Tucked Between Charlotte And Asheville Is North Carolina's Gem With Blue Ridge Views And A Delightful Downtown

The city of Lincolnton, North Carolina, says it all in its slogan, "Near the City, Near the Mountains, Near Perfect." Although Lincolnton takes pride in its proximity to popular attractions like North Carolina's largest man-made lake, don't discount it as a worthy destination in and of itself, with a charming downtown and a thriving arts scene.

Considered part of the Charlotte metropolitan area, Lincolnton sits on the outskirts, just under 40 miles northwest of the Queen City, and less than 100 miles east of Asheville. At the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lincolnton offers a particularly lovely setting to experience the fall foliage, with stunning mountain views from its picturesque downtown area. For the best intel on peak foliage times, try one of these fall foliage finder resources to plan your stay.

You can also plan your visit around one of Lincolnton's beloved annual events, such as the Lincolnton Food Wine & Brew Fest or the Lincoln County Apple Festival. Taking part in North Carolina's growing open container trend, the city's social district comes alive every Thursday through Sunday, so you can sip on beer, wine, or cocktails from select local establishments while you stroll and shop.

DIY tours and quirky shops in Lincolnton

Historic buildings, restaurants, galleries, and an eclectic shopping scene offer something for everyone in downtown Lincolnton. The best way to learn more about the area's culture is on a free, DIY tour. You can follow along the Historic Downtown Walking Tour, which features 18 well-preserved sites dating back to the 1800s, including St. Luke's Episcopal Church and the Old Lincoln County Courthouse. The city has ambitious plans to transform its defunct courthouse with a reuse project that features a food hall and entertainment space, designed for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Craft enthusiasts can explore Lincolnton through an agrarian lens with the Lincolnton Quilt Trail, which pays homage to the area's traditional barn quilts.

Lincolnton's walls can talk with the city's public art trail. Murals on the sides of historic buildings and "Pots on Parade," an art installation of face jugs along Main Street, speak to the city's culture and storied past. Don't miss photo ops with the interactive dragon wings and butterfly wings! Along the way, you can search for that perfect souvenir at quirky local establishments like the Pickle Fetish Co. & Pickle Museum and Just Around the Corner. Vintage lovers, don't miss NanBrook Farm, a finders' paradise inside a centuries-old log cabin just a five-minute drive from downtown. You could make a day of antiquing with all of the markets and stores in the area. A little planning ahead, and you can turn your trip into a vintage treasure hunt.

Where to stay and see magical waterfalls

The closest airport to Lincolnton is in Charlotte, where you'll need to rent a car for the 40-minute drive. A stay in Lincolnton affords the charm and character of more popular nearby towns, but without the crowds. If you're a hotel creature of habit, earn some Hilton Honors points and stay less than 2 miles from Court Square, downtown Lincolnton's cultural epicenter, at the Hampton Inn. You'll also find plenty of options on Airbnb, such as downtown lofts located within the city's original buildings, all within walking distance to the best attractions — including breweries, shops, galleries, and more.

You can see the Blue Ridge Mountains from downtown Lincolnton, and we recommend you explore them as much as time allows. Hikers should consider a day trip about two hours west into the mountains to see North Carolina's "Land of Waterfalls" in the wildly underrated town of Brevard. The Triple Falls hike looks like it's out of a movie, because it is — "The Last of the Mohicans" and "The Hunger Games" were both filmed here. After you hit the trails, stop at local landmark Dolly's Dairy Bar, known for its unique ice cream flavors named after the area's historic summer camps. Try a scoop of Pinnacle Paradise or Ton-A-Wanda Thunder.

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