Creston covers a group of townships in the central, western and northern parts of Ashe County, and is a gloriously beautiful rural and mountain landscape that is truly a delight. The North Fork of the New River runs through Creston, much of it stocked with trout. There are no incorporated towns in this part of the county, but little spots on the map with great names like Ashland (also known as “Solitude”), Apple Grove, Maxwell, Green Valley, Sutherlands, Eldreth, Hemlock, Dresden and Farmers Store. One of the institutions of the area is the old school, know known as the River Community Center. Locals keep it active, with a small fitness center, a gallery, a thrift store, a church, and sometimes a restaurant. Catch one of the spaghetti suppers, or participate in the Rubber Ducky Race on the river, which runs alongside the school. Or participate in one of the music jams that bring folks together.