WNC Mountains and Scenic River Community

LIFE AT
THE COVES MOUNTAIN RIVER CLUB
2 - MOUNTAIN & SCENIC RIVER
A rare combination to find in Western
North Carolina communities. Find out
what makes The Coves Mountain River
Club unique...
3- HEAVENLY VIEWS
The hub of the community, Pisgah
Mountain Lodge offers breathtaking
panoramic views of Grandfather
Mountain, Table Rock and...
11 - THE JOHNS RIVER
With five miles of river frontage on the
Johns River and connecting to Wilson
Creek, residents…
21 - WALK IN THE WOODS
Spread across 3,600 acres, 39 miles
of hiking trails lead to community parks
and gardens, cascading waterfalls and...
23 - ROUND MOUNTAIN RANCH
Our full service equestrian community
caters to all skill levels. Here’s
everything you would want to know
about…
31 - HAPPINESS THERMOSTAT
Weather information about living in the
foothills...
33 - COZY PLACES TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
Whether you prefer to stay at a Bed
& Breakfast, southern plantation or
popular hotel chain, here’s places we
recommend...
39 - GETTING TO KNOW THE AREA
A plethora of information about the
mountain towns of Blowing Rock,
Lenoir, Morganton and Hickory..
63 - RELIABLE MEDICAL CARE
Detailed information about hospitals
and medical care near The Coves
Mountain River Club
68 - MASTER SITE PLAN
A dozen floor plans of all sizes and
shapes to fit almost any homesite at
The Coves...
70 - SMART BUILDER FLOOR PLANS
A dozen floor plans of all sizes and
shapes to fit almost any homesite at
The Coves...
83- OVERVIEW OF AMENITIES & TAXES -
Itemized overview of amenities, HOA
fees and helpful tax information...
84 - THE COVES STORY
Meet developer Tim Ritch and learn
more about the history about The Coves
1

M
ountains and a scenic river, a rare combination to find in Western
North Carolina. Yet this is what we enjoy 365 days a year. Living along
the river is peaceful and slows life down to a more comfortable pace.
With over 5 miles of frontage on the Johns River connecting to Wilson Creek,
the good life comes more into focus at The Coves Mountain River Club. While
sitting along the river, folks can still see locals panning for gold like they did
decades ago. A perfect metaphor for the gold mine of beauty that exists at The
Coves.
After a day splashing in the river, residents retreat to Pisgah Mountain
Lodge at the community’s summit where the eagles soar. It’s the perfect place
to take in the majesty of the hundred mile views as the sun sets behind Table
Rock Mountain. The timeless moment overlooking the community’s infinity-
view saline swimming pool that makes sipping hot chocolate on the veranda
that much sweeter.
Evelyn’s Vineyard and Isabel’s Garden share the banks of the Johns
River and are where residents come to harvest and picnic in the sun. Here is
the place to listen to waterfalls and spend the day exploring miles of hiking trails
just above Round Mountain Ranch, the community’s full service equestrian
center. The Coves is more than a neighborhood. It’s a community of friends who
appreciate the grandeur of its location. Here families play together and care for
one another in the good old fashioned way.
If you’ve wanted a sense of belonging, you will find it
and more at The Coves.
Tim Ritch,
Developer and Resident
WELCOME TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
2

The Coves Mountain River Club
view from Pisgah Mountain Lodge
3

O
f the 3,600 acres at The Coves
Mountain River Club, the
crowning glory of our ridgetop
is a well appointed rustic lodge, infinity-
view saline swimming pool, hot tub and
outdoor living room facing Grandfather
Mountain. Built at an elevation of 1,700
feet, the mountain top lodge provides
breathtaking panoramic views in every
direction.
On a clear day, residents have
front row seats to view the Blue Ridge
Mountain panorama that includes
Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock,
Adams Knob and Brown Mountain.
At sunset when the sun slips behind
the mountains, it leaves the skies in
a kaleidoscope of color, in beautiful
shades of pink and orange. At night,
millions of stars feel so close, you
could reach out and touch them. It’s
priceless places like this that remind
us of the majesty of mother nature.
Sloping down from the mountain range,
towards our gated community, are tens
of thousands of unspoiled acres in a
protected national forest that will never
see man-made development.
The 6,000 square foot lodge
with an wrap-around veranda is always
hustling and bustling with social club
activities. Five times a year, our gated
community comes together for delicious
themed Cook-off competitions. Each
month, our Guest Lecture Series
includes local chefs, artists, musician,
hiking guides and educational
speakers. On the first Wednesday of
the month, the lodge is where you’ll find
Coves Game Night, yet another excuse
for our residents to enjoy each other’s
company in a friendly setting. Every
Monday morning, our yoga instructor
leads the residents in a wellness class
on the mountain’s edge.
The top level of the lodge
has floor to ceiling glass with a large
entertaining kitchen, great room and
cozy lending library. It is a quiet place
to read by the fire, enjoy a glass of
wine on the porch, gather with your
family or attend a social club event. The
lower level of the lodge, with expansive
windows, includes a state-of-the art
fitness center with cardio and weight
equipment, locker room, showers,
fitness class area and game room
equipped with Foosball, pool and Ping-
Pong tables.
With 3,600 acres in our gated
community, there’s plenty of elbow
room to feel secluded yet have enough
activity and the close proximity to four
mountain towns, to enjoy the best of
mountain living.
Grab a glass of wine and stay a while
“A day without
laughter is
wasted.”
Charlie Chaplin
4

Monday morning yoga on the mountain’s edge

INVIGORATE. RECHARGE. RELAX.
5

Ahhh. Retirement. The moment we’ve worked hard for all
our lives. With more time on our hands, it’s the chance to move
our health and well-being into full focus and could there be a
more beautiful place to do that than at The Coves Mountain
River Club? We say no. We designed our mountaintop lodge
facing Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock Mountain, Adams
Knob and the South Mountains to be the place to spend
timeless days relaxing by our infinity-view saline swimming
pool and hot tub. The sweet sounds of nature and eagle eye’s
view of Pisgah National Park are about as heavenly as one
could long for.
To start the day, the fitness center on the lower level
of our lodge has floor to ceiling glass to maximize the sunlight
and long range mountain views. The center is equipped with
cardio equipment which includes treadmills, ellipticals and
recumbent bikes. Nautilus strength training gear includes
leg extension, leg curl, shoulder press, chest press - incline &
decline, lower back and back extension, pullover lat pull and a
seated row. Weight lifting equipment: full single tier dumbbell
rack 5-50 lbs and two multi adjustable benches.
The padded aerobic studio floor is where residents
enjoy all types of wellness instruction which includes yoga,
dance and toning classes. The aerobic studio is stocked with
yoga balls, weighted Pilates ball, balance step and half ball.
The two locker rooms and showers make it convenient and
easy to transition to the swimming pool area.
Our fitness center encourages you to feel alive and
have more energy for the things you love to do.
6

ANNUAL EVENTS AT THE COVES
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
There’s always something going at The
Coves Mountain River Club. Whether
it’s the Coves Game Night, cooking
demonstrations by award winning
local chefs, a guest lecture or one of
the Cook-off competitions, our Pisgah
Mountain Lodge is the hub of it all.
Five times a year, our community comes
together to compete for the First Place
title in The Coves Cook-off challenge
and to listen to serenades by local
musicians like Sarah Tucker.
ANNUAL COVES COOK-OFF CHALLENGES
•March – Best International Dish
•June – NC BBQ Rib Challenge
•August – Best Side Dish
•October – Best Chowder
•December – Chili & Apple Pie
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Charlie Frye is The Coves’ first Artist
in Residence and is commissioned
to create and paint two quilt blocks
on our Round Mountain Ranch barn.
These meaningful masterpieces will
be included on the Quilt Block Trail of
North Carolina, a collection of more
than 200 painted quilt blocks through
out the state of North Carolina.

Paint splattered jeans, rolled at the
cuff. Doc Martin boots. Layers of bright
colored shirts. Coffee mug and paint
brush in hand, famous local artist
Charlie Frye is the talk of Lenoir. During
the summer season, Frye visits the
lodge for a relaxed lecture about art,
what inspires him and to showcase
a private art exhibit.The Artist in
Residence changes seasonally and
includes local musicians.
GUEST LECTURE SERIES
Our Guest Lecture series at the lodge
includes educational presentations
by local hiking guides, avid gardeners,
wellness trainers, musicians and our
equestrian director Mona Houston.

Whether folks want to learn about
trout fishing, fauna and flowers or how
to whisper to a horse, there’s always
something to learn from our guest
speakers.
9

COVES
COOK-OFF
CHALLENGES
BBQ RIB COOK-OFF APPLE PIE COOK-OFF
CHILI COOK-OFFCHOWDER COOK-OFF 10

With over five miles of frontage on
the Johns River, there are plenty of places
to enjoy a lazy summer afternoon.
THE JOHNS
RIVER

Old Fashioned
Family Fun
W
hile sitting along the river, folks still pan for gold
like they did many years ago. A perfect metaphor
for the gold mine of serene beauty that exists at
The Coves. Residents find it a toss up as to which water toy to
use for the day.
Will it be a kayak, canoe, paddle board or giant inflatable
tube? The river is refreshing with temperatures averaging a
cool crisp 50 degrees. Summer tempatures average a warm
75-80 degrees. Rainbow and brown trout, small mouth bass
and catfish are commonly caught in the mountain-fed rivers.
Coves River Park, one of four parks in our gated community,
features a covered riverfront pavilion with an outdoor kitchen
and fire pit with cozy seating to relax in the shade.
The river park also has horseshoe pits, a riverside hiking
trail and plenty of open space for the family’s enjoyment.
Penelope Sliding Rock Falls, Round Mountain Ranch and the
two community gardens are adjacent to the river park.
OUR FOUR COMMUNITY PARKS
Waterfall Park
Coleton’s Swimming Hole
Coves River Park
Mila Cascading Falls Park
During the summer months, Coleton’s Swimming Hole
becomes a splashing fun place to be. The swimming hole in a
deep bend in the river, has an old-fashioned rope swing, fire
pit with outdoor seating and a sandy beach area providing
easy access to the river. The dog friendly park is the perfect
place to play frisbee and let the pooch run free to splash in
the river.
13

T
he crystal clear water of the Johns River originates near
Blowing Rock, NC. The cool crisp water flows 23 miles
downhill through the mountains flowing down from
Grandfather Mountain is Wilson Creek, one of the best fly fishing
streams in North Carolina. It continues to curve its way into to
the Johns River.
Wilson Creek has been designated by Congress as a National
Wild Scenic River and is only 10 minutes from The Coves gated
entrance. It is stocked with more than 10,000 fish annually.
During the fall and winter months, the trout fishing is incredible.
Whether residents desire to fish along the five miles of river
frontage at The Coves Mountain River Club or hop on over to
Wilson Creek, both rivers offer plenty of fishing holes, fast and
slow moving streams to explore.
Living at The Coves gives you the chance to be a kid again, to tell
tale fish tales and let your grandchildren enjoy timeless days the
way you remember.
The
Good
Life
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.”
– Doug Larson
16

