News & Events

The North Carolina Butterfly Festival will be celebrating its 35th year the weekend of May 5, 2017 in the charming town of Hudson, nestled in our North Carolina mountain communities.  Caldwell County’s oldest festival tradition brings residents of all ages joy when they’re looking for things to do in Lenoir NC, and no wonder since it’s a magical way to embrace spring as well as the awe-inspiring nature that surrounds us in this gorgeous part of the country.  There’s no better why to unwind after an exhilarating day of hikes near Asheville NC than the Butterfly Festival which showcases all of the colorful butterflies that bring splendor to our area, decorating our landmarks and downtown buildings.  

May 5, from 5-8 in the evening, the weekend will kick off with a Cruise-In, on Central Street in front of the Local Bean. All types of classic automobiles will “cruise-in” to Hudson and you can join in the fun. Show off your vintage automobile, muscle car…even your family’s mini van.  For those of you who desire some morning fun, on Saturday, May 6, starting at 9 am, in downtown Hudson on Central Street, the Butterfly Arts and Crafts Festival will be in full swing and stretch until 6 pm, with food, vendors, arts & crafts, children’s games, rides—inflatables and jumpies. And don’t leave early since live music follows until 8 pm.  Be sure to arrive hungry–whether it’s BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers or kettle corn you’re craving—you’ll find what suits your palate while you stretch your legs walking from one end of town to the other.

The North Carolina Butterfly Festival continues to grow in popularity; last year attendance was up to 12,000-14,000. Folks milled about with friends and family for the delicious food and diverse shopping—jewelry, antiques, crafts, art and pottery—so many unique items that reflect the fine artisans of our North Carolina mountain communities.  This year, due to word of mouth and community spirit, there will certainly be an even greater crowd of residents, taking advantage of things to do in Lenoir NC.

Festival Performers this year include: Tumblemania Gymnastics, Sims Country Cloggers, Lost Jewels (Belly Dancers), Sherry’s Dance Studio and more.  Riveting entertainment throughout the day!  The entertainment culminates at Hickman Windmill Park, behind Town Hall, where Silk Groove will keep the party going for two hours with soul, beach and pop music to make your feet tap and or inspire you to dance!  What’s even better?  Admission is free.  All you need is a blanket or chairs to stretch out and relax while the music fills the air.

People of all ages enjoy watching butterflies in flight or alighting on a gorgeous blossom for some nectar.  Butterflies have long been the colorful muses of photographers and painters in the North Carolina mountain communities and across the country.  The fluttering butterfly has also inspired books, movies, poetry and artists of all mediums. There are a diverse assortment in our area and we’re fortunate when taking hikes near Asheville NC to be able to catch so many glimpses of these brilliant butterflies. 

Perhaps when searching for things to do in Lenoir NC, you’ve set out for a scenic walk, or a leisurely kayak paddle, to see Brush-footed Butterflies (or the Red-Spotted Purple), Emperors (or the Tawny Emperor), Leafwings, Longwings (Diana), Milkweed Butterflies (the popular Monarch), Snouts, or True Brushfoots (the striking American Lady).   This region is ideal for celebrating spring, the migrant return of the butterfly, and all the outdoor recreation that restores the glow to your complexion and the energy to your stride.

The Coves bring community gardens, hiking trails, and all the blissful nature contained, right to your doorstep. Whether your desire is growing your own vegetables in Isabel’s Garden for a celebratory family dinner, or gathering a bouquet of daffodils for a cheery centerpiece, The Coves provides the stage to make it all possible. Gardening is not only a healthy activity, but at The Coves you can socialize while getting your hands dirty alongside neighbors and friends.  And of course we all know the health benefits of eating fresh produce. 

There are endless possibilities at The Coves to catch the fluttering sight of some of the regions most splendid butterflies, and all you have to do is have a fondness for hikes near Asheville NC, since there are thirty-nine miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty.  The incredible landscape of flowers—mountain laurel, rhododendron, and azaleas are a natural attraction for butterflies.  So be sure to plan your excursion at The Coves with a camera or a pair of binoculars in hand so you can capture it all.

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.