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The North Carolina Visitor Center

 

 

 

Welcome to the North Carolina Visitor Center

From the mountains to the coast and all points in between


To receive our free North Carolina Visitor Center Newsletter by email each month, please email us at
newsletter@ncvisitorcenter.com







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LYBA & City of Lumberton Receive Tourism Award

 

Topsail Beach, N.C. (May, 2019) —Lumberton Youth Baseball Association (LYBA) and The City of Lumberton were recently awarded the Coast Host Tourism Award for 2019 for the Southern Region. 



Pictured here Left to Right:  Alan Fowlkes, LYBA Board member, Angela Sumner, Lumberton Visitors Bureau, Mira Kenney, LYBA Board member, and Tammy Proctor, President of the Coast Host Association.

  

The Lumberton Visitors Bureau nominated the LYBA & the City of Lumberton based on hosting a very successful Dixie Youth World Series in July and August, 2018 where over 60 teams from 11 states and 2 age groups participated in the tournaments and brought many people to our community.  LYBA, the City of Lumberton, and LTDA worked closely to make sure all 6 fields were complete and ready for play even after Hurricane Matthew hit Lumberton in October 2016.

Alan Fowlkes, LYBA Founding President and current board member:  “LYBA was thrilled to be chosen to host the 2018 Dixie Youth World Series.  It was a monumental success as almost all of the Dixie Youth state and national directors commented that it was the most well organized series they had ever been involved with.  This would not have been possible without the community, the City of Lumberton, and especially the support of the Visitors Bureau.

Arnold West, Chair of the LTDA Board noted “The City of Lumberton & LYBA are both winners!  Coast Host has acknowledged and recognized the opportunity for us to excel by investing in our youth and sports tourism.  The LTDA is committed to these efforts!”

The Coast Host Organization holds quarterly meetings for its membership with educational sessions at each meeting.  At the Annual meeting held in May of each year, three awards are given to the 3 regions:  Northern, Central, and Southern. 

North Carolina Coast Host is the leading one-stop-vacation-planning-shop for Eastern North Carolina. The Coast Host website can be found at: http://www.coasthost-nc.com/  Lumberton and the other members have the opportunity to list information about the community, events, attractions, and much, much more. 


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Permaculture Gardening is now open with a new site and new, amazing bonuses, but the same incredibly popular course. See what students are saying:

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Grow Abundantly, Learn Daily, & Live Regeneratively,



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Some of North Carolina’s greatest treasures can be found off the beaten path. You never know what you might find... an old-time general store, local artisan, or simply a picturesque view that takes your breath away. You’ll be swept away by the untouched natural landscape found on the backroads of this rural county.

In Anson County, you can discover all that and more. Come. Visit. Surround yourself with the beauty of North Carolina’s best kept secret.






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https://www.ncpeachfestival.com/
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Wesley Pines Retirement Community will host Shaggin’ Under the Pines on Friday, May 17th from 7 to 9 p.m.  Live music will be performed by The Goldrush Band who is known for their huge song list that features a variety of hits from the 1950’s through today.  The band has recorded 8 studio albums and has been featured on countless compilation records.  Area shaggers have also been invited to show off their dance moves.  Wesley Pines’ Food and Beverage Department will have a fabulous array of of culinary creations that are sure to please the crowd.

This event is open to the community and everyone is welcome to join in on the fun.

Wesley Pines Retirement Community is the areas only continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing.  To find out more about Shaggin’ Under the Pines or to learn more about the community please call Amy Shooter at (910)738-9691 or visit the website at www. wesleypines.org



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Wait, how do you go back down?! Thanks to Tom Mace from Tripod Travelers for our
May Photo of the Month on Instagram! Check it out here.
May's News from the Mountains
Dear Friends,

May means it's finally springtime, and springtime means bear cubs, and bear cubs mean cute, little, fuzzy bear butts. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't share them with you! Thanks to Tom Mace from Tripod Travelers for May's Photo Of The Month featured above. Remember, all the wildlife photos we share are taken from a safe distance (150+ ft) with a zoom lens and cropped. Never, ever disturb wildlife for a photo and never feed any critters in the park either.

We've got lots to pack into this month's e-newsletter, so let's get to it! Spring is busy season for the park and that means we are busy too, with lots of fun events coming up, so check those out down below. We've also got some good news to share from around the park, thanks to your generous support!

Be sure to keep up with all the latest on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages so you don't miss a beat. Bonus: each Friday this year, we are featuring a project from our Park Support List that your donations help fund called #FundMeFriday!