THE JOHNS
RIVER
EXPLORING
PICNICS
SMORES AND MORE
2

Hiking
Horse Trails
Waterfalls and Parks
21

39 MILES OF
SMILES AT
THE COVES
A
walk in the woods continues
to be one of the most sought
after nature experiences. The
smells, sounds and unpredictable
opportunity to observe wildlife in their
natural setting heightens our senses
and soothes our soul. In a perfect
world, groomed hiking trails are found
right within a neighborhood. Mission
accomplished. The Coves Mountain
River Club strives for perfection in every
way and has completed 39 of more
than 50 miles of hiking trails planned.
Trail difficulty ranges from flat easy
hikes along the Johns River to more
strenuous climbs up to Davis Knob all
in the refuge of a gated community.
9 HIKING AND HORSE TRAILS
SWITCHBACK TRAIL – 7 mile trail
crossing over several streams, brings
hikers to bottom of lodge, by the old gold
mine and along Mila Cascading Falls
SPINE TRAIL – 7 mile trail that brings
hikers through the pasture property
along side stock fishing pond and
past the wildlife viewing area and over
several beautiful streams
WINDING RIVER TRAIL – 4 mile trail that
follows along the Johns River, passing
Coves River Park, the community
gardens and stables leading to
Coleton’s Swimming Hole.
MAGNOLIA TRAIL – 3 mile trail starting
down near the pasture then goes up in
elevation about 100ft overlooking river,
then deep into woods and back down to
Coleton’s Hole
TRANQUILITY VINEYARD TRAIL - 2 mile
trail that brings hikers deep into woods
and along several small streams down
to the vineyard
LITTLE WATERFALL TRAIL – 1.5 mile
trail that starts at Table View Lane and
passes several waterfalls and ties into
Waterfall Trail
CEDAR COVE TRAIL – 1 mile trail that
brings hikers to the Waterfall Trail
leading to the community gardens and
stables
WATERFALL TRAIL – 1 mile trail that
brings hikers down to Waterfall Park
and into community gardens
HAWKS NEST TRAIL – 1 mile trail that
brings hikers from Waterfall Lane
down along spring fed stream into the
Waterfall Trail leading to the community
gardens and stable
4 CASCADING WATERFALLS
GRANDFATHER GORGE FALLS - 50 foot
triple tier waterfall over large boulders
plunging into a pool
MILA CASCADING FALLS – easy access,
dramatic stairway-like waterfall into the
Johns River at Mila Park
HIGHLAND RIVER FALLS – easy access,
tumbles down a mountain hollow into
the Johns River
PENELOPE SLIDING ROCK FALLS – 40
foot layered waterfall with splash areas,
easy access near the Coves River Park
Our hiking and horse trail
system blends seamlessly within the
forest. The trails are wide, well marked
and lead to scenic outlooks, picnic
areas and community parks. Thirteen
miles of the trails are ‘horse friendly’.
Residents can choose from a short day
hike to full day adventure without ever
leaving our gated community.
Fauna and flora common to see
on our trails include mountain laurel,
poplar, rhododendron, azaleas and
wild mushrooms. Bird enthusiasts can
expect to see a variety of woodpeckers,
owls, bluebirds, colorful finches and
hummingbirds. Unplug, pack a lunch
and grab a camera. You’re in for a treat
hiking and riding our trails.
22

ROUND MOUNTAIN RANCH
23

“If I could only travel by horse, I would.”
Linda McCartney

FOUR LEGS. BIG HEARTS.
T
o look into a horse’s eye is to see the American spirit.
A gentle giant willing to obey and longing to be loved.
Whether you’re an avid rider or a novice with a thirst
for adventure, our ‘horse whisperer’ is here to enhance your
experience.
For more than 9 years, Equestrian Director Mona Houston,
has provided the full equine experience to our residents in
our equestrian community. The eight stall red barn along
the Johns River is where it all began. With room to grow to
20 stalls, our equestrian center has high vaulted ceilings,
padded barn flooring, a tack room and 15 acres of pasture.
Residents have the option of full-time or part-time boarding.
With 13 miles of ‘horse friendly’ trails leading to four
community parks and four cascading waterfalls, riders
never have to leave our equestrian community for a scenic
ride. Other a-la-carte equestrian services include veterinary
services, riding lessons, select feed service, turn-out and
pasture rotation, and round-pen training. Horse trails include:
HIGHLAND RIVER TRAIL – 10 miles starting from the lodge,
passing by several streams and waterfalls, brings riders down
to the Johns River at Mila Cascading Falls
MAGNOLIA TRAIL – 3 miles starting at the pasture goes up in
elevation about 100ft overlooking the Johns River, deep into
the woods and back down to Coleton’s Swimming Hole
With mild four season weather in the foothills, it makes
Round Mountain Ranch an ideal year round home for your
four legged friend. Equestrian land parcels are available in
our community.
26

C
ommunity garden’s are a happy place where
residents can get their hands dirty to produce farm-
to-table produce and colorful flowers. The connection
to the earth allows both the experienced gardener and the
novice to nurture a seed to maturity. Isabel’s Garden is
seated in a sunny place along the Johns River. The manicured
dividers between the garden plots add to the English-style
atmosphere.
Tomatoes, peppers, radishes, greens and watermelon are
popular fruit and vegetables grown in the nutrient rich soil.
The growing season begins in March and crops are harvested
as late as December.
Flowers commonly grown in the area include daffodils, tulips,
lilies, sunflowers and assorted mountain wildflowers. Herbs
easy to grow in Isabel’s Garden include rosemary, basil,
oregano, sage and mint.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the fruits of our labor at
the dinner table. Residents at The Coves Mountain River
Club have the option of maintaining their own garden plot or
retaining assistance from our garden committee.
Participating in a community garden is a great way to improve
our health by eating more fresh produce. It’s also a way to
meet new neighbors and enjoy the beauty of the mountain-
fed Johns River.
ISABEL’S GARDEN
THE COVES MOUNTAIN RIVER CLUB 28

N
orth Carolina is home to more than 100 wine
vineyards. Native grapes include Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah,
Chardonnay and Viognier.
Evelyn’s Vineyard began as a demonstration vineyard and
its beauty has quickly unfolded. The way the morning sun
glistens on the chartreuse colored leaves, bronze grapes and
swirling new growth could keep an artist busy for weeks. The
river-side vineyard with craftsman-style trellises dividing the
opened grassed lanes, inspires residents to test their vintner
skills at wine making. This year will be the community’s first
harvest.
Grapes have surprisingly high levels of Resveratrol and other
health-enhancing antioxidants. Culinary chefs use grapes in
gourmet cobblers, fancy jams and herbal glazes. The grapes
are successfully grown in the North Carolina foothills because
they need fewer chilly nights and thrive on the summer heat.
Whether as a hobby or for the serious wine maker , Evelyn’s
Vineyard is a masterpiece in the making and is a fun
atmosphere for the community.
EVELYN’S VINEYARD
THE COVES MOUNTAIN RIVER CLUB 30

AVERAGE
TEMPERATURES
SPRING 69 high 44 low
SUMMER 86 high 64 low
FALL 68 high 46 low
WINTER 52 high 28 low
Average Snowfall -11 inches
31

COZY PLACES TO
STAY IN THE FOOTHILLS
W
hen American poet T.S. Eliot wrote “home is
where one starts from,” he may as well have been
writing about The Coves Mountain River Club,
one of the most talked about communities in Western North
Carolina. When you live at The Coves, your cozy mountain
retreat nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is surrounded by
so much living.
Some folks turn to the internet to find out which
restaurant to try. But here in Blue Ridge country, the friendly
folks who run the local inns and Bed & Breakfasts are happy
to share that with you and more.
When you book your trip to visit The Coves Mountain
River Club and the surrounding towns of Hickory, Morganton,
and Lenoir, be sure to take advantage of the good old-
fashioned Southern hospitality from the innkeepers in the
surrounding towns. They can help make your Blue Ridge
experience that much more memorable. Here are a few of
our favorite places to stay in the foothills:
33

B&B'S
THE IRISH ROSE B&B
1344 Harper Avenue NW, Lenoir, NC 28645
TEL: 828-758-2323
The Irish Rose is located in a brick Colonial Revival home,
built in 1925. Enjoy a full breakfast each morning cooked to
order in the beautiful dining room. Coffee, tea, sodas, and
homemade cookies are always available to guests.
THE DELK HOUSE
415 Hibriten Avenue, Lenoir, NC
TEL: 828-499-1108
Elegant Southern-style plantation dating back to the early
1900’s. The guest suite has a living room, bedroom and bath
with a private entrance. Features include high speed internet,
cable TV, and morning coffee.
POPULAR HOTEL
CHAINS
COMFORT INN LENOIR
970 Blowing Rock Blvd. NE, Lenoir
TEL: 828-754-2090
Features a hot breakfast, smoke-free rooms, outdoor pool,
fitness center and meeting space. The Comfort Inn® hotel in
Lenoir is five minutes from the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center and
downtown Main Street.
HAMPTON INN MORGANTON
115 Bush Drive, Morganton, NC
TEL: 828-432-2000
Centrally located in the Piedmont Region, this hotel provides
easy interstate access. The hotel is within 15 miles of fishing,
hiking, jet skiing and biking, and snow skiing is 40 minutes
away. Each guest room has a microwave and refrigerator as
well as free high-speed internet access, coffeemaker and
free hot breakfast. There is a business center as well as a
pool and gym.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT HICKORY
1946 13th Ave Drive SE Hickory, NC
TEL: 828-267-2100
The Hickory Courtyard is located off I-40, just a short distance
from all of Hickory’s great restaurants, All guest rooms feature
a microwave, refrigerator, a comfortable sitting area, large
work desk, two-line phone, complimentary Wi-Fi/High-speed
internet, and in-room coffee. Indoor pool and hot tub.
All of these inns offer a cozy place to stay in the
foothills and will give you a taste of what it’s like to “live the
dream” of North Carolina mountain living. We recommend
you stay for a day or make it three to visit all of these charming
towns that are in close proximity to The Coves Mountain River
Club.
2

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
DISTANCES FROM THE COVES
MOUNTAIN RIVER CLUB
MORGANTON - 19 MILES
BLOWING ROCK - 22 MILES
HICKORY - 26 MILES
CHARLOTTE - 77 MILES
ASHEVILLE - 68 MILES
BLOWING ROCK
MORGANTON
western north carolina
34

