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Each season brings new adventures in Polk County. Discover delicate wildflowers in spring, cool rivers in summer, brilliant foliage in fall, and warming fires in winter. Three municipalities (historic Saluda, Tryon, and Columbus) and six townships make up the heart of the 234 miles of rural Polk County. Located in the central Blue Ridge mountains and foothills, the area is known for its mild climate due to the "Thermal Belt." Warm air settles and moderates the temperatures — cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This phenomenon allows for outdoor activities and events to be enjoyed throughout the seasons. Small towns, historic sites, fine art and craft, scenic vistas, and friendly people make Polk County a place you will want to visit over and over. F Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Lady Astor, Sidney Lanier, William Gillette, and David Niven were regular guests. Tryon has a reputation as a premier retirement area. It has been listed as one of the top ten retirement communities by Money Magazine, and highlighted in The Wall Street Journal and other publications. Equestrian pursuits have more than a 50-year heritage in Tryon including steeplechase, dressage, hunter-jumper, and carriage-driving events. The Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, FENCE (Foothills Equestrian Nature Center), and other equestrian organizations host events from March through early December. The Block House Steeplechase Races, held in April, have been an annual event for 60 years. |
Columbus is the county seat where the government offices and historic courthouse are located. The courthouse is one of the oldest still in use in North Carolina and is currently undergoing restoration.
Historic Saluda, located on the crest of the "Saluda Grade" (the steepest standard-gauge railroad in the country), has retained its turn-of-the-century atmosphere. The downtown business district has 16 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places — that's practically the whole town! Also, Saluda is known for its artists, craftsmen, shops, and restaurants.
Enjoy fishing, hiking, and canoeing in the ten thousand acres of the Green River Game Lands. Drive the Pacolet River Scenic Byway. Discover wildflowers at Pearson's Falls or hunt for treasures in marvelous craft and antique stores dotted along scenic roads throughout the county.
When you've worked up an appetite from all of your activities in Polk County, sit down and relax in one of the many restaurants throughout the area. Choose a cuisine to suit your taste: from finger-licking barbecue to fine dining, fresh baked pastries to homemade goodness, a light snack to a full meal. There's plenty to choose from here.
At the end of your day, settle into one of a dozen charming historic B&Bs and inns or perhaps a cabin in the woods for a night to remember — and a vacation you won't forget.
For a listing of local happenings, click on our Calendar of Events.
| Polk
County Travel & Tourism |
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