Explore Historic Grandin Village

Just a few minutes outside of downtown Roanoke, Grandin Village feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying a lively, modern neighborhood. This charming historic district is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and art, and it’s the perfect place to slow down and spend a few hours exploring.

Jenn and I loved simply walking the streets here, browsing storefronts, and soaking in the atmosphere. The centerpiece of Grandin Village is the Grandin Theatre, a beautifully restored historic movie house that has been entertaining Roanoke residents since 1932. Even if you don’t catch a film, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the vintage details and old-school charm.

As we wandered, we came across the Grandin Village Art Walk, where local artists have transformed the sidewalks and walls into a colorful open-air gallery. This creative energy is a big part of what makes Grandin feel so alive and welcoming.

We also ducked into Little Green Hive, a cozy local coffee shop right in the heart of Grandin Village. The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, and the coffee is wonderful. Their menu goes far beyond the basics — in addition to drip coffee and espresso, they feature a wide variety of specialty drinks, smoothies, and teas, many of them made with locally sourced ingredients.

We enjoyed sitting for a few minutes, sipping our drinks, and just soaking in the neighborhood’s energy before continuing our walk through Grandin Village. 

Throughout Grandin Village, you’ll also spot a number of lifelike bronze statues. One of the most moving is the “Angel of Grandin” by local sculptor Betty Branch. Located outside the Roanoke Co-Op grocery store, this sculpture depicts James Tarpley, a beloved community figure, sitting peacefully on a bench. The statue is so real-looking that Jenn and I both thought he was a real person until we got closer.

Grandin Village is more than just shops and restaurants — it’s a neighborhood with heart, history, and a creative spirit that makes it one of the most unique spots in Roanoke.

Explore Black Dog Salvage

Just a short drive from Grandin Village sits a well-known Roanoke destination — Black Dog Salvage. If you’ve ever seen the show Salvage Dawgs this is the home base. But even if you haven’t (like us), this massive warehouse filled with antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind treasures is an absolute must-visit.

Walking through the doors, Jenn and I were immediately struck by just how huge the place is. Room after room, corner after corner, is packed with fascinating finds: architectural pieces, reclaimed wood, vintage fixtures, quirky art, and furniture you won’t see anywhere else. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend hours and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.

The building itself is just as interesting as the items inside. Once a 1914 produce warehouse, it has been lovingly restored and still retains its character and charm. The stained glass windows scattered throughout are especially beautiful, casting colorful light into the space and reminding you of the history preserved here.

For anyone who loves antiques, architecture, or simply the thrill of discovering something unique, Black Dog Salvage is a place you won't soon forget. It’s more than shopping — it’s a full experience.

Visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation

Roanoke has always been a railroad town, and there’s no better place to experience that history than the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Located right in downtown Roanoke, this museum celebrates not only the city’s railroading heritage but also aviation, automobiles, and even boats.

Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits covering everything from vintage cars to model airplanes, but the real highlight — especially for me (Larry) — is the Railyard. Out back, the museum maintains an impressive collection of locomotives and rail cars, and you can walk right up to them, touch them, and even step inside some of them. It’s the kind of hands-on experience that makes you feel like a kid again.

I could have spent all day out there exploring. From massive diesel and electric engines to passenger and freight cars, the collection is incredible. The stars of the show are two legendary Norfolk & Western locomotives: the Class A 1218 steam engine and the J-Class 611 engine. Both are absolutely enormous, and standing next to them really gives you perspective on just how powerful these machines were. 

Beyond the trains, the museum also showcases classic cars, including some rare Virginia-made vehicles, as well as aviation exhibits that highlight the region’s role in flight. There’s even a section on boats, proving this museum truly covers all modes of transportation.

For anyone with even a passing interest in history, engineering, or travel, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is a must-see in Roanoke. But if you’re a train lover like me, set aside plenty of time — you’ll need it!

Roanoke Mountain Adventures Views and Brews E-Bike Tour

One highlight of our visit to Roanoke was joining the Views and Brews E-Bike Tour with Roanoke Mountain Adventures. If you’re looking for something fun, active, and unique during your time in the city, this is it.

We started off at the Roanoke Mountain Adventures building, where our local guide got us set up on e-bikes. These bikes are super easy to use — even if you’ve never ridden one before, you’ll feel comfortable in just a few minutes. Safety was a top priority, and our guide did a fantastic job making sure everyone felt confident before we headed out.

The ride begins along a flat and easy greenway that winds through the city. From there, we gradually climbed Mill Mountain. Thanks to the e-bikes, the climb was fun and surprisingly easy. We followed a trail that loops just below the famous Roanoke Star, where we were rewarded with sweeping, long-distance views over the city and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. It was the perfect spot to pause and take it all in.

After making our way back down the mountain, the adventure shifted gears (pun intended) as we pedaled through downtown Roanoke. Along the way, we stopped at two local favorites: Starr Hill Brewery and Golden Cactus Brewing. Both were lively, welcoming, and the perfect way to toast the ride and take a break.

The full tour lasts about three hours, and thanks to the pedal-assist bikes, it’s very doable for most fitness levels. Between the scenery, the great company, and the refreshing local brews, this experience was easily one of the most memorable parts of our Roanoke trip.

It’s also worth noting that Roanoke Mountain Adventures is much more than just guided bike tours. They sell and service bikes, and they also offer outdoor rentals and adventures on the Roanoke River, including kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding. Whether you’re looking to ride, paddle, or just relax outside, they’re a fantastic local outfitter.

See the Roanoke Star

No trip to Roanoke is complete without a visit to Mill Mountain and the city’s most iconic landmark — the Roanoke Star. Perched high above downtown, this giant neon star has been shining since 1949 and is the largest freestanding illuminated man-made star in the world. It’s not just a symbol of Roanoke, it’s also one of the best spots in the region for sweeping views of the city and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

We made our way up Mill Mountain in the late afternoon and were treated to an incredible sunset over Roanoke. The overlook near the Star is the perfect vantage point, with long-distance views that stretch out over the valley and mountains beyond. As the sky darkened, we ventured back into town to watch the Star light up, casting its glow across the night sky. Of course, we had to grab a few photos before heading down the mountain.

Mill Mountain offers much more than just the Star. The mountaintop is also home to Mill Mountain Zoo, a family-friendly spot with animals from around the world, as well as a nature center and a fun playground for kids.

There are also several hiking and biking trails that wind through the wooded slopes of the mountain, connecting to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. Popular hikes include the Star Trail, which climbs from the base of the mountain up to the overlook, and the Mill Mountain Loop Trail, which circles through the forest for a quieter experience. We didn’t have time to hike them on this trip, but they’re definitely on our list for next time.

A quick tip: The Roanoke Star is a very popular spot, especially around sunset. Parking is limited and fills up fast, so plan to get there early if you want to secure a good spot without the hassle.

Indulge at Blue Cow Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a sweet treat in Roanoke, do yourself a favor and stop at Blue Cow Ice Cream. Located right at the base of Mill Mountain, it’s the perfect spot to visit before or after a trip to the Roanoke Star.

When we arrived, the place was bustling — and for good reason. The ice cream here is absolutely delicious, with both classic favorites and creative seasonal flavors that make it hard to choose just one. Jenn tried the Honey Lavender, which was creamy, floral, and refreshing, while I couldn’t get enough of the Sea Salt Brickle with Caramel Swirl.

Other popular flavors include Chocolate Brownie, Blue Cow Patty (cookies & cream), Lemon Poppyseed, and Coconut Almond Chip, along with rotating seasonal specialties. The variety makes it tempting to come back more than once just to try something new.

We grabbed our cups (they have waffle cones too) and headed out to the outdoor patio, which offers a nice view of Mill Mountain. 

Whether you’re an ice cream lover or just want something cool and refreshing after exploring Roanoke, Blue Cow is a can’t-miss stop.

Kayaking on the James River

Of all the adventures we had during our time in Roanoke, our favorite outdoor experience was kayaking down the James River. Just 30 minutes north of the city, the drive to Buchanan, Virginia, is well worth it for the chance to paddle this scenic and peaceful stretch of river.

Our trip was with Twin River Outfitters, a fantastic local outfitter that makes the whole experience easy and stress-free. After checking in at their shop, we changed into our river gear and attended a short but thorough safety briefing. The staff did a great job explaining what to expect, pointing out landmarks along the way, and emphasizing safety. They even provided maps, so we always knew where we were.

Once we were ready, we loaded onto a bus that shuttled us upriver to our launch point. From there, we hopped into our kayaks and began a leisurely paddle back down to Buchanan, a trip that took about three hours. Along the way, we soaked in gorgeous mountain views, enjoyed the calm stretches of the river, and even had some fun with a few light rapids that added a splash of excitement without being intimidating.

One of the best parts was that we never felt rushed. We took our time drifting downstream, stopping for photos, pulling off to the bank to grab a snack, and just enjoying the quiet beauty of the river. It was relaxing, fun, and the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors.

