News & Events

Now in its ninth year, the North Carolina Gravity Games continues to be one of the more popular things to do in Lenoir NC.  On Saturday, April 13, enthusiastic crowds will be downtown cheering on the racers and checking out the science booths, tech demos, food vendors and more.  It all begins at eight-thirty in the morning and lasts until about three in the afternoon.

This is the signature event of the North Carolina Science Festival, a multi-day celebration that highlights educational, cultural and financial impact of science in the State.  Sponsors include Google, Appalachian State University, the University of North Carolina and the City of Lenoir.  Teams from schools, Scout Troops, and Boys and Girls Clubs across the state use their hands-on skills to build the fastest and coolest gravity-powered cars and then race them through the downtown streets.

The 2019 North Carolina Gravity Games foster community engagement through sponsorship and will award prizes to the winning teams. The competition focuses on the design, construction, and operation of a potential energy-powered vehicle on a downhill course.

The goal is to provide an opportunity for our local students to apply the principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a practical and fun way.  Previous competitions

have drawn more than thirty teams of middle and high school students.  Teams from colleges and universities and corporate entities are welcome to enter as well.  There’s even an “open” category for adults who want to participate.  For more information regarding entry requirements and other rules, see the Frequently Asked Questions tab at http://www.ncgravitygames.com

Downhill derby-type racing events have a long history in this country, beginning to take shape in the very early twentieth century and first appearing on a national scale in 1934.  We’re fortunate to have the strong community interest and organizational support that have made the Gravity Games another of the great things to do in Lenoir NC.

Drivers must from seven to fourteen years old.  They’re required to have a parent or legal guardian sign a Participation Agreement on their behalf.  An ANSI-certified helmet is required, and protective clothing is recommended.  And of course there are standards that must be met for the weight and construction of the cars.  The Judging Committee will be responsible for inspecting all entries and the race track for adequate safety and security.  The deadline to register is Midnight EDT on March 13, 2019.

If you’re coming to town for the Gravity Games, why not stop by The Coves Mountain River Club and get a feel for how great living in the Blue Ridge Mountains can be?  It’s a great place to retire, surrounded by all the options for fun, adventure, culture, exploration and exercise you could want.

We’ve become a popular choice for people looking for the perfect combination of pristine natural surroundings and state-of-the-art modern convenience and energy efficiency.  With the help of our expert design team, they’re creating their ideal living environment and settling in to enjoy the many things to do in Lenoir NC and the surrounding area.

If you’re a golfer or plan to become one, you’ll love playing the golf courses.  They offer some of the most spectacular views you’ll find anywhere, with picture-perfect scenes at every turn.  Even on days when you’re not playing your best, Nature makes it all okay!

And, of course, the annual changing of the leaves is a show in itself – one that draws viewers from all over the country.  We have a guaranteed front row seat and the added advantage of being able to hike up and watch it develop in foliage at various elevations.

These are all things that make Lenoir a wonderful place to live, and we’d love to show you how building a home at The Coves Mountain River Club can make your retirement dreams a reality.

Call 828.754.0700 to schedule a tour!