The Towns of Ashe County

Glendale Springs: Nestled between the South Fork of the New River and the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found the quaint community of Glendale Springs. It is a place of tranquil enchantment to those who choose to linger in the solitude of its Holy Trinity Church, one of two Churches of the Frescoes within Ashe County. Visit,shop, canoe the New River, and dine in beautiful surroundings. Jefferson: The town of Jefferson,our county seat, established in 1800 and chartered in 1803, is one of the oldest towns in Western north Carolina. Jefferson is home of the 1904 Courthouse which is being renovated to provide space for a visitors center, a museum and other appropriate entities to reveal the culture and history of Jefferson and Ashe County in earlier times. Lansing: The first post office for the unincorporated community of Lansing was established in 1882. It served a primarily rural community made up of a village and outlying farms until the railroad came in 1914. The arrival of the Norfolk and Western railroad triggered a boom, which culminated in the town’s being chartered and incorporated in 1928. An iron mine operated for a few years, shipping ore. Today there are many interesting things to do in Lansing,including the Ola Belle Reed Festival in August and the Greater Lansing Area Festival, held each September. Todd: Mountain music and historic stores are an important part of Todd’s heritage and culture. Shop at the Todd General Store, the Todd Mercantile & other shops, ride a bike along Railroad Grade Road, listen to the music or visit one of Todd’s festivals, held each September. West Jefferson: West Jefferson’s downtown area features more than a dozen galleries, craft shops, and restaurants. The town host numerous murals that provide a walking tour. The murals are the works of local artists and others in North Carolina that depict the area’s history and unique character. Christmas in July is our annual Independence Day weekend celebration, with many crafts, food, music and good times to be had for every age.