This roadside marker recalls the early days of the American Revolution. There is a small spot to…read morestop at the side of the road, and nearby is the restored house. The marker reads, "Rendezvous for "Over-Mountain Men" prior to Battle of Kings Mountain, 1780. Home to Joseph & Charles McDowell, military & political leaders." Online there is more information. "Joseph and Margaret O'Neil McDowell moved from Winchester, Virginia, to the North Carolina backcountry about 1765, settling on land that that had long been called Quaker Meadows. West of modern Morganton, Quaker Meadows was in Rowan County (Burke after 1777). The name "Quaker Meadows" appears in the writings of Moravian Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg in 1752 and is believed to be an allusion to the camp of a Quaker fur trader." "At the resulting Battle of Kings Mountain, Charles consigned his troops to his brother, who played a decisive role. Joseph McDowell also took part in the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. Both brothers went on to serve their state in the political arena--both serving in the state legislature and the Constitutional Conventions, and Joseph serving two terms in Congress as well." [Review 13447 overall, 766 of 2020.]

Located on a street corner at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains here in Morganton, this…read moremarker points out the spot where a structure used to be, four miles from here. I'm sure if they put the marker at the spot, no one would see it so it's here. This is well before the English colonies were here so quite old! The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, "Fort San Juan. Built by Juan Pardo in 1567 at native town of Joara. Served as Spanish outpost until razed by Indians, 1568. Northeast 4 miles." Online, there is more information. "Columbus' landfall in the Bahamas in October 1492 initiated what was perhaps the most dramatic century of cultural exchange in human history. Over two continents, the native peoples of the Americas--from Tierra del Fuego to the St. Lawrence River--withstood waves of explorers, settlers, proselytizers, and profiteers from Spain, England, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, and other distant centers of European colonial aspiration. Of these nations, Spain was the most ambitious in its early efforts at exploration and conquest." "Archaeological research at the Berry site in Burke County has shed significant light on the process and practice of colonialism in the Americas, as its borderland setting was the northern frontier of Spain's long reach. There, in January 1567 at a native village named Joara, Captain Juan Pardo founded a garrison, Fort San Juan, and manned it with thirty soldiers. Occupied for nearly a year and a half, it was the first European settlement in the interior of what is now the United States. The Berry site witnessed one of the longest periods of sustained contact between Europeans and the peoples of North America's interior until the seventeenth century." [Review 20121 overall - 3473 in North Carolina - 1097 of 2023.]

Amazing tour!!! Wonderful history! I highly recommend coming here to learn THE TRUTH!read more

Extremely interesting and educational exhibit in Valdese! My family has a distant connection to…read morethe Waldensian faith, so we took a field trip to the Trail of Faith to learn more about it. The staff was very sweet and helpful. The layout of the trail is interactive and engaging. They have an amphitheater for their outdoor drama which shows in August. There is Christmas light display, but we have yet to see it. Every time we drive over to drive through, it's been closed!

The Bob Sheehan Memorial Bridge sits alongside Lebanon Pike and is now part of the Stones River…read moreGreenway, and is easily accessible via Lebanon Pike or the Kohl's Greenway entrance. What once was an iconic bridge for travelers is now a historic pedestrian bridge that passes over top of Stones River and connects portions of the ever expanding Greenway. The bridge is small, but mighty with the large steel overhead and wide pathway. On one side you have river views and the other is Lebanon Pike, so one is definitely nicer than the other! The bridge is kept clean and for the most part is kept up by the city. It's a nice landmark, and a great part of the Greenway!

The Bob Sheehan Memorial Bridge is a bridge that goes over the Stones River and is close to the…read moreStones River Greenway Trailhead Kohl's entrance. The bridge is no longer open to car traffic, but it works as a bike trail. It does run right next to a major roadway, so you will not have the peace and tranquility if that is what you're seeking. However, I love the historical aspect of this bridge and the fact that they still have it to remind us of the city that Nashville once was. I enjoy coming across these historical little paths, pass of a city that has changed, but has not shed this part of their past. For this aspect alone, I give it five stars.

Beautiful hikes and mountains views. Nice picnic area with restrooms available. Several people…read morefishing or playing in the stream. Good place for families.

Amazing views!!!…read more Came here on a group hike and it did not disappoint! We did the 4 something mile loop from the upper parking lot to the waterfall and back to the parking lot. It is hard! The amount of incline is enough but going up the stairs after resting at the waterfall was dreadful. We survived! The views are OMG!!!!! Wow! Breathtaking at each lookout. The stone is so smooth it almost looks painted. It rained a little at one of our lookout stops and it was such a refreshing experience. Cellphone reception here is super limited and so I want to come back in hopes I'll be able to actually track my hike .

This venue was very clean and cool. It has a great amount of seating for the performance audience…read more It was very easy for handicapped or elderly people to come in and enjoy.

Our first play at Broyhill. Very convenient location and easy parking. Facility is nice and people…read morewere friendly. The auditorium is well equipped - attractive with good lighting and sound. The seat rows are close together with little leg room and no one can pass by you unless you stand up and move. Seat bottoms felt a little worn as we sunk down in them. The play we went to see was a disappointment. We drove an hour and a half to see it and left at intermission. The set was pitiful and the acting was like junior high school. There weren't a lot of people there and it seemed a lot of them knew people in the cast. We have marvelous college theater in our little town and we were surprised at the lack of quality and professionalism. What they did to the casting was was horrid. We wasted a day and thirty bucks. I hate to be so blunt - but that's what reviews are for. Have to tell the truth. I'm sure the young folks are nice kids, but most were not actors. I guess I helped fund a fun a experience for them but.........