Twin River Outfitters provides everything you need for a comfortable and safe trip, including lockers, key storage, life preservers, and optional dry bags. We came prepared with our own dry bag for snacks, wallets, and gear, and wore bathing suits, water shirts, and water shoes, which worked out perfectly.

This trip was so much fun and is absolutely one we would do again. If you’re visiting Roanoke and want an easy, beginner-friendly outdoor adventure with stunning scenery, kayaking the James River with Twin River Outfitters should be at the very top of your list.

What to Bring on Your Kayak Trip

• Bathing suit or quick-dry clothes
• Water shoes or sandals with straps (not flip-flops)
• Water shirt for sun protection
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A small dry bag for snacks, water, wallet, and phone
• Towel and change of clothes for after your trip

Explore Downtown Roanoke

After our kayaking adventure on the James River, we returned to our hotel, cleaned up, and set out to spend the evening exploring downtown Roanoke. The city has a wonderful energy, especially in the late afternoon and evening, and it’s the kind of place where you can easily stroll, shop, and discover new favorites.

Our first stop was Market Street, where we popped into several local shops. One of our favorites was chocolatepaper, a delightful little store that blends fine stationery and gifts with a decadent selection of chocolates. We picked up a few truffles to snack on, and some extras to bring home for our daughter — including chocolates imported from Dubai. 

Most of the shops downtown close around 5 p.m., so we made our way over to 202 Social House. With a couple of glasses of wine in hand, we sat outside and enjoyed the evening sights and sounds. Downtown was buzzing, especially along Campbell Avenue, with people out dining, walking, and enjoying the city’s lively vibe. 

We also recommend visiting The Crafteria, a market showcasing Appalachian-made goods and crafts — a perfect stop if you want to take a piece of the mountains home with you.

For those who enjoy local beer, downtown Roanoke has a thriving craft brewery scene. Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery is known for pairing its beers with delicious food, while Twisted Track Brewpub and Big Lick Brewing Company each have their own unique vibe and rotating selections. We also heard great things about Olde Salem Brewing Co., which blends historic atmosphere with creative brews.

If nightlife is more your style, head to Six and Sky, a rooftop bar with sweeping city views, stylish cocktails, and a lively evening atmosphere. It’s a great way to cap off a night downtown while soaking in the Roanoke skyline.

During our visit, we really only touched the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to see, taste, and experience downtown, and we’re already looking forward to returning to explore more of what Roanoke has to offer.

Insider Tip: If you plan on exploring downtown, start your visit earlier in the day to enjoy the shops before they close, then transition into the evening with dinner, breweries, and nightlife. That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Take a Hike!

Roanoke sits in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and the area is packed with incredible hiking opportunities. Some of the most famous trails in the state are just a short drive from downtown Roanoke

On our trip, we unfortunately didn’t have the time (or the right weather) to hike, but we made a list of trails that came highly recommended by the local outdoor enthusiasts we met. These will definitely be at the top of our list for our next visit:

• McAfee Knob - Perhaps the most iconic hike in Virginia, McAfee Knob is known for its dramatic rocky ledge that juts out over the Catawba Valley, offering sweeping 270-degree views. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail and a bucket-list hike for many.
• Dragon’s Tooth - Another legendary trail, Dragon’s Tooth is a challenging hike that rewards you with a jagged rock formation at the summit, resembling a giant set of stone fangs. The views from the top are just as impressive as the unique geology.
• Read Mountain Trail - A quieter option, this preserve is just outside of Roanoke and offers a moderate climb to Buzzards Rock, where hikers are rewarded with beautiful views over the Roanoke Valley.
• Roaring Run Falls - Perfect for a shorter, family-friendly outing, this trail leads to a series of cascading waterfalls and natural slides along Roaring Run Creek. It’s a scenic and refreshing option, especially on a warm day.

Even though we didn’t get to hike these trails this time, they’re all firmly on our short list for our next trip to Roanoke. If you love the outdoors, you’ll want to carve out time to experience at least one of these unforgettable hikes.

Visit nearby Rocky Mount, Virginia

If you have a little extra time during your trip to Roanoke, consider making the short drive south to Rocky Mount, Virginia. This small town may not be big, but it has plenty of character and makes for a fun side trip.

Rocky Mount is best known for its thriving music and arts scene. The Harvester Performance Center, located right in the heart of downtown, has become one of the premier music venues in the region, drawing in nationally known artists along with local talent. If you enjoy live music, it’s well worth checking their schedule before your visit.

The town also has a growing food and drink scene, with local breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants that make it easy to spend an afternoon exploring. The historic downtown is full of charm, with unique shops and architecture that give you a glimpse into the area’s history.

Watch for our full-guide on Rocky Mount, coming soon!

Quick Planning Guide

Location: Natural Bridge State Park, just off US-11 in Rockbridge County, VA

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to dusk (last entry to the trail is 30 minutes before park closes)

Admission: $9 for adults, $6 for children (ages 6–12), free for kids under 5 (as of 2024)

Parking: Large lot next to the visitor center—parking is free with admission

Main Trail: Cedar Creek Trail (flat and scenic, about 1 mile one-way to the bridge)

Restrooms & Picnic Area: Available near the visitor center and along the trail

Accessibility: Shuttle available to the bridge overlook if needed (ask at Visitor Center)

Dog-Friendly? Yes—pets are welcome on leash throughout the park

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds—fall is especially stunning

Nearby Attractions: Lace Falls, Skyline Trail overlook, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Natural Bridge Zoo

What is Natural Bridge?

Natural Bridge is more than a breathtaking geological wonder; it's also a Virginia State Park. Located in Rockbridge County, Virginia, the park and surrounding community has long welcomed visitors heading through the Shenandoah Valley and along what’s now the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor.

Cedar Creek carved natural Bridge over 500,000+ years stands 215 feet high and spans 90 feet, creating a massive stone arch that is beyond majestic. You just can't appreciate how big this historic natural structure really is without seeing it in person.  

Just beyond the state park, the community of Natural Bridge keeps its historic feel, with stone buildings, old inns, and a quiet, rural pace that reflects its 19th-century roots. While very small, the area is rich in history and surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful farmland.

The nearby hotel, once called the Natural Bridge Hotel, dates back to the early 1900s and still welcomes visitors today with mountain views and classic Southern charm.

Where is Natural Bridge?

Natural Bridge is located in Rockbridge County, in the western part of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It sits just off US Route 11, about 15 miles south of Lexington, VA, and only a short drive from I-81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We usually take I-81 and exit onto Route 130 (Natural Bridge exit), which weaves it's way through the Virginia mountains and delivers beautiful mountain scenery right before you arrive. The entrance to Natural Bridge State Park is clearly marked, with a large visitor center and plenty of parking available.

If you're travelling the Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Natural Bridge makes a great stop—it's only about 15 minutes from the Parkway exit at US-130 (MP 61.4), near the James River crossing.

What to Do at Natural Bridge

There’s more to Natural Bridge than just the bridge itself—though that alone is worth the trip.

The area offers a mix of scenic hikes, underground caverns, unique roadside attractions, and a solid gift shop that’s great for picking up a few keepsakes. 

Here are just some of the things to do when visiting Natural Bridge.

Walk to the Natural Bridge

After parking and checking in at the visitor's center, you’ll head down a short trail that begins at the entry way above.  The trail is short,but has 137 steps. You'll need to descend (there’s a shuttle available if needed) to reach Cedar Creek and the bridge area itself.

At the bottom of the stairs, you'll find a really beautiful water feature that is a small moss covered waterfall.

At the bottom of the stairs, you'll find the ticket area and main entrance. To visit Natural Bridge State Park, there's a per-person admission fee, which as of 2025 is:

• Adults (ages 13 and up): $9
• Children (ages 3–12): $6
• Children under 3: Free

After purchasing your admission ticket, you'll pass through a small plaza area with a gift shop, some picnic tables, and public restrooms. From here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Natural Bridge off in the distance—and the trail that takes you right to it.

Rounding the bend and seeing that massive stone arch rise through the trees early in the morning is one of those moments that sticks with you. 

We paused there for a good while, just soaking it all in—the soft rush of Cedar Creek, the crisp fall air, and the sunlight filtering through that towering rock span.

We also took a ton of photos, both from this vantage point, and after walking through Natural Bridge and looking back.

Hike the Trail to Lace Falls

After spending time at the bridge and enjoying the beauty of it, surrounded by morning light, we continued past the bridge and on up the trail that follows Cedar Creek. The visitors center told us that there was a nice waterfall at the end, called Lace Falls.

The trail to the falls is mostly flat and shaded, making for a relaxing stroll. The first area of interest is a creek crossing. We explored around the creek and taking some photos. A concrete bridge crosses the creek.

On up the trail, you'll come to a small side trail to the left that takes you to an old cave that was a Civil War saltpeter mine. Saltpeter is used to create gunpowder. You can't really go far into the cave, but it is interesting.

The trail really gives you a chance to enjoy the peaceful side of the park beyond the main attraction.

