In addition to outdoor recreation options galore and an arts scene that is recognized by the Smithsonian, there’s still more to love about Caldwell County! Whether you’re enjoying our portion of the scenic 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, taking advantage of our legendary furniture shopping, or enjoying the Southern charm of our festivals, good times are waiting in Caldwell County for residents and tourists alike. Theater, concerts and nightlife add to the variety.
Race fans will be right at home in Western North Carolina. Tri-County Motor Speedway is a 0.4-mile banked asphalt designated NASCAR Home Track facility where many rising NASCAR talents have proven themselves.
Metro amenities and activities are under an hour and a half away in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem. The vast 19th-century Biltmore Estate in Asheville features magnificent gardens and artwork by masters like Renoir. For sports enthusiasts, there’s minor league baseball in nearby Hickory, and in Charlotte, you can enjoy NFL, NHL, MLS and NBA games, as well as NASCAR racing.
CaldWELL ENTERTAINED
An entire Caldwell County NC Foothills Itinerary was created by “NC Eat & Play.” Lodging, dining, shopping and adventure recommendations are a click away, and you can take a visual tour on Instagram via the NC Foothills Highlight Reel.
Did you know Caldwell County has a yurt resort? Brown Mountain Beach Resort features yurts with hot tubs positioned on the banks of Wilson Creek. Not only does the resort overlook the river, but it’s also right next to the entrance of Pisgah National Forest.
Intrigued by Wilson Creek? The itinerary goes into depth about this hidden gem, designated a National Wild and Scenic River for over 20 years.
Nearby, you can visit Wolf Moon Salt Cave which specializes in the healing arts of halotherapy, yoga and other stress-reducing activities.
In the mood for some unique dining options? Explore the reviews for fabulous local restaurants like Happy Valley Filling Station and more.
Looking for pottery, antiques and collectibles, furniture, art, homebrew supplies or a quaint general store experience? Caldwell County’s picturesque downtowns boast unique, locally-owned boutiques, artsy shops and a trading post. Our shops elevate browsing to next-level entertainment. Need convenience? We have malls and big box stores as well. Farm fresh food overflows our farmers markets, and F1 Wagyu beef can be purchased at the working 4440 Ranch & Cattle Company. The Caldwell County NC Foothills Itinerary reviews an antique store, general stores, creameries and more.
Our furniture shopping is renowned. Thousands visit Caldwell County each year with one destination in mind: a stretch of U.S. Highway 321 between Lenoir and Hickory known as “20 Miles of Furniture'' where shoppers find deep discounts at manufacturer stores and outlets. Products from nearly all furniture brands can be found in this area, along with top-quality pieces from perhaps lesser-known companies. It’s not unusual for folks to visit with moving vans and trailers, but many retailers offer shipping options to anywhere in the continental U.S.
Our dining scene is a knockout because of our Southern hospitality. Our BBQ and southern cooking are unrivaled, but we offer variety, too. Mexican, Cuban, El Salvadorean and Italian cuisine, among others, can take your tastebuds on an international journey. Explore the reviews for local gems featured in the Caldwell County NC Foothills Itinerary.
If you wanted to visit a different local brewery or meadery each weekend, it would take several months to sample all the craft offerings. Relaxing afternoons can be spent at one of our wineries in Lenoir, Granite Falls or Hudson.
This is a partner site that contains additional things to do, places to stay, events, tours and planning tools. Explore Caldwell!
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Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.
The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.
Explore the Caldwell County Itinerary for food, shopping, highlights, lodging and adventures! We invite locals and visitors to delight in the journey and the destination.
Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.
Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.
Caldwell County has the most extensive collection of permanent public outdoor sculptures per capita in the U.S. Our annual Sculpture Celebration is the largest in the South.