DIRECTIONS TO THE COVES
MOUNTAIN RIVER CLUB
FROM BOONE OR BLOWING ROCK
• Take Hwy 321 (Blowing Rock Blvd.)
South to Lenoir approx. 17 miles.
• Turn right onto West Main St.
(becomes Creekway Dr.) travel
about 1 mile.
• Turn right onto Abington Rd.,
approx. 7 miles.
• Turn left onto Collettsville Rd,
travel 0.7 miles.
• Turn left onto Valley View Cir.
• Our Welcome Center is on the right.
FROM LENOIR
• Take Abington Rd. until road ends,
approx. 7 miles.
• Turn left onto Collettsville Rd.
(Hwy 90), travel approx. 0.7 miles.
FROM I-40 MORGANTON
• Take Interstate 40 to Jamestown
Rd. exit #100.
• Continue approx. 3.5 miles on
Jamestown Rd (becomes
Independence Blvd after you
cross over Carbon City Rd).
• Turn left on to North Green St.
(Hwy 181), and travel
approx. 11 miles.
• Turn right on to Brown Mountain
Beach Rd. (becomes Adako Rd.),
and travel approx. 8 miles.
• Turn right on to Collettsville Rd.
• Turn Right on to Valley View Cir.
FROM I-40 HICKORY
• Take Interstate 40 to Hwy 321
(exit #123)
• Take Hwy 321 (Hickory Blvd.) to
Southwest Blvd., approx. 14 miles.
• Take exit onto Southwest Blvd. (note:
exit ramp will be on right side of
highwayand veersbackunderthe
highway).
• Take Southwest Blvd. approx.
4 miles (5 stop lights).
• Turn left onto Abington Rd.
(fifth stop light).
• Take Abington Rd. until it ends into
Collettsville Rd., approx. 7 miles.
• Turn left onto Collettsville Rd. (Hwy
90), travel approx. 0.7 miles.
• Welcome Center is on the right.
FROM CHARLOTTE
• Take 85 South to 321 North.
• Continue North on Hwy. 321 past
Hickory.
• Travel just past the town of Hudson
NC and exit right off of Hwy. 321
onto the Southwest Loop just past
Bush Pontiac GMC.
• Travel 4.5 miles and turn left
onto Hwy. 18.
• Travel 1.3 miles to the second
traffic light and turn right
onto Beecher Anderson
Road. (Look for directional signs)
• Travel 1.3 miles to T intersection
and take a left onto Abington Road.
• Travel 5.4 miles to T intersection
and take a left onto Hwy. 90.
• Travel 2 miles take a left on
Valley View Circle
• Our Welcome Center is just over
the river on the right.
FROM WINSTON SALEM/
GREENSBORO/RALEIGH
• Take I-40 West toward Asheville
Hwy 321 North.
• Continue North on Hwy. 321
past Hickory.
• Travel just past the town of Hudson
NC and exit right off of Hwy. 321
onto the Southwest Loop just past
Bush Pontiac GMC.
• Travel 4.5 miles and turn left
onto Hwy. 18.
• Travel 1.3 miles to the
second traffic light and turn
right onto Beecher Anderson Road.
(Look for directional signs)
• Travel 1.3 miles to T intersection and
take a left onto Abington Road.
take a left onto Hwy. 90.
• Travel 2 miles take a left on Valley
View Circle
• The Welcome Center is just over the
river on the right.
FROM WILKESBORO
• Take 18 South to Lenoir.
• From 18 South turn right onto West
Caldwell School Road.
Go to stop sign.
• Travel 1.3 miles to the second
traffic light and turn right
onto Beecher Anderson Road. (Look
for directional signs)
take a left onto Abington Road.
take a left onto Hwy. 90.
• Travel 2 miles take a left on
Valley View Circle
• Our Welcome Center is just over the
river on the right.
FROM LINVILLE/ BANNER ELK
• From Hwy 221, take Hwy 181 South
approx. 17 miles.
• Turn left onto Brown Mountain Beach
Rd. (becomes Adako Rd.),
approx 8 miles.
• Turn right onto Collettsville
Rd. (Adako Rd. ends into
Collettsville Rd.)
• Turn right onto Valley View Cir.
35

“The mountains are
calling and I must go.”
- John Muir

E
veryone loves a good tale of romance. If towns could
tell their own tales, the prize for ‘Most Romantic
Beginning’ could easily be awarded to Blowing Rock,
NC. Early in this small mountain town’s history, before it was
settled by Europeans, the Cherokee and Catawba tribes
inhabited its windy cliffs along the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As the legend goes, two star-crossed lovers from these
rivaling tribes were so distraught by their ill-fated romance
that the young brave hero, torn by his choice between duty
and love, leapt from the edge of The Rock. But his maiden
called upon the Great Spirit for help, and the famous winds
of the Johns River Gorge blew the young brave back into her
arms, uniting them in love and inspiring The Legend of The
Blowing Rock for generations to come.
Today this enchanting site attracts throngs of
curious tourists, eager to see if there’s truth to the tall tale
that says this huge rock cliff known as The Blowing Rock
will blow objects back to you if you drop them from the top.
Winter time tourists come to confirm the rumor that wind
gusts here are so strong, it’s the only place on earth where
it snows upside down.

Having sprung from such wondrously magical legends,
this town was destined to become known for its beauty
and romance. It’s no wonder then that Blowing Rock is
considered by many to be the perfect place for a romantic
escape. Its relaxing spas, B&Bs, quaint cabins, and peaceful
retreats, are favorites places to relax and unwind with that
special someone.
This town has a wild side too. It’s teeming with
exciting activities for adventurers and thrill-seekers. For the
outdoor adventurers, there’s hiking, biking, and spelunking.
Thrill-seekers will want to add bouldering, zip-lining,
snowboarding, and crossing the mile-high swinging bridge.
The trio of towns, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner
Elk, along the Blue Ridge Parkway provide endless Southern
charm and mountain recreation for residents of The Coves
and surrounding areas. Weaving your way in and around
the breathtakingly beautiful scenic parkway on your way to
explore each town will make your journey just as memorable
as the destination. As you wind your way up higher and
higher from Boone (3,300 ft. above sea level) to Banner Elk
(3,739 ft.) to Blowing Rock (4,000 ft.), you’ll understand
why they call it The High Country.
THE CROWN JEWEL
OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
40

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
As you drive through The High Country
enjoying the spectacular scenery of the
Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll want to make
a few stops along the way to check out
some of these natural beauties.
JULIAN PRICE MEMORIAL PARK & LAKE
MILEPOST297
Pull off at Milepost 297 and you’ll find
yourself at the entrance to this stunning
park at the foot of majestic Grandfather
Mountain. Plan to spend some time here
and take advantage of the park’s 100
picnic sites and seven trails, including
the brilliantly engineered 13.5-mile
Tanawha Trail, which passes under the
Linn Cove Viaduct and wraps around
the southeastern ridge of Grandfather
Mountain.
LINVILLE GORGE WILDERNESS –
MILEPOST 305
Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, hunting,
rock climbing, horseback riding, water
activities … what doesn’t this gorgeous
gorge have going for it? The Linville River
bisects this stunningly beautiful valley,
which is formed by the Jonas River on
the east and Linville Mountain on the
west. Be prepared for steep, rugged
terrain, and have a camera handy to
capture some of Mother Nature’s most
spectacular rock formations. Speaking
of cameras, Linville Falls is the most
photographed waterfall in North
Carolina.
MOSES H. CONE MEMORIAL PARK –
667 SERVICE ROAD
Adjacent to Julian Price Park, this
country estate is a tribute to its
namesake, the late Moses Herman
Cone, a 19th-century textile engineer
who was a well-known conservationist
and philanthropist. Cone’s love of
nature is evident on the grounds of
this lush estate, which features miles
of walking and carriage trails, well-
stocked lakes surrounded by white pine
forests, hemlock hedges, and a 10,000-
tree apple orchard. All of this natural
splendor surrounds the grand 20-room,
13,000 square foot mansion, Flat Top
Manor, which Cone built in 1901 in the
style of Colonial Revival.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STATE PARK –
9872 HWY 105S
They say when you visit Grandfather
Mountain, you’ll never experience the
same mountain twice. A hike along one
of the mountain’s 12 miles of trail might
bring you eye-to-eye with a saw-whet owl
or provide a glimpse of a white-tailed
deer. Some peaceful canoeing can lead
to an impromptu serenade by a chorus
of leopard frogs. A rare wildflower might
suddenly catch your eye while you’re
busy searching for a vesper sparrow or
yellow-rumped warbler on a guided bird
hike. The vibrant natural wonders of
this ancient mountain habitat provide
endless outdoor experiences for all
ages.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
SAVOR BLOWING ROCK: THE BLUE RIDGE WINE
& FOOD FESTIVAL - APRIL
Wine tastings, cooking classes, wine
seminars, winemaker’s dinners, and
more are featured throughout this four-
day festival showcasing wineries from
North Carolina and around the globe.
Location: Downtown Blowing Rock
AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL
JUNE - AUGUST
This annual arts celebration features an
eclectic mix of music, dance, theatre,
visual arts and film.Location: Various
venues on and around the ASU campus
in Boone, NC
BEECH MOUNTAIN ANNUAL MILE
HIGH KITE FESTIVAL - –SEPTEMBER
Go fly a kite this Labor Day weekend!
And participate in other kite-related
activities, including kite contests,
kite clinics, and build-your-own-kite
tutorials. The sky’s the limit!Location:
Beech Mountain Town Hall
BLOWING ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL –- SEPTEMBER
This “Rock” festival features a variety
of live music performances to celebrate
the best in Americana, folk, blues, rock,
and jazz. Location: The Blowing Rock
Attraction
TWEETSIE RAILROAD GHOST TRAIN
HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL - OCTOBER
It’s one of the “Top 20 Events in the
Southeast” and features a train ride
that transports Halloween lovers
through a Mountain Monster Hunt in
a spooky-themed park. Attractions
include a Freaky Forest, 3-D maze,
Haunted House, and a mystifying Warp
Tunnel. Location: Tweetsie Wild West
Theme Park, 300 Tweetsie Railroad
Lane, Blowing Rock, NC
BOONE HERITAGE FESTIVAL - OCTOBER
This family-friendly event focuses
on Appalachian traditions, history,
and heritage. It features music
performances, storytellers, historical
demonstrations, traditional crafts,
kids activities, food, and fun. Location:
Hickory Ridge Living History Museum
WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL BANNER ELK - OCTOBER
Got a worm you want to wace? The
Woolly Worm Festival is famous for its
“Woolly Worm Waces.” The winning
worm receives a $1,000 prize and, uh,
winter weather predicting rights. Not
into woolly worms? There’s also live
music, arts, crafts, and food.41