After about a mile, you'll reach the end of the trail, and the viewing area for the 30-foot Lace Falls. The waterfall is a good distance from the viewing area, and if you want to take photos, we suggest a zoom lens.

Lace Falls is located at the back of a small gorge like area. While the waterfall isn't super gorgeous, it makes for a nice walk.

You return the way you came.

Explore More of the Park’s Hiking Trails

While the walk along Cedar Creek to the Natural Bridge and Lace Falls is the most popular route, there’s far more hiking to enjoy in the surrounding park. Natural Bridge State Park offers about 10 miles of trails total, and if you’re up for a bit more adventure, it’s worth checking out the higher-elevation trails just a short drive from the Visitor Center.

Blue Ridge Trail

If you're in the mood for a moderate challenge, the Blue Ridge Trail is a solid pick. This 4-mile loop climbs through the woods and rewards you with sweeping views from Red Knob Overlook—a quiet, scenic spot that feels far removed from the crowds below. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and take in some mountain scenery.

The Skyline Trail

Another standout is the Skyline Trail, a 1.3-mile out-and-back route with a steady incline and a big payoff at Jefferson Point. The view here is wide open and panoramic, especially striking in the fall when the Blue Ridge Mountains are glowing with reds, oranges, and golds. 

Fall Colors and Visiting in October

We visited in mid-October, and the fall color was incredible. The hillsides around Natural Bridge were glowing with shades of gold, orange, and deep red. Temperatures were crisp, the skies were clear, and the park wasn’t overly crowded.

October is hands-down one of the best times to visit—not only for the colors, but for the peaceful vibe that comes with the season. Not to mention the cooler temperatures.

Where to Stay?

Our visit to Natural Bridge was part of a larger trip along the Virginia sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more options on places to stay and eat, we stayed in Roanoke, Virginia, which is about 40 minutes from Natural Bridge.

Roanoke has several great options, including hotels, vacation rentals, inns, and airbnbs. We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites right off I-81. It was an affordable and nice hotel in a safe area.

As mentioned earlier, there is also a historic hotel at Natural Bridge that is a great option as well. The only downside is you will be further away from more dining options, shopping, and other city conveniences.

Our Tips for Visiting

To help you make the most of your visit to Natural Bridge, here are a few helpful tips we picked up during our visit:  

• Wear good shoes if you plan to walk to Lace Falls—the trail is easy but a bit rocky in places.
• Bring a water bottle and your camera—the views are photo-worthy throughout.
• If you visit in the fall, dress in layers. Mornings were chilly, but it warmed up quickly.
• Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Midday is the busiest, especially on weekends. We went in the morning and had much of the trail to ourselves.
• Check seasonal hours and closures. The park is open year-round, but hours for the Visitor Center, caverns, and shuttle vary by season. It's a good idea to check the official website before you go.

Visit Historic Downtown

Historic Downtown includes brick sidewalks and restored historic buildings. When visiting, you'll feel as if you've literally stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting. 

Access to downtown is free, and there is plenty of free parking all around Main Street.

As you browse through the shops and storefronts of downtown, you'll be surrounded by small town sounds and people, with tremendous views of the surrounding mountains. You'll find unique art, antiques, furniture, food, gifts, craft beer, and even a dog friendly bar and bakery!

Places you'll want to be sure to visit include:

• Mast General Store
• Boojum Brewing
• The Sweet Onion Restaurant
• Orchard Coffee
• Kilwin's
• Sassafras on Main

"Locals Know" Insider Tip: Be sure to visit Wall Street in downtown as well. It's the next street over from Main Street. Many don't realize it, but there are some really cool shops there, including a great bookstore called Wall Street Books. You'll find some cool alleys leading down from Main Street to Wall Street between some of the Main Street buildings.

Visit Frog Level

Hurricane Helene Update: Unfortunately, one of the hardest hit areas of Waynesville was Frog Level. Floodwaters submerged much of Frog Level, ruining many shops and stores. The flooding left tons of mud as well. Despite the cleanup, most merchants closed or moved their businesses. The bridge coming into Frog Level remains closed.

They named this historic Waynesville area Frog Level because its low elevation relative to downtown Waynesville caused frequent flooding.

Frog Level is the location that the railroad passes through, and once had passenger and freight stations. Frog Level was a key area of Waynesville for passenger service, tourism, and supplies coming from the railroad. The Blue Ridge Railroad still runs through the area today.

Today, Frog Level still has active train tracks, but the amount of rail service has slowed down significantly. The old train station is now gone as well. Instead, you'll find an award-winning brewery, Frog Level Brewing, and one of the best coffee shops in Western NC and Panacea Coffee House.

"Locals Know" Insider Tips: 

• Be sure to check out the life-sized bronze statue at the corner of Commerce Street and Depot Street. A local Tuscola High School art teacher made the statue called "Chasing Tadpoles."
• The old wooden building across Depot Street from the statue was the original Ford Dealership.
• There are also two notable murals in Frog Level, one of a large frog with a Welcome message, and a classic Coca-Cola Mural as well.

Enjoy Local Breweries

Waynesville has become a top spot for craft breweries in Western NC, with multiple highly successful breweries here, including:

• Boojum
• Frog Level
  

These breweries not only offer excellent and award-winning craft beers, but great places to hang out and enjoy not only their craft beer, but live music, creek views, and great food.

Worth mentioning, while not breweries, they are great places to enjoy some local craft beer and have some fun at the same time:

• Assembly on Main - Delivers drinks, food and games (ax throwing, virtual games, and more)
• Mad Anthony's Taproom - 50 different beers and ciders on tap, with outstanding pizza, board and card games, and more.

"Locals Know" Insider Tip: Both Boojum and Frog Level feature seasonal beers, as well as special holiday beer selections as well. When visiting, you can often find something new to try. 

Get Outdoors

Because of its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, many people call Waynesville the gateway to the Smokies. The town is also just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest.

As a result, hundreds of outdoor hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic drives, and historic and scenic areas are just minutes away when visiting Waynesville. 

Popular outdoor activities include:

• Hiking Trails
• Waterfalls
• Scenic Drives
• Swimming Holes
• Sliding Rock
• Midnight Hole

For more options, see our 20+ Best Hikes Near Waynesville NC

"Locals Know" Insider Tip: Waynesville has a really nice Recreation Center and Park system right within the city. The Recreation Center and nearby Parks offer walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a skate park, and more. As part of this, there is a large greenway that follows along Richland Creek with a nice loop trail.

The park and greenway are a work in progress, but the improvements made over the past few years make this a really nice and safe option for those wanting to be outdoors, but stay within the city.

See the Elk in Cataloochee Valley

Extinct for hundreds of years, Elk were reintroduced into Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in 2001. Since then, they have flourished and have become one of the top area attractions.

The rustic mountain drive into Cataloochee Valley will take you back in time, to a settlement that existed before the Park. There you will find a beautiful valley, full of historic structures, and Elk. You'll also find a very nice campground, hiking trails, creeks, streams and waterfalls. 

You definitely won't want to miss visiting Cataloochee Valley and seeing the majestic and beautiful elk.

"Locals Know" Insider Tips:

• Most people see "Big Cataloochee", where the Elk are and several historic structures. It's the main area of Cataloochee you can drive to. But there is also a Little Cataloochee that you can hike too, with more historic structures and an old baptist church.
• The barn across from Caldwell house (Caldwell Barn) has two floors. There is a set of stairs inside the barn.  The second floor makes for a cool location for photos and viewing the Elk.
• Just after crossing the bridge and going into Cataloochee Valley, there is a gravel road to the right. Follow this down to see Palmer House and Palmer Barn. A little further down is an old bridge that you can cross for neat views of the creek. This area is off the beaten path, and a nice way to avoid the crowds, and see some additional elk. The buildings across from Palmer's house were fishing cabins the Palmers rented out.

Attend the Fall Apple Festival

People also well know Waynesville for its annual Fall Apple Harvest Festival. The Apple festival has been a tradition for over 34 years. The event is fun and family-friendly!

The Apple Harvest Festival takes place in downtown Waynesville, NC, and the streets fill with over 200 arts and crafts booths, food, music, clogging, and more.   

Local apple growers set-up on the street as well, and sell delicious mountain grown apples, and lots of apple goods as well, such as cider, pies, fritters, and more. The Apple Harvest Festival is one you will not want to miss!

"Locals Know" Insider Tip: Parking can be challenging, but Waynesville has a multi-floor garage behind the courthouse that is open to the public. Located off Branner Ave, the garage is open to the public and free.

Christopher Farms

If you're looking for a true local gem in Waynesville, make sure Christopher Farms is on your list.

Located just a few minutes from downtown, this small family-owned farm stand is one of our favorite spots to grab fresh produce, local honey, jams, baked goods, ice cream, and many other locally sourced products.

Christopher Farms has been around for years, and while it might not be on every tourist's radar, locals know it's the place to go for quality, homegrown goodness. During the warmer months, the produce is straight from their fields—think juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, and green beans. They also offer beautiful locally grown flowers and plants in the spring and summer that make great souvenirs or gifts.

