Rock Barn FAQs

Rock Barn … a Lifestyle

Rock Barn offers a warm, casual atmosphere where lifetime friendships are formed.  When you join the Rock Barn community, you can feel the energy and positive vibe generated by our members.  Golfing and tennis events are available for all level of players. Social events include themese such as Ladies’ Night Out, Game Night, Book Club, Music Member Mixer, and holiday events for the entire family. The Rock Barn lifestyle is like living in an all-inclusive resort where families can vacation without ever leaving the neighborhood.  

What amenities does Rock Barn offer?

Amenities include two championship golf courses, an outdoor aquatic center, an 8-court tennis complex, three dining venues, a fitness center, and an equestrian center.  Our newly renovated European Day Spa features a mineral pool, therapeutic waterfalls, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, saunas, and essential oil infused steam rooms, as well as health and beauty treatments, a full-service hair and nail salon, poolside dining, and much more.

Where is Rock Barn Country Club & Spa located?

We are located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the western part of North Carolina, in Catawba County. Click here to view Rock Barn on the map.

Where is the closest airport?

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from Rock Barn.  The airport is ranked among the top 10 busiest airports in the world, averaging 1,400 daily aircraft operations, and serves approximately 175 nonstop destinations. 

Where is the closest hospital?

There are two major hospitals located within 20 minutes of Rock Barn: Frye Regional Medical Center is in Hickory, and Catawba Valley Medical Center is only 10 minutes from Rock Barn.  Both provide outstanding health care services to our community. Duke University Hospital in Durham and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem are ranked by US News and World Report as #1 and #2, respectively, as the best hospitals in North Carolina.

What schools/universities are available?

Catawba County has three K-12 schools districts.  Higher education opportunites include three community colleges within a 40-minute drive: Catawba Valley Community College, recently recognized as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation, is 15 minutes away in Hickory; Caldwell Community College is  30 minutes away in Hudson; and Gaston College is 40 minutes away in Dallas.  Lenoir-Rhyne University is a nationally recognized liberal arts university with 50+ undergraduate majors and 30+ graduate programs, and is just 15 minutes from Rock Barn in Hickory.  Appalachian State University, ranked #8 Regional South College by US News and World Report, is located in Boone, NC, less than an hour drive from Rock Barn. There are also several private schools in nearby Conover and Hickory for elementary through high school. High school teens in North Carolina can also apply to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem, or the School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, both of which are public residential schools.

What sporting events are available in the area?

Hickory has the Texas Rangers farm team, the Crawdads Baseball Team. Charlotte is home of the NFL Carolina Panthers, NBA Hornets, and Charlotte Knights, a triple A affiliate team of Chicago White Sox.  Hickory Motor Speedway is one of stock car racing’s most storied venues, and is often referred to as “The World’s Most Famous Short Track” and “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.”

What other activities and destinations are in the area?

There are several good local wineries and craft beer distilleries for tours and tasting, both in Hickory and the surrounding towns. The local arts community offers community theatre, symphony, a choral society, a science center, an art museum, and many other cultural events. In downtown Hickory, there are boutique shops and one of our seasonal local farmers’ markets, providing farm fresh vegetables, soaps, flowers, local honey, fresh eggs, and as well as local crafters, in addition to seasonal outdoor concerts with regional artists. Rock Barn residents are just an hour from the mountains and a comfortable drive to the beach. Asheville, Blowing Rock, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem are all about an hour's drive. The Old Salem Museums and Gardens, in Winston-Salem, NC, presents an authentic view of the rich cultural history of early Southern life to diverse audiences. with special emphasis on the Moravians in North Carolina, through the preservation and interpretation of historic objects, buildings, and landscapes.

There are two lakes in the area that offer a variety of water activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, fishing competitions, and boat launches.  Lake Norman, the largest lake in North Carolina, is only a 30-minute drive from Rock Barn, and Lake Hickory is a 20-minute drive.

What kind of shopping is available?

The Valley Hills Mall, located in Hickory, is only a 15 minute drive.  Anchor stores include Dillard’s, Belk, and JC Penney.  If you are looking for a more upscale shopping experience, the South Park Mall in Charlotte is a true shoppers paradise, featuring Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Pottery Barn, the Apple Store, Front Gate Outdoor Store, and much more.  Hickory and the surrounding towns have a number of boutique shops that cater to a range of interests and taste.

How does the cost of living at Rock Barn compare nationally?

The cost of living in this area is 12 percent lower than the national average.  Our membership initiation fees and monthly dues are a great value when considering all the amenities offered with membership.  If you meet the criteria, federal employees’ retirement incomes are exempt from paying state taxes.