Eat like a local at one of our favorite restaurants

Visit Tom's Creek Falls

Tom's Creek Falls is not only a pretty waterfall with a nice viewing deck, but an easy hike as well. The waterfall makes for a great short hike and is especially good for families and people with mobility concerns.

The trailhead is just a short drive from downtown Marion, and the hike out and back is easy and only 1-mile round trip.

Learn all about Tom's Creek Falls in our guide!

Take a Sunset Cruise on Lake James - A relaxing way to end the day

One of the absolute highlights of our visit to Marion, was taking a sunset cruise on Lake James with Lake James Sunset Cruises. This was hands down our favorite activity, and it's a great way to wrap up a busy day exploring McDowell County.

Watching the sun dip below the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains while gliding across the calm waters of Lake James and enjoying some drinks and a fantastic charcuterie board was nothing short of breathtaking.

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours and departs from Lake James State Park, specifically Paddys Creek Beach. We found it to be the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring Marion.

The large and modern house boat was spacious and comfortable, and the captain provided interesting insights about the lake’s history, local wildlife, and the surrounding scenery as we cruised. The views from the upper deck were fantastic, and we enjoyed mingling and talking to the others during the cruise.

What we really enjoyed as well was, as the sun began to set, the captain stopped the boat, asked everyone to be quiet and still. We all sat there in silence, watching the beautiful golden sun drop below the distant mountain peaks, as reflections shimmered on the still waters of the lake. It was stunning, and a few quiet minutes that really made you recognize how special these mountains are.

Sunset cruises are seasonal and available from April through October, with departures scheduled in the evening to ensure the best sunset views. Since availability is limited and cruises often sell out, we highly recommend booking in advance.

Wine Tasting & Live Music at Linville Falls Winery

On the last day of our visit to McDowell County, we drove north to Linville Falls Winery to enjoy the views, some live music, and some fantastic local wines.

Located just a short drive from Marion, this family-owned winery offers an incredible setting with rolling mountain vineyards, mountain views, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent wines.

We opted for a wine tasting, sampling a variety of their locally grown wines, including their popular white and red wines.

While the wine was excellent, the real highlight was simply sitting outside, taking in the mountain views, and enjoying live music while tasting the various wines. The setting and scenery at Linville Falls Winery was absolutely perfect—casual and laid-back, yet lively, with plenty of seating on their various out patios. They offer indoor and covered seating as well.

The winery was very busy when we visited; it was easy to understand why. Between the surrounding scenery, the great wine, and the live entertainment, it’s a place where you’ll want to linger for a while. We sure did!

Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a great spot to relax and soak in the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville Falls Winery is a must-visit when you’re in the Marion area and even worth the drive if you're not!

Enjoy a cold Local Brew at Mica Town Brewing in Nebo

If you’re a fan of craft beer, a visit to Mica Town Brewing in nearby Nebo is a must while exploring the Marion area.

We stopped in to check out their selection on our way to Lake James. It's a great casual spot to unwind with a cold brew and some great food truck food.

This laid-back small-batch brewery, located a short drive from Marion, is known for its rotating selection of handcrafted beers, ranging from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts.

We grabbed a flight to sample a few different styles and were impressed with the freshness, quality and flavor of each sample. The Stumptown Stout is particularly impressive.

To our surprise, they also Rum, Vodka and Whisky, which we also sampled. You can try these in several speciality mixed drinks as well. The spirits were fantastic, especially for such a small and local brewery.

What made our visit even better was the friendly atmosphere. The brewery has a VERY relaxed vibe, with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great spot to kick back and enjoy a pint.

They also host live music, food trucks, and various community events, so there’s always something happening. While we were there, Abuelitos Empanadas were there. We had some absolutely delicious empanadas and croquettes.

If you’re looking for a place to sip on a local brew and soak in the laid-back mountain town atmosphere, Mica Town Brewing in Nebo is the perfect spot!

Go Shopping in Downtown Marion

For you shoppers out there, no trip to Marion would be complete without a stroll through its charming downtown, where you’ll find a mix of locally owned shops, artisan goods, and unique gifts.

