Conveniently located along Interstate 40, Downtown Valdese is a quaint small town full of unique shopping, dining and activities.
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Visitors and locals enjoy strolling Main Street and sharing dinner at one of the many locally owned restaurants.
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Valdese features beautiful parks, quaint walkable downtown, and a truly unique heritage showcased in a variety of attractions.
Explore AttractionsVisit the Town of Valdese, NC
What to do
A small town with large celebrations- From our Annual Waldensian Festival to our Concerts at the Rock series, Valdese has something to offer for everyone. Our town boasts beautiful parks that are open year-round, and a vibrant downtown district filled with retail, restaurants, and more.
Where to stay
Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, AirBNBs, VRBOs & Campgrounds! Find the home away from home that suits your needs. Whether in Downtown, a mountain retreat or in the next town nearby, Valdese has accommodations that will make you want to extend your stay!
What to visit
Plan to spend your weekend in Valdese! Enjoy local attraction tours, downtown shopping, high quality entertainment and then relax at one of our many public parks.
Upcoming Events
50th Annual Waldensian Festival! August 8-9th!
The Waldensian Festival, held annually in August, began as the "Festival of the Glorious Return" to commemora…
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Discover hidden gems, local flavors, and rich heritage with the ultimate Guide to Valdese — your passport to an unforgettable adventure!
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Waldensian History
During a period of Roman Catholic dominance, Waldenses vowed to live out the teachings of the Bible at a time when only priests were allowed to read and preach the Bible. Going against the church's doctrines, they were declared heretics.
Though many were massacred, miraculously some survived centuries of the Inquisition. Those remaining joined the Reformation in 1532 and suffered more persecution as Christians were killed or imprisoned. Eventually, they were exiled into the Swiss Alps.
In 1689, a contingent of men began the journey back to their valleys in the "Glorious Return." The Edict of Emancipation (Feb. 17, 1848) gave the Waldenses political and legal rights. The many beautiful displays in the museum tell the story of how they survived almost insurmountable odds to establish a thriving community in Burke County built upon hope and dreams based on the faith of their fathers.
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