Thanks for being a Friend,
Brent McDaniel
Director of Marketing
Friends of the Smokies


https://friendsofthesmokies.org/


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Your monthly news & updates for Valdese NC
Check out all the exciting events & going - ons during the month of May. From concerts to festivals we've got you covered on entertainment for all ages!
Visit our Website
Old Colony Players

Auditions for the 2019 season of "From This Day Forward" - the historic outdoor drama - will take place Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19 at 3:00 PM at the Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre.
All age ranges and experience levels will be considered
Come prepared to read from the script, sing a short folk song of your choosing and be dressed to move. For safety reasons, please wear closed toed shoes to auditions. All actors are compensated for their role if chosen for the cast. For more information, please call Old Colony Players at (828) 522-1150, email us at ftdfoutdoordrama@yahoo.com or simply send a message through messenger.
May 24 | 7PM | Downtown Valdese

Kick off the 2019 Valdese Summer Concert Series with country band, Outshyne!

Outshyne is a country band who hails from South Carolina. Their music has a country feel with rock overtones. Originally formed in 2007, of high school friends playing after work. In 2010 they turned their passion for music into a full time endeavor, doing 150-180 dates a year. Since then their success keeps growing! They have opened for country music superstars including, Jake Owen, Eric Church, Lee Brice, Colt Ford, Joe Nichols, Gary Allen, and Justin Moore to name a few!
Valdese Farmers Market
2019 Schedule: May 24th-August 30th

Fridays only 11am to 4pm
Located on the Old Rock School front lawn
Sell your goods at the Valdese Farmers Market


Baked Goods - Corn - Cucumbers - Tomatoes - Apples - Plants - Potatoes - Jams - Okra - Beans
Thank you
to our FFN Sponsors!
Waldensian Festival


Since 1976, on the second Saturday in August, Valdese hosts an annual festival to celebrate the "Glorious Return" of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native valleys in the Cottian Alps of Italy in 1689. This celebration is mirrored around the world by other Waldensian communities. The Town of Valdese continues to improve the Waldensian Festival each year and make it one of the best festivals in the state of North Carolina.
The 2019 Waldensian Festival will concentrate on unique crafts, great food, and top-quality entertainment. To achieve this goal, the committee continues to search for wonderful artists, food vendors and entertainers from around the country. Choosing participants that will come together to make an unforgettable festival.
The 44th Annual Waldensian Festival will be held on August 9 & 10, 2019.


GREENWAY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Explore Valdese or visit your neighboring Town! We at Greenway are excited to expand transportation service options including the four new flex routes in Burke County.
You, your family and your friends are personally invited to ride the flex routes that serve Morganton, Drexel, Valdese, Hwy 70 and Rutherford College.

How we work: Have you seen our bus stops? Ask a driver or visit mygreenway.org for maps and schedules of the four routes. Service hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Don’t live along the routes? Not a problem! The four new bus routes offer the flexibility of a three-quarter mile deviation from the stops. Any deviations must be scheduled by noon one business day in advance through Greenway dispatch. Greenway also offers van service for areas outside of the three-quarter mile buffer of the new bus service.

Track the bus from your phone: Use your smart phone to track each bus for less wait time! Download the real-time application at: http://mobile.ridesystems.net/
Or check out each bus stop on our interactive map at: http://mygreenway.org/

Ride for free! Don’t miss the chance to ride FREE through March 31st, 2019!

We want to hear from you: We want this to serve you. Let us know how to make that possible by taking this quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/burketransit
Rock School Arts Foundation
Come see the Spring Student Art Show featuring artwork from Draughn & East Burke High Schools & Burke County Middle Schools. The show will be open from April 29–May 30. The Student and Guests Reception will be on Tuesday, April 30th, 4–6 PM, in Galleries I & II.
Summer 2019 Art Camps

Art 101 Children's Classes and Summer Art Camps are designed to teach art beyond the basics, presenting a variety of subject matter, materials and techniques to explore. We focus on nurturing individual artists, helping to build confidence in creative skills and self expression Our studio environment fosters appreciation for shared experience and the artwork of others. Students are encouraged to think as they create—connecting their art and their world through imagination and observation. They learn and they have fun!

Summer camps are open to students from 1st grade through high school; $50 per child per week.

Camp I: July 8 -12
Monday–Friday
2:00–4:00 PM
People Everywhere
Explore the many ways people are depicted in art from cultures around the world. Create masks, play with costumes, invent characters and learn the basics of drawing faces, expressions, figures and actions.