What we love most is the down-home, friendly vibe. There’s nothing flashy here—just simple, high-quality local goods and the kind of charm you only find in small-town mountain communities.  

If you’re visiting Waynesville and want to experience something truly local, stop by Christopher Farms at 2266 Crymes Cove Road, Waynesville, NC.

The Ten Acre Garden - Pizza and Produce

The Ten Acre Garden is a sustainable farm in nearby Canton, NC.

The farm grows blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, plums, cherries, asparagus, garlic, and other organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs. A small herd of grass-fed cattle and a flock of free-range chickens supply fresh eggs on the farm.

Ten Acre Farm also includes a farm stand where visitors can buy the farm's fresh products and they offer u-pick as well.

Besides their locally grown produce, a key attraction for the farm in recent years is their pizza and special events. The farm has several special events throughout the year, notably their Fall Festival, which has food and live entertainment.   

On a typical summer Saturday evening, you'll find lots of families and friends hanging out, enjoying some pizza over a bottle of wine, while the kids play in the fields, and with the farm dogs. There is often live entertainment, but even when there isn't, spontaneous jam sessions often break out in the evening around the fires.

Pizza and a farm - It's the perfect combination for a mountain summer evening. Be sure to visit The Ten Acre Garden. It's just one of many hidden gems near Waynesville, NC.

Apples and More at Barber Orchards Fruit Stand

Barber Orchards Fruit Stand is a family-owned business here in Waynesville, and has been growing and selling apples for generations.

Their orchards and fruit stand are in a beautiful location just outside of Waynesville and surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. They are open seasonally from April through November.

The orchard specializes in a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Rome, Golden Delicious, and Gala. They also offer other fruits such as peaches, nectarines, plums, strawberries, and blackberries, depending on the season. The orchard grows and hand-picks all its fruits locally.

Besides apples and other fruits, the orchard also offers a wide range of homemade baked goods, such as apple pies, turnovers, fried apple pies, apple donuts, and apple fritters. They also sell homemade jams, jellies, preserves and, of course, apple cider.   

The apple donuts are just beyond delicious.

Be sure to pay them a visit, pick up some fresh apples and fruit, and a few baked goods as well.

"Locals Know" Insider Tip - The real treat at Barber Orchards are their many baked goods. They make amazing pies, donuts, cakes, and more. While everything is fantastic, including the popular cider donuts, the Apple Fritters are a real hidden gem and our personal favorite out of everything they offer.

Waynesville Soda Jerks – Handcrafted Sodas with a Taste of the Mountains

Waynesville Soda Jerks is one of those local businesses that really captures the spirit of the mountains—creative, community-focused, and proudly handcrafted. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, their small-batch sodas offer a refreshing taste of Western North Carolina.

Made with pure cane sugar and real, locally sourced ingredients—like Henderson County apples, farm-fresh blueberries, and homegrown herbs—these sodas are bursting with flavor and mountain charm. Popular flavors are Strawberry Rhubarb, Concord Grape, Blueberry Basil, and Peach. Our personal favorites are Peach and Blueberry Basil, but they are all delicious.

While we try to eat healthy and avoid sugary drinks, we’ll absolutely treat ourselves to a "Jerks" soda now and then—especially when dining out at one of the many local restaurants that serve them. You’ll spot their bottles all around town, from burger joints to upscale eateries. It’s a fun, flavorful way to support local and try something distinctly “Waynesville.” Plus, they just taste amazing.

Whether you're pairing one with a meal, grabbing a bottle to go, or bringing some home as a souvenir, Waynesville Soda Jerks is a great way to sip and savor the creativity of our mountain community.

"Locals Know" Insider Tip: Their production center is only a minute from downtown Waynesville, and they have a lovely gift shop full of wearables, locally sourced small gift items, and of course you can buy their soda as well. So stop by and meet "the jerks" as they call themselves and do a little shopping as well. Their address is 35 Bridges St
Waynesville, North Carolina 28786.

Visit the Highest Point on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway is located just outside of Waynesville, at MP431. The overlook is Richland Balsam, which is at an elevation of 6,053 feet.

The area around Richland Balsam is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its biodiversity and natural beauty. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is a popular destination for visitors both for the views, and for capturing their photo taken at the sign.

Visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway can reach Richland Balsam by car, as the parkway runs directly through the area and there is a parking area and overlook. There is also a hiking trail that leads to the summit, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness and enjoy the natural beauty of the area up close.

The nature trail is further down the parkway (going towards Asheville) at the next overlook. You'll see the sign for the trailhead.

"Locals Know" Insider Tip - While a really neat place to visit and great for a photo opportunity, the views here are not the best in this area of the parkway. Travel a little further down towards Asheville to MP430, Cowee Mountain Overlook. This overlook offers tremendous long distance mountain views and is probably one of the top sunset locations on this section of the parkway.

Travel Waynesville's Quilt Trail

The Haywood County Quilt Trail is a North Carolina public art project in Haywood County. The project started in 2009 with placing 12 quilt blocks in Waynesville. Since then, the route has expanded to span over 60 blocks in five counties: Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, and Clyde.

Artists paint quilt blocks, ranging from two to eight feet, onto pre-built wooden squares. They are used for decorating barns, outbuildings, community buildings, and other locations. Each block shows a distinct quilt pattern, and many blocks tell a story about the quilt pattern or its location.

The Haywood County Quilt Trail is a lesser known attraction that also serves to honor the county's quilting legacy. Quilting has been a part of Haywood County culture for decades, and the quilt trail is an opportunity for visitors and people alike to learn about it and tour the countryside as they look for the quilt squares.

The quilt path is an enjoyable and educational way to discover Waynesville and Haywood County. The trail helps you learn about the county's history, culture, and quilting tradition and they can additionally appreciate the natural splendor of the county's rural countryside and mountains.

You'll want to begin your journey by visiting the Haywood County Quilt Trail website, which has a map and details on each of the locations, including GPS coordinates. View the quilt blocks only from public areas, as most are located on private land.   

Explore Lake Junaluska

Lake Junaluska is a popular resort and conference center located just outside of Waynesville, NC. The lake itself is a man-made body of water surrounded by scenic mountains, and it is a popular destination for walking, running, boating, and fishing.

Besides its natural beauty, Lake Junaluska offers a range of recreational opportunities, walking trails, a golf course, tennis courts, a fitness center and public pool for swimming.

The resort also features a variety of accommodations, including lodges, cottages, and conference centers, making it a popular destination for conferences, retreats, and family vacations. You'll also find restaurants and shops as well.  

The Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center is a major attraction of the area, hosting a wide range of events throughout the year, including religious retreats, educational programs, and cultural festivals. The center also features a bookstore, a museum, and a performance venue.

For those visiting the area, we encourage you to drive over, park, and talk a walk around the paved walking trail around the lake, where you can enjoy the beautiful views, wildlife, and all the things Lake Junaluska offers.

"Locals Know" Insider Tip - One of the best views is above the Cross at Inspiration Point. Just past the cross is a road going up to the Lambuth Inn. Park in one of the parking spots on the side of the entryway, and walk up to the Inn, then go left into the gardens to the end. You will see an incredible view of the cross, lake, and surrounding mountains (photo above taken from there).

Arts and Crafts at Shelton House

Waynesville has a cultural center and museum called the Shelton House - Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts that focuses on conserving and promoting regional crafts and arts. The museum showcases the creations of regional artists and crafters through a variety of exhibits, displays, and educational events.

The museum's exhibitions include a range of crafts, including carpentry, quilting, weaving, pottery, and more.

The museum offers lectures and workshops that give visitors the chance to practice ancient skills and techniques while being taught by local artisans.

The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts offers visitors a gift store where they may buy one-of-a-kind products manufactured by regional artists besides its exhibits and programs.

The goal of the museum is to inform visitors about the rich creative legacy of North Carolina and to support and promote the work of regional traditional craftspeople.

"Locals Know" Insider Tip - Right next door is the HART Theatre, a semi-professional community theatre using local actors and talent. If you have time, catch a show! 

Hang out with Alpacas at Winchester Creek Alpaca Farm

Winchester Creek Farm is a 20-acre family-owned farm in Waynesville. The farm is home to a variety of miniature animals, including alpacas, horses, donkeys, cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, and more. The farm offers educational tours, field trips, private group tours, and even beautiful vacation rentals.

The farm is near the Blue Ridge Parkway, just outside of Waynesville, NC. The farm has rolling green pastures that are nestled between the beautiful surrounding mountains.   

The farm offers a variety of educational tours. Knowledgeable and friendly guides that and teach visitors about the farm, its history, and the different animals on the farm lead the tours. The tours are a great way to learn about the alpacas, miniature horses, and other farm animals.

Winchester Creek Farm is a great place to visit for both adults and families with children to learn about farm life and animals. The farm is a fun activity for the kids; the animals are super friendly, and the scenery is hard to beat.

"Locals Know" Insider Tip - Visit early in the morning. The lighting is better for photos, temperatures are cooler, the animals are more active, and the tours are less crowded and booked.

