Explore the Local Area
Located in the heart of historic Downtown Rutherfordton, The Carrier Houses Bed and Breakfast is the perfect location for a couple’s weekend getaway, family reunion, celebrating a special occasion, visiting family or for business travel. We are conveniently located about an hour from Charlotte, Asheville-Hendersonville and the Greenville-Spartanburg area.
Take a look at some of the options below, including historic tours, outdoor recreation, unique shops, and local restaurants.
Historic Downtown Rutherfordton
Established in 1787, Rutherfordton is one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina, offering a rolling countryside with a backdrop of the great Blue Ridge Mountains. History runs deep here. You can still sense their past in the traditional brick buildings in downtown, as well as the stately antebellum homes that line our streets. Take their historic walking tour to learn more.
Today, Rutherfordton is known for their unrivaled quality of life, the natural beauty of the outdoors and their pride in community. Downtown is home to several craftsmen and artists, an abundance of outdoor recreation activities, historic tours, and unique local shops and restaurants.
Forest City
Known for its Christmas light display and Pops Music Pavilion, Forest City is a neighboring town to Rutherfordton, providing a wealth of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The Forest City Owls is a collegiate summer league featuring top-notch college players from across the country.
You don't want to miss the holidays in Forest City. Displaying over half a million lights, more than any other town in NC, combined with carriage rides through downtown it is the go to Christmas destination for WNC>
Lake Lure and
the Chimney Rock Village
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village are well-known destinations for thousands of visitors each year.
Located less than 20 minutes from the inn, the towns sit in the heart of Hickory Nut Gorge. The Rocky Broad River winds its way through a series of rapids down through Hickory Nut Gorge, and the crystal clear water flows through the valley that feeds Lake Lure.
Chimney Rock Village is best known for Chimney Rock State Park, which offers hiking, bouldering and panoramic views of Lake Lure.
This area was hit hard by Helene and is still recovering. Businesses are open, but access to some areas is still limited.
Day Trips
Looking to explore even further?
You can travel to Biltmore in Asheville, visit breweries in Old Fort, get on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or take in a horse show at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring.
Rutherfordton is centrally located to many Western North Carolina. Take a drive, visit for a day, and explore all the natural beauty of our area.
Area Resources
Quick links to events, businesses, and other resources