If you’re attending my classes in Rutherfordton (or just visiting), there’s plenty to see and do here. Live music is at the top of my list, and you can find some every weekend and many times on weeknights as well. Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria usually has music Weds-Sat nights, and they have about 30 craft beers on tap. Amendment 21 has live music most weekends and has karaoke every Thursday night. The Wagon Wheel Dance Club usually has country music and is open several nights a week. The Twisted Pear has two locations, one in Forest City and one in Rutherfordton. Besides music, they also have regular trivia nights. The Foundation at Isothermal Community College has an annual schedule of concerts featuring well-known artists…they’ve hosted the Celtic Tenors, Merle Haggard, Delbert McClinton, and many more. You can see the 2019 schedule here.
Rutherford County also has a wealth of tourist attractions and historical sites:
The Bechtler House and Bechtler Mint
There are municipal golf courses in Rutherfordton, Forest City, and Lake Lure, and the courses at Meadowbrook, Cleghorn Plantation, and Rumbling Bald are also open to the public.
Historical Main Street in Downtown Rutherfordton has several art galleries and antique stores, and children enjoy the KidSenses Museum.
Rutherford County has over 300 churches…you can’t drive a mile without seeing one. For demographics and more information about Rutherford County, visit the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce website. The Chamber is located on Main Street in Rutherfordton and the lobby is open 24/7. It’s filled with brochures, free maps, and info on many county attractions.
There’s plenty to see and do here, including great restaurants and bars, shopping, and just riding through the countryside is a wonderful experience. Enjoy your visit!