All that High Country fresh air and clear skies can make
your full day of outdoor activities fly right by. When you’re
ready to take a break to relax and refuel, here are some
favorite Blowing Rock dining spots you’ll want to try:
BISTRO ROCA –
143 WONDERLAND TRAIL, BLOWING ROCK, NC
Open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner, this casual
neighborhood restaurant presents a seasonally changing
menu and a welcoming atmosphere for folks looking to
enjoy each other’s company at a cozy bistro with “easy
cuisine and drink.”
FOGGY ROCK EATERY & PUB –
8180 VALLEY BLVD, BLOWING ROCK, NC
There’s no set cuisine at this trend-oriented pub that’s
passionate about food and determined to deliver a “twist
on the ordinary.” Their current menu includes avocado
eggrolls, Appalachian peach marmalade, and fried green
tomato sliders, but this eatery likes to shake things up, so
who knows what they’ll be adding tomorrow?
RESTAURANT AT GIDEON RIDGE INN –
202 GIDEON RIDGE RD, BLOWING ROCK, NC
This intimate Bed & Breakfast offers an elegant and relaxed
dining experience embellished by sweeping mountain
views. Take a table in the European-style dining room and
treat yourself to such culinary specialties as rabbit liver
pâté, warm Brussels sprout salad, and North Carolina duck
breast.
VILLAGE CAFE
146 GREENWAY CT, BLOWING ROCK, NC
Tucked away in the heart of Blowing Rock, this charming
café is worth the visit as much to enjoy their savory
breakfast and lunch menu as to appreciate the exquisite
architecture. Exposed-rafter ceilings, original glass window
panes, cobblestone patio, and the largest free-standing
fireplace in Blowing Rock are just some of the structural
features you’ll admire about this two-story gem that was
originally built in 1907.
BLOWING ROCK
FOODIE HOT SPOTS
42

GOODIESTO
TAKEHOME
Fromold-worldcraftshopsand
posh boutiques to downtown
retailers and nearby outlets,
The High Country is the place
to scratch that shopping itch.
While Blowing Rock, Boone,
and Banner Elk each have a
variety of shopping options,
we picked one favorite from
each town to give you just a
hint of what’s out there:
TANGER OUTLET MALL – 278 SHOPPES
ON THE PARKWAY ROAD, BLOWING
ROCK,NC
Such a deal! You’ll find
discounts on all your favorite
designers and brand-names
as you enjoy this “ultimate
shopping experience.” So
many stores, you could fill a
day. Or, if you don’t have the
time, just ask for a Tanger
personal shopper to handle it
for you.
MAST GENERAL STORE – 630 W KING
STREET,BOONE,NC
Welcome to the best known
shop in downtown Boone.
Built in 1883, the original “Old
Boone Mercantile” has been
through a few evolutions,
but this landmark downtown
shop has preserved plenty
of history, including The
Candy Barrel, an entire room
dedicated to sweets! You’ll
also find a variety of food,
apparel, and outdoor gear.
HIDDENVALLEYANTIQUEMALL–
8795NC-105,BANNERELK,NC
Banner Elk is known for its
antique shops, and Hidden
Valley gives you access to
quite the assortment. With
45 booths’ worth of antiques,
collectibles, unique gifts,
crafts, and other “pieces
of history,” priced to suit all
budgets, you will easily see
why this is a favorite shopping
spot for antique lovers.
ARTGALLERIES
TOINSPIRE
The High Country is home
to a number of museums
and galleries perfect for
immersing yourself in
Appalachian culture and
history. In addition to exhibits,
most of these venues offer
workshops and lecture series,
and many are admission-free.
BRAHM:BLOWINGROCKART&
HISTORYMUSEUM–59CHESTNUT
STREET,BLOWINGROCK,NC
This state-of-the-art museum
“promotes the visual arts,
history, and heritage of
the mountains” through
educational programs,
including exhibits, lectures,
and workshops. They also
host ongoing special events,
including a member coffee
series and a summer concert
series.
CARLTONGALLERY–10360NCHWY105
SOUTH,BANNERELK,NC
With a rich 30+ year history as
the region’s most established
fine art house, this is a
community-focused gallery
that boasts “original art that
opens our hearts and lifts our
spirits.”
HICKORY RIDGE LIVING HISTORY
MUSEUM – 591 HORN IN THE WEST
DRIVE,BOONE,NC
Located on the grounds of
“Horn in the West,” this 18th-
century living history museum
gives a glimpse into the
daily lives of NC’s mountain
ancestors, with a focus on
Daniel Boone and the fight for
American Independence.
MORNINGSTARGALLERY–1151MAIN
STREET,BLOWINGROCK,NC
When you’re looking for fine
art and American crafts,
this gallery offers a carefully
considered collection of “the
beautiful, the original, and the
unusual.”
TURCHINCENTERFORVISUALARTS–
423W.KINGSTREET,BOONE,NC
This is Appalachian State
University’s premier art
museum and Boone, NC’s
home for world-class visual
arts programming. Visitors
enjoy exhibits, lectures,
specialevents,andworkshops
for all ages.
MOREFUN
THINGSTODO
Did you know The High
Country is also Wine Country?
All those sunny days, warm
breezes, and crisp mountain
nights we love to brag about
are just perfect for mountain
lovers. These conditions are
also perfect for producing
some fabulous wines that
range from deliciously
delicate to boldly robust. A
variety of prize-winning wines
are produced year-round in
this region of North Carolina,
with Banner Elk being home
to two of the area’s finest
wineries that you’ll want to
tour: Grandfather Vineyard &
Winery (225 Vineyard Lane,
Banner Elk, NC) and Banner
Elk Winery & Villa (60 Deer
Run, Banner Elk, NC).
Mountain Biking
at Beech Mountain offers
a variety of options from
smooth trails for beginning
riders to steep, rocky terrain
with enough tricky corners
to satisfy experienced riders.
Many of these are NCAA
National Mountain Bike
Championship favorites.
Beech Mountain Resort offers
lifts, as well as a team of
experienced instructors who
deliver skills-based biking
instruction and guided tours
to the highest bike park in the
east (5,506’ elevation) with
panoramic views to enjoy on
your ride up the mountain.
MORE ABOUT
BLOWING ROCK
43

HIGH COUNTRY
SKI MOUNTAINS
APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN
940 SKI MOUNTAIN RD. BLOWING ROCK, NC
Elevations 3,635 to 4,000 feet
6 Ski Lifts
12 Ski Trails
Ice Skating
Night Skiing
SUGAR MOUNTAIN
1009 SUGAR MOUNTAIN DRIVE, BANNER ELK, NC
Elevations 4,100- 5,300 feet
8 Ski Lifts
21 Ski Trails
Ice Skating
Night Skiing
BEECH MOUNTAIN
1007 BEECH MOUNTAIN PARKWAY, BANNER ELK, NC
Elevations 4,675-5,506 feet
7 Ski Lifts
16 Ski Trails
Ice Skating
HAWKSNEST SNOWTUBING & ZIPLINES
2058 SKYLAND DRIVE, SEVEN DEVILS, NC
Elevation 3,944 feet
30 Lanes
2 Lifts
20 Ziplines
46

N
atural beauty and brains. A head for business and
a flair for the creative. A place for dreamers and
for doers. Lenoir is one of the mountain towns in
North Carolina that truly has everything going for it. Known
as the place ‘Where the High Country Begins’, this adorable
mountain town sits just below Blowing Rock in Caldwell
County and boasts a combination of “natural beauty, history,
and rich heritage in the arts” without the harsh winters. There
are more publicly displayed art sculptures than in any other
town of its size in America.
When describing Lenoir’s landscape, “natural
beauty” may be an understatement. It’s said that Mother
Nature herself sculpted this area’s deliciously diverse terrain,
from the soft rolling hills of historic Happy Valley to the rugged
grounds of Pisgah National Forest. This area offers the
steepest elevation change in all of North Carolina, spanning
from 900 to 5,964 feet above sea level. Wilson Creek in
designated by Congress as a National Wild & Scenic River is
just 10 minutes from The Coves Mountain River Club.
Each vista in Caldwell County is more picturesque
than the last, and each one gently calls out to nature lovers
to come enjoy a day of canoeing, kayaking, trout fishing,
hunting, hiking, strolling, mountain biking at Zack’s Mountain
Bike Trail, or off-road driving on Brown Mountain. Speaking of
automobiles, one of the popular annual events is the Lenoir
Cruise-in, an event dedicated to all car, truck and motorcycle
enthusiasts.
WHERE THE HIGH COUNTRY BEGINS
48

WHERE PUBLIC
ART REIGNS
Downtown art walks are a
Lenoir specialty, with the
Sculpture Walking Tour
topping our list of favorite
fun things to do. Art galleries
are plentiful in and around
the downtown Lenoir area.
And in this art-loving region
– inhabited by artists,
musicians, actors, dancers,
craftspeople, and furniture
makers – art comes in many
different varieties, including
visual arts, performing arts,
and even arts served with
barbecue (yes, barbecue)!
Herearejustafewattractions
for you to consider when
planning your visit to the
town of Lenoir:
SCULPTURE WALKING TOUR
It’s an art-themed scavenger
hunt. Explore Downtown
Lenoir with your sculpture
walking tour guide (provided
by the Caldwell Arts Council
or Visitor Information
Center), and be on the
lookout for the many eye-
catching sculptures placed
around town for your viewing
pleasure.
TUCKER’S STREETSCAPE GALLERY
801 WEST AVENUE, LENOIR
Namedforthefirstsettlement
in Lenoir (Tucker’s Barn), this
is an ever-changing sculpture
gallery that features the
work of prominent regional
sculptors, with art on
display in an outdoor setting
among downtown shops,
restaurants, and craft stores.
BOLICK AND TRADITIONS POTTERY
(4443 BOLICK ROAD, LENOIR)
Take a tour of this old-timey
village any time of year. Or
participate in one of their
seasonal mountain heritage
events, including kiln
openings in the late spring
and late fall, or live mountain
music and dance on summer
Sundays.
BRUSH & PALETTE GALLERY
WEST AVE. NW, LENOIR
View art exhibits by local
painters who use every
artistic medium from oil and
watercolors to ceramics,
collages, and fabric
paintings.
CALDWELL ARTS COUNCIL
MAIN GALLERY
601 COLLEGE AVE. SW, LENOIR
Local artists are featured
in this gallery’s exhibit,
which changes monthly and
celebrates with an opening
reception on the first Friday
of each month. The Council
also hosts an annual five-
state sculpture competition,
the largest gathering of
professional sculptors in the
South.
CHARLIE FRYE ART STUDIO
904 WEST AVENUE,
DOWNTOWN LENOIR
Take a look – or take part
– in this working studio
and gallery that offers
workshops, art classes
and commissioned pieces.
Charlie Frye is The Coves
Mountain River Club’s first
Artist in Residence.
The council also hosts
the annual “Sculpture
Celebration”, now in its 31st
year. Over 200 sculptures
by artists from across the
country are displayed around
a botanical walking park,
for the largest sculpture
competition in the South.
LENOIR
CRUISE IN'S
A new year brings a host of
new and exciting events for
beautiful mountain towns
in North Carolina like the
town of Lenoir. Vintage car
enthusiasts and those who
enjoy a little muscle under
the hood can drive on over
to the first cruise in NC in
April. The event is not only
smoking hot fun but benefits
the local community. Baby
Boomer-cruisers who have
an fascination with classic
cars have inspired a series
of classic car events April
all to October. At the Lenoir
Cruiser-Ins, boomers have
the opportunity to gaze at
a variety of classic cars all
while listening to classic old
tunes.
Beautiful and serene
Caldwell County, celebrating
its 175th year anniversary
in 2016, is home to Lenoir,
a quaint charming old town
named for North Carolina
statesman William Lenoir.
Lenoir boasts a true all-
American feel. As one of the
friendliest mountain towns
in North Carolina, nestled
in the stunning Blue Ridge
Mountains. Lenoir is any
outdoor aficionados dream
destination.
MORE ABOUT
LENOIR
49

