Rutherfordton, NC

Voted North Carolina's Small Town of the Year by N.C. Rural Center, Rutherfordton was established in 1787.  Once home to Christopher Bechtler, the man who minted America’s first one-dollar gold coin, the Town of Rutherfordton is one of the oldest towns in western North Carolina. With the tagline “A Minted Original,” visitors can mint their own unique experience in Rutherfordton by visiting charming shops that have spanned generations while collecting vintage treasures.

History, hiking, shopping, and dining, you can enjoy all of this and more in downtown Rutherfordton. Explore our historic walking tour of Main Street that includes the Bechtler House, home of Christopher Bechtler, and the headquarters of N.C. Gold Trail, as well as the largest remaining cluster of antebellum homes in the southeast region. Extend your visit and stay at one of the two historic B&B's located downtown close to shopping, trails, diverse food, and drink. Tour the world with dining choices such as Thai, Mexican, Greek, American, and Italian all within walking distance of each other.  No matter what you love to do on vacation, you'll find it all in Rutherfordton.

Don't Miss Stops

Events

Each year people flock to Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills for our famous events and festivals…

Town of Rutherfordton - NC Small Town of The Year