There’s a good reason most of the roads in Love Valley, North Carolina are called “trails” instead of roads, lanes, or even streets. It’s because this tiny town in the Brushy Mountains of North Carolina doesn’t allow cars. It was founded in 1954 by one man who merged two dreams when he put the town together: he wanted to live in a Christian community and he wanted to be a cowboy. His name was Andy Barker and he left a good job in Charlotte to move to the mountains to realize his dream. His tiny town of Love Valley wasn’t built with future tourists in mind, but the novelty of the town certainly invites them to explore this fascinating town with no cars in North Carolina.
At the start, Barker brought with him some construction buddies who helped build a church that still sits up on the hill overlooking the town. By 1963, when the town was incorporated and Barker’s dad was named mayor, the town’s main street (a.k.a. Henry Martin Trail) had long taken shape.
Facebook/Town of Love Valley
Barker’s Utopia of Love Valley had one major rule:
TripAdvisor/Brooke W
No cars allowed.
Facebook/Town of Love Valley
Barker passed away in 2011, but the town remains car free. The 2016 census-estimated population of Love Valley was 104 residents.
TripAdvisor/Meddo2014
But what’s life like inside this tiny town in North Carolina without cars?
TripAdvisor/Patti D
Firstly, many residents DO have cars, but there are many places they can’t drive them.
TripAdvisor/MODESTOO
Need something from the store, or want to grab a meal from the General Store and Cafe? Better be prepared to walk, or saddle up the horse…
TripAdvisor/MODESTOO
No cars are allowed on the main street; only horses — and wagons, of course. The locals know the laws and follow suit.
TripAdvisor/Meddo2014
Visitors though, are another story. You can rent a horse to ride into town if you want, but most days, if you’re coming to Love Valley as a tourist, you can get away with leaving your car outside the invisible gates in a lot up the road a bit from the retail and other businesses.
TripAdvisor/Buz D
Love Valley’s residents and merchants love entertaining visitors.
Town of Love Valley
The town has a general store, a cafe, a local bar, a gift shop with ice cream, a feed store, hardware store, a saloon, and of course, a tack store.
TripAdvisor/MODESTOO
Each year, Love Valley Arena is home to a variety of rodeos and horse events that are open to the public, and many visitors pick this opportunity to visit the cowboy town. For those wanting to spend the night, the town’s website has a list of campgrounds — and even a link to Miss Kitty’s Room and Board. (Town website link is below.)
Town of Love Valley
Did you know this car-free cowboy town was right here in the Tar Heel State?
Facebook/Town of Love Valley
Have you been to Love Valley yet? Did you know about this North Carolina town with no cars? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!
Facebook/Town of Love Valley
TripAdvisor/Brooke W
TripAdvisor/Meddo2014
TripAdvisor/Patti D
TripAdvisor/MODESTOO
TripAdvisor/Buz D
Town of Love Valley
Don’t have a horse? No problem! You can rent one in Love Valley!
The Town of Love Valley is located 16 miles north of Statesville and 23 miles southeast of Wilkesboro. For more information about this unique town, visit the official website for the Town of Love Valley, or follow the Facebook page.
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Address: Love Valley, NC 28625, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
town in North Carolina with no cars October 07, 2022 Beth C. What are some charming towns in North Carolina? One of the best parts of living in North Carolina is exploring the state’s multitude of charming towns. From the communities dotting the Outer Banks to the rugged-yet-gorgeous mountain towns at high altitudes along the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s just no shortage of unique towns in the Tar Heel State. One of our favorite places to visit is a little town known as Hot Springs, North Carolina. This small town, not far from the Tennessee border, is high up in the mountains and brimming with spectacular natural wonders. In fact, one of the town’s biggest claims to fame is the presence of geothermal hot springs – which you probably guessed from the name! That’s right; Hot Springs, North Carolina does indeed have hot springs. Head to the Hot Springs Resort, and you can rent an outdoor geothermal soak while overlooking the French Broad River. Trust us – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Another unique thing about Hot Springs is that the Appalachian Trail runs directly through its tiny downtown district. It’s not unusual for thru-hikers to stop in town for a quick bite to eat before continuing on their epic journies. Some other charming towns in North Carolina that you might consider visiting include New Bern, Boone, Bath, Hillsborough, Beaufort, Saluda, Blowing Rock, and Bethania. Learn more about these historic towns in North Carolina that are always worth a day trip. And speaking of trips, we’ve even compiled a road trip that will take you to the most picturesque small towns in North Carolina. It’s a multi-day adventure you won’t soon forget!
The OIYS Visitor Center
town in North Carolina with no cars
October 07, 2022
Beth C.
What are some charming towns in North Carolina? One of the best parts of living in North Carolina is exploring the state’s multitude of charming towns. From the communities dotting the Outer Banks to the rugged-yet-gorgeous mountain towns at high altitudes along the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s just no shortage of unique towns in the Tar Heel State. One of our favorite places to visit is a little town known as Hot Springs, North Carolina. This small town, not far from the Tennessee border, is high up in the mountains and brimming with spectacular natural wonders. In fact, one of the town’s biggest claims to fame is the presence of geothermal hot springs – which you probably guessed from the name! That’s right; Hot Springs, North Carolina does indeed have hot springs. Head to the Hot Springs Resort, and you can rent an outdoor geothermal soak while overlooking the French Broad River. Trust us – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Another unique thing about Hot Springs is that the Appalachian Trail runs directly through its tiny downtown district. It’s not unusual for thru-hikers to stop in town for a quick bite to eat before continuing on their epic journies. Some other charming towns in North Carolina that you might consider visiting include New Bern, Boone, Bath, Hillsborough, Beaufort, Saluda, Blowing Rock, and Bethania. Learn more about these historic towns in North Carolina that are always worth a day trip. And speaking of trips, we’ve even compiled a road trip that will take you to the most picturesque small towns in North Carolina. It’s a multi-day adventure you won’t soon forget!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
One of the best parts of living in North Carolina is exploring the state’s multitude of charming towns. From the communities dotting the Outer Banks to the rugged-yet-gorgeous mountain towns at high altitudes along the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s just no shortage of unique towns in the Tar Heel State. One of our favorite places to visit is a little town known as Hot Springs, North Carolina. This small town, not far from the Tennessee border, is high up in the mountains and brimming with spectacular natural wonders. In fact, one of the town’s biggest claims to fame is the presence of geothermal hot springs – which you probably guessed from the name! That’s right; Hot Springs, North Carolina does indeed have hot springs. Head to the Hot Springs Resort, and you can rent an outdoor geothermal soak while overlooking the French Broad River. Trust us – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Another unique thing about Hot Springs is that the Appalachian Trail runs directly through its tiny downtown district. It’s not unusual for thru-hikers to stop in town for a quick bite to eat before continuing on their epic journies.
Some other charming towns in North Carolina that you might consider visiting include New Bern, Boone, Bath, Hillsborough, Beaufort, Saluda, Blowing Rock, and Bethania. Learn more about these historic towns in North Carolina that are always worth a day trip. And speaking of trips, we’ve even compiled a road trip that will take you to the most picturesque small towns in North Carolina. It’s a multi-day adventure you won’t soon forget!