Discover Soco Falls

Soco Falls is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, close to Waynesville and Maggie Valley, and just inside the Cherokee Nation boundary.

Access to this stunning dual waterfall has been fully updated and is now open. The new trail provides safer access, better viewing areas, and a much larger parking area, making it easier and more enjoyable to visit than before.

Go Back in Time at Mast General Store and Downtown Waynesville

The original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis NC opened in 1883 to serve the local area. The store grew, and the company opened additional stores in various mountain towns, including Waynesville, NC in 1991.

Mast General Store occupies a carefully preserved and restored 1930s department store in downtown Waynesville, creating a charming and nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.

Mast General stores are renowned for their selection of traditional clothing, outdoor gear, and household goods, as well as its old-fashioned candy counter, which offers a variety of classic sweets and treats. The old barrels even contain them, just like in the old "five and dime" stores.

While visiting the store, be sure to explore the rest of historic downtown and all the wonderful and locally owned shops. It will leave you feeling as if you've traveled back in time to a Norman Rockwell painting.

"Locals Know" Insider Tip - While the main entrance is on Main Street, if you park off Main street on Montgomery or Haywood Street, it's easier to use the rear entrance of Mast General Store near the corner of Miller Street and Montgomery. This will bring you into the store on the lower level. You can browse the store, then head out the main entrance to Main Street.

Tour Waynesville's Historic Farmers Market

The Haywood County Historic Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market in Waynesville and located in the Hart Theater Parking lot. The market is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Wednesdays from mid-April through December.

The market features over 40 different vendors selling a variety of local produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, crafts, plants, and more. The market is a great place to find fresh, seasonal food and products, and to support local farmers and artisans. You'll even find food and drinks available.

The Farmer's Market is wheelchair accessible, pet-friendly, and there is free parking right next to the market itself.

You can visit the Waynesville's Farmer's Market at at 250 Pigeon St. Waynesville, NC

"Locals Know" Insider Tip - We recommend arriving early for all the best items. Try to be there when they open.  You can skip breakfast and enjoy coffee and breakfast at the market. There are food trucks there serving coffee and breakfast items, and you can also enjoy baked goods from the vendors.

Stand in Awe at Waterrock Knob

Well-known to locals and visitors, Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just outside of Waynesville NC is the perfect location for those looking for stunning panoramic and high elevation views of the surrounding Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains. Waterock Knob provides a wide view, making it the perfect spot to watch both sunrises and sunsets.

Waterrock Knob is accessible via a short access road directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway between Waynesville and Maggie Valley NC at MP451.2. The access road will take you up to the main parking area, where you will find the incredible views, bathrooms, a visitor center and gift shop, picnic tables, and access to the hiking trail to the top of the knob.

Waterrock Knob is a great for the entire family to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views. Kids can play in the fields, and the picnic tables make for a great picnic destination. For those more adventurous families, you can hike up the .5 mile trail to the top of Waterrock Knob. It's a great hike, but very steep. In fact, we doubt you'll find a more steep .5 trail anywhere.

"Locals Know" Insider Tips:

• If you hike up after the first observation area made of stone, you'll continue your ascent. Watch for a trail heading to the left. This is the Mountains to Sea Trail. Follow it out for a short distance to a bench that offers stunning views of the mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Once at the top, fog will often keep you from seeing the best views. Just hang out and be patient. The fog will often blow or burn away, and you'll see amazing views.

Andrews Geyser

Hurricane Helene Impact: The geyser and park sustained damage from the hurricane and is currently not operational.

When we first visited Old Fort on a camping trip with our kids, we visited Andrews Geyser. We've seen it many times since then as well during visits to the area.

The geyser is man-made and named for Colonel Alexander Boyd Andrews. He was responsible for the construction of the railroad between Old Fort and Asheville, North Carolina, in the late 19th century. 

The fountain itself was constructed in 1885 as a feature of the Roundrock Hotel and as a tribute to the 120 individuals who perished during the construction of the railroad line. It was a notable feature for those travelling on the railroad during that time, as the tracks when right alongside the geyser.

Today, Andrews Geyser and the surrounding land is an Old Fort public park and was moved some from its original location. When operating, Andrews Geyser shoots water continuously to a height of about 80 feet.

Andrews Geyser is located about 5 miles from downtown at 2111 Mill Creek Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762

See local art at Arrowhead Gallery

Unfortunately, Arrowhead Gallery was hit hard by the flooding. The building was significantly damaged, and much of the art and pottery was destroyed. The damage was so significant; they are moving to a new location and hoping to re-open in December 2024. 

Featured here are photos of the gallery as it was during our visit, just before the flooding. 

Arrowhead Gallery is a wonderful art gallery that was located directly across the street from the welcome center. The gallery featured over 40 unique artists and many mediums of art, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, books, much more.   

Arrowhead Gallery is also a working art studio where you can see artists at work and take art classes and workshops as well.

We really enjoyed talking to the staff and browsing all the different and unique art created by local McDowell county artists.  

Here are some photos of just a few of the art items we really enjoyed seeing:

Visit Catawba Falls

Update: Catawba Falls is now open as of January 2025 

The most popular attraction in Old Fort is Catawba Falls. The falls recently reopened in May 2024 after being closed for an extending period where significant upgrades were completed to make it easier and safer to see.

Fortunately, the significant flooding in Old Fort, because of Hurricane Helene, did only minor damage to the new walkways, decking and viewing platforms put in place.

The waterfall remains CLOSED at this time, however they are hopeful it will re-open early in 2025.

Catawba Falls is two different waterfalls, upper and lower falls, with lower falls being the largest and most stunning.   But both of them are gorgeous.   

Lower Catawba Falls is 250 feet, one of the most beautiful and photogenic waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains.   

New trail improvements add accessibility and safety for this popular waterfall. Improvements include:

• New trail markers
• Stairs and boardwalks for viewing and access
• A 60-foot observation tower for better viewing and safer access to the upper falls.

Catawba Falls is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is just minutes off I-40 at the Old Fort exit. Definitely worth the hike and a stop when visiting the area.

See our guide to Catawba Falls for details!

Enjoy some great local food

Old Fort NC has several wonderful locally owned restaurants we enjoyed during our visit. Fortunately, none of them were significantly damaged by the flooding.

For breakfast, be sure to stop by Seeker Coffee on Main Street. One of the very best coffee shops we've been to in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Follow that with a short drive up the road to Gogos Cinnamon Rolls and savor one of their hot cinnamon rolls. They even have different varieties like chocolate, creamsicle, peanut butter, maple bacon, and more! Absolutely amazing! Your taste buds can thank us later. Super friendly owners as well.

For a more down home and hearty breakfast, be sure to stop by The Davis Country Store and Cafe, where you'll find made from scratch biscuits, croissant sandwiches, and other hot breakfast options.

For lunch or dinner, we really enjoyed the sandwiches at 27 Main. We tried both their Cold Cut and Spicy Italian subs with chips. Both are delicious. They also serve pizza and cheese sticks as well.

The Davis Country store also serves lunch as well, with various sandwich and salad options.

The best dinner options are found in Marion NC, about 20 minutes away.

See our guide to the Top Restaurants in Old Fort NC Guide for details

Craft Beer at Old Fort Breweries

Old Fort is home to two different breweries, Hillman's Brewery and Whaley Farm Brewery.

Both breweries suffered significant damage during the Hurricane Helene flooding, with Whaley Farm Brewery getting the worst of it. Hillman's has reopened, but the future of Whaley Farm Brewery is unknown. They are working to clean up and hopefully restore the brewery.

Hillman's Brewery re-opened on 10/30 after sustaining significant damage as well.

During our visit to Old Fort NC, just days before the Hurricane hit, we enjoyed the cold local brews and beer at both breweries.

Hillman Beer

Hillman's offers 32,000 feet of indoor and outdoor seating, with outdoor seating being creek side to Mill Creek. Their building is in an old industrial building and has a unique look and vibe. Hillman's offers 32 taps offering a number of different beers from light to strong. 

We had the Oktoberfest, an Eurpean Amber Lager which offered a rich malty aroma, with a touch of sweetness, but not overly much. Overall, an excellent beer. We also enjoyed their food as well, which is exceptional. We rarely expect much from a brewery when it comes to food, but we found the delicious options at Hillman Beer surprisingly good.

We started with a soft pretzel and then ordered the roasted turkey salad wrap and kale salad (we're healthy eaters).  Again, everything was really good and fresh tasting. We really enjoyed both.  

Hillman's is an excellent brewery and restaurant, that delivers a cool atmosphere, great service, and both indoor and outdoor seating. One of our favorite places during our visit!

Whaley Farm Brewery

Currently Closed due to significant flood damage from Hurricane Helene. We're hoping they can recover and reopen soon.

Whaley Farm Brewery is located on the opposite side of Mill Creek from Hillman's, and also offers some excellent local craft beer. Their speciality is Appalachian farm beers, English pub ales, and continental lagers. What makes them unique is they use Whaley Farm grown locally sourced herbs, flowers, spices, and fruits. Combined, they deliver some unique and excellent tasting beers.

