North Carolina is home to some fascinating historical villages including the oldest continuously inhabited Moravian village in the southern United States. The Moravian Church is more than 500 years old and began in Bohemia and Moravia in what is now the Czech Republic. In 1759, the planned community that became Bethania was laid out on 500 acres in what is now North Carolina.
The community has been continuously active since that time, and is a treasure trove filled with history.
Currently, approximately 325 people live in Bethania. U.S. Census figures date back only to 1880, when the population was 105. It's not known exactly when this old image of the village was taken, but it's safe to say the town has grown considerably since.
And you'll want to visit! The tiny community has a Town Hall and a Visitor's Center filled with information and locals eager to tell of their town's history.
The entire town was declared a National Historic Landmark and has several homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A walk (or a drive) around town feels almost like walking through a museum, although most of the homes here are private residences.
Just up the street from the Visitor's Center you'll find the Bethania Mill & Village Shoppes, a group of stores is located inside.
And next door at the Muddy Creek Cafe you'll often find live music outside with the musicians posted right on the front porch. (In cold weather, the music moves inside.)
Inside, you'll be able to fill up on delicious food from Muddy Creek Cafe's varied menu.
You may be surprised to find some traditional Moravian offerings...
The Alpha Chapel is a must-see when in Bethania. This small chapel was moved to its present location and is now used for town meetings. Surprisingly, the old chapel was never utilized as a church.
Speaking of churches, you won't be able to miss the big Moravian Church over on Main Street. After you're finished admiring the simple, yet elegant, architecture, take a walk toward the woods just past the church. At the top of the small hill you'll find the historic Bethania Moravian God's Acre — a centuries old cemetery whose walkway is lined with massive trees.
The old cemetery isn't the only notable thing you'll find in the woods in Bethania. The town has cultivated a series of hiking trails that lead to spectacular sights, like an old orchard and a grove of old Black Walnut trees. Five trails in all are in Historic Bethania with trail maps available at each trailhead.
Even though the beautiful homes in Bethania are private residences, you'll find the occasional store where you can browse the offerings and chat with a local. There is an antique store right on Main Street that's perfect for it. With so much to see and do in Bethania, you could easily spend a half or even a entire day exploring this beautifully preserved and restored town.
The Visitors Center in Bethania is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.
As a mere point of reference, Bethania is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, 90 miles north of Charlotte, 150 miles east of Asheville, and 250 miles west of Wilmington. Find your fastest route by accessing the Google Map here.
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