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Anyone who lives in the mountain towns in North Carolina understands the easy and relaxed pace, and all the ways we take the time to appreciate and celebrate our American traditions. Many writers have focused on one of the greatest past-times of our country—baseball, whether in fiction, nonfiction or for the purposes of the big silver screen, this is one topic that doesn’t grow old. 

Baseball is an American institution that has remained steadfast and true for more than a hundred and fifty years.  In a fast-paced world that seems to change with leaps and bounds every day, it’s nice to know that some things stay just the way we like them—the long season, the rules of the game, the songs we all know by heart, the hotdogs and peanuts we share in the stands.

For those of us looking for fun things to do in Lenoir NC, taking in a game with our family and friends, is always on the top of our list as we hum “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”  And what better place to hear the crack of the bat then in our hometown, with our hometown team, the Lenoir Oilers?  Perhaps you got to watch the riveting 2017 season with 64 phenomenal games, stretching between the end of May and the end of July in convenient downtown Lenoir.  If you’re a baseball fan searching for homes for sale in NC mountains with views, Lenoir should be at the top of your list.

The Lenoir Oilers has a rich history, formed in 1964 as a semi-pro team when three close friends accompanied by a businessman, who were looking for things to do in Lenoir NC, just happened to have a brainstorm.  They enjoyed success right from the start, winning the state tournament in 1968 and playing strong in the southeast of the country.  The Oilers were such a talented team that they attended the National Championship in Kansas five times, even beating the Seminoles. 

Last year one of the Oilers from the 1990s, Clifton Bennett, decided to purchase the franchise, and with the help of his umpire friend, Kevin Bumgarner, who took on the role of General Manager, they have created baseball magic for all who reside in the mountain towns in North Carolina.  Kevin assembled a local group who pulled together to renovate Lenoir’s home field, Walker Stadium. 

They’ve done a stellar job with marketing and fundraising, reaching out to our enthusiastic community who may remember that two brothers named Rube and Verlon are the namesakes of the stadium.  Their baseball careers were illustrious; Verlon coached the Chicago Cubs, and Rube was a catcher for the Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs.  Of course where would Clifton and Kevin be without the gifted and dedicated Oilers Allstars—Dylan Hamel, Santiago Mendex, Craig Zalewa, Dominic Cuoci, Ryan Vargo, and Pete Sitaras coached by Austin Goat Lynch and Alex Minton who was raised near Lenoir.  If you’re looking for fun things to do in Lenoir NC, this phenomenal team should not be missed next season.

There are many ways to be involved with the Lenoir Oilers from enriching internships in ticketing, field maintenance, merchandise, concessions, broadcasting/media, marketing, community relations, and photography.  You can become a host family for a player from mid-May though the beginning of August; “The generosity of host families highlights the unique relationship between amateur college baseball and the communities that summer teams call home,” their website explains.  Or you can help out as a volunteer if you live in one of the nearby mountain towns of North Carolina. Contact the Lenoir Oilers to learn more and become part of Lenoir’s sport’s history. The Coves Mountain River Club is just a short ride from Walker Stadium to experience the thrill of America’s favorite game.

Our gated mountain community is nestled in the charming and scenic town of Lenoir is where you should start searching for homes for sale in NC mountains. We’re an award winning mountain community like no other.

Like you, we value traditions, the arts, history, culture and the natural beauty of a pristine landscape. We offer the perfect place for you and your family to settle down and feel the presence of caring neighbors and a community that understands what it means to help one another out.  Come explore the private wooded estates, riverfront property and mountain view homesites for sale to build your idyllic home or choose a re-sale. Try out of our amenities which include 13 miles of hiking and horse trails, our fitness center and infinity-view swimming pool at Pisgah Mountain Lodge. See our two community gardens, Coleton’s Swimming Hole and Round Mountain Ranch.

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.