News & Events

An incredible canvas of autumnal colors create a landscape that is cherished by all who live in the region, as well as those who come to take in the inspiring foliage.  The magic combination of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains is the high peaks, the lush valleys, and the breadth of climates due to these variations in elevation. 

If you haven’t yet experienced the palette of rich colors that define the region for almost a month and a half, now is the time to take a scenic road trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway.  While you’re looking for amazing things to do in Lenoir NC, be sure to bring your camera, and take in some of the incredible fall festivals and events that add even more celebration to the next month or two before the holiday season is upon us.

Here are some of the most talked about festivals this month in the foothills of Western North Carolina:

The 11th North Carolina Oyster Roast at Fort Defiance

1792 Fort Defiance Drive, Lenoir, NC

Attendees enjoyed a fried flounder dinner with all the fixings and a bucket of about 2 1/2 doz steamed oysters along with two beer or wine tickets. Extra Buckets of Oysters and extra drink tickets will be available at the event as well as an amazing silent auction. The Starlighters provided the entertainment for a night of swing dancing on the beautiful grounds of Historic Fort Defiance, North Carolina. All profits from the event went directly to the mission of preserving and sharing the 1792 home of General William Lenoir.

Fort Defiance formed a non-profit organization in 1964 whose mission is to “preserve and share the life and times of William Lenoir and his 1792 home.”  Those living at The Coves cherish the restored house at Fort Defiance which has maintained its history and significance with over 300 artifacts and original furnishings.  Since Fort Defiance Inc receives no state or federal funding, the tightly-knit community of the mountain towns in North Carolina keep it going with their visits, memberships, as well as their support of events and programs.  The house was named after a frontier fort and was designed by William Lenoir and completed after four years of building in 1792.  William Lenoir was a teacher and surveyor.  His family lived in the home until 1961.

Tours are available November through March, Saturday and Sunday 12-4; weekends only or by appointment; $7 adults; $5 children 5-15; children under 5 are free.

Smoking in the Foothills Barbecue Competition and Festival

North Carolina State Championship Event

October 20 & 21, 2017

Historic Downtown Lenoir, NC

Free admission

What better way to celebrate fall in the mountain towns of North Carolina than with a little down-home cooking shared with your community, family and friends?  This is real barbecue brought to life by a good-hearted competition to feed your senses.  Sanctioned by The Kansas Barbecue Society, you can light up your own smoker or sit back and sample the perfection of the pitmasters.  Live Music on Plaza State; Poker Run; 50/50 Drawing; BBQ Competition (chicken, pork rib, brisket); and of course the Cornhole Tournament!

Smoking In The Foothills is a nonprofit organization whose commitment is raising money for charitable organizations as those who call their homes in the gated communities near Asheville NC know is so essential. Proceeds from all their festivals benefit local charities such as The Helping Hands Clinic and The Wig Bank of Caldwell County chosen in 2017.  Volunteers are needed so sign up and lend a hand to a worthy event on Friday, October 20 and Saturday October 21.

Last weekend was the 30th Annual Hickory October Fest in downtown Hickory.

This is known as “the premier annual festival for Hickory North Carolina.”  The second week of October Hickory’s downtown comes to life for three days with the charming outdoor festival so many have come to love and others seek to attend.  Three stages are lit with non-stop entertainment from traditional lively polka to the tried and true rock & roll.  There’s plenty else to keep people of all ages amused with two beer gardens, rides, games, the incredible juried arts and crafts show as well as shopping and eating from the hundreds of food and commercial vendors.  No wonder this festival has been going and growing strong since 1985.

The lucky people who have chosen to settle in the gated communities near Asheville NC, like The Coves, can take advantage of all the region has to offer. Locals know there’s no better way to take in the fall foliage than driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, climbing to elevations of 5,000 plus feet, sipping sweet cider and taking in the gorgeous colors that sprawl before you. 

Savor the sights of the fall foliage forecast before while exploring cozy mountain homes, and discover even more intimate street festivals and small mountain towns along the way.  You never exhaust the possibility of things to do in Lenoir NC along the 193 mile Parkway, or in the parks and forests you’ll discover as you explore.  Take a guided tour or venture off on your own to hike through the expanse of changing leaves. 

If you haven’t visited our gated mountain community, stop by to say hello. Did you know we have over 22 miles of groomed hiking trails within our gates? Our community spreads across 3,200 acres. Here hikers enjoy private trails that lead to four cascading waterfalls, along the Johns River and to our mountaintop clubhouse. At our mountain summit, gaze across to the mountain tops of Blowing Rock or down below into the Pisgah Forest valley. These are majestic views our residents enjoy each and every day. We’re confident you won’t find views anywhere else like we have them at The Coves.

Come explore the variety of homesites we have available whether you prefer a private wooded estate, a homesite near our amenities or near the river. Our homesites start around $39,000.

Call us at 828.754.0700 to schedule a tour (and hike!)