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Wild Wild West: Love Valley brings the Old West back to life in North Carolina
Did you ever play cowboys and Indians as a kid? Dream of being in a rodeo? Or riding off on horseback into the sunset? Well, you don’t need a time machine to live those dreams. All you have to do is visit Love Valley, North Carolina.
Located in Iredell County, North Carolina, Love Valley, is the only authentic western town east of the Mississippi River, with real cowboys tying up their horses outside the saloon. However, don’t think of driving there —only horses and buggies are allowed in downtown Love Valley.
Andy Barker, who owned a construction business in Charlotte, NC, founded Love Valley in 1954. He was a huge believer in the America dream and the days of the Old West. He and his wife founded the town to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a cowboy.
The town is small but has been flourishing for the past 50 years because of the people who live there and love the life they have built. In addition to being the only real western town on this side of the nation, Love Valley has another unique quality — it’s only open for business on weekends.
Monday through Thursday in this little town you won’t see anything except maybe a tumbleweed rolling through downtown. All shops and restaurants are closed to the public until the weekend hits and the town lights up once again.
If you decide to make your way to Love Valley one weekend, there are a few places of interest that you won’t want to pass up and few rules you'll need to remember. First, leave your car behind and saddle up your horse (or just walk if you haven’t gotten a horse of your own just yet!).
If you have a hankering for shopping, visit the Hill Top Trading Post to gear up in your western duds. Boots, hats, and saddles in all varieties for any cowgirl or boy can be found there. Or, if your trusty stallion needs new shoes, make a trip to the Love Valley Blacksmith Shop. This shop is open during the week, but only by appointment, so make sure to call ahead!
After a busy day of shopping, you’re sure to get hungry. Don’t worry, there’s a real-life saloon to satisfy your appetite. The Silver Spur Saloon offers dancing, live bands, food and, of course, beer. It’s fun and convenient, and you can even tie your horse up right outside.
If dancing isn’t your style and you’re looking for something more low key, then Jack’s Place is for you. Jack’s Place is a little bar where you can meet up with your friends, play a game of pool, or relax outside on the back porch. Don’t worry if anyone gives you a look when you walk in though. At Jack’s Place everybody knows your name.
So if the closest thing you've ever seen been the wild wild West was one of those steakhouses where you throw the peanuts on the floor, you owe it to yourself to mosey on down to experience America's iconic spirit one weekend at Love Valley. And if you don't know how to mosey? Well, pardner, you'd best be learning.
Love Valley is located in Iredell County, North Carolina. For directions or additional information check out www.lovevalley.com.
Comments
I had no idea what to expect but after reading this article I had to go see Love Valley. It was like walking back into time. No cars, just cowboys on horseback. It was a surreal experience. Thanks for always giving us something we do not expect. We also went on the bicycle wine tour that you covered in another issue... that was so fun.
- Posted by: Hillman at October 13, 2005 03:55 PM
