The Blue Ridge region of the Carolinas is widely known and highly esteemed for the abundance of horse and equestrian activities, events, training and culture found in the area. It's precisely that unique appeal that most attracts both residents and visitors to the communities that make up the region.

But that reality doesn't begin to paint the real portrait of the western Carolinas. Incredible landscapes, outdoor pleasures, true-to-life, "American grit" historical locales and lore, charming and friendly folks, alluring architecture, solemn creeks, hollows, woods, nooks, swimming and fishing holes, mountaintops, vales and so much more also contribute to what is arguably the most pleasant spot on the continent.

The more you learn about our communities, the more you'll long to be part of them. Many resources are available at this site, but here are just a few brief summaries to pique your interest:

Scenes From Heaven

It's been observed by some that seasons are indistinguishable in the Carolinas because they're ALL magnificent! And there are so many wondrous and engaging places from which to view them that you could live here forever and never run out of unique and stunning views. Each day inspires a feeling of new life, new energy, and a new opportunity for scenic adventures. Explore the countryside on an autumn drive, enjoy a spring picnic by a tranquil waterfall, plan a summer canoe trip along the riverbeds discovering uncommon treasures, or ski the valleys one afternoon and the neighboring slopes the next. You can do as little or as much as you want in and around Blue Ridge Country.

Natural Tranquility

Hike, bike, picnic, birdwatch, float, stroll, sit, row, climb or camp among the most pleasant back-country sites around. Choose from waterfalls or bubbling cricks, rolling hills or thundering mountaintops, green pastures or burnt orange sunsets, humongous rocks or tiny beach pebbles - it doesn't matter. They're all here, any day of the week, and all anxiously awaiting your arrival.

History

Numerous spots throughout this region boast the historical stature, beguiling folklore and stirring significance that is emblematic of our communities. Downtown Saluda, alone, lists 22 historical buildings - all of which are open to discovery and exploration throughout the year. From the earliest native tribes, to daring European families in search of religious and economic liberty, to Revolutionary and Civil War battlefronts, underground slave channels and slaveholding plantations, Victorian mansions, depression-era hideouts and so much more, Carolina residents live surrounded by the entire spectrum of American history.

Architecture

Skip over to Asheville to take in the majesty of the Victorian halls of the Biltmore Estate, then amble down to Rutherfordton to experience the countryside luxury of the Green River Plantation; Stand in awe at the beauty and piety of the many early houses of worship that populate our corner of Heaven; or ponder the pragmatic charm and beauty of seventeenth- and eighteenth- century meeting places, homes and villages. Few American communities can offer its residents the nearby architectural variety, charm and fascination to which Carolinians have become accustomed.

Southern Hospitality

There's a reason why the term, "southern hospitality," is synonymous throughout the western world with a friendly, helpful, courteous and homespun welcome for visitors, guests and newcomers. Carolinians just like other people; they can't help it. That's how they were taught - and modeled - by generations before them. Southern people are proud of their communities and pleased to show them off. You can't get around it. So, why not join in! Become one of us and know that same sense of community pride for yourself. There's plenty of reason to be proud in Carolina Blue Ridge country.

City Life

Just because a big part of our appeal is nature, relaxation and the outdoors, don't get the idea that city life doesn't ROCK in these parts! Night life and day trips, city and community festivals, cultural exhibits, concerts and museums galore keep Carolinians and our guests active, engaged and excited! Competitive high school, college and professional sports light up every weekend. And shopping, shopping, SHOPPING never ends in these parts; there's ALWAYS something more to bring home, give to that special someone  - or simply wear, hang, play with, decorate, show off or admire - that's made in Carolina.

Outdoor Odysseys

What is it you like to do? And what setting do you need to do it? Water sports and rock climbing, snow sports and sunbathing, baseball, football, basketball... oh, my! Golf, golf and golf! Biking, fishing and camping and racing and boats. Hang gliding, hunting, spelunking and birding. Propelling and extreme sports of all kinds. These are all among the riches that define the Blue Ridge region of the western Carolinas.

And, then there are horses! America is replete with fine horse farms, recreational equestrian courses and the like. But few, if any, communities love, respect and enjoy horses quite like Polk County and the surrounding western Carolinas community. The abundance of breeding environs, training facilities, hobby, mid-sized and corporate farms all illustrate the love affair people in these communities have with horses. If you're into horses or horseback riding, breeding or training, showing or just appreciating these majestic animals, you owe it to yourself to consider the western Carolinas. If you design, manufacture, process, promote, educate, support, treat or otherwise service the equestrian or horse-breeding communities, you need to have a profound presence here, in the heart of Carolina's proud horse country.

And, of course, there's always so much MORE where that came from!

For more information on activities in and around the Western Carolinas, visit:

• Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
• Polk County (NC) Travel & Tourism
• Polk County Named to "Top Ten Places to Live in America"
• PolkGuide
• Learn NC
• Discover South Carolina
• South Carolina Department of Agriculture