Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a historic house museum and tourist attraction, primarily known for its grand 250-room mansion, the largest private home in the United States. The estate is a Gilded Age landmark, spanning 8,000 acres and including formal gardens, nature trails, a winery, and various dining and shopping options.

Located just minutes away from charming downtown Valdese, McGalliard Falls Park provides a local escape like no other. A hidden gem of natural beauty, history, and multiple opportunities for outdoor recreation, McGalliard Falls has been a favorite gathering spot of locals and tourists for decades. The park features a spectacular 45- foot waterfall, the historic Meytre Grist Mill, a volleyball court, picnic shelters, restrooms, and a nature trail woven throughout the site of McGalliard Creek. Whether visitors seek the perfect afternoon of family fun or a refuge of nature in the picturesque setting, all understand upon their first visit why McGalliard Falls is truly a cherished portion of the Valdese heritage.

Located in Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga counties 13 miles southwest of Boone, Grandfather Mountain State Park showcases a stunning mountain known for severe weather and challenging terrain that has hikers scrambling along cliffs, gripping cables, and climbing up ladders. It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. The state parkland sits between privately owned Grandfather Mountain attraction (admission fee charged) and Blue Ridge Parkway trails managed by the National Park.

Downtown Hickory

Located in Burke County 55 miles east of Asheville, South Mountains State Park is situated at the crossroads of the Appalachian Mountains and the Foothills to provide the ultimate backcountry experience. The park boasts elevations up to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, and nearly 50 miles of trail for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Water recreation is offered via the Jacob Fork River, which hosts designated trout waters, or to the far west at the separate Clear Creek access that features the namesake lake.

North Carolina, particularly the High Country area, is known for its stunning Ben Long Frescoes. These are large-scale paintings, often religious in nature, executed in the ancient fresco technique. Fresco involves painting on wet plaster, allowing the pigments to become an integral part of the wall. Ben Long, a North Carolina native and a master fresco artist, created many of these murals in various churches, including St. Mary's Church in West Jefferson. These frescoes are a significant tourist attraction and a testament to the enduring power of this ancient art form.

Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly, Wild West-themed amusement park and railroad located in North Carolina. It features a 3-mile train ride on a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive, live shows, amusement rides, a petting zoo, and more. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas-themed activities.

Downtown Morganton, North Carolina, is a vibrant historic district known for its small-town charm, rich history, and active community. The area is characterized by beautifully preserved buildings, including commercial, industrial, and governmental structures, spanning from about 1889 to 1940. It features architecture styles like Classical Revival, Art Deco, and Italianate. Downtown offers a variety of attractions, including boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, restaurants, and cafes. The historic courthouse square serves as a gathering place for events and festivals. Take a free tour of the historic courthouse or shop at the local bookshops or Amish furniture store.

The Trail of Faith is a non-profit 501(C)3 developed to preserve and proclaim the rich history of the Waldensians of northwestern Italy. We do so because a group of 29 Waldensians arrived by train to 10,000 acres of vacant land in May of 1893 and settled this town known as Valdese, NC. This history is portrayed through a series of 15 buildings and monuments recreated on the Trail that mark major milestones of their journey beginning with the world's oldest protestant college built in the 12th century. Those touring will view an educational video and experience a guided or self-guided tour through the Trail.

1. Linville Falls 2. Upper Creek Linville Falls 3. South Mountain State Park 4. Fonta Flora State Trail 5. Baker's Mountain Park 6. T. H. Broyhill Walking Park 7. Hawksbill Mountain 8. Table Rock Summit Trailhead

1. Martha's Park 2. Drexel Heritage Park 3. Martin Luther King Jr Park 4. Hickory City Park 5. Lowes Foods City Park

1. Jones Ridge Snow Tubing 2. Hawksnest Adventures 3. Beech Mountain Sledding Hill