We spent some time exploring downtown and its shops and discovered several fantastic stores that are definitely worth checking out. But we had a few we really enjoyed and wanted to highlight for you:

Flavors on Main

One of the coolest shops we explored was Flavors on Main, basically a foodie's paradise. If you enjoy gourmet food, local flavors, unique kitchen items, and food items you just wouldn't expect to find in a small mountain town, Flavors on Main is your spot!   

They even have an exceptional and well supplied outdoor store upstairs, with fly-fishing and hiking gear.

This specialty shop offers everything from locally roasted coffee and artisan cheeses to premium olive oils, vinegars, and spices. We had a great time browsing their selection and even picked up a few goodies to take home. 

McDowell Arts Council

Another great stop is the McDowell Arts Council, which supports local artists. Here you'll find a gallery and gift shop showcasing the work of regional artists.

The shop and gallery features everything from paintings and pottery to handmade jewelry and textiles. During our visit, we enjoyed browsing the diverse selection of artwork.

Oh, and don't forget to say hi to the store kitty!

Vintage Market - A Treasure Hunter's Dream!

Sip a little Moonshine at Cooper Creek Distillery

To be honest, when we visited Copper Creek Distillery on a whim, we expected maybe some bourbons or vodka. Definitely not moonshine. But that is part of what makes our adventures fun. You never know what to expect, and we always run into some nice surprises. 

Copper Creek Distillery was just that. If you're looking for authentic mountain moonshine, Copper Creek Distillery is the place. Copper Creek Distillery, located in Marion, isn't large, but it's full of flavor; they make the moonshine on-site, and you can see the still making moonshine live when you visit. 

At Copper Creek, they take pride in making small-batch moonshine, using time-honored distilling methods that have been passed down through generations.

We enjoyed sampling a few different flavors, and each one had a smooth yet bold character that perfectly captured the essence of real mountain-made shine. What really surprised us was the number of different flavors, sixteen currently. Just to list a few: gold, apple, grape, coffee, oatmeal cookie, peanut butter, watermelon and more.

Whether you prefer the classic unaged white shine or a flavored variety, you'll find something you like. You can even mix the flavors.

We really enjoyed the coffee, apple and peach. Although we tried a mix of chocolate and peanut butter, that tasted just like a Reese's Cup!

If you're in Marion, NC, and want a true taste of Blue Ridge Mountain tradition, don’t miss a visit to Copper Creek Distillery!

Spend time on the lake at Lake James State Park

Hike and view Catawba Falls

Catawba Falls is one of the most popular and beautiful falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is only about 20 minutes from downtown Marion.   

From the trailhead to the base of the falls is about 3-miles round-trip. The hike is through a beautiful forest, and has a number of scenic points of interest along the way, including the remains of an old power plant and dam.

With the recent changes to Catawba Falls, including new stairs and an observation deck, you can better see the falls, and safely reach upper Catawba Falls, which is also stunning.

If you enjoy being outdoors and exploring waterfalls, a hike out to Catawba Falls should definitely be on your short list!

See our guide to Catawba Falls for more information

Enjoy a fresh roasted coffee at Ingenious Coffee Roasters

With all of these things to see and do in and around Marion, you're going to need some great coffee to fuel up and get some more energy!  

Ingenious Coffee Roasters is the spot to be. We stopped by a few times during our visit to Marion and quickly understood why it's a local favorite. They offer drip coffee, handcrafted and flavored lattes.

What impressed us most about Ingenious Coffee Roasters is they roast their own beans right there in the shop.   Not only did the coffee taste great, the whole shop smelled wonderful as well.

The atmosphere inside is warm and inviting, making it a great place to sit and relax for a while, whether you’re catching up on work, meeting a friend, or just enjoying a quiet moment with your coffee. They also offer a selection of fresh pastries and light bites, perfect for pairing with your drink.

We enjoyed some hot flavored lattes a few mornings with their cinnamon buns, and even stopped by one after to recharge a bit between adventures.  

If you're a coffee lover, like us, you'll definitely want to visit Ingenious Coffee Roasters.

Buy Local at the Marion Tailgate Market

We're railfans here at Blue Ridge Mountain Life, and seldom miss an opportunity to visit a historic depot, railroad car, caboose or railroad district.

Marion not only has an active local railroad, but a historic railroad district complete with a historic depot, caboose and other historic railroad buildings. Near downtown, this historic depot is a reminder of the town’s deep ties to the railroad, which played a crucial role in Marion’s development.