ZACKS
MOUNTAIN
BIKE TRAIL &
GREENWAYS
More and more people
are finding the small-town
ambience of Western NC
mountain communities to
be an attractive alternative
to the hurried pace they’ve
endured in larger cities.
And the town’s unspoiled
natural surroundings and
breathtaking views are a
great incentive for those who
plan to maintain and improve
their health and physical
fitness
Lenoir, North Carolina is
one of the best retirement
places in the Southeast for
focusing on health and well-
being. Right in the middle of
the city, you’ll find the new
Zacks Fork Mountain Bike
Trail, just over three miles
long, with great flow, plenty
of berms and switchbacks
and a 250-foot elevation
change. It’s like riding the
Overmountain Victory Trail,
but much shorter.
People come from all around
to challenge the trails.
From cities like Asheville,
Wilmington and Boone.
It’s Caldwell County’s first
purpose-built surface trail for
mountain bikes, described
as both a perfect single track
experience for beginners
and a fast-flow trail for the
experienced rider. The trail
is shared by hikers, runners
and folks enjoying a leisurely
stroll with their pooch.
Zacks Fork Mountain Trail
was designed by Jim Horton
who is known for designing
mountain bike trails which
include the Warrior Creek
Trail and Dark Mountain
Trail. The land was donated
by the City of Lenoir, and
fund-raising for the project
was spearheaded by Shawn
Moore and Jeff Welch of
Luna Cycles and Bob Giduz
of Caldwell County Pathways.
Welch conceived of the idea
as his customers frequently
asked for suggestions about
where to ride. It took nine
months and over 1,100
volunteer man hours to build,
at a cost of $38,000 and is
maintained by the Northwest
North Carolina Bike Alliance.
Lenoir native Kent Burns
described the trails, “I love
it. It’s world-class mountain
bike riding…I enjoy it more
each time I ride”. Running
between the Lenoir Aquatic
Center and the Lenoir Rotary
Soccer Complex, the Zacks
Fork Mountain Tail connects
directly to the Lenoir
Greenway for easy access.
Since opening in early 2014,
it has become one of the
“must-ride” mountain bike
trails in North Carolina and is
located right in the heart of
Lenoir, with easy access to
all the amenities of historic
downtown just a 15 minute
bike ride away, and only five
minutes from Highway 321
for the long distance riders.
Luna Cycle co-owner Jeff
Welch describes the trail,
“Even though you’re within
the city limits, you get the
feeling like you’re far away
from the city.”
THE LENOIR
GREENWAY
SYSTEM
Nearthedowntownartwalkis
one of NC’s coolest features,
the Lenoir Greenway spans
25 acres and includes 5.6
miles of smoothly paved
trailways, perfect for walking,
kiddie stroller-ing, skating,
biking, running, and just
plain enjoying. There are 10
trails ranging from a half mile
to 2.8 miles in the Lenoir
Greenway system.

W
e came for the scenic mountain retreat, we stayed
for the endless entertainment!” It’s a common
refrain we hear from folks with mountain homes
in Western North Carolina. If you’ve ever wondered whether
it’s possible to live in a beautiful, secluded mountain home
and still have an active social life, the answer from those in
the know is a resounding “yes!”. Especially when home is a
heavenly retreat in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains,
like at The Coves Mountain River Club. Here you’re just
minutes from Morganton where there’s plenty to see and do.
As lively small towns go, Morganton tops the list as
a treasure trove of activity for mountain residents. Known as
“Nature’s Playground”, it’s a mountain town that The Coves
residents admit to falling in love with at first sight. Not only
is it bursting with earthy clothing stores, exceptional dining,
and outdoor concerts on the lawn, it’s fully loaded with some
unexpected modern amenities – like bike lanes for active
cyclers, free wifi on the courthouse lawn and surround sound
piped in music, all that give this small-town entertainment
hub a touch of big-city pizzazz.
The list of reasons to fall in love with Morganton
spans as wide as the Blue Ridge Mountain range that adorns
its skyline. From cycling the Greenways to kayaking the
Catawba River, there are far more than 7 reasons to fall in
love with Morganton.
7 REASONS TO FALL IN LOVE
WITH MORGANTON
52

FOODIE MECCA
From the farm-to-table
movement to the craft-beer
craze, foodie culture has
takenrootinsmalltownNorth
Carolina, and no one serves
it up better than Morganton.
With restaurants ranging
from throwback burger joints
to elegant upscale dining,
here’s a list of some of
our favorite Morganton NC
restaurants that The Coves
residents swear by:
WISTERIA
108 E MEETING ST, MORGANTON, NC
Talk about farm-to-
table deliciousness. This
gastropub offers classic
Southern cuisine with a
twist. Their seasonally
inspired menu stems from
their promise to support
community farmers and
artisans. All ingredients are
sourced locally, and the chef
uses only humanely raised
meats and sustainable
seafood. The result is fresh,
healthy, delicious food with a
distinctive local flavor.
GRIND CAFE COFFEE HOUSE
136 W UNION ST, MORGANTON, NC
They call themselves “a little
slice of heaven in the cozy
foothills of the mountains,”
and we couldn’t agree more.
Drop in to this hip little coffee
house for a Blue Ridge roast
beef hoagie and a craft beer.
Or order a gourmet espresso
drink, a couple of frozen
whipped smoothies and a
selection of fresh pastries
from the to-go menu and
enjoy them on your screened-
in porch back at The Coves.
JAKE'S WAYBACK BURGERS
160 S STERLING ST, MORGANTON, NC
As the name suggests, the
goal here is to take you back
“to a simpler more genuine
time.” The hometown vibe
is apparent in this 25-year-
old neighborhood favorite
that serves fresh (never
frozen) burgers, hand-dipped
milkshakes, and a slew of
sides. Try their kid-friendly
and vegetarian options.
KIN 2 KIN
103 S GREEN ST, MORGANTON, NC
Okay, can we talk about
a perfect date night? This
Japanese restaurant and
sushi bar is located right
next door to Morganton’s
7-screen cinema. We can’t
think of a more romantic
way to spend an evening
than taking a scenic drive
from The Coves to downtown
Morganton and treating your
sweetheart to an elegant
dinner fresh off the hibachi
menu (grilled tableside);
followed by the latest big-
screen blockbuster.
KING STREET CAFE
207 S KING ST, MORGANTON, NC
When you’re ready for
a unique fine-dining
experience, local celebrity
Chef Peter Chan is ready to
wow your taste buds with
fresh seasonal fare. Famous
for their French onion soup,
exotic nightly specialties
and fresh homemade
desserts, this quaint café in
a romantically lit Victorian
home setting has a menu
that features wild game,
fowl, and seafood, enhanced
with savory herbs and fresh-
made sauces. They also have
an extensive wine list and
imported beer.
MARIA’S ITALIAN EATERY
AT 601 S GREEN ST, MORGANTON, NC
Did you know The Coves
holds an annual ‘Taste of
Italy’ food celebration and
competition? Not that we’re
trying to tip the scales in
anyone’s favor, but here’s
a little secret. If you want to
study up on delicious Italian
food, Maria’s is a great
place to start. In addition to
tasty pizzas piled high with
toppings, they’ve got a variety
of pastas, subs, calzones,
and salads galore. Maria’s
will even do special-order
pizzas, including gluten-free
crusts.
ROOT & VINE
139 W UNION ST, MORGANTON, NC
This cozy but sophisticated
wood grill restaurant puts
a focus on freshness and
value. They coordinate daily
with local farmer’s markets,
growers, and fish purveyors
to create a menu that
features fresh produce and
seafood. Everything’s made
from scratch in a style that
blends traditional French
with New American for some
seriously “straightforward,
unpretentious fare.”
The fabulous variety of
restaurants isn’t the only
thing that makes this town
a foodie mecca. You’ll also
want to visit the Morganton
Natural Foods store, try out
one of the town’s many open-
air farmer’s markets, and get
your fill of all-you-can-eat chili
at the Annual Chili Cook-Off.
If you’re looking to combine
food and fun, there’s always
Morganton festival worth
checking out. These events
serve food with local flair in
a setting where both beer
and live music flow like a
mountain stream. No event
does this better than the
State of Origin Craft Brew
Festival, now in its third year.
This annual event is hosted
by Fonta Flora, one of three
popular craft beer breweries
in downtown Morganton.
MORE ABOUT
MORGANTON
53

