Patterson Springs North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Patterson Springs, North Carolina.
1. Patterson Springs Park
PEACEFUL COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Patterson Springs Park offers visitors a tranquil outdoor experience in Shelby. The park features well-maintained grounds and recreational facilities for local residents and tourists alike. It serves as a gathering place for community events and outdoor activities throughout the year.
2. Shelby City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION HUB
Shelby City Park stands as the premier recreational destination in the area with immaculately maintained grounds and helpful staff. The park offers various amenities including playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas for visitors of all ages. Locals and tourists frequently praise it as the best city park in the region for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere.
3. John H Moss Lake
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
John H Moss Lake provides a beautiful natural setting for water-based recreation near Patterson Springs. The lake features multiple access points, including one off New Camp Creek Church Road just a short distance east of the main entrance. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation in this scenic outdoor destination.
4. Hanna Park
COZY NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Hanna Park offers a pleasant outdoor space for recreation in the Shelby area. The park provides green space and basic amenities for local residents and visitors looking for a relaxing spot. It serves as a convenient option for those in Patterson Springs seeking nearby outdoor activities.
5. Optimist Park
YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX
Optimist Park serves as a dedicated recreational facility primarily focused on youth sports in the Shelby area. The park features athletic fields and courts where young athletes can develop their skills and participate in organized leagues. Local families appreciate this venue for its contribution to children's physical activity and community building.
6. Clarence Palmer Park
QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD RETREAT
Clarence Palmer Park provides a peaceful green space for residents and visitors in the Shelby area. The park offers basic recreational amenities in a quiet setting away from the busier parts of town. It serves as a convenient option for those in Patterson Springs looking for a nearby place to enjoy nature.
7. Cherokee National Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Cherokee National Golf Course offers an exceptional golfing experience just 13 miles from Patterson Springs. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways set against picturesque natural surroundings. Golf enthusiasts from Patterson Springs and surrounding areas frequently visit this course for its quality play and accessibility.
8. Gaffney Country Club
TRADITIONAL GOLF CLUB
Gaffney Country Club provides a traditional club atmosphere approximately 15 miles from Patterson Springs. The facility features a well-designed golf course alongside other country club amenities. Visitors appreciate the classic golfing experience and social opportunities available at this established venue.
9. Kings Mountain National Military Park
HISTORIC REVOLUTIONARY BATTLEFIELD
Kings Mountain National Military Park preserves the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle just a short drive from Patterson Springs. Visitors can explore hiking trails, historical exhibits, and interpretive programs that bring the 1780 battle to life. The park offers a meaningful historical experience with beautiful natural surroundings that make it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.
10. Gardner-Webb University
EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
Gardner-Webb University offers visitors a picturesque campus experience near Patterson Springs. The university features attractive grounds, architectural highlights, and cultural events open to the public throughout the year. Campus tours provide insights into the institution's history and academic programs for prospective students and curious visitors.
11. Cleveland County Fair
ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Cleveland County Fair represents one of the region's largest annual events, drawing visitors from Patterson Springs and beyond each fall. The fairgrounds transform with agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, competitive displays, and classic fair foods during the event. Though seasonal, the fairgrounds host various community events throughout the year, making it a significant attraction in the area.
12. Broad River Greenway
RIVERSIDE NATURE TRAILS
Broad River Greenway offers visitors miles of scenic trails along the picturesque Broad River near Patterson Springs. The natural area features hiking paths, river access points for fishing and paddling, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Nature enthusiasts appreciate this preserved riverside ecosystem for its biodiversity and recreational options throughout the year.
13. Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge
LEGENDARY LOCAL BBQ
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge stands as an iconic culinary institution serving traditional North Carolina barbecue since 1946. The family-owned restaurant specializes in pit-cooked pork prepared using time-honored techniques and served with their signature red sauce. Visitors from across the region, including nearby Patterson Springs, make special trips to experience this authentic taste of Southern culinary heritage.
14. Don Gibson Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Don Gibson Theatre occupies a beautifully restored art deco movie house in downtown Shelby, just a short drive from Patterson Springs. Named after country music legend and Shelby native Don Gibson, the intimate 400-seat venue hosts concerts, films, and performing arts events year-round. The theater serves as both a cultural centerpiece and a tribute to the region's rich musical heritage.
15. Earl Scruggs Center
MUSIC HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Earl Scruggs Center celebrates the life of legendary banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs in his hometown of Shelby, accessible to Patterson Springs residents. The museum occupies the historic Cleveland County Courthouse and features interactive exhibits exploring American musical traditions and the cultural heritage of the region. Visitors experience the evolution of bluegrass and country music through artifacts, recordings, and special programs honoring Scruggs' revolutionary three-finger picking style.