Rutherfordton is a town of firsts. It was the home of western North Carolina’s first U.S. Post Office, first public school, and first newspaper. It’s where the country’s first $1 gold coin was minted. Founded in 1787, it was even one of the first towns in the region.
Walk through downtown today, and that sense of history is apparent in the century-old buildings and the regal antebellum houses lining the streets, and in the Rutherfordton natives whose families have been here for generations. For visitors to this small foothills town, it’s a chance to step back into the past, to unplug in a place where time slows down. For those who live here, though, Rutherfordton is a place that’s constantly reinventing itself.
An entrepreneurial spirit feeds collaboration among businesses, government, and citizens who want to be involved in making their town a better place to live, work, and play. When someone has a big idea, people band together to make it happen, like the monthly “First Fridays in Ruff’ton,” or the obstacle course fund-raiser for the renovation of Kiwanis Park. Now, centuries after it established so many firsts, Rutherfordton is still blazing trails when it comes to building a community.
photograph by Emily Chaplin
Yellow Sun Pizza and Pints. Rutherfordton natives Kim and James Nichols are constantly experimenting with beer and pizza. The Jungle Girl IPA and topping combinations like spicy sopressata and Peppadew peppers have become local favorites.
127 Trade Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 375-0089
facebook.com/yellowsunpizza
Copper Penny Grill. Housed in a former maintenance shed, the Copper Penny serves burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and craft cocktails in an industrial-chic setting. Don’t miss the pennies that cover the bar.
131 North Washington Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 395-2042
copperpennygrill.com
photograph by Emily Chaplin
Small Town Coffee Roasters. Monte Vega and his late father, Enrique, both blacksmiths by trade, restored a 1915 roaster to make their signature coffee. Peek through the window on the deck to see Vega at work — and breathe in the delightful aroma.
116 West Court Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 367-0126
facebook.com/smalltowncoffeeroasters
photograph by Emily Chaplin
KidSenses. With 10,000 square feet of exhibit space (and growing), this interactive children’s museum is the town’s pride and joy. At “Gears and Gadgets” (left) and other themed play areas, kids unleash their creativity.
172 North Main Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 286-2120
kidsenses.org
Visual Arts Center. More than 100 artists from Rutherford County sell paintings, pottery, wood and fiber art, jewelry, and more, in addition to hosting art classes, demonstrations, shows, and meet-and-greets.
160 North Main Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 288-5009
artatthevac.com
photograph by Emily Chaplin
Michelle Parisou. In her factory outlet on Main Street, watch Michelle Parisou and her team design, print, and sew their high-end apparel, then browse the small outlet selection, including bags made from excess fabric.
163 North Main Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(843) 209-8844
michelleparisou.com
Hill’s Hardware General Store. Since 1947, Shellie Heaton’s family has sold hardware — and now outdoor decor and locally made artisan goods, too — in the former Southern Hotel. Check out the historical photos and the original 1920s grand staircase, and say hello to the store cat, Reese’s Cup.
184 North Main Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-4105
facebook.com/hills-hardware-general-store
photograph by Emily Chaplin
Carrier Houses Bed & Breakfast. Russell Knight and Jim Masek welcome guests to their two-house inn with a walk through the main house, built in 1835. Not spending the night? Pop in for an unofficial tour. But if you do stay there, be prepared for multicourse breakfasts, cozy rooms, and friendly hosts.
255 North Main Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-4222
carrierhouses.com
photograph by Emily Chaplin
The Firehouse Inn. Interior designer and Rutherfordton native Kitty McCammon opened her showroom and six-room inn in the 1924 town hall and firehouse. Kids can spend the night in the loft where firemen once slept, and one room even has an evidence vault that serves as a closet.
134 North Washington Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 286-9030
thefirehouseinn.com
From its northernmost point in Corolla to its southern terminus on Cedar Island, this scenic byway — bound between sound and sea — links the islands and communities of the Outer Banks.
Us? An icon? Well, after 90 years and more than 2,000 issues celebrating North Carolina from mountains to coast, we hope you’ll agree that we’ve earned the title.
After nearly a century — or just a couple of years — these seafood restaurants have become coastal icons, the places we know, love, and return to again and again.
One of the last old-school fish houses in Onslow County stands sentry on the White Oak River. Clyde Phillips Seafood Market has served up seafood and stories since 1954 — an icon of the coast, persevering in pink.
