As a North Carolina resident and travel enthusiast, I’ve come across some pretty unique spots, but none quite like Love Valley.
Picture this: a small town where the Wild West meets Southern charm, and the only vehicles allowed are of the four-legged variety. That’s right—cars are left at the gate, and the only way to get around is by foot or horseback, wagon or your own two feet. Welcome to Love Valley, North Carolina’s very own cowboy town. The Wild West of North Carolina.
Love Valley isn’t just some gimmicky tourist spot—it’s a real, living town. Founded in 1954 by Andy Barker, a man with a big dream and an even bigger hat, Love Valley was designed to be an old Western town, complete with dusty streets, wooden saloons, and a church at its center.
What makes Love Valley so special is that it’s not just for show. People actually live here, embracing the cowboy way of life in a place where time seems to have stood still.
Walking through Love Valley feels like stepping onto the set of a classic Western. You half expect to see a tumbleweed roll by or hear the twang of a banjo in the distance.
The town is small, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. From the hitching posts outside the buildings to the wooden sidewalks that creak underfoot, every detail is straight out of the Wild West.
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Where Exactly Is Love Valley?
You might be wondering where you can find this hidden gem. Love Valley is located at 133 Henry Martin Trail, Statesville, NC 28625. It’s tucked away in the Brushy Mountains, making it the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Here’s how far it is from some major North Carolina cities:
60 miles from Charlotte
160 miles from Raleigh
116 miles from Asheville
289 miles from Wilmington
The drive to Love Valley is scenic, with rolling hills and picturesque countryside. Once you arrive, you’ll need to park your car in the free parking lot outside the town gates—no cars allowed in Love Valley! From there, it’s just a short walk into the heart of town.
Best Time to Visit Love Valley
When planning your visit to Love Valley, timing is everything. The town can be lively or quiet depending on the season and whether there are any events going on.
If you’re into photography or just want to soak up the atmosphere without a crowd, visiting during off-peak times is ideal. You’ll have the town almost entirely to yourself, which is perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy cowboy shots.
On the other hand, if you want to experience Love Valley in all its Wild West glory, plan your trip around one of their many events.
The town hosts everything from rodeos to music festivals, and the energy is infectious. To see what’s happening during your visit, I recommend checking out the Love Valley Facebook Group for up-to-date event information.
Events Worth Checking Out.
I’ve had the pleasure of attending a few events in Love Valley, and let me tell you, they’re unforgettable. Here are some you might catch:
Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser: The whole town turns pink for a day, including the horses and the tough, manly, cowboys! It’s a fun and heartwarming event that raises money for a great cause. Picture a sea of pink, with riders and horses decked out in all shades of the color, parading through town. It’s a sight you won’t forget.
Halloween Parade: This is one of my personal favorites. Imagine kids and adults in full costume, riding horses through the town. Whether you’re dressed as a cowboy, a ghost, or something else entirely, it’s a unique way to celebrate Halloween.
Rodeos & Barrel Racing: No cowboy town would be complete without a rodeo. Love Valley hosts thrilling rodeo nights where you can watch cowboys and cowgirls show off their skills. Barrel racing, in particular, is a crowd favorite. The speed and precision of these riders are something to behold.
Cowboy Christmas: Yes, you can celebrate Christmas, cowboy style! The town is decked out in festive lights, and there’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas card from the Old West.
Street Parties & Live Music: Shelby’s Place is the heart of Love Valley’s nightlife. This local hangout hosts live music, karaoke, and other events that keep the town buzzing. Whether you’re a fan of country music or just looking to have a good time, Shelby’s Place is where you want to be.
Cowgirl Triathlons: These events are as intense as they sound. Women compete in a series of challenges that test their strength, agility, and cowboy skills. It’s inspiring to watch and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Easter Egg Hunts, Memorial Day Celebrations, & Cattle Sorting Competitions: Love Valley offers a variety of activites.
These smaller events are perfect for families or anyone looking to experience the town’s unique charm in a more laid-back setting.
No matter when you visit, there’s usually something interesting happening in Love Valley. It’s a town that loves to celebrate, and the community spirit is palpable.
Things to Remember When Visiting Love Valley
Now, before you saddle up and head to Love Valley, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, this is a real town with real people living their lives. It’s not a theme park, and it’s certainly not a tourist trap.
The folks here aren’t putting on a show for visitors—they’re just living their cowboy lifestyle. So, be respectful of the town and its residents.
The economy has been tough on Love Valley, and you might notice some boarded-up shops or broken sidewalks. But don’t let that deter you. Instead, see it as an opportunity to support the local community.
Spend your money in the restaurants and shops that are open, and you’ll be helping to keep this unique town alive.
