Have you ever wondered what life would be like without all the hustle and bustle that comes with cars?
Well, you can see for yourself in Love Valley, where cars are banned and people are welcome.
The tiny cowboy town was founded in 1954 and is nestled in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains, or “Brushies” in local speak, in the northwestern part of North Carolina.
This small mountain community is a throw-back to a more simple, if not more rugged, time.
Amazingly, Love Valley was founded on the dreams of just one man; Andy Barker.
According to the town’s website, Barker embarked on this dream-build when he was just 29 years old.
Coming from an engineering background with the Army Corp of Engineers during WWII, Barker was working as a general contractor for the construction company he co-owned with his father, J.A. Barker when he decided to give it up to live out his dream.
The dreaming Cowboy embarked on a journey that would lead him away from the modern and into the past, in the comforts of slow living, natural beauty, and horses.
After visiting what was then just another part of Iredell County, Barker “fell in love” with the area and promptly left his expensive home in Charlotte, N.C. with his wife and two kids.
According to the family lore surrounding the construction of Love Valley, as detailed by the Winston Salem Journal, Jeter A. “Andy” Barker first dreamt of the town when he was in the fourth grade!
When prompted by a teacher to decide what he wanted to be when he grew up, according to granddaughter Tori Barker, her grandpa promptly said:
“I want to be a Cowboy!”
Tori went on to tell of how her grandpa wouldn’t admit defeat.
“When the teacher told him there were no towns for cowboys anymore, granddaddy said, ‘Then I’ll build a western town,’ ”
He carried that dream forward in his heart through adulthood and when he found what would become Love Valley, he knew there were two things he wanted from his dream-town; to be a Christian community in a town without vehicles.
Sadly, Andy Barker passed away in 2011 and left his beloved town to move onto greener pastures at the age of 87.
While his death was a hard loss for the community of Love Valley, his spirit continues to thrive in the long-held traditions of the town today, where cars still aren’t allowed.
As of July 1st, 2017, according to NC Hometown Locator, the population of Love Valley was 235 people, keeping the small western town vibe alive and strong.
What’s it like to live in a community without cars, you might ask?
It’s definitely different.
Where one would normally see paved roads, street signs, and traffic lights, what you’ll find here are trails and hitching posts, and the peace of a slow life that’s all but nonexistent.
If you’re thinking of a visit to this small town frozen in the ways of the 1800’s, you should know that some in the community DO, in fact, own vehicles.
They just can’t be driven in most places within the tiny town.
So how do residents get around? By horse, of course!
Horses are a fantastic way to get around, and the only acceptable mode of transportation in what is the nation’s last true Cowboy town.
Taking cars out of the picture of daily life definitely changes things up a bit.
In reality, though, it’s a much healthier lifestyle. Need some household items from the market, or something from the general store? Maybe even a bite to eat in the cute cafe?
Well, you better put on your walking boots or saddle up; there are no quick drives here.
The residents have long known the golden rule of no cars allowed on the main street.
In fact, the ONLY means of any transportation allowed there are good ol’ horses and wagons.
The people who live here are well acquainted with the rules and the reasoning behind them, but tourists might have trouble getting used to the slower way of life.
Visitors should be glad to know that if you’re taking a trip to Love Valley, you can park in the designated area behind the imaginary gates up the road a ways from the businesses.
Better yet, if you plan your visit out, you can rent a horse from town to meet you and ride it into town like a BOSS!
Visitors never have to worry about getting bored in the old-time town, as the townspeople and merchants are always welcoming and love to entertain newcomers.
You can even swing by Shelby’s Place to hit up the locals over a few brews and grub.
There are plenty of places to visit in the rugged mountain town.
This, of course, includes a general store and cafe, as well as feed and tack stores, a hardware store, and a small gift shop that doubles as an ice-cream stand.
The town even boasts its own Saloon for a truly western feel!
If all of the merchants and leisurely townspeople aren’t enough to keep your senses occupied, you can hit up the arena.
That’s right! In true Cowboy form, the little town replicates the Old West with their very own arena where several rodeos and horse riding events are displayed throughout the year.
Apparently, it’s these events and activities that draw most of the inquisitive visitors to town.
If you want to roll into town to catch one of these events, the town makes it easy on you with a list of campsites or even a spot at Miss Kitty’s Room and Board, so long as the neon sign is buzzing ‘Vacancy‘.
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Located just 16 miles from Statesville and 23 miles SE of Wilkesboro, you can easily make this flashback-to-freedom town your next travel destination.
To learn more you can access their website @ townoflovevalley.com, or check out their Facebook page.
