Have you seen this sign?
Did you ever hear of the Waldensians? Probably not. They were originally known as the Valdese -- the dwellers in the valley. They were simple, hardworking and faithful people that lived in Northern Italy close to the French border. In 1893 a group of 29 Waldensians moved to North Carolina and founded the Town of Valdese. Learn more of their story by visiting Valdese, North Carolina.
Historic Valdese NC - Small Town Living with a Historic Past
Located in the rolling foothills of western North Carolina, Valdese is far more than your average small town tucked into edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Town of Valdese was founded on the rich traditions of 19th century Waldensian settlers and their historic journey from the hills of Italy to Burke County, NC.
Make Valdese your destination for a unique and educational family outing or bring your church, civic or social group to experience the Waldensian heritage as it is preserved by the Valdese community today. Stop in at the Valdese Tourism Department in the Old Rock School, Main Street, Valdese for day-tripping information or a custom group tour itinerary.
Whether your Valdese visit is a family stopover or a couples weekend get-away, the Waldensian Heritage Winery, Waldensian Museum, the Trail of Faith, Old Rock School Art Galleries and the Piedmont and Western Railroad Club's model train museum are must-sees.
Shop downtown Valdese for antiques, jewelry, unique gifts and handmade crafts and consignments. Nature and recreational parks, the best in bluegrass, outdoor concerts, car shows and so much more are waiting for you in Valdese, NC, home of the renowned outdoor drama, “From This Day Forward.”
Visit the town of Valdese. Just off I-40 between Hickory and Asheville. Minutes from Boone, Blowing Rock, Lenoir and Morganton, NC.
Click here for Bluegrass at The Rock
Click here for our Historic Valdese brochure with downtown map in Adobe PDF format
Click here for Town of Valdese site
PROFESSIONAL FLOATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR VALDESE CHRISTMAS PARADE..call 828-874-3574 for further information!!
Click here to learn more about Burke County:
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January
Jan. 6th 7:30pm
Dailey & Vincent in Concert
Tickets $18 in advance & $20 at the door
Jan. 7th 7pm
"Forks Over Knives" Movie presented at the Old Rock School Auditorium
Free to the Public... a movie about the relationship between food & health
Call Alison Cover at 828-368-4709 for more information
Jan. 12th 6:30pm
10 Week Long Health Program
Old Rock School Room 119
Call Alison Cover at 828-368-4709 for more information
Jan. 16th & 17th 7pm
Auditions for.....
Old Colony Players Presentation of the Rock Opera,"Jesus Christ Superstar"
at the Old Rock School Auditorium
Jan. 18th 7am-10am
Free Lab Tests offered by Blue Ridge Healthcare
Located in the Old Rock School Waldensian Room Call Alison Cover for more information at 828-368-4709
Jan 30th - Feb. 24th
Rock School Art Galleries I & II
Lenoir-Rhyne Students' Exhibition
Local High Schools' Exhibition
Reception Jan. 31st from 4-6pm
February
Feb. 2nd 5-7pm
Souperbowl for Hospice
$10 buys you a handmade pottery bowl, soup, salad, dessert & drink
All proceeds will be donated to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care...located in the Old Rock School Waldensian Room
March
March 2nd
Life Line Public Health Screening
Call 1-800-324-1851 for information and sign ups...
Located in the Old Rock School Waldensian Room
March 4th- April 20th
Rock School Art Galleries I & II
Cynthia Decker- Digital Renderings
Vyvyan Emery- Fiber Art
Reception March 4th from 4-6pm
March 9th 7pm
Bluegrass at the Rock Presents...
Larry Cordle & Lonesome
Standard Time
Tickets $18 in advance & $20 at the door www.larrycordle.com
March 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st & April 1st
Old Colony Players Presentation of the Rock Opera:
"Jesus Christ Superstar"
at the Old Rock School Auditorium
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sunday Matinee at 3pm
Upcoming....
April 7th at 7pm Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers
The Waldensian Festival Vendor Application is available under the Area Events Link at the top of this page....
828-879-2129
www.visitvaldese.com