Union County Nc Gis Map Travel Guide

Discovering the Best of Union County

Top Attractions

Union County has a variety of attractions that cater to different interests and age groups. The Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers swimming pools, water slides, and fitness classes. The Cane Creek Park is a scenic spot for hiking, fishing and camping, while the Carolina Courts is a multi-sport complex that hosts basketball, volleyball, and soccer tournaments.

Hidden Gems

Union County has a few hidden gems that are worth exploring. The JAARS Museum of the Alphabet is a unique museum that showcases the history and development of alphabets and languages around the world. The Waxhaw Farmer’s Market is a charming spot to buy fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and homemade baked goods. The Treehouse Vineyards is a picturesque winery that offers wine tasting, live music, and outdoor movie screenings.

Food Scene

Union County has a diverse food scene that ranges from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. The Heritage Food and Drink is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The Thai Taste is a cozy eatery that offers authentic Thai dishes such as pad thai, curry, and stir-fry. The Sweet Union Brewing is a popular spot for craft beer lovers, with a rotating selection of beers and pub fare.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Union County can be an expensive destination, but there are ways to save money while enjoying the local attractions. The Union County Public Library offers free books, movies, and events for all ages. The Wingate University offers free concerts, lectures, and art exhibits throughout the year. The Cane Creek Park and Crooked Creek Park offer free admission to their walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Outdoor Adventures

Union County is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. The Twelve Mile Creek Greenway is a scenic trail that connects several parks and neighborhoods, perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The Lake Twitty is a popular spot for fishing, boating and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The Pilot Mountain State Park is a stunning natural wonder that offers hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

Historical Landmarks

Union County has a rich history that is reflected in its landmarks and museums. The Union County Heritage Center is a museum that showcases the county’s history, culture, and traditions. The Benton Heights Historic District is a neighborhood that features several historic homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century. The Museum of the Waxhaws is a memorial to Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, who was born in the Waxhaw region.

Family-Friendly Activities

Union County is a family-friendly destination that offers plenty of activities and events for all ages. The JAARS Center is a Christian missionary organization that hosts tours, workshops, and exhibits about Bible translation and literacy. The Sun Valley 14 Cinema is a movie theater that offers the latest releases and snacks. The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is a theater that presents children’s plays and musicals.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Union County has a few unique experiences that are off the beaten path. The Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned waterfowl. The Museum of the Alphabet offers workshops and classes on calligraphy, typography, and language arts. The Mineral Springs Greenway is a serene trail that features a waterfall, a butterfly garden, and a meditation labyrinth.

Natural Wonders

Union County is blessed with several natural wonders that are worth exploring. The Hemby Bridge Park is a peaceful oasis that offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a pond. The Cawtaba River is a scenic waterway that offers fishing, kayaking, and tubing. The Uwharrie National Forest is a vast wilderness area that offers hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Vibrant Nightlife

Union County has a few spots for nightlife entertainment, from bars and clubs to live music venues. The Hops Burger Bar is a gastropub that serves craft beer, burgers, and live music. The Blackfinn Ameripub is a sports bar that offers happy hour specials, trivia nights, and karaoke. The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts hosts concerts, plays, and musicals.

Local Markets

Union County has a few local markets that offer fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and homemade goods. The Waxhaw Farmer’s Market is a popular spot for local and organic food, as well as handmade jewelry and pottery. The Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is a year-round market that offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and flowers. The Indian Trail Farmers’ Market is a family-friendly market that features food trucks, live music, and kids’ activities.

Beaches and Mountains

Union County is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, which is a few hours’ drive from the beaches and mountains of the state. The Outer Banks is a popular beach destination that offers swimming, surfing, and fishing. The Blue Ridge Mountains is a scenic mountain range that offers hiking, camping, and skiing.

Cultural Immersion

Union County has a diverse culture that is reflected in its art, music, and festivals. The Union County Arts Council is a nonprofit organization that promotes local artists and hosts exhibits, workshops, and performances. The Matthews Alive Festival is an annual event that features live music, carnival rides, and food vendors. The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a medieval-themed event that features jousting, archery, and costume contests.

Art and Music Scene

Union County has a thriving art and music scene that offers something for everyone. The Union Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra that presents classical and contemporary concerts throughout the year. The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is a theater that presents children’s plays and musicals. The Waxhaw Art Kaleidoscope is an art festival that features local artists, live music, and food trucks.

Walking Tours

Union County has a few walking tours that offer a glimpse into its history and culture. The Monroe Downtown Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that features several historic buildings and landmarks. The Waxhaw Walking Tour is a guided tour that showcases the town’s architecture, history, and culture. The Matthews Heritage Walking Tour is a tour that features several historic homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century.

Architectural Marvels

Union County has a few architectural marvels that are worth visiting. The Union County Courthouse is a neoclassical-style building that was built in 1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Monroe City Hall is a Art Deco-style building that was built in 1938 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Benton Blakeney House is a Victorian-style home that was built in 1880 and is now a museum.

Historical Sites

Union County has several historical sites that offer a glimpse into its past. The Museum of the Waxhaws is a memorial to Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, who was born in the Waxhaw region. The Union County Heritage Center is a museum that showcases the county’s history, culture, and traditions. The Benton Heights Historic District is a neighborhood that features several historic homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century.

Biking Routes

Union County has several biking routes that offer scenic views and challenging terrain. The Twelve Mile Creek Greenway is a paved trail that connects several parks and neighborhoods, perfect for biking and jogging. The Catawba Lands Conservancy is a network of trails and parks that offers mountain biking and hiking. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a recreational facility that offers mountain biking, kayaking, and zip-lining.

Wellness Retreats

Union County has a few wellness retreats that offer relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindfulness. The Om Spa is a day spa that offers massages, facials, and body treatments. The Yoga One is a yoga studio that offers classes, workshops, and retreats. The Carolina Yoga is a yoga studio that offers Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin yoga classes.

Adventure Sports

Union County has several adventure sports that offer excitement and adrenaline. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a recreational facility that offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining. The Carrigan Farms is a rock quarry that offers cliff jumping, swimming, and scuba diving. The GoPro Motorplex is a go-kart racing track that offers high-speed thrills and competition.