The McDowell Chamber of Commerce is a clean, organized space and the event itself was run…read moreprofessionally. Funny enough, most of the reviews in Google seem to focus on the rest area side of the building rather than the Chamber itself. That said, I don't see the value in the membership cost for what is essentially basic local networking. Most of what is being offered can be done for free within the community. There are already free, effective ways to build local business connections, including community events and markets, Facebook groups, volunteering, and directly introducing yourself to nearby businesses. In my opinion, people should be aware that membership is not required to build strong local relationships, and in many cases the same connections can be made without paying for access.

I stopped in late at night, so the Chamber of Commerce visitor center was closed and the gift shop…read morewas closed, but the restrooms were open and that's really the main reason I stopped in. This is a very useful rest area along US 221. The highway itself is massive, stretching from North Florida to Virginia but here in North Carolina it's quite twisty and windy. And that's why this rest area is particularly helpful. Unlike Interstate rest areas, there are some turns and stop signs involved. Easy enough even if you're driving an RV but still a bit of a challenge. Rest room was clean and well lit. And even though the chamber offices were closed, they had a selection of brochures and local information on display. [Review 12712 overall, 24 of 2020.]

Another Small Town post office. When stopping in here to…read moremail packages or letters the employees are always very nice. It's a very small post office in the town of Ellenboro. There is never a line if you want to get in and out. I've been here a few times never any problems getting my mail shipped out. It would be a 5 star but the hours are not the best. Not so convenient closing earlier on Wednesday & during week and closed on Saturday.

what can you say, its a post office. No Saturdays, closed noon on Wednesday, they have po boxes…read morehere.

On the sidewalk in front of the courthouse, this marker points out…read more The same text is on both sides. It reads, "Well-known guide and trapper. Helped survey Santa Fe Trail. Guided the ill-fated Fremont expedition of 1848. Was born near here in 1787." Online, there is more information. "William Sherley Williams (1787-1849), known as "Old Bill," was a fur trapper and, along with "Kit" Carson and James Bridger, was among the best known of the Old West explorers often referred to as the "Mountain Men." Williams served as an official interpreter during the War of 1812. His familiarity with the Osage Indian customs and the Osage region made him a highly regarded guide for the United States government. His scouting ability afforded Williams the opportunity to take part in numerous expeditions. Known for his rowdiness and drinking, "Old Bill" Williams traversed the Santa Fe Trail and took part in expeditions which explored California, New Mexico, and the Northwest. In 1848 Williams joined an ill-fated expedition led by Charles Fremont, during the course of which 11 men died during a mountain snowstorm, causing the party to turn back. Williams and another survivor were attacked and killed by Ute Indians when they attempted to retrace the trail. The town of Williams and Bill Williams Mountain in Arizona are named for "Old Bill."" There is plenty of parking here. [Review 678 of 2025 - 4158 in North Carolina - 24239 overall]

We've been traveling to Lake Lure for a number of years and have always parked our RV up the…read moremountain at Apple Valley Farms MotorCoach Resort for a week or so but spend a lot of time here with friends that also stay in the area at their timeshares in Rumbling Bald Resort - We always meet for lunch at La Strada's upon arriving then for cocktails at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn both located in the downtown area, this has been an annual tradition that we have come to love. We also spend time on the lake renting pontoon boats and cruise Lake Lure visiting lakeside restaurants and enjoying this beautiful lake and area. Unfortunately that wasn't the case this year, it was a different experience and no words or photos can do what has happen to the area justice, the world changed for the people and businesses of Lake Lure and the surrounding communities specifically Chimney Rock and Bat Cave when Hurricane Helene caused major devastation on September 27, 2024, when the Broad River overflowing its banks and destroying much of the infrastructure in the area. The storm brought flooding, mudslides, and widespread destruction to this western North Carolina region and although much progress has been made in the year since the flash flooding it still has a way to go before the area returns to some since of normalcy. Although the Town of Lake Lure was spared the brunt of the storm, the lake filled with debris and the damn was breached devastating the economy here. Having met so many locals here I know first hand they are very resilient and still depend on their neighbors for the most part through the continued recovery - we weren't going to let this terrible event stop us from returning here less than a year after the destruction, we felt visiting here would be more about supporting the community, they have worked hard to get back to living, everyone that I have spoken to appreciates the people that have returned to support their economy by spending money at the local businesses. I know it may take years for the area to return to the pristine place it once was but I have no doubt it will thanks to the people who call this home...

My kick ass bosses (woohoo Back2Health!) took the staff on a much needed weekend getaway to Lake…read moreLure. Apparently the best way for staff to bond is through jello shots and 20 ft dives into a lake. ;-) I'm not really big on the outdoors but this place was awesome. In one weekend I saw deer, a beaver, and squirrels. I'm pretty sure had I woken up early, gone out onto the balcony, extended my arms and sang, birds would have come to me. Our rental house had a pontoon boat, a paddle boat, and a canoe. The lake is huge, the water is so clear, and I really need to find out if the guy who owns the castle is single ;-) Water was cold-ish but so nice to swin in. Tiny little fish nip at your feet but nothing scarier than that. Consider it a free fish pedicure. Ingles is an awesome and huge grocery store. You must taste the pistachio muffins.

This beautiful Classical Revival structure is the Henderson County Courthouse and it was completed…read morein 1905. It was designed by Richard Sharp Smith, the former resident of the Biltmore Estate. Smith is also responsible for the Madison County Courthouse (Marshall), the Jackson County Courthouse (Sylva) and the Swain County Courthouse (Bryson City) among others. The building is two stories of gray colored stone atop a marble staircase with six stunning columns that rise to a pediment. Henderson County was established in 1838 from the southern portion of Buncombe County and is named for Leonard Henderson who was Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court (1839-1833). Hendersonville has been the county seat since 1847. There is street parking nearby and a parking lot adjacent. On a quiet weekend morning, there wasn't much going on so I had plenty of time to walk the grounds and peek through the front doorway. I'd love a tour but that was not available today. [Review 1144 of 2025 - 4373 in North Carolina - 24697 overall]

The Henderson County Courthouse was built in 1995 when the historic courthouse was condemned…read more Henderson County had also grown and outgrown the space the historic courthouse provided. Padgett and Freeman were the architects. The current courthouse was modernized and made ADA-compliant. It also meets the current fire codes and has a security system. If you are looking for the Historic Henderson County Courthouse, constructed with brick and the gold dome, that building is located at One Historic Courthouse Square, at the corner of 1st and Main streets. It was turned into a museum, so you can visit and tour the building when the Heritage Museum of Henderson County is open.