The beautifully restored train depot serves as a landmark that highlights Marion’s past as a key stop along the Southern Railway line. Marion, NC, was a crucial junction for the Southern Railway, connecting the Greensboro-Knoxville line westward to Asheville, and later the Clinchfield Railroad, which linked north to south and east to west.

Although the depot is not an active train station anymore, it serves as a monument to the golden age of rail travel and frequently hosts community functions, gatherings, and historical displays.

One of the most eye-catching features of the area is the bright red caboose that sits next to the depot. This vintage train car is a favorite for visitors, offering a great photo opportunity and a tangible connection to Marion’s railroad history. 

The railroad district nearby adds to the area's charm, with its active trains rolling through town. Nearby streets, lined with historic brick buildings from Marion’s railroad heyday, offer a scenic stroll and unique photo ops.

If you’re a fan of history, railroads, or simply enjoy exploring unique parts of small towns, the Marion Train Depot and railroad area is a great stop.

McDowell Local - Now Closed

7/24/2025 Update - McDowell Local is now closed.

If you enjoy a restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients, McDowell Local needs to be on your short list. Located in downtown Marion, this charming locally owned restaurant uses high-quality local ingredients to create some really delicious and fresh tasting food.

We stopped by during our visit to Marion to grab some lunch. McDowell Local came highly recommended by the visitors' center and other locals we spoke with.   

The interior has a casual and rustic vibe that feels very open and welcoming. The rustic decor is simple, but effective. Where they really shine, though, is the food.

The menu has all of lunch items you would expect: soups and salads, a variety of wraps and sandwiches, and combinations with both soup and a sandwich. Do you like liver mush? They even have a liver mush sandwich.

Be sure to check the chalkboard when you come in as well, for daily specials.

We try to eat pretty healthy, and went with the turkey wrap and Italian wrap, both with side salads.

Every bite was packed with flavor, and honestly some of the freshest ingredients we've had anywhere. We were honestly taken aback at how colorful and delicious the food was.

The wraps were huge as well, as they didn't skimp on the meat or veggies. The salads were ice cold, and topped with pickled onions, a nice touch that added some extra flavor.

While what we ate was nothing out of the ordinary as far as lunch goes, it's just proof that simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference.

Whether you’re craving a sandwich, a fresh salad, or something unique from their rotating specials, you can count on McDowell Local to serve up delicious, thoughtfully prepared food that supports local farmers and producers.

McDowell Local is a true gem in Marion that you won’t want to miss!

J Hartman's Restaurant

Hurricane Helene Impact - J Hartman's was completely flooded just days after we ate there by Hurricane Helene. The entire restaurant had to be gutted and rebuilt. They recently re-opened. Please visit and help support them!

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Marion that offers delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a strong sense of community, J. Hartman’s is the place. This family-owned and operated gem has built a loyal following thanks to its warm hospitality and dedication to serving high-quality meals in their local community.

We visited for dinner one evening while staying in nearby Old Fort, NC. We sat at the bar and met John Hartman, and enjoyed talking to his daughter who was bartending - We love a family-owned business!

The menu is packed with both classic favorites and creative dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly cooked steak, a hearty sandwich, or a flavorful salad, J. Hartman’s delivers on taste, quality and atmosphere.

Here are just a few of the items from the menu, including their prime rib, which they are well known for:

We start started with some drinks from the bar and the hot crab dip as an appetizer. The crab dip was really good and not fishy tasting. 

For our entrees, we chose their blue cheese wedge salad and crab cakes and salmon with steamed broccoli. The wedge salad was huge, and a meal by itself!

Everything came out hot and prepared correctly. The food was delicious, as were our drinks. We really enjoyed the food and casual and friendly vibe of the restaurant. We'll definitely be back.

With its family-run charm, excellent food, and inviting bar area, J. Hartman’s is the kind of place where you instantly feel at home. Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor wanting an authentic Marion dining experience, this is one restaurant you won’t want to miss!

Blanton House

If you enjoy a more elegant dining experience, The Blanton House in down Marion is your standout choice.

Located in a beautifully restored historic home, this elegant restaurant blends historic southern charm with a modern culinary excellence.  

We enjoyed a really nice dinner on one of the outdoor decks once evening after exploring downtown Marion.

