Since the beginning of time, murals have told stories of the world’s history and its people from cave drawings by ancient cultures to ornate paintings in the world’s most iconic destination, and the small spaces in between. The unique towns of Rutherford County, NC boast a series of murals that speak to our history, our beauty, and our love of the arts. Some are so admired, they are now featured on the Appalachian Mural Trail.

Here is a recap of our murals stops. We’ve included some local art stops along the way as an extra treat. Take a self-guided tour through our small towns of Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Rutherfordton, Spindale and Forest City to see our collection, or download our Small Towns Art Mural Driving Tour for easy to follow turn-by-turn directions. The driving tour even includes a few vintage ghost murals from years past.

CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE

Chimney Rock Vintage Postcard Mural

Vintage Postcards

397 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

This collection of vintage postcard murals painted outside of the public restrooms and along the nearby wall give visitors a throwback glimpse of Chimney Rock Village.

 

Bubba O'Leary's Art Mural

Bubba O’Leary’s General Store

384 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Celebrating 20 years of business in 2017, this Bubba O’Leary’s General Store mural is located directly across the street from this staple, family-owned shop in Chimney Rock Village.

Art Stop: Medina’s Village Bistro

 

Chimney Rock State Park Mural

Chimney Rock State Park Monolith Restrooms

431 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC 28720 (park admission applies)

On your way up to this iconic attraction, make a pit stop in the bathrooms at the Meadows just passed the ticketing plaza. Inside you’ll find scenic murals of the nature and wildlife in and around Chimney Rock State Park.

 

LAKE LURE

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Mural

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge replica mural by Artists Veryle Lynn Cox and Amy Wald.

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

2930 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746

Less than a mile east of Chimney Rock Village is the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Boasting more than 1,000 types of plants and flowers, you can also find this gorgeous sunset mural painted on old doors. Visitors from all 50 states and more than 30 countries have walked this picturesque bridge.

Art Stops: The Point of View Restaurant, Gardenwoods, The Garden Café

 

RUTHERFORDTON

Continue your drive east into Rutherfordton, named “small town of the year” in 2016 by the N.C. Rural Center. Here, you can park the car downtown and explore our county’s largest collection of murals conveniently by foot.

Rutherfordton Selfie Mural

Rutherfordton, NC mural by Artist Blake Ferguson.

Rutherfordton, NC Mural

152 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139

As you head into town on North Washington Street you'll come across the “Rutherfordton, NC” mural painted on the side of the C&H Wholesale building. Post a photo to your social media account using hashtag #RCMuralsTour to show your friends the cool selfie spot you just found.

 

Rutherfordton Trails

217 N. Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

A downtown staple for many years, the Town of Rutherfordton has plans to reinvent the murals on this historic building to highlight the four trails that run through the town. Artwork is being completed by the Rutherford County Visual Arts Center sometime in October 2017.

 

Historic Guests Rutherfordton Mural

One of Rutherfordton’s first murals painted by Artist Clive Haynes.

"Historic Guests"

196 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Head across the street from Main Street Park, to and find Victorian Lace Antique Mall. On the side of the building, is one of Rutherfordton’s very first murals, this one depicting a historic look at downtown Rutherfordton. Can you see any famous guests?

 

Welcome to Rutherfordton Classic Coca-Cola Mural

Coca-Cola provided art: ‘Welcome Friends to Historic Rutherfordton’

Coca-Cola “Welcome Friends”

163 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Upon arriving at Main Street in downtown Rutherfordton, be welcomed by this Coca-Cola artwork featuring the town’s annual events calendar painted below. The artwork was donated to the town courtesy of the Coca-Cola Company.

 

Finding the Joy Mural

 “Finding the Joy!” mural by Owner Enrique Vasquez.

Small Town Coffee Roasters “Finding the Joy!” Mural

116 W. Court St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139

From the Coca-Cola mural at the corner of Main Street and W. Court Street, head west on Court Street to admire the sunrise mural on the front of Small Town Coffee Roasters. The vibrant artwork was hand painted by the coffee shop owner himself showcasing his talent for both coffee and art.

 

Bechtler "Mint Master" Mural in Rutherfordton

Bechtler portrait mural by Artist Blake Ferguson.

The “Mint Master” Mural

121 W. Court St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Proudly referred to as “the mint master,” this mural of Christopher Bechtler pays tribute to the man who minted America’s first one-dollar gold coin in Rutherfordton in 1832. A few blocks away, visit his 1838 home now fashioned into a heritage center.

Cool Fact: Look closely to the left of the Bechtler mural to see remnants of a vintage Coca-Cola mural.

 

Vintage Coca-Cola Ghost Mural

Vintage Coca-Cola mural artist unknown.

 

Red Rock Vintage Mural

Currently being restored by Zach Freeman

Red Rock Mural

143 Central St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139

A vintage ghost mural that is currently being restored, pays homage to another refreshing drink, Red Rock Cola.

 

Escape to Greece Mural at Olive Tree

The Olive Tree Restaurant murals were painted by Artists Clive & Irene Haynes.

The Olive Tree

151 Central Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Step inside The Olive Tree Greek restaurant for a view of murals throughout the establishment. Better yet, enjoy them over breakfast, lunch or dinner.

 

Pepsi Classic Mural

Original artist unknown.

"Bigger Bottle"

Little Cubbard Gas Station, 137 U.S. 64 Hwy, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

The original age of the mural is unknown, but it was donated by Pepsi. Local artist Clive Haynes recently did some touch ups to bring it back to life.

Art Stops: Rutherford County Visual Arts Center, Twisted Pear, Main Street Park, Ironworks, Chestnut Forge, Rutherford Regional Hospital

 

SPINDALE

Upon leaving Rutherfordton, head east to the eclectic town of Spindale, where local music is the preferred art form.

WGMA Music Mural

WGMA Radio

300 W. Main Street, Spindale, NC 28160

While the radio station is no more, the love of local music in this town remains strong.

Art Stops: B Sharp Music

 

FOREST CITY

Follow Main Street through Spindale and into downtown Forest City where you can also park and enjoy the murals by foot in this classic American town. With shops, restaurants, attractions and more, you’ll want to allot plenty of time to spend here.

Scavenger Hunt Mural in Forest City

Forest City’s Scavenger Hunt Mural features 70 hidden items. Mural by Clive Haynes.

Scavenger Hunt Mural

149 E. Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043

Located at the corner of East Main Street and North Powell Street is likely the most fun mural of all – a scavenger hunt mural! With 70 items hidden within the mural, this vintage artwork covers the entire block. Click here to download a brochure with the full list of items to find.

 

The Fountain at Smith’s Drugs

East Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043

After you’ve worked up an appetite exploring murals, head inside The Fountain at Smith’s Drugs and sit in one of their booths back-dropped by a historic mural of downtown Forest City during the stagecoach days.

 

Farm Museum Mural

This Rutherford County Farm Museum mural depicts a time when ‘cotton was king.’ Mural by Clive Haynes.

Rutherford County Farm Museum

240 Depot Street, Forest City, NC 28043

Wrap up your mural tour at the Rutherford County Farm Museum where a mural inside illustrates a time when “cotton was king” and agriculture was the prominent industry in the region.

Art Stops: Banfield Pottery, Burnt Chimney Mercantile, Twisted Pear, Foothills Café