Camp II: July 15 -19
Monday–Friday
2:00–4:00 PM
Cornucopia: Food & Art
In every stage from garden to plate, there is beauty and variety in the things people eat. With food as your subject, experiment with color, texture, pattern and graphic design, and see how food has been depicted in artworks through history. Learn drawing techniques, create a still life painting, mixed-media collage, 3-D sculpture and more.

To sign up for one or both camps email rsaf1893@gmail.com or call 828-838-9806. Responding to this Facebook event DOES NOT constitute registration.
Keep Valdese Clean & Green
Recycle all EMPTY CLEAN & DRY items below:
Paper: Newspaper, Envelopes, Junk Mail, Phone Books, Brochures, Magazines
Aluminum: Aluminum Beverage Cans, Food Cans
Cardboard: File Folders, Ream Wrappers, Frozen Food Boxes, Cardboard Boxes, Milk Cartons
Glass: Beverage Containers, Glass Food Jars
Plastic: Water Bottles, Soda Bottles


Bag ALL trash before it is placed in Trash Cart
Return your Trash Cart from the curb within 24 hours of its collection. Use reusable shopping bags. 

Dispose of Grease Properly: 
Allow grease to cool to a safe temperature after cooking. Use a container with a re-sealable lid
Pour the cooled oil and grease into the container
Place lid on container and dispose in the garbage
Scrape or wipe cookware using a paper towel or spatula into the garbage before washing

Organize a Litter Pickup Program in your Neighborhood
Call the Valdese Public Works Department 828-879-2128 to schedule your event and the Town of Valdese will provide litter bags for your use. 
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Old Rock School Rentals
The Old Rock School Auditorium is the home of the Bluegrass at the Rock Concert Series, numerous plays by the local community theater Old Colony Players, dance recitals, graduations, camps, and corporate conferences.

ROCK SCHOOL PUBLIC RENTALS

The Auditorium will accommodate a maximum of 473 occupants. Details about the sound system and lighting services are available at time of rental and via application download.
Please see application for full break down of cost + additional add ons.


The Old Rock School Waldensian Room is used as a local community room. The Waldensian Room is used for weddings, receptions, beauty pageants, meetings, classes, anniversaries, birthdays, craft shows, and graduation celebrations. The Waldensian Room will accommodate 150 seated occupants. Tables & chairs are provided with rentals and there is a catering style kitchen available for use. After a recent remodel the Waldensian Room has surround sound, projection system, microphone, and a dimming light system. The Waldensian Room is the perfect venue to host your special events.


The Old Rock School has four classrooms available for public rental in the upstairs of the building. The Classrooms are home to events such as dressing rooms, meetings, and luncheons. Rooms 119,137,138, and 139 have recently been remodeled. The remodel included the addition of projections systems, custom sound panels, additional lighting and new vanities (Rooms 119 & 137). The Classrooms will accommodate and average of 25 seated occupants. Tables and chairs are included with rental.


The Teacher's Cottage is located between the Old Rock School and Valdese Elementary School. The building is home to events such as baby showers, birthdays, Lion's Club, Meals on Wheels, anniversaries, wedding showers and numerous smaller events. The Teacher's Cottage will accommodate a maximum of 50 occupants. Tables and chairs are included with rental and a catering style kitchen is available for use.


**All rental dates & applications must be verified by the Old Rock School Staff**
In addition to public rentals the Old Rock School also has several businesses and nonprofit organizations located within. The businesses & nonprofits include, Old Colony Players (local community theater), Rock School Arts Foundation and the Valdese Rotary Club. The Rock School Arts Foundation has two art galleries open for public viewing and Studio 101 for art workshops.

Gallery Schedule | Theater Schedule

The Piedmont & Western Railroad Museum is located on the lower level of the building. The Piedmont and Western Railroad is a fictitious line serving Western North Carolina whose mainline extends from Marion, NC to Leadvale, TN. Its chief purpose is to carry the trains of its owners, Southern RR and the Clinchfield RR across the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since it is the only Carolina's mainline that crosses the Blue Ridge, traffic is heavy. The Piedmont and Western also maintains extensive terminal facilities in Asheville, which is the focus of operations. Trains set off or pick up local traffic, or are reclassified for their final destinations. Modern operations with diesel locomotives are emphasized.


The Old Rock School averages 2 events per day. For information regarding public rentals and availability please contact us at 828-879-2129. Let the Old Rock School be the home of your next event.
Plan to Spend the Day in Valdese
Typical One Day Tour: For Groups of 15 or more

Smaller groups can be accommodated also. Please contact the Tourism Office at 828-879-2126 for details.

