Candor North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Candor, North Carolina.
1. Johnson's Peaches
EVERYTHING PEACHES
Johnson's Peaches is a beloved local farm market in Candor known for its wide selection of peach products and friendly service. Visitors can enjoy everything from fresh peaches to homemade peach ice cream and preserves, depending on the season. The staff are known for being wonderful, kind, and polite, making it a must-visit destination during peach season.
2. North Carolina Peach Festival
ANNUAL PEACH CELEBRATION
The North Carolina Peach Festival is held annually on the third Saturday in July in downtown Candor, celebrating the town's rich peach-growing heritage. This popular event features sweet, juicy peaches alongside a classic car show, live entertainment, and activities for children. The festival has been a tradition for 26 years, highlighting Candor's status as the Peach Capital of North Carolina.
3. Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company
HISTORIC RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company is one of Candor's top attractions, showcasing the town's railway heritage. The railway represents an important part of Candor's industrial history and development since its incorporation in 1891. Visitors can learn about the significance of rail transportation in this agricultural community.
4. Candor Farmers Market
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL BOUNTY
Candor Farmers Market offers visitors a taste of the region's agricultural richness with seasonal produce and artisanal goods. The market showcases locally grown peaches and other fruits alongside vegetables and handcrafted items from area farmers and makers. It serves as a community gathering place that highlights Candor's deep agricultural roots and the ingenuity of its people.
5. Roy Maness Nature Preserve
TRAILS AND FISHING
The Roy Maness Nature Preserve is a developing natural area featuring a lake for fishing and over 6 miles of walking and hiking trails. Located near Candor in Troy, the preserve offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to connect with Montgomery County's natural beauty. The trail system continues to expand, making it an evolving destination for nature lovers.
6. Big Rocks
NATURAL ROCK FORMATION
Big Rocks, also known as Nifty Rocks, is a natural landmark located in the Badin Lake Recreation Area of Uwharrie National Forest near Candor. This impressive rock formation is accessible by foot or horseback, located 0.6 miles up Tony Horse Trail from Moccasin Creek Road. Visitors are drawn to its unique geological features and the surrounding forest landscape.
7. Town Creek Indian Mound
ANCIENT CULTURAL SITE
Town Creek Indian Mound is a significant archaeological site showcasing the Native American history of the region near Candor. This reconstructed ceremonial center offers insights into the lives of the Pee Dee people who once inhabited the area. The site features a reconstructed temple, burial hut, and other structures that help visitors understand the rich pre-European cultural heritage of Montgomery County.
8. Kings Mountain Point
SCENIC LAKE ACCESS
Kings Mountain Point is a recently renovated day use area in the Badin Lake Recreation Area of Uwharrie National Forest. The point features a paved hiking trail that encircles the point, a fishing pier, and three handicap accessible fishing platforms. Its proximity to Candor makes it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and those seeking accessible outdoor recreation.
9. Low Water Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
Low Water Bridge crosses the Uwharrie River on Low Water Bridge Road, which runs from Coggins Mine Road in Eldorado to Ophir Road near Candor. The site has become a popular canoe and kayak access point on the river for outdoor enthusiasts. All four corners of the bridge are owned and protected by the Landtrust for Central North Carolina, preserving this historic crossing for future generations.
10. Historic Downtown Candor
PEACH CAPITAL CHARM
Historic Downtown Candor offers visitors a glimpse into the Peach Capital of North Carolina, with its small-town charm and agricultural heritage. The town, incorporated in 1891, features historic buildings, local shops, and eateries that showcase its deep community roots. Visitors can explore the downtown area to experience the unique personality and history of this Montgomery County gem.
11. Jumping Off Rock
SCENIC OVERLOOK POINT
Jumping Off Rock is a notable scenic overlook point in Montgomery County, not far from Candor. The rock formation offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Uwharrie National Forest and landscape. Visitors often make the trek to experience the ancient energy and natural beauty that characterizes this region of North Carolina.
12. The Montgomery Hotel
HISTORIC COMMUNITY HUB
The Montgomery Hotel is housed in a historic 1909 building that began as a tuberculosis treatment facility before serving as a bustling hotel for 44 years near Candor. At one point, it functioned as a popular drugstore where locals enjoyed orangeades and lemonades, a tradition that has been preserved with the original recipe. Now reimagined as a gathering space, it serves hikers exploring the Uwharrie National Forest and participants in local activities like the 'Troy Explorers' challenge.
13. Uwharrie National Forest
ANCIENT WOODLAND ADVENTURES
Uwharrie National Forest surrounds Candor with ancient woodlands that contain rich Native American history and natural beauty. The forest offers numerous outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, and paddling on the Uwharrie River. Visitors often remark on the unique energy of the forest, which has yielded Native American artifacts and even dinosaur fossils now housed in the Smithsonian.
14. Historic Small Towns Tour
REGIONAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Historic Small Towns Tour takes visitors through Troy, Mt. Gilead, Star, Candor, and Biscoe, each with its own distinctive history and personality. These charming communities offer unique dining and shopping opportunities that showcase local culture and traditions. Exploring these towns provides insight into the diverse heritage and development of Montgomery County.
15. Candor Fruit Company
HISTORIC PEACH ENTERPRISE
The Candor Fruit Company was formed in the late 1800s by three associates from Montgomery County, establishing Candor's long-standing relationship with peach cultivation. This historic enterprise helped cement Candor's reputation as a premier peach-growing region in North Carolina. Visitors can learn about this agricultural legacy that continues to define the town's identity and economy today.