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Valdese, a town
located about eight miles east of Morganton, ranks second in size for Burke
County with a population of 4,600. The community has a heritage that dates back
to the middle ages and was settled about 113 years ago by the Waldensians, a
sect from the Cottian Alps located in northern Italy and southern France. They
found their way to Burke County where they prospered and could freely practice
their religion. For centuries, in Italy, they had been persecuted for their
religious beliefs. Sites to visit in Valdese include the
Trail of Faith,
the outdoor drama “From This Day Forward”
and the
Waldensian Heritage Museum.
Valdese today is a tourist destination, a city rich in
history, and remains a town still linked by its roots to Italy. The Old Rock
School, built in 1923 by the original settlers of Valdese, was
renovated in the 1970’s and remains the focal point of the town. The
facility now houses
art galleries and a 473-seat auditorium where bluegrass music, "Bluegrass
at The Rock" is performed on a regular basis throughout
the year. Valdese also has a Farmer's Market, held across from the
town hall, on Wednesdays and Fridays during the summer season and
also a great recreational park at
McGalliard Falls Parks, complete with a restored grist mill. Not
to be missed while downtown is the
Village Park Mural, a stunning outdoor painting, on Main Street
Resources
City Website: Valdese:
Town Offices, 121 Faet Street, Valdese NC 28690; 828-879-2120
Location:
Foothills, one hour and fifteen minutes east of Asheville
County:
Burke County: Burke County Government Center, 200 Avery
Avenue, Morganton NC 28680; 828-439-4340
Elevation & Population:
1,203 feet, 4,600+
Visitor/Welcome Center:
Valdese Visitor Center, 400 West Main Street, Valdese NC
28690; 828-879-2129
Burke County Chamber of Commerce, 110 East Meeting Street,
Morganton NC 28655; 828-437-3021
Newspaper:
The News Herald, 301 Collett Street, Morganton NC 28655;
828-437-2161
Movie Theatres:
(Nearest)
Marquee Cinemas Mimosa 7, 103 South Green Street, Morganton NC
28655; 828-437-8084
High School: Jimmy C Draughn High School, 709 Lovelady Road NE, Valdese NC
28690, 828-879-4200
Colleges and Universities: (Nearest)
Western Piedmont Community College, 1001 Burkemont
Avenue, Morganton NC 28655; 828-438-6000
Hospitals:
Valdese Hospital, 720 Malcolm Boulevard, Valdese NC 28690;
828-874-2251
Area Major Festivals:
July 4th Fireworks (July),
Waldensian Festival
(August)
Area
Natural Attractions:
McGalliard Falls Parks,
South Mountains State Park
Area
Cultural Attractions:
From This Day Forward,
Trail of Faith,
Waldensian Heritage Museum
Wineries: Waldensian
Winery
Real Estate
Carolina Towne Realty: 1577 US 70 West, Valdese NC 28690;
828-368-0339
Roper Real Estate: 2633 US 70 East, Valdese NC 28690;
866-594-0008
Thompson Realty: 120 East Main Street, Valdese NC 28690;
828-879-9343
United Country Brinkley Real Estate: 142 East Main Street,
Valdese NC 28690; 828-874-0034
Dining
Overseas & Exotic
Judge's BBQ Express: 210 Praley Street NW, Valdese NC 28690;
828-874-7228
Myra's Little Italy: (Italian)
155 Bobo Avenue NW, Valdese NC 28690; 828-874-7086
Cafes & Grills
Dew Drop Inn: (American) 508 East Main Street, Valdese NC 28690; 828-879-1600
Myra's: (Cafe) 212 Main Street,
Valdese NC
28655; 828-879-8049
Pizza
Giovanni's Pizza:
(Pizza) East Main Street, Valdese NC 28690; 828-874-3601
Pizza Hut: (Pizza) 1181 US Highway 70, Valdese NC 28690;
828-879-8277
Coffeehouses
Americana Coffee and Antique Store: (Coffeehouse)
100 North Main Street,
Valdese NC 28690; 828-874-0175
Accommodations
No accommodations currently
available in Valdese. See
Morganton
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