Waldensian Museum & Gift Shop
Experience the heritage of the Waldenses with a DVD presentation and tour through the numerous displays that fill the interior of the museum. Books and other gifts reflecting Waldensian history are available for sale. 

Lunch & Downtown Shopping
Enjoy a catered meal of your choosing and afterwards stroll through downtown and visit the antique stores, market, arts center and consignment shops. 

Waldensian Trail of Faith
You will be guided through the 15 buildings and monuments which are dedicated to preserving the courageous history of the Waldensian people. Each display has a significant meaning to their history from the valleys of the Italian Alps to their founding of Valdese in 1893. Experience the history and heritage as you walk along the sidewalk trail.

Waldensian Heritage Winery
Experience the wine making skills of the Waldensian people. Visitors are welcome to join a conducted tour along with tasting various wines and an opportunity for purchasing.

Cost includes lunch and all attractions. Tour and times can be modified to meet the needs of your group. Cost $25.00 per person

Additional Attractions:
-View the Art in the Rock School Art Galleries
-Tour the P&W Railroad Model Train Museum
-Village Park Mural - Find the 51 Hidden Objects

Include these events in your Day Trip: 

“From This Day Forward”
Historic Outdoor Drama of the Waldenses. Season runs mid-July through mid-August 

Historic Valdese Waldensian Festival
Held annually the second weekend in August to celebrate the Glorious Return of the Waldenses. Enjoy over 170 Food/Art/Craft Vendors, Music, Rides & More. 

This is only a sample tour. We have several packages and will customize your tour package to meet the needs of your group. All group tours include a guide.

School Field Trips Available!
Waldensian Trail of Faith
Waldensian Heritage Museum & Gift Shop
Pizza Lunch
Village Park Mural (find the hidden objects)
Bring your business to Valdese and become part of our vibrant Downtown District!
100 Main Street W

Listing Price: $375,000
Investor opportunity with this chance to own a part of Valdese Main Street. 100, 104, 108 West Main are store front commercial buildings that are currently rented and have great rental history.
106 West Main is residential rental units above the storefronts. Upstairs are 4 apartments with 1 office suite.. 
Listing Agent: Tim Newton 828.439.5921
205 Morgan Street SE
$350,000

CLASS: B
RESTROOMS: 2
YEAR BUILT: 1965
LOT SIZE: .75
TYPE: Special Purpose
PARKING SPACES: 45
AVAILABLE SQ FT: 4,691
TOTAL STORIES: 1
FLOOR LOCATION: 1
CURRENT OCCUPANCY: Vacant
205 Arnaud Avenue, SW

Office Suites, Valdese, NC
MLS #:C26743A

$700,000
CALCULATE PAYMENTS 

CLASS: A
RESTROOMS: 6
YEAR BUILT: 1971
LOT SIZE: 3.49 acres
TYPE: Office
PARKING SPACES: 75
ZONING: OI
CEILING HEIGHT: NA
BUILDING SQ FT: 51,500
AVAILABLE SQ FT: 41,264
DIV SQ FT: 2,000
TOTAL STORIES: 2
For further information about any of the events listed above,
please contact Valdese Community Affairs: 

Call 828-879-2126
Email Community Affairs Director, Morrissa Angi at mangi@valdesenc.gov 
Find us online at visitvaldese.com 
Town of Valdese Community Affairs | 888-Valdese | Fax | Email | Website
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook ‌ Twitter ‌ Instagram ‌
Town of Valdese | PO Box 339, Old Rock School, 400 Main Street West,
Valdese, NC 28690


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2019 Field of Honor
Opening Ceremony will be held
 Saturday, May 18 at 10am
in the museum parade field.
Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation | 910.643.2778
Airborne and Special Operations Museum | 100 Bragg Blvd., 100 Bragg Blvd.,
Fayetteville, NC 28301



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May Garden Lecture Presents 
Award-Winning Personality, Bryce Lane
On Saturday, May 11, join us for a lecture from Bryce Lane, three-time Emmy Award winning television personality, on "Best British Gardens: Ideas from Across the Pond." Great Britain is a treasure trove for some of the best gardens in the world. From cottage gardens to renowned botanical gardens, come see how the English use color, form, and texture, to create wonderful garden spaces.

This lecture is free and begins at 10 a.m. in Cullman Performance Hall 
at the North Carolina History Center.



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