If you visit on a quieter day when there aren’t any events, you might find that some of the restaurants and shops are closed. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Bring a picnic lunch or have a meal before or after your visit.
But honestly, there’s something special about experiencing the town in its quiet moments. It gives you a chance to really appreciate the beauty and simplicity of Love Valley.
Where to Stay in Love Valley
Love Valley may be small, but it does offer a few places to stay if you want to make a weekend out of it. Miss Kitty’s B&B is a charming bed and breakfast that offers cozy accommodations with a rustic touch. It’s the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring the town.
If you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast, Love Valley Campground is a great option. The campground is close to the town, and you’ll wake up to the sounds of nature and the occasional whinny of a horse. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the cowboy lifestyle.
If these options don’t suit your fancy or are fully booked, nearby towns like Statesville (16 miles away), Wilkesboro (23 miles away), and Mooresville (35 miles away) offer more traditional lodging options. Staying nearby gives you the chance to fully experience Love Valley while also exploring the surrounding areas.
Why You Should Visit Love Valley
So, why should you add Love Valley to your North Carolina travel itinerary? Because it’s unlike anything else you’ll find in the state. Whether you’re a cowboy at heart, a history buff, or just someone looking for a unique getaway, Love Valley is a unique diamond in the rough.
For photographers, the town is a dream come true. The rustic buildings, dirt streets, and cowboy culture make for some truly amazing photos. And for families, it’s a chance to step back in time and experience a slice of the Wild West without ever leaving North Carolina.
But more than anything, Love Valley is a reminder of a simpler time. It’s a place where community matters, where the pace of life is slower, and where the spirit of the Old West is alive and well. Whether you’re attending an event, exploring the town, or just taking in the scenery, you’re sure to leave Love Valley with a story to tell.
Final Thoughts
Love Valley is a testament to the enduring appeal of the cowboy lifestyle. It’s a place where you can escape the modern world and immerse yourself in a different way of life. Whether you’re there for a day or a weekend, Love Valley offers an experience that’s both unique and unforgettable.
So dust off your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and I’ll see you on the trail!
Read More about North Carolina
Best Places to Visit in North Carolina
The 15 Beautiful Towns of the Outer Banks
Awesome Things to do in Corolla, North Carolina
Seeing the Wild Horses in the Outer Banks
Save “Visiting Love Valley, North Carolina” for Later
Author Bio: Christy Evers is a passionate travel writer and the creative force behind NorthCarolina Traveler, a blog dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems and must-visit destinations in North Carolina and beyond. With a love for exploring the great outdoors and a knack for finding the best local eats, Christy brings a unique blend of wit and professional insight to her travel stories. When she’s not hitting the trails or sampling the latest food craze, you can find her crafting itineraries that inspire others to discover the beauty of the Tar Heel State. Follow her adventures at northcarolinatraveler.com and join her travel community for tips and inspiration.
This is fascinating!!! I had no idea this town existed. I wholeheartedly agree with being respectful of the town, and I take this to heart wherever I visit. I think you can tell if people are putting on a show or if this is their daily existence, it’s almost intrinsic. Even so, I would still be respectful. The pictures show a very authentic looking town, though I feel like the trees surrounding it might take me out of my element as I have the expectation that cowboy towns tend to resemble ones that are more out west. However, i’d definitely do a day trip to this place in a heartbeat while visiting Asheville or even Charlotte!
Love Valley sounds delightful both in name and description. Important to know this is the real deal and not a gimmick, it would be well worth a visit from what I can see. I’m kinda loving the sound of a Cowboy Christmas, what a unique way to celebrate the holidays
I absolutely love this! It is just the kind of place that tickles my heart, from the unique town to its authenticity. The allure of arriving during a festival is strong but I’d also enjoy meandering with my camera on a quiet day. I will have to plan around a festival with a couple of extra days tacked on to enjoy it when it is less busy.
It looks like a perfect place to stop on a road trip through the area.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
Love Valley looks as though it’s not just an interesting place to visit, it has a genuine community spirit. It sounds as though you can truly explore the town during the quieter times but also enjoy the multitude of events throughout the year. The Halloween celebrations, rodeos and Cowgirl Triathlon would be great to watch. You made an important point about visitors respecting that this is a place where people live.
Oh this place oozes character and a lovely charm, I can see why you are swooning about it. It strikes me as one of the rare, untouched gems that are still out there full of authenticity. It’s also a bit like time travel and I can imagine life goes here a little slower. Like you I would visit it during Halloween or Christmas to add more to its magical atmosphere.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
The name of the valley alone, the Love Valley, is captivating and conveys a positive vibe. Clearly for me, and based on the proposals presented, it would be a good idea to visit in the low season, where I could experience the life and daily life of the local population. I particularly liked the reminder to respect the local community.