivals
On select Fridays April-October, Rutherfordton features the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in downtown. This free festival series delivers live music, food trucks, beer, and shop local art. Starts at 6 PM. Learn more.

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.

Contact the Rutherford County tourism office to plan your visit.

Nearby
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.