Flat Rock North Carolina offers a bit of adventure within its historical setting. The community was founded by wealthy Charlestonians and plantation owners from the south. The town provided a welcome relief from the southern heat and the malaria and yellow fever epidemics. Here are some of the main attractions in this magical and quaint town.
Historic Flat Rock
It’s rare to have an entire district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but that is exactly the case for Flat Rock. A group, Historic Flat Rock Incorporated, has made it their responsibility to preserve a lot of the Old South in the area. You’ll find attractions like the Flat Rock Playhouse, St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church,State Theatre of North Carolina, Carl Sandburg Home NHS, and Woodfield Inn.
Flat Rock Playhouse
Founded in 1952, Flat Rock Playhouse is a theatre that once featured a few summer performances. Today, the theatre is open for eight months and features world premieres, Broadway musicals and other types of drama. The playhouse was designated the State Theatre of North Carolina in 1961 and is still owned and operated the Vagabond School of Drama.
Nationwide, the Playhouse has been identified as one of the top 10 theaters in the country. For a taste of Broadway in a place that many miles away, get a listing of what’s showing and enjoy the adventure.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Carl Sandburg
Carl Sandburg was an American poet, author and historian who spent the last 22 years of his life on his estate in Flat Rock, NC. The preserved estate provides visitors with an in depth look into his life, family and the farm that they ran for many years. You’ll also see his collection of 10,000 books, papers and notes. Book a tour to see the inner workings of this estate or hike the trails to see where Mrs. Sandburg raised her award winning goats. Touring the grounds is free, but you’ll have to pay a small fee if you want a guided tour of the Sandburg home.
St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church
Another site that is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites, the St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church provides some perspective on a prominent southern family. The site was a private chapel in 1833 built on Mountain Lodge. Wealthy southern families laid their deceased loved ones to rest in the churchyard. Some of the famous names you’ll recognize include Major General Edward P. King, Rev. John Drayton and Christopher Memminger.
Historic Woodfield Inn
The Historic Woodfield Inn served as the Farmers Hotel from 1852 onwards. It was the first stop on the Old Indian Trail. Confederate soldiers made the inn their place of abode in order to protect the community during the Civil War. When you visit you’ll see the secret room where the soldiers hid jewelry and gold. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the inn was given its current name after the turn of the century.
About Author
Gerrid is a travel blogger who loves to write on vacation destinations across the world. Recently he reviewed a vacation spot at Highland Lake North Carolina and has found great adventure spots nearby. For more information you can also check out Highlandlake.org.
