Drexel

Drexel, centrally located in Burke County, is well known for its former furniture plant, Drexel Heritage. Today, it is widely known for the Drexel Fair that runs an entire week in August and is the only remaining agricultural fair in the county. Drexel boasts The Drexel Barber Shop, which is nationally known for its Bluegrass jam sessions on Friday and Saturday. For recreation enthusiasts, options include the RO Huffman Center, with adjoining baseball and football fields for youth and adult activities. The annual Christmas parade, held on the second Saturday in December, is a must-see!

Official Town of Drexel Web Site and Town of Drexel YouTube

Looking for something to do in Drexel? Click on the “A Day in Drexel” itinerary (left). There are plenty of options for food, coffee, shopping and entertainment.

Grow With Drexel is a volunteer-driven nonprofit formed in 2023 by a group of hometown advocates who saw a need for “forward movement” in the Drexel community. Built from late-night brainstorming sessions and powered by countless hours of hands-on work, the organization has launched festivals, art projects, community cleanups, teacher recognitions, grants, beautification efforts, business partnerships, and ongoing civic engagement — all with the goal of strengthening pride, connection, and opportunity in Drexel. Today, Grow With Drexel continues to expand its volunteer base and deepen its impact, inviting residents of all ages to help shape the town’s future. Follow them on Facebook

Drexel Heritage Site – Once home to Drexel Heritage Furniture’s original plant and corporate offices, this 100-acre site sat vacant for more than two decades after the company closed in 2001, leaving behind deteriorating structures, environmental challenges, and a costly cleanup. After years of complex ownership issues, environmental violations, and millions in required remediation, the Town of Drexel acquired the property in 2017 and began securing major state and federal grants to clean, assess, and prepare the land. Today, with debris removal complete and full site grading underway, Drexel is transforming this long-blighted landmark into a rail-served, infrastructure-ready industrial site poised to attract new employers and drive significant economic growth for the community. Detailed History – NCEDA Listing

Art Installation – In Drexel, art, history, and community pride are coming together in a powerful new way—through a public art installation titled A Community of Hands, created by local artisan and retired school principal Dan Hoyle. Through a series of stained glass panels embedded in towering live-edge hardwood slabs, the installation will honor seven archetypes—teachers, ministers, furniture workers, hosiery mill workers, community helpers, business owners, and craftsmen.  Read More.

Burke River Trail – The current Drexel section of Burke River Trail is the 0.7 mile sidewalk connecting Drexel Downtown Park to the RO Huffman Center. Routes to Vulcan Industrial, Huffman Bridge Access, McGalliard Falls Park are in the study phase including landowner outreach. In addition, BRTA is exploring sidewalk grants to connect more residents to daily destinations along Main Street to Hwy 70.

Elected Officials – Mayor Dennis Anthony leads the Drexel Board of Alderman. Members: Mayor Pro Tem Scott Coe, Alderwoman Jennifer Yount, Alderman David Harmon. The Drexel Town Manager is Bill Carroll, MPA