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“North Carolina may be famous for its barbecue, but there are a lot of people who know how to make a great burger.  We thought it was time to shine the spotlight on them.”  And with that goal in mind, “Strange Carolinas” web site editor Chris Hocker added the burger category to his annual poll for “Best of NC”.

After two weeks of voting by readers, the clear winner was announced:  Lenoir’s iconic Carolina Burger, at 606 Blowing Rock Boulevard.

Foodies who frequent Lenoir NC restaurants probably weren’t surprised.  At The Coves Mountain River Club, we’re well aware that some of the state’s best comestibles are found far from the bigger cities.

In their search for offbeat and interesting places and people, “Strange Carolinas” learned that there are excellent burgers along the trail to suit any and all tastes.  Carolina Burger offers ten different types, from “The Standard’ to the popular “Carolina Firecracker”, with grilled Texas toast, Swiss and jalapeño cream cheese, grilled onions, and their famous homemade lava sauce.  They’re all hand-pattied each morning with locally-sourced 100 per cent ground chuck – always fresh and never frozen – and served on a buttered and toasted bun with your choice of toppings.

The menu also includes amazing quarter pound 100 per cent Angus beef hot dogs and crispy shoestring fries.  Carolina Burger believes in making food like you would at home, with big portions and lots of flavor.

Living here in the foothills, we’re blessed not only with great Lenoir NC restaurants but plenty of others in small mountain towns and larger metro areas within easy driving distance. 

If our travels take us to Greensboro, must-stops for burgers might include Burger Warfare, Hops, PorterHouse and Emma Key’s.  Asheville has Juicy Lucy’s and Farmburger, and Charlotte swears by The Ashbury, Cowbell, Bang Bang Burgers, Zack’s, Brook’s and Pinky’s.  Try the mac ‘n’ cheese burger at The Loaded Goat in Mount Airy.  It’s “so good it feels wrong”.  And if you want slaw and chili in your bun, you can’t beat Duke’s when you’re in Monroe and hungry.

We know that Lenoir has plenty of things to brag about.  Having the best burger in the state is just one of the newest.  Living at The Coves Mountain River Club, you soon come to realize just how many advantages there are to putting down roots in this area.

For the person who loves to stay active outdoors, we have spectacular nature trails for hiking, walking and riding bikes.  Being right on the water means boating, fishing and swimming are all nearby.  There’s camping in Pisgah National Forest and day trips to local attractions like Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain.  And our golf course at The Coves offers remarkable mountain views.

Lenoir and its surroundings are steeped in culture and history, and our residents often take advantage of lifelong learning classes at local colleges.

And, of course, our year-round mild weather makes it especially easy to pursue whatever hobbies or other special interests you may have.

Carolina Burger is just one of many Lenoir NC restaurants that have developed a loyal following.  The food scene here is very active.  We host tastings at our Pisgah Mountain Lodge that are always well-attended, with wonderful local chefs preparing the fare.

When you’re close to Lenoir, please make it a point to stop by and take a tour of The Coves Mountain River Club.  Talk to our design team and learn how easy it is to bring your dreams to life with a custom home in our community.

And take some time to relax and breathe in the mountain air.  Marvel at our majestic mountains and forests.  Hear the whisper of Wilson Creek as it winds along to join the Johns River right at the edge of our property.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides more information about living in the foothills.