The restaurant does not have dedicated parking, so you'll need to park on the street or in one of the business parking areas across the street if they are closed. Do not park at the postal service next door, as you may be towed.

After parking across the street, we walked up the walkway and literally felt transported back in time. The historic old home and ambiance sets the tone for the experience.

We entered through the front door. The home is full of stunning historic architecture, warm lighting, and refined décor which creates an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere.

When making your reservations, you can enjoy your meal indoors or in one of the many outdoor seating options, including the patio.

We sat on a covered outdoor area on the second floor, and had the whole area to ourselves, along with a good view of the property.

The menu is just as impressive as the home and features expertly crafted southern themed dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu changes, so be sure to check their website for their current food offerings.

We ordered some speciality drinks and some friend green tomatoes with pimento cheese, which we really enjoyed and set the stage for our entrees.

We ordered the shrimp and grits and the salmon, and both were fantastic.  

We really enjoyed our dinner at Blanton House. The food and service were excellent. We also enjoyed just exploring the old home and taking photos as well.  

If you're wondering about the dress code like we were, it seems to resort casual based on other guests we saw there. I (Larry) wore tan slacks and a colored polo shirt, and Jenn wore slacks and a blouse. It's not super fancy, but a little more upscale than a typical family type restaurant.

The Blanton House is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or anyone looking to savor an upscale meal in a truly unique setting. 

Smoke a 'Lil Smoke

You know, when a restaurant was formally a food truck; the food is going to be amazing.

Such is the case for Smoke a 'Lil Smoke, a fantastic BBQ restaurant, tucked away on a small street in Marion, Smoke a ‘Lil Smoke is a true hidden gem that BBQ lovers need to experience. This spot may be off the beaten path, but once you find it, you’ll quickly realize it’s one of the coolest places in town to grab a bite.

The first thing you’ll notice is the laid-back, welcoming and "cool" vibe—a mix of rustic charm and modern flair that makes it the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy some seriously good food. 

Colorful drawings and BBQ graffiti decorate the walls, as well as the ceiling. We loved the partially exposed brick as well.   

But of course, the real star here is the BBQ, and it's good, really good.

We stopped by for lunch and sat in the front near a window. You order at the counter, and they bring your food out to you. The menu deserves a mention, not only because it's simple and easy to read, but because it's fun.

For example, you can get chicken, cow or pig OR you can "get the whole farm".

They have all of your traditional BBQ favorites, including pulled pork and brisket. We really liked that they offered BBQ chicken. They also have some more unique items like loaded, where you choose the base and topping - For example, Mac and Cheese topped with pulled pork!   

They also have smoked chicken wings as well. They even have a bologna sandwich!

We went with brisket and smoked chicken with some fries, beans, and coleslaw. The brisket was nice and smoky and very tender, as was the smoked chicken. No dry BBQ here. The fries were unique and really tasty, as were the beans. I like to try different coleslaw when we're out - This was good as well, although I don't prefer it chopped.

If you’re looking for amazing BBQ in a fun, hip and relaxed setting, Smoke a 'Lil Smoke is one of Marion’s best-kept secrets.  

Ingenious Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for the best coffee experience in Marion, Ingenious Coffee Roasters is it. We're big coffee fans and know an excellent coffee when we taste one.

We stopped in one morning for coffee and breakfast, and it was the perfect way to start the day (I mean, when is coffee not the perfect way to start a day?).

From the moment you walk in, the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans fills the air, letting you know you’re in for something special.   

One of the standout things about Ingenious Coffee Roasters is that they roast their beans in-house, ensuring a fresh and flavorful cup. They have a large variety of flavors and offer up your standard coffee fair like regular coffee, Lattes, and expresso. You can choose your own flavor, or select one of their special coffees. We were there in September and enjoyed a fall themed flavor.

To go with our coffee, we couldn’t resist their selection of locally baked goods—perfect for a quick breakfast. During our visit, we tried the muffins and cinnamon rolls. All very good and complimented our coffees well.

Our only complaint is that the coffees come in one size. We prefer a 20 or 24 ounce size so we can sip on it while heading down the road. But that's a minor complaint, especially given how good the coffee is.

With its cozy atmosphere and in house roasted coffee, Ingenious Coffee Roasters is a must-visit for coffee lovers. This local favorite is a great way to fuel up for a day of exploring Marion!