BEER CITY
The brewery boom is real,
folks. And it’s become an
increasingly popular trend,
spreading like wildflowers
through the Blue Ridge
Mountains and all across
North Carolina. Beer
enthusiasts in this part of
the country enjoy touring the
state’s breweries, attending
beer festivals, or taking bike
tours through the mountains
in search of the best local
brews.
Last year, Morganton was
the first stop on the Beer City
Bicycle Tour, which wound
its way round the scenic
mountain roads through
several small towns in
Western North Carolina. And
what better place to start
the tour than in this beloved
beer city. With three mighty
microbreweries in downtown
Morganton, we’re having a
hard time picking a favorite.
So we recommend you try
them all and decide for
yourself!
FONTA FLORA BREWERY
317NGREENST,MORGANTON,NC
Here you’ll discover a
uniquely artisan approach
to crafting beer with an
emphasis on local flora.
This brewery calls upon the
talents of local artists to help
bring a creative perspective
to traditional beer making.
The tap list changes with the
seasons and ingredients are
as exciting and unpredictable
as local bull’s blood beets
from Bluebird Farm of
Morganton, kiwis from Fox
Farms, and other locally
sourced flora that “take beer
back to its agricultural roots.”
BROWN MOUNTAIN BOTTLEWORKS
E UNION ST, MORGANTON, NC
This microbrewery boasts a
33-foot concrete bar. Sidle
up and order from more
than 250 craft beers, plus
ciders and wines. All food
and drink here has a ‘locally
grown’ focus. Round up your
music-loving neighbors from
The Coves and enjoy one
of Bottleworks’ live band or
open mic nights.
CATAWBA BREWING CO.
212 S GREEN ST, MORGANTON, NC
This is not your average
watering hole, folks. It’s a
family owned and operated
brewery with enough space
for pool tables, live music,
and an expansive dance floor.
Rock bands play on Friday
and Saturday nights, and
Trivia Tuesdays are not to be
missed. As for the libations,
they’ve got craft beers, ales,
stouts, and saisons available
in tasting rooms, kegs and
cans. Try one of their more
out-there flavors like Peanut
Butter Jelly Time Ale or Astral
Bootie Beer.
ART SCENE
PERFORMING
ARTS
Folks who enjoy living the
quiet mountain lifestyle
in places like The Coves
Mountain River Club will tell
you they cherish their drama-
free lifestyle. But that doesn’t
mean they don’t like a little
drama on the stage. That’s
why, after a day of peaceful
fishing in the Johns River or
downward-dogging on a yoga
mat by the Pisgah Mountain
Lodge infinity pool, The
Coves residents like to drive
to Morganton to catch a live
show at the City of Morgan
Municipal Auditorium known
as CoMMA. This 30-year-
old theatre hosts everything
from Broadway musicals
and ice ballets to big band
concerts, string symphonies,
and bluegrass bands.
VISUAL ARTS
Morganton’s City Hall is
proud to host revolving art
exhibits right there on the
premises. ‘Art in the Hall’
is designed to enhance the
experience of visitors to City
Hall and provide a public
space for local artists to
exhibit their work. Visitors
are treated to displays of folk
art, quilt art, photography,
and painted landscapes.
Downtown Morganton is
also home to a number
of private galleries and
museums, including The
History Museum of Burke
County. The Burke Arts
Council organizes some
pretty fabulous gallery tours
and art crawls.
CINEMATIC ARTS
When you have a clear view
of Blue Ridge Mountains
outside your window at The
Coves, you can’t imagine
anything more picturesque
to feast your eyes on. But
sometimes getting lost in a
good movie can be a nice
diversion too. Morganton’s
Marquee Cinema offers is a
state-of-the-art movie house
with 7 screens and plush
seating to accommodate a
broad selection of the most
up-to-date Hollywood titles.
MUSIC VIBE
In addition to the many music
selections presented by
CoMMA, Morganton hosts a
series of live concert events
on the Courthouse Square.
From May to July, Downtown
Morganton presents TGIF,
a free Friday night outdoor
concert series that features
a diversity of music.
54

There’s nothing like a good
ol’ Morganton festival to
bring together our top 4
favorite things – food, beer,
art and music. These are
the annual events that are
sure to entice The Coves
residents down from Lenoir
to Morganton. Two of the
biggies areMerleFest and the
State of Origin Beer Festival.
And when school’s out and
the grandkids come to visit,
there are a couple of not-
to-be-missed family-friendly
Morganton festivalevents
that take place later in
the summer. Mark your
calendars for the Red, White
& Bluegrass Festival in July
and the Historic Morganton
Festival in September.
In its 12 years of lighting up
the night with fireworks and
live music, the Red, White
& Bluegrass Festival has
welcomed visitors from all
states in the continental U.S.
as well as Canada, England,
Switzerland, Germany,
France and Japan. That just
goes to show you how far and
wide the appeal of American
bluegrass spans, and how
far folks will travel for some
genuineMorganton festival
fun.
The Historic Morganton
Festival is coming up on its
35th year of rolling out a mile
and a half of arts and crafts
in the center of town. This
good-time event features
food, games, and free
outdoor concerts. Consider
this an open invitation
to “come and play in the
streets.”
Both Red, White & Bluegrass
and the Historic Morganton
festivals are fun for all ages.
TREASURE
HUNTING
It’s no secret that some of
us are just born to shop. And
when you bring your passion
for shopping to Morganton,
you definitely won’t go
home empty handed.
There are so many stores,
galleries, antique shops,
gift boutiques, and farmer’s
markets to browse that we
like to think the Morganton
NC shopping experience is
not so much “shopping” as
“treasure hunting.”
Morganton treasure comes
in the form of clothing
(from high-end glam to
every-day southern chic),
hand-made leather boots,
jewelry, accessories, beauty
products, pottery, art pieces,
musical instruments,
handcrafted furniture,
Christmas crafts, music,
books, wines & cheeses,
gourmet gifts, nutritional
products and vitamins, fresh
local produce, and more.
Need we say more?
Morganton is a shopper’s
paradise.
PARKS &
RECREATION
The fresh air and pleasant
climate of small mountain
towns make outdoor
activities a year-round
bonus. That’s why the City
of Morganton Parks and
Recreation Department
keeps more than 400 acres
of land open year-round and
ready for recreation lovers to
jump in and enjoy. Offerings
include:
10 PUBLIC PARKS
All are open from dawn to
10:00 p.m. including Catawba
Meadows Park, which has
numerous fields and courts
for baseball, softball, golf,
volleyball, picnicking, and
special events
MORGANTON GREENWAY
System of trails meticulously
maintained and ready for
year-round biking, jogging,
strolling, birdwatching, and
picnicking
MULTIPLE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Swimming (indoor and
outdoor pools), skeet
shooting, and community
gardening
FITNESS PROGRAMS
A variety of athletic and
fitness programs for youth,
adults, and seniors
By the time you’ve explored
the endless treasures to be
found in Morganton, you’ll
understand why so many
are lured by the energy of
this small mountain town a
short drive from The Coves
Mountain River Club.
MORGANTON
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
55

Hickory, dickory, dock. One of America’s favorite nursery
rhymes is as beloved as the Western North Carolina mountain
town of Hickory. Chances are if you’ve ever sat in your favorite
chair reading about the best small towns in America, you’ve
already had a taste of Hickory.
Not just because the southern city along 4,200 acre
Lake Hickory has made its way onto more than a few “Best
Places” lists but because that favorite chair you’re sitting in
is very likely to have come from Hickory. A large majority of
furniture produced in the United States is made in or around
this furniture hub. Many big-name furniture manufacturers –
Broyhill and Drexel Heritage among them – are headquartered
in Hickory, one of the most industry-rich, scenic mountain
towns in North Carolina.
Lush with hardwood forests and handsomely framed
by Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory is a sight to behold, not to
mention a town to be treasured. Located halfway between
Winston-Salem and Asheville in Western North Carolina, this
haven of small-town charm is nestled between her slicker
sister cities. And, as you might guess from this ideal location,
there are plenty of enjoyable things to do in Hickory North
Carolina. Hickory, dickory, dock. One of America’s favorite
nursery rhymes is as beloved as the Western North Carolina
mountain town of Hickory. Chances are if you’ve ever sat
in your favorite chair reading about the best small towns in
America, you’ve already had a taste of Hickory.

FURNITURE, ART &
4,200 ACRE LAKE HICKORY

FURNITUREENVY
How could we not top the
list with furniture? It’s what
Hickory’s known for. History
has it that one of the town’s
earliest settlers, Henry
Robinson, built a wood
tavern beneath a huge oak
tree back in the 1850s. It
seemed only natural that the
town that sprang up around
it should be called Hickory
Tavern, as it was originally
named in 1863. As this
quaint hardwood forest-rich
town continued to develop, a
new furniture mecca began
to blossom, and the rest is
Hickory history.
Today, Hickory is home to
multiple furniture factories
and dozens of individual
stores. Its factory outlets
attract furniture lovers from
miles around. Folks come
to Hickory in search of high-
quality handcrafted furniture
at bargain prices. With so
many stores to choose from,
all in such close proximity
to manufacturers’ factories,
the true furniture aficionado
can easily find customized
furnishings as well as
helpful advice from friendly
professionals who know the
furniture business inside and
out.
Take a tour of your neighbor’s
custom-built home at The
Coves Mountain River Club,
and you’re bound to fall in
love with that perfect hutch
in their foyer, or exquisite
hand-crafted furnishing they
picked up at one of their
favorite stores in Hickory.
Here are a couple of our
favorite furniture malls that
offer a vast selection of
galleries, shops and outlets
to choose from:
20 MILES OF FURNITURE
BETWEEN LENOIR AND HICKORY
Located along a scenic 20-
mile stretch of U.S. 321 North
off Interstate 40, this one’s a
must for the serious furniture
fanatic. Billed as “The Home
of Deep Discount Furniture,”
this is literally 20 miles of
stores, galleries, and outlets
ranging from the biggies (like
Bernhardt, Broyhill, Kincaid,
and Thomasville) to the
smaller lesser-knowns that
take pride in their top-notch
handcrafted furnishings.
HICKORY FURNITURE MART
2220 HWY 70 SE IN HICKORY
We’re not alone in loving this
one. It’s visited by 500,000
furniture lovers each year.
And with 100 showrooms,
outlets, and private galleries
showcasing more than
1,000 of the world’s top
furniture designers and
manufacturers, there’s an
amazing assortment that’s
sure to satisfy a variety of
tastes and budgets.
When you’ve had your fill
of the large-scale browsing
experience, be sure to stop in
on a few of Hickory’s smaller
home furnishing shops.
Furniture is not the only focus
of the Hickory shopping
experience. Fashion lovers
will enjoy a stroll through
Union Square to peruse
clothing, jewelry, and fashion
accessories at shops like Ella
Blue (clothing), Tracy’s on the
Square (formal wear), Merle
Harmon’s (sports clothing),
Grace Knitting Company
(specialty socks), Bisanar
Jewelry, and Aqua B (jewelry/
accessories).
Union Square also offers a
variety of charming shops
for those in the mood for
art, music, books, and gifts,
including: Bisque ’N Beads
(arts/crafts), Wee Mount
& Frame (arts/crafts), The
Book Exchange (used books),
Larry’s Music & Sound
(instruments), Kay Young
Robb (portraits), Jenny’s
(gifts), Lou Lou’s Corner
(gifts), Hickory Wine Shoppe,
and a unique boutique called
Bottega, a consignment-
based art shop with “an
incredibly wide array of art
forms and mediums” and
which features the artwork
of Hickory’s own resident
artists.
FUN FACT
In 2014, Hickory was named
the country’s most sprawling
metro area by Smart Growth
America. Folks in areas
such as these support local
businesses and also tend to
walk more because of the
abundance of Greenways
in the region. After enjoying
your shopping experience
in Downtown Hickory, you’ll
surely understand why this
award-winning small town is
sprawling and thriving.
MORE ABOUT
HICKORY
59

FOOD, BEER
AND CHEERS
All that strolling, browsing,
and buying is sure to work up
an appetite. The good news
is you’re still within walking
distance of a variety of great
restaurants in Hickory NC.

