Alexander County Board of Commissioners Chairman
Alexander County Board of Commissioners Chairman Marty Pennell encourages everyone to take advantage of the many recreational, cultural, and seasonal activities available right here in our own backyard.
“There’s something for everyone in Alexander County, whether you’re looking for adventure, fresh food, music, or just a relaxing day with family and friends,” said Chairman Pennell. “We’re proud to offer a wide variety of attractions that make our county a great place to live and visit, not just in the summer, but year-round.”
One of the county’s premier outdoor destinations is Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, which offers scenic hiking trails, rock climbing, an adventure playground, picnic and camping areas, and breathtaking views — the perfect setting for a summer adventure. Learn more about Rocky Face Park at https://rockyfacepark.com.
This summer, live music takes center stage with the Alexander County Summer Concert Series, featuring free outdoor performances on the Rotary Performance Stage at Alexander County Courthouse Park. This year’s family-friendly concert series features the Caribbean Chillers (Jimmy Buffett tribute) on July 19, followed by fireworks at Alexander Central High School. The series continues with Tribute – A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band on September 6 and Eliminator (ZZ Top tribute) on September 20.
For those looking to cool off, the county has partnered with Duke Energy to open the Wittenburg Access Swim Beach in Bethlehem so families can enjoy a local beach experience at no cost. This past weekend, hundreds of people enjoyed the popular swim beach. Residents can also bring their children to the splash pad at Alexander County Courthouse Park, which has been very popular with local families. Suncrest Water Park is also a great spot for kids and adults alike, with a rope swing, slides, and plenty of family fun.
Thrill-seekers can enjoy off-road excitement at Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park, while treasure hunters can dig for gems at Emerald Hollow Mine, the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. Residents and visitors can even engage in paintball and airsoft competitions at Command Decisions Wargames Center in Bethlehem.
History and culture come alive at places like the Lucas Mansion, home to the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center, and at the iconic Linney’s Mill, a working grist mill that has been part of the community since 1937.
Agritourism continues to grow in popularity, with seasonal highlights such as Campbell’s Blueberry Farm, which now has fresh, delicious blueberries for picking or purchasing. Ranking fifth in apples in the state, Alexander County is home to numerous apple orchards that will offer a wide variety of fresh apples in the fall. At The Farmers Daughter, residents and visitors can enjoy a freshly-made sandwich or locally-grown fruits and vegetables. These family farms offer a true taste of Alexander County. In addition, the Alexander County Farmers Markets in Taylorsville and Bethlehem are open weekly, showcasing fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more.
Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at Brushy Mountain Golf Club and Player’s Ridge Golf Course, both offering beautiful views and challenging play.
Additional upcoming events include the Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts in September and the Taylorsville Apple Festival in October — both beloved traditions that showcase the creativity, heritage, and community spirit of Alexander County. These events feature live music, food vendors, craft booths, children’s activities, and much more.
Chairman Pennell added, “We invite everyone to come out and make memories this summer. Whether you’re hiking at Rocky Face, shopping at the farmers market, or enjoying a concert, you’ll find there are a lot of fun things to do right here in Alexander County.”
For a full calendar of events and visitor information, visit www.visitalexandernc.com or follow Alexander County Government and Visit Alexander NC on social media.