Travel Guide Love Valley

Love Valley is a surprising town in the heart of North Carolina and for good reason, it is the only western town east of the Mississippi. Imagine, you cross the hilly and green landscapes of North Carolina, the Brushy mountains in the background and suddenly you come across a small clay village whose main street is only crossed on foot or on horseback and is lined with saloons and other wooden establishments with typical western architecture. Love Valley is the dream come true of a couple, Andy and Ellenora Barker, who, in 1954, left the city of Charlotte with their children in search of a peaceful place where they could reconcile life in faith and western lifestyle. It was in Love Valley that they settled and began to build the foundations of their ideal community, starting with the church.Little by little, Love Valley is growing, soon joined by other lovers of the Far West lifestyle. Ranches are multiplying and the dress code includes sharp-toed boots, plaid shirts and the traditional cowboy hat with raised edges. The city is known for its rock festival and Far West events that attract many people and celebrities, including Indian chiefs. After running several times as a North Carolina senator, its founder Andy Barker died in 2011 leaving a big void in the village. Today, Love Valley is losing ground in terms of tourism, the festival has disappeared and there are only events organised throughout the year. However, a stop in Love Valley is an unusual experience off the beaten track. If you are in the area, plan a short detour to stroll down the small main street or have a drink in the saloon at nightfall. You will meet some locals, some of whom still travel by horse. Be careful, there are no shops in the area, on the spot, you will only find a saloon, ice and other amenities sold by the locals.