Here are 25 things you can do while visiting historic rural Lincoln County, NC. Lincoln County has something for just about everybody's interest (except deep sea fishing). Activities range from walking trails through scenic areas to golfing to deal shoppers to local grown produce to collecting unique pottery. Lincoln County is ideally located within 30 minutes of Charlotte for upscale shopping or travel to the Blue Ridge foothills of Boone.
1. Walk the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail.
A mile meandering through downtown Lincolnton lined with trees, flowers, and benches. The paved trail runs from East Pine Street to Motz Avenue. Contact: City of Lincolnton Planning Department 704-736-8930
2. Go antiquing.
The residents of Historic Lincolnton are familiar with antiques, and many of them are glad to share their treasures with you. Brochure and more information is available at the Lincolnton Downtown Development Association 114 East Main Street 704-736-8915.
3. Play Golf at the Lincoln Country Club.
Built in 1946, the traditionally designed course features tree lined fairways, various water hazards, and well-placed sand bunkers. Fairways are narrow, and the greens are small and very well manicured. 2052 Country Club Road; 704-735-1382; www.LincolnCountryClub.net.
4. Shop at the Farmer's Market.
Find both farmers and home gardeners selling produce, plants, and other items Saturdays mid-April through November and Tuesdays and Thursdays early June through November 7am until sell out (approximately noon) 225 West Water Street Contact Leigh Guth for more information: 704-736-8461; www.lincolncountyfarmersmarket.com
5. Follow a Historical Tour of Downtown Lincolnton.
Learn the stories of twenty of Downtown Lincolnton's most interesting buildings, standing directly in front of them and walking paths that have been followed for generations. Information is available at the Downtown Development Association 704-736-8915 and www.golocallincolnton.org.
6. Attend a High School Athletic Event.
Local talent is sure to be showcased at each of the four high schools in Lincoln County, and the community supports their athletic events with spirit and enthusiasm. www.lincoln.k12.nc.us.
7. Dance at the Alive After Five Concert Series.
Main Street comes alive the last Thursday of every summer month with regional bands playing on an outdoor stage. Food vendors, local restaurants, and a beer garden will be open. Lawn chairs are encouraged, but coolers are not allowed. Contact the Downtown Development Association: 704-736-8915; www.GoLocalLincolnton.org
8. Picnic at McBee Street Park.
This shaded park offers a playground, swing-sets, park benches, and picnic tables for a relaxing afternoon on East McBee Street. Contact Parks and Recreation for more information: 704-748-1518
9. Take a pottery class at Rising Sun Pottery.
A full service, open to the public pottery studio, teaching facility, clay guild, gallery, and retail store. Owner and Resident Potter Gary Lee teach classes for all skill levels and works with five other studio potters. 209 South Academy Street 704-735-5820; http://www.risingsunpottery.com/
10. Play Frisbee Golf, Basketball or Racquetball at Betty Ross Park.
Outdoor and indoor basketball courts, indoor volleyball court, racquetball courts, lighted outdoor tennis courts, softball fields, horseshoes, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a nature trail, and a nine hole Frisbee golf course with equipment available. 800 Madison Street; 704-735-2671.
11. Ride the South Fork Catawba River Rail Trail.
A relatively flat trail along the South Fork Catawba River, this trail offers views of floodplain forests, a bald cypress swamp, rock outcrops and wildflowers to bikers and pedestrians. 2677 Laboratory Road; www.catawbalands.org
12. Dive into the William M. Lentz Pool.
Open every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day for summer fun and games. 800 Madison Street 704-735-2671
13. Shop for unique local pottery.
Pottery is a strong tradition in Lincoln County, and several potters today have studios full of treasures. Brochure available at the Downtown Development Association 114 East Main Street 704-736-8915
14. Tour the vineyards and sample wine at Woodmill Winery.
Watch the process of muscadine wine being made from the five acres of vines to the bottling area and wine cellar in the winery's basement. 1350 Woodmill Winery Lane, Vale, NC 28168; 704-276-9911 www.woodmillwinery.com
15. Go Fishing at Catfish and Carp Country.
Two lakes open for fishing year round make a great place to hang out among friends on carefree evenings. 4881 Old Plank Rd, Iron Station, NC 28080 704-732-1404
16. Play Tennis at Indian Creek Tennis and Swim Club.
Take advantage of the 4 clay courts (2 lighted) and 3 hard courts (all lighted), a swimming pool, and expert tennis instructor. 1652 Riverview Road 828-381-4655; www.indiancreektennis.com
17. Volunteer your time.
Lincolnton is a close-knit community full of smiles, waves, and caring hearts. Several organizations that could use your help in maintaining this uniqueness are United Way of Lincoln County, Downtown Development Association, Hessed House of Hope Inc., Lincoln County Literacy Council, Habitat for Humanity International Inc., or Hospice & Palliative Care Lincoln County. Visit www.VolunteerLincoln.blogspot.com
18. Taste Wine at Southern Charm Winery.
With twenty different handcrafted wines, you will find something delicious, no matter your mood. 704-240-9899 235-D East Main Street; www.southerncharmwinery.com/
19. Enjoy Downtown Lincolnton's Christmas Decorations in a Carriage Ride. See Lincolnton's decorated downtown from the back of a horse-drawn carriage as Christmas music rings through the air each weekend starting after Thanksgiving and running through Christmas. Contact: Downtown Development Association at 704-736-8915 20. Learn at the Lincoln County Historical Association and Arts Council of Lincoln County. Discover your roots in the genealogy room, hear stories about Lincolnton heroes, or broaden your horizons at an art exhibit all in the Lincoln Cultural Center. 403 East Main Street www.artslincolnnc.org/; www.lincolncountyhistory.com. 21. Visit the Charles R. Jonas Library. A garden on the side of the library is perfect for enjoying a book, and the library organizes several programs throughout the year. 306 West Main Street 704-732-9042 22. Relax at one of several Day Spas in Downtown Lincolnton. Many of the salons in Lincolnton offer massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and other treatments to guarantee soothing and revitalization of your body. All are listed online or in the phone book. 23. Browse the Lincolnton Flea Market With a wide selection of products and a great range of shoppers, both vendors and buyers come to the Lincolnton Flea Market to find exactly what they are looking for. Open every Saturday and Sunday at 7 am 610 Wilma Sigmon Road www.LincolntonFleaMarket.com 24. Visit the Ramsour's Mill Battleground or Madison Iron Furnace. Learn about Lincoln County's history in the exact place it happened over 200 years ago. Visit www.lincolncountyhistory.com for more info about each site or directions to each one. 25. Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, or Christmas tree. Juicy strawberries or blackberry and strawberry cider are available at Lineberger's Berry Hill Farm 704-748-1488. Sweet blueberries or Christmas trees are available at Helms Christmas Tree Farm 704-276-1835; www.helmschristmastreefarm.com/ For More Information on these and all things Lincolnton/Lincoln County: Downtown Development Association, 114 East Main Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 Phone: 704-736-8915; Fax: 704-736-8917; E-mail: LynnBrinson@ci.lincolnton.nc.us