GROUCHO'S DELI
248 UNION SQUARE NW IN
DOWNTOWN HICKORY
The restaurant’s founder
Harold “Groucho” Miller, the
mustachioed jokester and
Groucho Max look-alike, was
as clever about his humor
as he was serious about the
quality of his food. Deli style
sandwiches are enhanced
by secret family sauces and
dressings, original potato
salads, and slaws. Like
Groucho himself, the food
here is “fast, fresh, and
original.”
FRESH DEPOT GASTROPUB –
DOWNTOWN HICKORY
With a commitment to
environmental friendliness,
this trendy pub specializes in
healthy sandwiches packed
with organic veggies and
meats sourced from local
farmers. Bread is homemade
sourdough, wheat, or rye,
and desserts, cinnamon
breads, and rolls are baked
daily. Starter menu includes
innovative bites, like whiskey
battered onion rings and
squash fries.
OLDE HICKORY STATION & MARKET
DOWNTOWN HICKORY
As the name implies, this
classic deli is situated in
a renovated historic train
station. The seasonally
changing menu includes
ingredients sourced locally
as well as meats, cheeses,
and breads imported from
Europe. Desserts are made
fresh in their bakery and
can be pre-ordered. You’ll
also want to shop their fresh
market.
OLDE HICKORY TAP ROOM
DOWNTOWN HICKORY
With 50 beers on tap and
features NC beers and craft
beers from around the U.S.
as well as European imports.
GRANITE FALLS BREWING CO.
47 DUKE STREET IN GRANITE FALLS
Just up the road from
Hickory, this funky Southern
gastropub known as the
“Front Door to the Blue
Ridge Mountains” is a multi-
award-winning restaurant
with a tasting room and
brewery, all located in the
historic Granite Bottling
Works and Pepsi bottling
plant. Currently ranked the
#1 Granite Falls restaurant
on TripAdvisor, the historic
microbrewery boasts 111+
years of beverage production
and bottling onsite. They also
serve wine and spirits, and
their food menu includes
burgers, wings, panini, and a
fair share of salads.
After sampling the shopping
and restaurants in Hickory
NC, why not check out
Hickory’s art scene and bring
a treasure home.
FINE ART AND
CULTURE
One of our favorite things to
do in Hickory North Carolina
is open our hearts, minds,
and senses to experience
the beautiful art that
saturates this town like frsh
mountain aira. Local artists
who live in places like The
Coves Mountain River Club
get their daily inspiration
from the spectacular views
of Grandfather Mountain,
Adams Knob and Table Rock
Mountain, the stunning
sunsets, the gorgeous
gardens, and the symphony
of sounds that rise from
the local fauna living along
the Johns River and nearby
hiking trails.
Nowhere is the natural
beauty of mountain towns
in North Carolina captured
more vividly than in the local
art scene of this lovely lake
town. The city of Hickory is
home to a number of visual
and performing arts venues
that offer a range of exhibits,
shows, and classes.
HICKORY COMMUNITY THEATRE 30
3RD STREET NW
A selection of musicals,
comedies, and dramas are
brought to the stage of the
much-loved Charles E. Jeffers
Theatre, or downstairs in the
more intimate Firemen’s
Kitchen.
WESTERN PIEDMONT SYMPHONY
243 3RD AVENUE NE
Many a star of classical
music has been featured
on stage as a guest of this
professional orchestra, which
offers an annual season of
symphonic selections.
HICKORY CHORAL SOCIETY
243 3RD AVE NE # 2N
This choral group is known
for touching the hearts
and souls of Catawba
Valley music lovers with a
harmonious blend of diverse
voices since 1978.
HICKORY MUSEUM OF ART
243 3RD AVENUE NE
Founded in 1944, this art
museum is the second-
oldest in the state and
houses a permanent
collection in addition to
hosting traveling exhibitions,
art classes, workshops, tours
and lectures.
CATAWBA VALLEY COMMUNITY
COLLEGE ART CLASSES
US HWY 70 SE
Art classes offered on this
lively college campus include
basic drawing and painting
techniques, oil and acrylic
painting, wa tercolor, stained
glass, pottery classes, and
more.
60

LENOIR-RHYNE UNIVERSITY
ART CLASSES
7TH AVE NE
Students of the arts can
participate in summer
theater or performing arts
programs, as well as art
exhibits, visiting writers
series, and a cinematheque
film series open to the public.
As if that’s not enough to
satisfy the appetite of art
lovers, there are many
architecturally beautiful
homes to explore as part of
this town’s rich collection
of historic structures. We
recommend a visit to The
Summie Propst House. Built
between 1881 and 1883,
it’s an architecture admirer’s
dream, and definitely worth a
tour to experience for yourself
its three-stage central tower
with mansard roof and sawn
work fan ornamentation.
The J. Summie Propst House
is the only Second Empire
style home in Hickory, and
its remarkably intact interior
is something to see. Other
historic homes worth touring
are Harper House (original
Queen Anne interior styling)
and Maple Grove (restored
Italianite-style house), both
built in or around 1883.
The tight-knit community of
Hickory takes great pride
in its rich history, and, trust
us, you will not run out of
historic attractions (libraries,
museums, bridges, trails,
mills, and more) to discover
and admire.
CLASSIC AMERICANA
Hickory spells fun. And its
appeal to fun-seekers of all
ages is part of what makes
this Western North Carolina
mountain town one of the
most likable cities in the
nation.
From walking trails to golf
courses, amusement parks
to animal parks, or a day
tour of Hickory’s picturesque
farms and vineyards, this
area is packed with enough
activities to keep you coming
back for visit after visit to get
your fill of all that this small-
town slice of Americana has
to offer.
Speaking of Americana, this
is a baseball-loving town!
Hickory’s minor league
baseball team, the Hickory
Crawdads, are the South
Atlantic League Affiliate
of the Texas Rangers, and
they’re gearing up for a
great season. Why not catch
a game at Hickory’s newly
renovated 4,000-seat L.P.
Frans Stadium?
Or if baseball’s not your
speed, you might try
something more fast-paced.
Take your turn around the
world famous Hickory Motor
Speedway. This “Birthplace
of the NASCAR Stars” has
been entertaining motor
sports fans since 1950. It’s
open Saturdays from March
to October, and it’s sure to
give you the thrill of a lifetime.
Remember to make an
appointment to experience
your very own ride-along
with the driver of your choice
around “The World’s Most
Famous Short Track.”
Before you leave Hickory, do
yourself a favor and take a
sunset cruise along Hickory
Lake, or enjoy fishing from
John Geitner Park on the
lake’s southern shore. In
addition to its gorgeous lake,
Hickory has so many public
parks for outdoor lovers,
they will want to spend all
day in the open air. And
after sunset, there’s and
endless stream of nightlife
opportunities for those who
like to stay up late.
This is a sampling of everyday
life for those who live at The
Coves Mountain River Club.
Hickory is one of the most
attractive and engaging
foothill to the mountain
towns in North Carolina,
and its residents are every
bit as friendly as what North
Carolinians are known for.
HICKORY
FUN & MORE
61

W
ords cannot express how important it is to re-
ceive high quality medical care within the ‘Golden
Hour’. This is the first sixty minutes following a dis-
tressing and perhaps life-threatening experience. Receiving
quality medical care during this time could mean the differ-
ence between life and death or permanent damage. Caldwell
County Memorial Hospital, a University of North Carolina af-
fliate less than 20 minutes from The Coves Mountain River
Club, works hard to never compromise one’s health and has a
track record to prove it. The mission has remained the same
since it opened in 1951. For example, it’s one of the first 25
hospitals in North Carolina to be approved by the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid for carotid artery stenting. The 110
bed facility has an active staff of 200 members with an array
of specialities.
Communities in the foothills, in the towns of Lenoir, Hickory
and Morganton, never have to worry about receiving quality
and timely health care. The region is the breathtaking moun-
tain district below the High Country and boasts high quality
medical care, mild four season weather (minimal snow) and
a low cost of living. Folks here enjoy America’s heritage as
well as the scenic mountain atmosphere in the Blue Ridge
Mountains.
The foothills region has a plethora of quality medical
care providers all around us. Here’s a brief overview of the
quality medical care found in the foothills of North Carolina:
RELIABLE
MEDICAL
CARE
within the Golden Hour
63

CALDWELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
321 Mulberry Street, Lenoir, NC 28645
Built: 1951
Specialties: Vascular care, cardiology, orthopedics
Size: 110 beds
Awards: 2013 Top Performer
Part of the UNC Health Care System, the state-of-the-art
cardiac catheterization laboratory and staffing is one of the
hospital’s most recent enhancements. Caldwell Memorial
Hospital is also known for its progress spine center program.
GRACE HOSPITAL
2201 S Sterling Street, Morganton, NC 28655
Built: 1906
Specialties: Oncology, Urology, Pathology,
Surgical Services, and Family Medicine
Size: 269 beds
This full service hospital provides emergency medical care,
diagnostics and has a long list of medical specialties.
FRYE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
420 N Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601
Built: 1911
Specialties: Cancer treatment, heart and vascular services,
emergency services, advanced orthopedics, neurosciences,
inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
Size: 355 beds
Frye Regional Center is the only hospital within 48 miles of
Hickory to offer 24/7 interventional cardiologist and open-
heart surgery. It is also an American Heart Association
Mission Lifeline STEMI Receiving Facility.
MISSION HOSPITAL
509 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 Built: 1971
Specialties: Bone and joint, cancer care, endoscopy,
emergency, and heart care
Beds: 552
Awards: Mission Health has been recognized as one of
the nation’s Top 15 Health Systems 2012-2015 by Truven
Health Analytics. It’s hard to beat that.
Mission Health Center has numerous outpatient and surgery
midpoints, post-acute care provider, long-term acute care
provider, and the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma
center. Mission Hospital is about 1.5 hour drive from Lenoir.
VA MEDICAL CENTER ASHEVILLE
1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805
Built: 1923
Specialties: Veterans health, rehab, rehabilitation, neurology,
oncology, dentistry, mental health, spinal cord injury
Beds: 119
The VA Medical Center Asheville acute care facility is an easy
1.5 hour drive. Veterans medical care can also be obtained
at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte in about the same
distance.
CAROLINA MEDICAL CENTER
1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Specialties: Orthopedics, surgery, trauma & surgical care,
transplant and women’s services
Bed: 7,460
This medical center is one of the nation’s top and most
inventive healthcare organizations that provides a complete
spectrum of healthcare and wellness platforms in North and
South Carolina.
64

