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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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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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BATTLE OF NEW BERN 

The Croatan Earthwork, an extensive fortification not used during the battle, can be seen 6 3/10 miles southeast of this highway. Here, extensive earthworks can be seen on both sides of the highway in a direct line with this marker.

     Troops engaged in the Battle of New Bern:
     Union: Major General Ambrose E. Burnside - commanding Division; Brigadier General John G. Parke’s Brigade; 4th and 5th R.I. Inf.; 8th and 11th Conn. Inf.; Brigadier General Jesse L. Reno’s Brigade; 21st Mass., 51st N.Y., 9th N.J., and 51st Pa. Inf.; Brigadier General John G. Foster’s Brigade; 23rd 24th, 25th, and 27th Mass. and 10th Conn. Inf.

     Confederate: Brigadier General Lawrence O’B. Branch - commanding Brigade; 7th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 33rd, 35th, and 37th N.C. Inf.; 19th N.C. Regt. (1st Cavalry); Captain Thomas H. Brem’s and Captain A. C. Latham’s artillery batteries. Confederates in Fort Thompson: Captain John N. Whitford’s and Captain W. A. Herring’s artillery companies. (The men in the other Confederate forts did not directly participate in the battle.) 


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https://ncmarkers.com/Markers.aspx?MarkerId=CC-2
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Volume 1028 | August 1, 2019

Foothills Comedy Festival
August 31 | 4pm | Old Rock School
The Foothills Comedy Festival is bringing the best comedians to the Northwestern Carolina area. Morganton Improv and The Old Rock School have combined this year to bring the best in Improv, Stand-up, and Comedic Acting. This year's show will be August 31st at the historic Old Rock School in Valdese, North Carolina.

Lineup:
Butcher Stories | 4PM
Based off of the hit blog, and featuring 100% real
interactions with insane customers, comedian Andy Livengood 
(Winner, Charleston City Paper’s Best Local Comic) will take 
audiences on a hilarious and heartfelt tour of strange coworkers, clueless managers, and crazy customers.
C.H.A.M.P.S | 5:30PM
This goofiness is par for the course when it comes to C.H.A.M.P.S., old friends getting back together for this Comedy Fest show.
Morganton Improv | 7PM
Morganton Improv creates one-of-a-kind performances based on audience suggestions. Some of the cleverest and socially 
awkwardest folks of Burke County, North Carolina have teamed up to discover new absurdities together and keep audiences laughing, entertained, or in the very least, delightfully confused.
Krass and Groce | 8:30PM
Lauren Krass is now based in New York City, where you can see her perform at some of the best comedy clubs around, like Stand Up NY, New York Comedy Club, and QED. Jason Groce began his comedy career here at Theatre 99 in 2005 and has since opened for several notable acts like Tig Notaro, 
Michael Ian Black, and Colin Quinn.
Thank you
to our FFN Sponsors!
2019-2020 Concerts at the Rock Series
Saturday, September 14, 2019 7:30 PM EDT
The Marty Burns Experience
All proceeds benefit the Burke Theater Guild.
The Old Rock School, Valdese
Tickets
Sat, Oct 12, 2019 7:30 PM EST
The True Grass Band with SIDELINE
The Old Rock School, Valdese
Tickets
Sat, Nov 2, 2019 7:30 PM EST
Concerts at the Rock welcomes IIIRD TYME OUT
The Old Rock School, Valdese
Tickets
Sat, Jan 11, 2020 7:30 PM EST
Concerts at the Rock welcomes Darin & Brooke Aldridge
The Old Rock School, Valdese
Tickets
Sat, Feb 15, 2020 7:30 PM EST
Concerts at the Rock welcomes Nu Blu w/ Special Guest
Old Rock School, Valdese
Tickets
Sat, Mar 7, 2020 7:30 PM EST
Concerts at the Rock welcomes Carolina Blue
Old Rock School, Valdese
Tickets
Season Tickets Available Now!

Season Tickets - 2019-2020 concert season are now on sale. Tickets are $100 per person! Each season ticket holder will also receive a reserved seat of their choice for the season. 
Thu, Jun 27, 2019 8:00 AM EST
2019-2020 Concerts at the Rock Season Ticket
Old Rock School, Valdese
Tickets
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
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
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Town of Valdese | PO Box 339, Old Rock School, 400 Main Street West,
Valdese, NC 28690

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