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Polk County is a wonderful base camp for exploring the North Carolina mountains and upstate South Carolina. From our relaxing, uncrowded locale, find fascinating tourist spots within a 1-hour drive.
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BILTMORE HOUSE
Allow a day to enjoy one of America's top tourist attractions in Asheville. Admission includes access to nore than 50 rooms of the house, gardens, the winery, shops, restaurants, and more. 45-minute drive www.biltmore.com |
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY One of the nation's most beautiful drives is only a few minutes away. Head north on the Parkway to visit the Folk Art Center, Craggy Gardens, and Mount Mitchell. Head south to Mount Pisgah, Looking Glass Rock, and Shining Rock Wilderness. 35-minute drive to access Official Website |
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NORTH CAROLINA
ARBORETUM
The 426-acre site is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the United States next to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mountain peaks bound the property's visual perimeters and 1.8 miles of the Bent Creek stream run through the center of the Arboretum. 35-minute drive Official Website |
KELLOGG CONFERENCE CENTER
After visiting historic Hendersonville, drive five more miles to this 50-acre conference center. On the grounds are the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design with changing exhibits plus a 1-mile trail featuring several ecologies plus outdoor art. 30-minute drive Website |
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CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL
HISTORIC SITE
Located in the quaint village of Flat Rock, Connemara (Sandburg's home and goat farm) offers a personal look into the life of one of our nation's great writers. 25-minute drive Official Website |
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE
Not only does Polk County offer productions of the Tryon Little Theater, but it's also located a few minutes away from the the NC State Theater. Find the complex across the street from Carl Sandburg's home. 25-minute drive Website |
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LAKE LURE/CHIMNEY ROCK
PARK
Chimney Rock Park includes a 404-foot waterfall, hiking trails, a nursery, and spectacular views. It lies in Hickory Nut Gorge (soon to become a state park) and overlooks pictureque Lake Lure (site of the movie Dirty Dancing). 25-minute drive Website |
KIDSENSES INTERACTIVE
MUSEUM
On inclement days, the children and grandchildren witll be delighted by this new, creative facility. Located to the east of Polk County in the quaint town of Rutherfordton, this hands-on museum will stimulate anyone's imagination. 20-minute drive Website |
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HATCHER GARDEN & WOODLAND
PRESERVE
Outside of Spartanburg, SC, discover what a retired couple with little money but an incredible dream can accomplish. From red clay land robbed of its fertility by cotton and eroded into deep gullies for lack of topsoil, they created a community greenspace by amending soil, building paths and ponds, and planting over 10,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers. Visitors now wander the free 10-acre public garden with perennial and annual flower displays, natural areas and woodland gardens, native plants, ponds and lots of wildlife. Areas are available for picnics and intimate special events. 35-minute drive Website |
CROFT STATE
NATURAL AREA
Near Spartanburg, SC, this 7,000 acre park offers two lakes, fishing, boating, hiking, tennis, biking, and horseback riding (bring your own horse). 45-minute drive Official Website |
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BMW ZENTRUM
Outside Greenville, SC, see the only BMW museum in North America. This free attraction showcases safety cars, hydrogen cars, art cars, racing cars, motorcycles, and more. 45-minute drive Website |
GREENVILLE, SC
Wander throught the beautiful (and free) Falls Park along the Reedy River. Stroll across the striking Liberty Bridge. Make time to enjoy the pedestrian-friendly downtown. And, for animal lovers, visit the small, yet rewarding Greenville Zoo for an hour or so. 50-minute drive Falls Park Website Zoo Website |
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| Polk
County Travel & Tourism |
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Waterfalls |
Wineries |
Wanderings |