I'm (Larry), not a fan of bitter beers or IPAs, and frankly a sucker for a good amber ale. I tried their Altbier which is a german style Amber Ale which was excellent and had some great spicy undertones, and not too sweet.

We really enjoyed the casual and mainly outdoor vibe at Whaley Farm Brewery. Great beer and we highly recommend you try them once they re-open.

Enjoy a wine tasting at Euda Winery

3/3/2025 - Reopening March 8th after being closed due to impact from Hurricane Helene

We really enjoy visiting various vineyards and wineries here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. During our trip planning, we put Euda Winery on our short list to visit. Turns out, Euda Winery was literally across the street from our cabin rental!

Euda Winery offers various white and red wines, all made onsite and in small batches. The winery itself is open and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Wines offered include: Sauvingnon Blanc, Rose, Traminette, Carbonic, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They often have limited edition wines as well.

Jenn really enjoyed the Traminette, while I preferred their Cabernet Sauvignon. Their wines are definitely unique, and we found they don't have the flavor and taste you would expect. BUT, that's part of what we really enjoyed about them.

During our first visit, we tried their two different tastings, one with all whites, and the other with mostly reds. This gave us a chance to determine our favorites, and we enjoyed glasses of these during our other visits.

We hung out here a couple of nights during our visit to Old Fort and McDowell County. We enjoyed talking to the staff and met many locals here as well.  

The winery offers a few local snacks for purchase as well, like meat sticks, goat cheese, and pimento cheese, and you can also bring your own food.

Euda Winery is a great low-key place to just sit, relax, chat, and enjoy some good wine after a busy day out exploring all that McDowell County has to offer.

Take a short hike to Toms Creek Falls!

About 30 minutes from Old Fort NC, and just minutes of Highway 221, is the short 1 mile round-trip hike out to Tom Creek Falls. Becuase of its ease of access, short distance, and easy to moderate difficulty, this is the perfect trail for families and those that find longer and more strenuous hikes difficult.

Toms Creek Falls itself is about 80 feet, and features multiple cascades. The falls are easily viewable from the viewing platform. 

The waterfall isn't stunning, but still very nice, especially given the short and easy hike. Well worth the visit, and a great way to get the kids outdoors and let them burn off some energy.

See our Toms Creek Falls Waterfall Guide for details

Mountain Biking

While we definitely prefer to travel trails on our feet vs a mountain biking, Old Fort, NC has become a go-to destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Old Fort offers an attractive mix of thrilling trails, breathtaking scenery, and a welcoming biking community.

Old Fort has recently become a popular destination for mountain bikers because of the growing professionally designed trail network being developed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and community partners.

The G5 Trail Collective, a non-profit effort from Camp Grier, is responsible for 42 miles of new trails around Old Fort. Combining hiking, biking, and equestrian trails with the existing system will create a 70-mile trail network in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Whether you're an experienced mountain biker or beginner looking to learn and practice your skills, you'll find a trail around Old Fort, NC that meets your needs. 

Just a few of the many different mountain biking trails include:

• Kitsuma Trail: A favorite among advanced riders, Kitsuma features steep climbs and exhilarating descents, all surrounded by lush forest and stunning mountain views. The downhill sections are especially legendary for their fast and flowy nature.
• Point Lookout Trail: Enjoy scenic views of the Pisgah National Forest and railroad tunnels on the Point Lookout Trail, a 3.6-mile paved path perfect for hikers and bikers, featuring a challenging 900-foot elevation gain and culminating in breathtaking vistas at Point Lookout.
  Depending on which end of the trail you park and begin your adventure the entire path will be either uphill or downhill so choose wisely!
• Gateway Trails: A newly developed trail system designed with all levels in mind. These trails provide a fun and approachable experience for families and beginners, while still offering features that more experienced riders can enjoy.

Besides fantastic trails, Old Fort offers support and services for mountain bikers as well, including the Old Fort Bike Shop (temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene) for bikes, accessories and repairs and transportation services from Mountain Top Shuttles.

Learn more about Mountain Biking in Old Fort, NC

Explore the Mountain Gateway Museum

Currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene - We'll update this guide once it's open!

The Mountain Gateway Museum is a regional history museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural and natural heritage of the Appalachian Mountains. 

The Museum is right in downtown Old Fort and showcases the area's history, including its indigenous roots, early European settlers, and the development of the mountain communities over the centuries.

Unfortunately, the museum sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene. The museum will re-open, but while serving the same purpose, the exhibits and facilities will be very different.

We will revisit this wonderful museum once it re-opens to update you with new information and photos!

Visit the Historic Railroad Station

Old Fort, NC has strong ties to the Western North Carolina Railroad, and later the Southern Railroad. Old Fort was the stopping point for a west bound line until 1869. The mountains presented a big challenge for the railroad. But the goal was to reach Asheville.

Old Fort was the last stop before the climb up to Asheville and through the 7 tunnels. The climb used a series of loops, often called the Old Fort Loops. 

The last passenger train stopped at Old Fort in 1975. The station was renovated in 2005 and opened as a railroad museum. Unfortunately, the museum is currently closed, but the town is having active discussions about re-opening it.

You can explore outside the station and see the old Caboose next to it. If you're lucky, a modern freight train will come through while visiting.  

Go Shopping

Old Fort has a number of shopping options, from art galleries to shops and boutiques.  

If you enjoy local art, visit Arrowhead Art Gallery or Nanu Gallery. 

For locally sourced and created merchandise, be sure to visit The Davis Country Store and Cafe. Their store is full of unique items and crafts you're bound to enjoy.

A great place to find local treasures, home goods and antiques with a beautiful and fun atmosphere is The Common Pine. We really enjoyed browsing this lovely store and finding all of the cute items and little hidden gems. 

For the outdoorsy types like us, be sure to visit the Old Fort Bike Shop for bikes, bike parts, accessories and repairs. They even rent bikes so you can explore the different bike trails in the Old Fort area. 

If Kayaking is your thing, be sure to check out Waterways Kayaks. They sell many different sized kayaks and brand along with kayaking accessories as well!

See the Wolfe Angel at the Old Fort Cemetary

Old Fort is home to many hidden treasures, but few are as mysterious as the Wolfe Angel, found in the historic Old Fort Cemetery off North Cemetery Road.  

We were told of the statue while visiting one of the local restaurants and stores. With our curiosity up, we found the Cemetary and the statue.  

This beautiful and detailed marble statue has an ethereal presence and has been a source of fascination for visitors and locals alike for generations.

While some locals we spoke with believed this particular Angel is from author Thomas Wolfe's famous novel "Look Homeward, Angel", it is not. However, there is a connection.

The angel from the novel can be found in Hendersonville, NC, but they are both from Thomas Wolfe's father, a Dutch stone carver. But just how this particular angel ended up in Old Fort, is an interesting story, and one that locals enjoy sharing.

In the late 1900s, Samual McCanless was a local photographer. The story claims that Wolfe's father was playing poker with McCanless and some friends. McCanless cleaned Wolfe out. Unable to pay, Wolfe offered the statue instead, and a deal was made.

The statue was later placed in the Cemetary on the grave of McCanless' first wife Hattie.

Every good story has to have a twist, right? Here's this twist.

McCanless married again, to Geneva, Hattie's sister. Geneva always felt that McCanless loved Hattie more, and the statue was a point of contention between the two.

In the ultimate twist of irony, both sisters and McCanless are buried in the grave now marked by the Wolfe Angel.

Knowing the story behind this statue makes the downward gaze of the angel, its sad look, and even its wilted flowers make more sense.

Be sure to visit the statue if you have time, it really is beautiful.

Attractions and Things to do in Mount Airy North Carolina

Mount Airy had been on our bucket list of visit for years because of its popularity and its history with Andy Griffith and the famous Andy Griffith Show. Earlier this year (2024), we finally visited, meet some wonderful folks, and experienced many of the very best things to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Of course, we had to hit all the Mayberry themed attractions, but we also ventured out and explored several other unique and fun things to see and do in and around Mount Airy as well.  

The Andy Griffith Museum

A visit to Mount Airy just wouldn't seem complete without a tour of the Andy Griffith Museum. I mean, how would you explain yourself? Heck, Barney might throw you in jail and give you the key!

The Andy Griffith Museum is located just a short walk from downtown Mount Airy at the Surry Arts Council center and next to the Andy Griffith Playhouse, where Andy performed as a young boy and his acting career began.

The museum houses the largest collection of Andy Griffith-related artifacts and memorabilia, including several original items from the Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, and other cast members donated many of the items featured. Andy's lifetime friend Emmett Forrest donated many others.

At the main entrance, you purchase tickets to the museum and receive a Mayberry Sheriff's badge to wear. You then take the self-guided tour through the main museum floor, which features photos, items, and historic information on the life of Andy Griffith. 

