Seniors Stop At Foot Of Blue Ridge Mountains

Senior visitors learn that Granite Falls, North Carolina is named for a group of granite boulders spanning Gunpowder Creek which leads to a natural waterfall. Granite Falls is home to about 4,500 residents and is probably most famous these days for being the hometown of Country Music musician Eric Church.

Mayor Barry Hayes is very proud of his city located at the foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and on two lakes of the Catawba River chain. He notes that…“Our town is too beautiful and friendly to appreciate fully through a website visit. So when you “log off”, pack a bag and come visit us. We will take you to see the “Falls at Gunpowder Creek” from which our town derives its name, peaceful Lake Rhodhiss and Lake Hickory and many other historic and natural sites.”

Granite Fall’s history dates back before the Revolutionary War and its origins can be traced to land grants back to 1754. Granite Falls is home to one of the world’s largest collection of soda pop memorabilia.

Seniors Enjoy ’20 Miles of Furniture’

Sims Country BBQ is a Granite Falls landmark which began in 1979 and hosts the annual Molasses Festival every October. Senior visitors can experience true Southern Appalachian culture with clogging, music, food, crafts and demonstrations on molasses making.

Visitors flock to the nearby Pisgah National Forest and well as Lakeside Park on scenic Lake Rhodhiss for picnics and shade.  The Lakeside Park features numerous trails for walking or hiking and mountain biking.

Caldwell County is known as the Furniture Capital of the South and is home to the famed “20 Miles of Furniture” where numerous outlets and stores offer deep discounts. Located along or near a stretch of U.S. Highway 321 between Lenoir and Hickory, the area, which passes though Granite Falls, is a destination for serious shoppers interested in quality furniture.

History Draws Senior Visitors

Historically, Native Americans were the first to see the waters splashing over huge granite boulders spanning Gunpowder Creek. Pioneer Andrew Baird, in 1791, saw power in these churning waters – power he could harness to operate an iron works beside the stream. And in doing so, he became owner of all the land now occupied by the Town of Granite Falls.

The town purchased the historic home of Andrew Baird that was built in the 1790′s and stands today as the second oldest home in Caldwell County. Today this historic home houses the Granite Falls History and Transportation Museum.

Senior travelers, for a heads-up for a great place to bed down, the Thistle House B&B rates high. For those of you who like beer, the Granite Falls Brewery is home to handcrafted beer.

Seniors, stop by Granite Falls and enjoy not only the Falls, but that awesome southern hospitality as well.  jeb