What is Rutherford Bound?

Rutherford Bound is a project of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA) and ALL of the County's municipal partners. This public campaign is improving and connecting the communities that make up Rutherford County by investing in local assets that will make the County an even better place to live, work, and play.

Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority

 The RCTDA is responsible for managing occupancy tax revenues (ie. bed tax or short-term lodging tax). These funds must be spent to market/promote the County or to construct tourism-related infrastructure projects.

The RCTDA and its partners are working to leverage these tax dollars to secure additional grant funding. Also, the RCTDA is seeking partnerships with any individuals, businesses, or industry interested in helping to finance and strategically invest in critical infrastructure needs.

OUR GOALS

  1. A PREMIER TRAVEL DESTINATION

    By leveraging our compelling natural and cultural assets, Rutherford County must continue its effort to increase outdoor recreation opportunities, including biking, hiking, paddling, rock climbing, and more. Also, we must invest in our Main Street communities to provide a quality visitor experience and attract new private sector investment and business growth.

  2. QUALITY OF LIFE

    What makes a place great to visit is often what makes it a great place to live. By improving walkability, enhancing connectivity among our downtowns, and increasing access to the great outdoors, Rutherford County will be a leader in quality of life for its citizens and a welcoming destination for active travelers.

  3. WORKFORCE ATTRACTION

    It’s true. Local industries are seeing their workers commute up to an hour away to live in areas with a higher quality of life. Also, in the era of a new economy, workers can often choose where they live. Rutherford County must position itself to attract new families and workers of all skill levels. Rutherford Bound outlines the infrastructure investments necessary to make this a reality.
$
16366400
Total money raised for Rutherford Bound projects
$
7972250
Total money raised from grants
$
3774118
Total money invested by TDA
$
4337237
Total money invested by local governments
$
282795
Capital Campaign and other private donations

Our Supporters

  • Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority
  • Town of Rutherfordton
  • Town of Spindale
  • Town of Lake Lure
  • Chimney Rock Village
  • Town of Forest City
  • Town of Ellenboro
  • NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)
  • NC Commerce Rural Transformation Grant Fund (RTGF)
  • State of North Carolina
  • Glen and Lucille Daniel Foundation
  • Timken Foundation
  • Meta (Facebook)
  • RHI Legacy Foundation
  • Cannon Foundation
  • Stonecutter Foundation
  • NC Division of Water Resources Development Grant (NCWR)
  • NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center
  • Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
  • Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
  • Duke Energy Foundation
  • Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria
  • Small Town Coffee Roasters
  • Bubba O'Leary's General Store
  • Ultimate Textile Inc.
  • The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant
  • Plum Natural Wellness
  • Trelleborg
  • Forest City Owls
  • Coffee on the Rocks
  • April's Boutique
  • Bayou Billy
  • Horns Home & Garden
  • Watts

2017 Master Plan

Questions?

Contact Us
Address
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority
146 North Main Street Rutherfordton,
North Carolina 28139
828-287-1220

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