Casar North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Casar, North Carolina.
1. South Mountains State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
South Mountains State Park offers visitors an expansive natural playground with hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain vistas near Casar. The park features the impressive High Shoals Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall that's accessible via a moderately challenging trail. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, trout fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding throughout the park's 18,000+ acres.
2. Knob Creek Farms
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Knob Creek Farms welcomes visitors to experience authentic farm life through seasonal activities and agricultural education. The farm offers u-pick opportunities for fresh produce depending on the season, including berries, pumpkins, and Christmas trees. Families particularly enjoy the farm's special events that include hayrides, corn mazes, and interactions with farm animals.
3. Defiant Whisky
AWARD-WINNING CRAFT DISTILLERY
Defiant Whisky produces handcrafted spirits using traditional methods and locally-sourced ingredients near Casar. Visitors can tour the distillery to learn about the whisky-making process from grain to bottle while enjoying the rustic atmosphere. The facility offers tastings of their award-winning spirits that have earned recognition in international competitions.
4. Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
SEASONAL FRUIT PICKING
Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill invites visitors to experience the joys of apple picking in a picturesque orchard setting near Casar. The family-owned operation produces fresh apple cider on-site using traditional pressing methods that guests can observe during the harvest season. Their country store offers homemade apple products including pies, donuts, butter, and their signature unpasteurized cider.
5. WoodMill Winery
UNIQUE FRUIT WINES
WoodMill Winery specializes in fruit wines made from locally grown muscadine grapes and other fruits in the region near Casar. The winery offers tastings in their rustic tasting room where visitors can sample their diverse selection of sweet, semi-sweet, and dry fruit wines. Guests can enjoy the peaceful countryside setting with occasional live music events and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
6. Casar General Store
HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARK
Casar General Store stands as a nostalgic reminder of small-town commerce and community gathering in the heart of Casar. The store offers everyday essentials alongside unique local products, serving as both a practical shopping venue and a social hub for residents. Visitors appreciate the store's authentic rural charm and the opportunity to experience a slice of traditional small-town North Carolina life.
7. Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery
PASTORAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery welcomes guests to their family farm that has been transformed into a charming vineyard near Casar. The winery produces distinctive wines in a renovated dairy barn that maintains the property's agricultural heritage while providing a cozy tasting environment. Visitors can stroll through the vineyards, enjoy tastings, and attend seasonal events in this peaceful rural setting.
8. Broad River Greenway
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Broad River Greenway offers over 1,500 acres of natural beauty along the Broad River with hiking and biking trails accessible to visitors from Casar. The protected corridor features diverse wildlife, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the river. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained trails that wind through hardwood forests and offer scenic views of the waterway.
9. Owl's Eye Vineyard & Winery
BOUTIQUE WINE DESTINATION
Owl's Eye Vineyard & Winery crafts small-batch wines in a picturesque setting that draws visitors from Casar and beyond. The winery features a tastefully designed tasting room where guests can sample their European-style wines while enjoying views of the surrounding vineyards. Their outdoor patio and event space hosts regular music performances and seasonal festivals that showcase local culture and cuisine.
10. First Broad River Trail
PEACEFUL NATURE WALK
First Broad River Trail provides a serene walking path alongside the river's gentle waters in Casar. The trail offers opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting in a relatively undeveloped natural setting. Local residents and visitors appreciate this quiet escape that showcases the area's natural beauty throughout all four seasons.
11. The Barkery Bistro
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Barkery Bistro serves locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine in a charming setting that attracts diners from Casar and surrounding communities. The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients from nearby farms, creating dishes that reflect both traditional Southern flavors and contemporary culinary trends. Their rotating menu offers something new with each visit, complemented by craft beverages and homemade desserts that showcase regional specialties.
12. Casar Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Casar Historical Museum preserves the rich history of this small North Carolina town through artifacts, photographs, and oral histories. The museum highlights the community's agricultural roots, including the story behind the town's unusual name change from Race Path to the misspelled 'Casar' in 1903. Visitors gain insight into rural Appalachian life through exhibits that document local traditions, industries, and notable residents.
13. Cleveland County Arts Council
CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB
Cleveland County Arts Council showcases local artistic talent through rotating exhibits, workshops, and cultural events accessible to Casar residents and visitors. The gallery features works in various media by regional artists, from traditional Appalachian crafts to contemporary fine art. The organization hosts regular classes for all ages, fostering creativity and providing opportunities for community members to explore their artistic interests.
14. Pleasant Ridge Store
AUTHENTIC COUNTRY MARKET
Pleasant Ridge Store offers visitors a genuine small-town shopping experience with a selection of local products and everyday necessities in Casar. The family-operated market features regionally produced foods, including fresh produce, homemade preserves, and traditional Appalachian specialties. Travelers appreciate the store's friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs that reflect the area's cultural heritage.
15. Gardner-Webb University
CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER
Gardner-Webb University enriches the region near Casar with academic programs, cultural events, and athletic competitions open to the public. The campus features architectural highlights including the Dover Memorial Library and the Tucker Student Center, set amid beautifully landscaped grounds. Visitors can attend theatrical performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and sporting events throughout the academic year.