T
he Coves Mountain River Club includes the most
diverse offering of property types relative to any other
community in the North Carolina mountains. The
smallest is 1/4 acre cottage home site. The cottage home
sites are clustered on ridges and form small villages within
the larger subdivision. These enclaves are often on the top of
a mountain ridge with long range views or near the river. The
cottages are perfect for the empty nester or second home
owners. Cabin home sites are 1 acre in size. The cabin home
sites are often clustered in 3-8 units and share a common,
private road for access. Cabins in The Coves work well for
owners who want privacy but not seclusion. They are often
ideal for home sizes in the 1,650-2,250 square footage
range.
Traditional home sites comprise about 60% of the total
number of home sites at The Coves. They range in size from
1-3 acres and are found on traditional subdivision roads.
Traditional home sites range from huge view sites to private
wooded sites with streams along the rear property line.
All traditional home sites are developed with nearby access
to the extensive, community trail system. The Estates at The
Coves range from 5-25 acres in size. There are a wide variety
of estate lots including river front, huge view and pasture
sites. All estates are heavily wooded and provide for ultimate
privacy. It is extremely rare to find large acreage estate lots
inside an amenitized, gated community. Our river front lots
are the most rare. Whether you are an angler or just enjoy
the peaceful sound of rambling water and serene river views,
river front lots are a special find in the NC mountains.
If you own your own horses or would like to own a horse, our
Estate lots with pasture land are the perfect option. All of our
pasture lots include improved, groomed pastures that are
ready for you to move in your best, equine friend. With our
equestrian director on site full time and one of the longest,
most well groomed trail systems in a private community in the
North Carolina mountains, an estate lot with pasture at The
Coves could be perfect for you.
65

Waterfalls
Waterfalls
Waterfalls
THE COVES MOUNTAIN
67

High Country Farms
The Creeks
Riverside at The Coves
Boxwood Estates
Round Mountain Ridge
Coves Neighborhoods
Waterfalls
N RIVER CLUB
High Country Farms
The Creeks
Riverside at The Coves
Boxwood Estates
Round Mountain Ridge
Coves Neighborhoods
Waterfalls
THE COVES
MOUNTAIN RIVER CLUB
68

TIPS ON BUILDING
A MOUNTAIN HOME
H
ome building in the mountains can be tricky and
sometimes, even the best of builders overlook the
principles of fundamental home design. To begin,
it’s smart to choose carefully selected durable materials
that are sourced and produced locally. The result is a design
that is in harmony with the environment and cost effective to
build. Equally important is designing a home to fit the moun-
tain terrain. Time and again people select floor plans that are
meant for a flat subdivision lot. It may work on paper but it
doesn’t take into consideration the expense of excavation,
foundation and retaining walls. Try not to change the topog-
raphy of the lot to fit a design but rather plan a home that
will fit the property. By cooperating and harmonizing with the
mountain, one can maximize views and avoid undue costs
and headaches.
Historically, mountain homes evoke images of shelter,
warmth and protection. The traditional thought was to create
an indoor space that embraces the natural surroundings by
utilizing them as primary building materials. Too often this
would translate into dark rooms with heavy textures. Today
designers are bringing the outdoors into the home through
the use of floor-to-ceiling windows allowing them to utilize
more current, fashionable materials on the interior while still
embracing the surrounding natural environment.
Increasingly the theme in the mountain construction is to
focus on quality over quantity. People would rather build a
smaller home in exchange for better quality. Floor plans have
evolved from formal living rooms to larger kitchens that flow
into great rooms which incorporate dining areas. Outdoor liv-
ing spaces should merge seamlessly with indoor living space
and are essential to complimenting the beauty and lure of
mountain living. We find ultimately, people building a custom
or semi-custom home in the mountains are looking to make
their home unique and want it to express their own individ-
uality.
These three simple steps will help you navigate through the
process of building your home in the mountains at The Coves
Mountain River Club.
1. DESIGN YOUR PROPERTY
WITH THE END IN MIND
Have your designer inspect your property and consider the
direction of the view, where the sun will be shining when it is
cold and when it is hot. How steep is the property is, where
is the driveway access, utilities access, and which trees you
want saved? These are questions to discuss with your design-
er before you go to contract with a builder. Planning ahead
will cost you much less to build and maintain over the long
run, and reduce your home energy costs. But most impor-
tantly, you and your family will be far more happy with the
results.
2. WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?
Generally the cost to build a home can be broken down to
the design fee, site excavation work, the construction of your
home, utilities (well and septic), and landscaping. Make sure
you discuss item by item with your designer upfront, to avoid
the disheartening blow of a designing a dream house you
can’t afford. Ask for a written estimate as soon as you’ve cho-
sen the design to make sure you’re on the right track.
3. A HOME SHOULD BE DESIGNED
TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE
All families have unique tastes and considerations. Do you
like to entertain? Is your home a primary residence or a
vacation second home? Will it be a home for two or ten? If
your home is designed to satisfy your specific needs, more
can be accomplished without going over-budget.
Planning carefully before you build is the key to a better, more
energy efficient and affordable house. Remember the goal
to building in the mountains is not to beat the mountain. but
to match your nature with Nature. We’re here to streamline
the process and make your home building experience at The
Coves Mountain River Club stress free.
69

SUGGESTED BUILDER
FLOOR PLANS
70

Main Level
2,905 square feet
Bonus Rm Above Garage
550 square feet
RED SKY
2,905 total square feet
RED SKY
RUSTIC AMERICAN HOME DESIGN
with unnnished 550 square feet above Garage

The Coves Mountain River Club | 2002 Johns Ridge Parkway Lenoir, North Carolina 28645
Phone 828.754.0700 | info@thecovesnc.com
Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm | Sunday 10am - 5pm
Five Gated Entrances
Five Miles of River Frontage on the Johns River
6,000 sq ft Mountaintop Lodge with wrap-around Veranda
Saline Infinity-view Swimming Pool and Hot Tub
Great Room with Modern Kitchen, Bar, Fireplace
Billiard Room, Game Room and Library
Outdoor Fire Pit and Social Area
Modern Fitness Center with Cardio and Strength Training Equipment
2 Treadmills, 2 Ellipticals, 2 Recumbent Bicycle, Aerobics Studio, Lockers, Showers
Floor to Ceiling Glass Showcasing Views of Grandfather Mountain & Table Rock
Full Service Equestrian Center with 8 Stall Barn Expandable to 20 Stalls
Padded Floor, Tack Room Two Paddocks and Training Arena
Full or Part-Time Boarding, Lessons and Trail Rides
39 Miles of Hiking and Horse Trails
Four Parks: Coves River Park with Pavilion, Kayak Launch and Fire Pit
Coleton’s Swimming Hole Park, Waterfall Park, Mila Park
Four Waterfalls: Grandfather Gorge Falls, Highland River Falls
Penelope Sliding Rock Falls and Mila Falls
Two Community Gardens: Isabel’s Garden and Evelyn’s Vineyard
Low HOA fees at $900 per year
Low Real Estate Taxes (2016) at $.007385 per $100 or $738.50 per $100,000
AMENITIES OVERVIEW & TAX INFORMATION
83

W
elcome to your own private corner of paradise.
Drink in the crisp mountain air, inhale a bouquet
of sweet wildflowers, and thank your lucky stars in
the clear North Carolina sky, because you’ve found a vibrant
mountain community that truly is a homegrown paradise.
Welcome to The Coves.
Not any mountain development could be this idyllic unless
it is developed by someone with a genuine love of mountain
living. Someone who understands a perfect balance between
rustic comfort and endless activities set against a vibrant
picturesque landscape. The visionary with a desire to bring all
of this together for you is The Coves developer, Tim Ritch and
his Jacksonville, Florida based Development Team. Inspired
by fond childhood memories of vacationing in his beloved
Blue Ridge – where his family vacationed each year to escape
the Florida humidity and enjoy cooler mountain climes – Tim
was determined to recreate that feeling of sheer bliss and
share it with a new generation of mountain lovers.
After college, he moved his own family to Charlotte. It was an
ideal location for giving his kids the gift of mountain living,
while still having access to a large metropolitan city where
he grew his early career. Within two years, Ritch’s family
built their first home in the mountains near the Blue Ridge
Parkway, where they spent much of their time enjoying the
great outdoors, with abundant natural wonders, national
parks and attractions in their own backyard.
Life has as many twists and turns as the Blue Ridge Parkway
itself. After six years in Charlotte, Ritch’s family made the
move back to Florida to be closer to his parents and start
a development company. He may have been living in The
Sunshine State, but a piece of his heart still belonged to the
mountains. He started laying a plan for someday returning to
the Blue Ridge by the perfect mountain community.
The development team was introduced to an individual who
owned one of the parent parcels which formed the core of
The Coves in 2004. By early 2007, he had assembled over
10 different land parcels that make up The Coves Mountain
River Club as it is known today. The first home site closings
took place in late 2007. But, just as the development team
was starting to get a momentum going, the rug was pulled out
from under them by way of the Great Real Estate Recession.
During this period, challenges mounted. There were
unexpected delays due to the recession as well as plan
cancellations because of government limitations. But Ritch
and his team persevered. This was a childhood dream
coming true, and the group was determined to see it through.
With a personal drive to succeed and a capital partner with
admirable patience, Ritch and his team delivered on the
promise of developing a top-notch gated community that
would attract mountain lovers from far and wide.
Today, The Coves Mountain River Club flag flies proudly in
the mountain breeze, and the community is growing strong.
With almost 100 mountain homes built to date, the curb
appeal is unmatched, the population keeps growing, and the
reputation keeps glowing. Residents of The Coves take pride
in their homegrown gated community, and with good reason.
Ritch and his development team has built something special.
This is a one-of-a-kind community, rooted in a mountain-
inspired childhood dream, realized by a team with a drive
to see it through. Offering million-dollar mountain views (but
without the price tag), The Coves is a paradise created just for
you. Come on by for a visit and say hello. Or better yet, come
find a home of your own and join The Coves Mountain River
Club family.
THE COVES STORY
““I wake up each morning to the realization that my hobby and my passion have become my career and I am so
thankful to be part of something that will exist for generations.” – Tim Ritch
84

2002 Johns Ridge Parkway, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645
828.754.0700
www.thecovesnc.com

WNC Mountains and Scenic River Community

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