Would you like to time travel through the past? You can and won’t need a flashy steampunk machine, ala H.G. Wells. Nor will you need a Bill & Ted’s Phone Booth or a DeLorean like Marty McFly. Go ahead, gas up the car, grab the family, and drive to the picturesque town of Vashti in North Carolina.
Vashti is smaller than small, nestled into the rolling foothills of the Brushy Mountains and populated by only about 500. It is one of those blink-and-you-missed-it places in historic Alexander County, but trust us when we say that you don’t want to miss the timeless attractions you’ll encounter along the way. A journey to Vashti might feel like voyaging back in time, even if it won’t roll back the calendar. You’ll see plenty of quaint architecture and fascinations dating back to the early 1800s. Yes, North Carolina history is alive and well around Vashti. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day.
The first stop is the Lucas Mansion in Hiddenite, a spectacular Victorian-era building on the National Register of Historic Places. It is an Art & Heritage Center now, but it was once the home of legendary gem trader Diamond Jim. The art exhibits here are second-to-none, including a gemstone collection befitting its original owner, numerous turn-of-the-century antiques and toys, and a terrific visitor center that provides a wealth of information about the region.
If the area’s gemstone-mining history intrigues you, how about doing a little old-fashioned prospecting yourself while in Hiddenite? You can hunt for emeralds and other precious jewels at Emerald Hollow Mine, the only emerald mine in the entire U.S. open to the public.
We should warn you, however, that people say they’ve seen ghosts around the mine as well, and that’s not the only place near Vashti where ghosts intermingle with the living. If ghost hunting thrills you, check out the abandoned Taylorsville Hospital. It’s been featured on paranormal shows. And please visit some ghosts of the Civil War era, too. Did you know that 321 Alexander County men died in the war? You’ll also find a memorial to their bravery and sacrifice in Taylorsville.
Next, it’s time to jump ahead and visit the 50’s. The 50’s Snack Bar in Wilkesboro, that is. This restaurant is the place when you’ve scared up an appetite. It’s been dishing up delicious homestyle cooking for generations and the best liver mush in town.
Meanwhile, if you’re craving authentic, old-time fried chicken, head to S&S Family Restaurant. This much-loved specialty might even be better than your own grandma’s. (Did you know Alexander County is also famous for its poultry production? It’s third in the entire state, so we know how to cook it up right.)
However, there are some things around Vashti that you might not love so much. The area is known for more than its endearing traditions, intriguing history, and delectable foods. It is also known for pest problems. As a homeowner, you might be no stranger to bug infestations and invasive rodents. If so, don’t be a stranger to us. Contact At Ease Pest Solutions, the area’s most-trusted specialists, for your pest control needs. We proudly serve Vashti and the surrounding communities and are ready to assist you.