The museum contains a number of "mock" buildings, including Snappy Lunch (more on this historic restaurant below), The Earle Theater, and Mayberry. At the Earle Theater section, you get to see clips from some of Andy's famous movies. They really highlight his talent as an actor, comedian, and singer.

There is also a recreation of the Mayberry Sheriff and Justice of the Peace office, featuring real memorabilia from the TV show. The two signs on the entry doors come from the actual studio set where The Andy Griffith Show was filmed.

A quick walk outside and downstairs takes you to the Betty Lynn Addition. Betty Lynn played Thelma Lou (Barney Fife's girlfriend) in the Andy Griffith show. Locals knew and liked Betty Lynn, who lived and died in Mount Airy.

The Betty Lynn addition of the museum contains additional items from the Andy Griffith Show, including items from her, Jim Nabors, and others. Until her death, Betty Lynn would often appear at the museum to meet visitors and sign autographs.

We were also able to tour the Andy Griffith Playhouse, where we listened to Andy's famous "What it was, was football" monologue that really catapulted his career. After listening to the hilarious monologue, we toured the theater itself, along with the dressing rooms. All along the walls and in the various rooms are Andy memorabilia.  

We really enjoyed our visit and seeing all the historical items featured there. It really made us realize the impact Andy had during his time, and the impact the show itself had on America. We really didn't fully understand the depth of his career and the impact he had on American TV and movies until completing our tour.

Siamese Twins Museum

The Siamese Twins Museum is across the street from the Andy Griffith Museum and also in the Surry County Arts Council building. The museum recently opened to the public on July 1, 2024, after our visit to Mount Airy.

BUT, we were able to get a sneak peek inside with the executive director of Surry County Art Council, Tanya Jones.

Please note, our photos are from our "sneak peek" of the exhibit, which was still under construction when we visited. The actual museum, now that it's open, is more polished and complete.

The story behind the Siamese Twins Museum is both fascinating and encouraging. Long story short (you can learn far more by visiting the museum), the museum highlights the lives of Eng and Chang, two conjoined twins from the country of Siam (now Thailand and yes Siam ... as in Siamese). They married and settled in rural North Carolina, first in Wilkes County, then moved to Mount Airy later.  

There is far more to their incredible story and journey from Siam to the United States, and they had a pretty profound impact on Mount Airy and Surry county as well. In fact, Tanya, the executive director, is the great-great-granddaughter of Eng, one twin.

We began our tour by stepping over the construction tape. We kind of felt like young kids sneaking in and the air was ripe with fresh paint and stain, as artists painstakingly worked on the various exhibits to meet the looming opening date.

Our tour began in Eng and Chang's Siam village as children where we watched a movie about the twins' history. We then moved to an exhibit about their home with an original bed, double chair, and Chang's flute. There is even a replica facade of Chang's home in Mount Airy.

A focal and moving exhibit is the life-size statue of Eng and Chang, which was sculpted by artist Chip Holten of North Carolina artist Frank “Chip” Holton and completed by Carolina Bronze Sculpture in Seagrove.

The different exhibits take you through their lives, and show many artifacts loaned by descendents, including medical records, personal items, and more.

Jones told us that "the museum's overall mission is to tell the story of the Siamese Twins, accurately and with the dignity they sought for both themselves and their families".  

We felt it did that incredibly well.

Admission is $10 and $6 for those ages 12 and younger. Combined admission to the
Siamese Twins Museum and the Andy Griffith Museum are $16 and $10. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, visit www.SurryArts.org/siamesetwins

Summer Concerts at the Blackmon Amphitheater

Located directly next to the Surry County Arts building is the Blackmon Amphitheater. Beginning at 7:30 on various evenings during the summer, you can experience Summer Concerts at the Amphitheater.  

For 2024, the organizers have scheduled 58 concerts starting in May, including 3 big shows during Mayberry Days in September and free concerts throughout October. These are the real deal too, with CBMA Award winning groups like The Embers, Jim Quick, and Band of Oz, which was the feature act of the night during our visit.

You can also grab some great food and beverages as well. Selected events offer beer and wine from Thirsty Souls Community Brewing, as well as hot dogs, chips, and candy from the Dairy Center. You cannot bring coolers.

Also important to note is that the Ampitheater does not have seating, you'll need to bring your own chair or blanket.

We arrived about 30 minutes before the show began, and sat up near the Siamese Twins Museum at the granite checker tables, which provided a superb view. Soon the Band of Oz came on, and really put on a fantastic show. Within minutes of them starting, people were hitting the dance floor and really enjoying themselves.

There were elderly folks dancing in walkers to young kids barely able to stand "booging down". A few folks on the dance floor were line dancing as well, which was fun to watch.

The music was excellent, and we enjoyed watching everyone have a great time. Based on a recommendation, we grabbed a couple of Sangria's from the Thirsty Soul's tent, and enjoyed those while watching the show. It was really a nice evening and a great way for the community to come together and have a good time.   

Be sure to hit up a Summer Concert at the Blackmon Ampitheater. You will thank us later! For more information, visit the Summer Concerts page.

Grab a World-Famous Pork Chop Sandwich at Snappy Lunch

If you are an Andy Griffith Show fan, you'll likely recall Andy mentioning grabbing lunch at Snappy Lunch during several episodes. In fact, Snappy Lunch is not only an actual business in Mount Airy, but the only actual business mentioned in the entire run of the Andy Griffith show.

Snappy Lunch opened in 1923 and is the oldest operating business in Mount Airy and well known for their "world-famous pork chop sandwich". Snappy Lunch was a popular lunch hangout for locals and students, since it was operational before schools had cafeterias. This included Andy Griffith eating there as a young boy as well.

While lunch is the name, Snappy Lunch serves both breakfast and lunch, and is one of the most popular spots in downtown Mount Airy for both. There is often a line to get in, but it moves fast.

We enjoyed lunch there when we first arrived for our visit to Mount Airy and we loved it. We ordered the world famous pork chop sandwich, which was delicious. The pork chop is cut thin, battered with a unique and almost sweet batter (reminds us of pancake batter), and then topped with a bun and pressed. Delicious and something that you won't find anywhere else.

While there, we also stopped by Floyd's Barbershop, which has an entrance from inside Snappy Lunch.

Snappy Lunch provides the true flavor and culture of Mount Airy, and like Andy Griffith was one of our favorite lunch spots in Mount Airy.

Mayberry Squad Car Tour and Courthouse Visit

If you really want to pretend that you're Sheriff Andy Taylor or Deputy Barney Fife in the Andy Griffith TV Show, head south on main street from downtown just a few blocks. You can't miss Wally's Service Station.

Wally's Service Station is a recreation of the famous service station from the TV show and also has a recreation of the Mayberry Courthouse, complete with a jail, Otis' cell and Andy's famous desk.

You can take photos next to the life-sized Barney Fife cutout, see Gomer and Goober's tow truck, the Mayberry Hotel, the Darling's truck and cabin, and more! Go inside Wally's Service Station for souvenirs and good'ol fashioned snacks and cold sodas as well.

You can get as close as possible to the real Mayberry TV show set at Wally's Service station, since they tore down the original set in Hollywood's Desilu studios many years ago. Wally's is pure Mayberry nostalgia at it's best!

Even better?  

When visiting, you may notice a few old Ford Galaxy Squad cars parked out front. You can even ride in one with Mayberry Squad Car Tours.  

Not only do you get to ride in a replica Mayberry squad car, but you get to take a really interesting tour of Mount Airy, where your tour guide and driver will show and tell you about lots of interesting things around Mayberry, including Andy Griffith's childhood home.

Our squad car tour began with some fast acceleration up Main Street, with full lights and siren. We wanted to yell in our best Barney Fife voice: "I’m the law around here!". Fortunately for our tour guide, we didn't ... but it was tempting!

We drove around town, listening to our tour guide share information about the cars, the town, Andy Griffith, the show and more. We saw the world's largest granite quarry, which is in Mount Airy. Andy Griffith's childhood home, Andy's church, many historic buildings, and much more.

We far too soon arrived back at Wally's and our tour was over. Be sure to tip your guides, they deserve it.

Wally's Service Station and the Squad Car Tour was the highlight of our visit, especially since I'm an old car fanatic and Andy Griffith Show fan.

Our tour guide was friendly, entertaining and full of fun information about Mount Airy, Andy Griffith, and their shared history. This should absolutely be on your short list of things to do when visiting Mount Airy!

Shopping and exploring in downtown Mount Airy

During our visit to Mount Airy NC, we really enjoyed walking around downtown and exploring all the great things to see and do, including shopping in the many Mayberry themed stores. Besides shops, you'll also find many restaurants, a museum, sitting areas, murals, gardens, and even historic sites of interest, such as the Whittling Wall.

Be sure to check out ourguide on our favorite things to do in downtown Mount Airy!

Travel the Sonker Trail a Surry County favorite

If you're like us, when we heard about Sonker, we had no idea what it was. To be honest, it kind of sounded like a card game.

Well, turns out that Sonker (also referred to as Zonker) is a Surry County sweet treat that goes way back in Surry County history. Sonker is like a cobbler, but different.  

