For a small town much occurs in Valdese on Friday Nights during the summer..
There is a car show which starts at 6 pm..
Great place for the guys to hang out..
And at 7 pm there is music.
The Lineup
And to think all this started from the Waldenses
So, put Valdese on your list for a fun Friday nite.
And check out their July 2nd celebration.
visitvaldese.com
This small town has an interesting collection of shops.
For anyone interested in Thrift Shops, there were three..
Next, 100 Main for dining pleasure…
And you’ll never forget Myra’s. Even Marilyn Monroe stopped by..
And for those into Italian, right behind Myra’s..
Old World Baking Company — Stop by for a cup of joe, a croissant.. This shop is coming back post-Pandemic. The friendly owner was washing down the sidewalk as I passed. He’s getting ready for you…
Then take a book,
or play some bocce..
A little history – Bocce started in 5200 BC in Egypt and spread throughout the continents. It’s present form is an Italian game, and as Waldensian’s originated in Italy they brought this game with them. This court lies on the grounds of their church.
Time for more retail pleasure…
Next: Friday Night Events in Valdese
This religious group dates back to the Middle Ages. They resided in Italy wishing to read and preach the Bible, however, this was not allowed during those times. Only the Pope and priests had this ability.
They continued to read and preach the Bible, and because of this were persecuted. The church called for their extinction so they hid when following their beliefs.
After centuries of persecution many members of the Waldensian’s left their European home settling in what was to be known as Valdese, North Carolina. A community remains here with a museum explaining their journey. It is a fascinating legacy. If interested in religious history I encourage visiting this lovely small town. The visit begins with a movie and a well versed Waldensian docent leads patrons through their history.
Contact the for museum hours. http://www.waldensianheritagemuseum.com 828-874-1111
208 Rodoret Street South Valdese, North Carolina 28690
The Museum
After the movie there are several placards explaining the journey of the Waldensian’s.
Exhibits explain how the group survived when they arrived in North Carolina in 1893.
The Waldensian’s selected this area of North Carolina due to it’s railroad access. However, working the land was not easy for farming. They built a saw mill generating lumber for building homes and the women began bakeries. Wine making was another industry. They eventually branched out into the textile industry.
On Main Street there is an interesting memorial with murals dedicated to the Waldensian’s.
But my favorite was the 125th anniversary railroad memorial.
It was here on May 29,1893 where 29 pioneers began their life in the United States of America.
Other Summer Events
During mid-July there is a play, From This Day Forward, which describes the journey of the Waldensian’s.
There also is a summer festival the second Saturday in August.
Next: Valdese Main Street
Once back at home base took a hike at Lake James. Was attempting to locate the “critters” I had seen on a previous hike and was successful.
Came across their habitat and waited from a distance.
And one peered out,
then he told his sibling of a visitor. Each came out to say hello. They have grown much in 2 weeks.
Followed the signs finding Cramerton, North Carolina.
This community is undergoing a massive home construction phase under the expertise and guidance of this company.
Their offices are located in a restored home and behind the home are community gardens..
Some of the homes..
Completed, and aren’t they gorgeous??? Plus these homes are near the lake which was seen in the former blog…
The Town of Cramerton is networked into the Carolina Trail System. Here are some views of the Cramerton portion of the Carolina Thread Trail.
There is a walkway over the water to an island which has a playground for children, and trails.
The town also has events for their residents. According to placards a July 4th event at the gazebo and yoga classes on the island are planned. What fun and great way to meet neighbors.
Think Cramerton has much going for it.
On the grounds of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is the Persimmon Trail. Seek this out as it is a lovely, easy to walk trail, and a perfect end to your visit. On the trail you will find folks walking, jogging, riding their bikes, and lovers holding hands. It is also attached to the Carolina Thread Trail which is a 300 mile long network of greenery, blueways, and trails in 15 counties, 2 states, reaching 2.9 million people according to Auntie Google. .
Throughout the trail are signs naming the trees and other vegetation. Nice touch and a good learning tool for children.
The path has many twists and turns. Place small colored items at these junctures to ensure you find your way back to the parking lot. And of course pick them up upon return.
What a nice surprise at the end of my hike..
For more information on this trail system, https://www.carolinathreadtrail.org/
I would be remiss if I did not mention that this lovely garden has many events occurring throughout the year.
During the summer there are:
The horticulture team also provides answers to your gardening questions and can be reached at horticulture@dsbg.org. They request a photo of the plant and ask you be as specific as possible in your request.
Events can also be conducted at the Garden.
Contact them at: http://www.DSBG.org
Visiting gardens always give ideas. Here are some….
The Garden’s fountains, each with it’s own personality.
Fun. What a great place to run through on this 88 degree day..
The Children’s Garden
Had another fountain..
Garden Picnic Area
The Formal White Garden – this was discreetly placed so don’t miss it..
Some Sculptures
Below is an interesting sculpture made of saplings by a former hospital administrator who later studied art history and sculpture at the University of North Carolina. His works appear worldwide. One never knows where life will bring you.
A work by Patrick Dougherty
A Place to Sit a Spell…
Once rested visit The Prairie Garden,
In closing more gardens and flowers.. Enjoy!
Returning from the Hickory Flea Market, (great spot, open only on Thursday’s), saw this sign on the interstate. Followed my instinct and what a find and delightful visit.
The Garden hours were limited and having only an hour had to scurry. However, walking fast made it through but plan for more time to drink in this Garden’s beauty.
Daniel J. Stowe, a textile executive, developed this 380 acre sanctuary upon his retirement in 1991. It has several different gardens, trails, and a butterfly house. Let’s start at the Butterfly House..
Follow the signs to learn more of butterflies..
Here are those lovely creatures in their habitat..
Part of the life cycle, remember the sign??
Next: More pictures of the garden..
While speaking with a co-worker was told of another Lake James Park. What a find, with more hiking trails, and a larger beach. Let’s explore…
Started the hike at Linville Gorge Overlook.
Check out that sky..
Moments on the trail..
Discovered another trail system,
with even more beauty..
Time for a foot soak..
Then more exploration to the Bathouse..
Wonderful to see – electric car chargers,
and picnic pavillions.
Upon leaving discovered a new visitor center under construction,
which will lead hikers through more lovely woods..
What a nice visit…..
Young Retiree Needs a Life 