How different? Well, traditional cobbler has batter spooned onto the uncooked fruit filling in dollops. Sonker is a thick, almost pancake like batter, poured over the hot, baked fruit base.

Both are cooked in the oven, but Sonker batter is cooked from the bottom by the hot fruit and from the top by the oven. The result is a cobbler like dessert that is kind of a mix of hot fruit with a cake or biscuit.

Bakers from Surry County created these deep-dish fruit based desserts to feed working farmhands. Sonkers are easier to make than cobblers and pies and were easy to scale up to large batches to serve large crowds.

Now with that all said, the differences are subtle, and most would have a difficult time distinguishing a Sonker from a Cobbler to be honest. But they are so delicious, you most likely won't take the time to notice!

Surry County and Mount Airy have a Sonker trail that features several bakeries and restaurants that serve Sonker. We tried two different Sonkers on The Sonker Trail, one at Southern on Main in Elkin NC and at Miss Angel's Heavenly Pies.

Miss Angel's is going to be the most convenient and best place to taste Sonker during your visit to Mount Airy. Much of the fruit is farm fresh from Miss Angel's local farm, and she has tons of different Sonker flavors, made daily.

You can read more about Miss Angel's Heavenly Pies in our Best things to do in Downtown Mount Airy NC Guide.

We really enjoyed the Blackberry and Peach Sonkers from Miss Angel's, and it was even more fantastic coupled with her house made moonshine ice cream!   

Miss Angel's is one of 6 destinations on the Surry County Sonker Trail, and we highly recommend trying as many as you can:

• Anchored Bakery - Mount Airy
• Miss Angel's Heavenly Pies - Mount Airy
• The Tilted Ladder - Pilot Mountain
• Rockford General Store - Dobson
• Southern on Main - Elkin
• Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyard - Dobson

Visit Mayberry's "hipside" on Market Street

Located a block over from Main Street, you'll find Market Street, or more commonly called Mayberry's Hipside.

Market Street closes to vehicle traffic on weekends, and hosts live music, local vendors, food trucks and more.

On Market Street, you'll also find Thirsty Souls Community Brewing, White Elephant Beer Company, and Kate's Cocktails as well.

During our visit, there was a Juneteenth celebration with multiple delicious looking food trucks, and lots of different vendors selling crafts, cakes, art and more.

We really enjoyed browsing the different booths and talking with the folks running them. One in particular we really liked was Demo's Art Loft run by Geoffrey Walker, where we bought a really nice train drawing. We love supporting local artists.

There was an excellent live band playing that was energetic, fun and very entertaining. We grabbed some beer at White Elephant Beer Company, and enjoyed the music before heading over to Thirsty Souls Community Brewing for some dinner.  

After dinner and some cold brews, we had heard one vendor outside had some amazing cakes for sale. We grabbed a slice of chocolate and strawberry, and they were huge and delicious!

Many people were dancing and having a great time, and it was nice to see different races in the community coming together to share a love for black history, music, dancing, food, and art.

Be sure to stop by Market Street to see what's going on during your visit to Mount Airy. It's definitely "hip".

Enjoy a Ghost Tour with Mount Airy Museum of Regional History - If you dare!

There are more ghosts in Mount Airy than in the Haunted House episode of the Andy Griffith show. At least that's the claim by the tour guides of the Mount Airy Museum of Reginal History' Ghost Tours. If you're into spooky stories and hearing about creepy events, this tour is right up your dark haunted alley!

Your demise ... er, tour, begins in the evening at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, located right in downtown Mount Airy. The tour begins in the museum building itself, which has a haunted interesting story, and was once the W.E. Merrit Hardware Store.

Our not so ghostly guide walked us through the closed and dark museum, telling us about the various "odd" events that have occurred over the years as reported by visitors of the museum and employees. Mr. Merrit himself is said to haunt the building, and there have been multiple accounts of unusual noises coming from his old office, which you can see during the tour.

the tour then moves out into the streets of Mount Airy, where multiple old buildings have some spooky, interesting and possibly supernatural history, including the old police station and a building once inhabited by the Mafia (yes, THE mafia).

The building that houses the Old North State Winery was also once and old hardware store. While it's not normally part of the tour, the staff invited us in to see the basement where the barrel room and wine making facilities are located. The employees shared some pretty creepy stories with us about noises and strange happenings there that were difficult to explain.  

While we didn't see any ghosts or any strange happenings during our tour (thankfully), we had fun and enjoyed learning about the history of the various buildings and Mount Airy itself.

If you're looking for something a little different and fun to do in the evening, take a Mount Airy Ghost Tour - If you see any ghosts, let us know!

Get outdoors on the Granite City Greenway

The Granite City Greenway in Mount Airy NC is a great place to get outdoors and be active, yet still be right in town as well.  

The greenway is 8 miles long and divided into 3 sections. When we visited, we did not know it was as large as it is. We visited the Tharrington Park section, which was a little more remote and wooded. 

This well maintained greenway offers lots to do, including bike trails, walking trails, canoe launches, restrooms, picnic tables, playgrounds, and more.  

We really enjoyed walking along the greenway and we saw several others enjoying it as well. There were people out biking, running, and walking, including some families letting their kids ride bikes and run around.

The greenway is a great way to get the kids outside to burn off some energy, or in our case, burn off some of that amazing food we were enjoying during our visit.  

We always appreciate a town or city with a nice greenway to enjoy, as we enjoy being outdoors and getting some exercise.

Visit a Surry County Vineyard for some fantastic wine

Mount Airy is home to several very nice vineyards and wineries on the Surry County Wine Trail, including the largest vineyard in North Carolina, Shelton Vineyards. We visited four different vineyards on the wine trail during our visit:

• Christian Paul Vineyards
• Old North State Vineyards
• Round Peak Vineyards
• Shelton Vineyards

Be sure to check out our experience at this various vineyards in our Best Mount Airy Vineyards Guide - Coming Soon!

Visit Miss Angel's Farm and Orchard

While exploring downtown Mount Airy NC, we smelled ... I mean ... discovered Miss Angel's Heavenly Pies.

After trying some of her amazing hot sonker and a few other delicious treats, including moonshine ice cream, we spent some time talking with Miss Angel and learning more about her bakery and history in Mount Airy.   

Miss Angel invited us to visit her farm if we had time. Fortunately, the next day, we had time, so we drove about 20 minutes out of town to visit the farm where Miss Angel and her husband grow much of the delicious fresh fruit used in her baked goods.

When we arrived at the farm store, Miss Angel's husband, Randy, came to meet us. He showed us around the farm store, where there were fresh peaches, ciders, baked goods, souvenir items, ice cream, drinks and more.

We then headed out into the fields where we met the farm cats and saw the many acres of peach trees, apple trees, berries, pumpkins. On the way there was a large farm themed playground area, some live animals including ducks and peacocks.

The farm is beautiful, including their large Victorian themed home. The highlight of our visit was being able to taste the fresh peaches right off the trees. 

Miss Angel's Farm and Orchard is available for field trips and events, and they hold annual events such as A Hippie Revival, Peach Festival, Oktoberfest, and The Haunting with a haunted trail and corn maze.

Be sure to visit the farm for some fresh fruit, outdoor time, and tons of farm fun. We had a great time.

Travel the Ground Steak Trail

If you're looking for something unique and food related to do, you'll definitely want to experience the Surry County Ground Steak Trail. Ground steak is something you'll only find in Surry County, and trust us, it's different from anything you've ever tried.

Is it good? Well, the jury is still out between Jenn and me (Larry). Jenn didn't care for it at all, where I kind of liked it. To be honest, I would need to try some additional places along the Ground Steak Trail to really make a final decision.

We tried our first Ground Steak sandwich at Central Cafe in Dobson, NC, which is located just a few minutes from Mount Airy. Travis Frye, a Surry county native who grew up eating Ground Steak and is the mastermind behind the Surry County Ground Steak Trail and Festival, joined us. Travis is an expert on Ground Steak, and has tried about every version available, and then some.

You're probably wondering what the heck is Ground Steak exactly? Travis told us all about it.

Ground Steak wasn't what we expected, even with Travis telling us all about it before our plates arrived. Ground Steak history goes back to the great depression of the 1930s, where families needed to stretch out the number of servings from a pound of ground beef.

Travis told us that cooks would brown the ground beef (or ground chuck), add flour, and either water or milk. Then season it with salt and pepper. Then, cooks would loosely press this mixture into a meat patty and place it in a bun. Mayo, fresh tomatoes, slaw, and a side were often used to top it.

Some say it reminds them of a sloppy joe, without the sauce. That was not our experience.

We found it to be more like a loose and less densely packed burger with a soft texture. Travis told us that whether the cook uses water or milk really drives the consistency as well. Milk makes it more solid and dense, with a distinct flavor. Some restaurants on the Ground Steak Trail even have their own secret recipes they refuse to share.

We definitely recommend you try it. Not only will you taste something that you really won't find anywhere else, but you're taking a bite of history as well. You can try the different variations of Ground Steak along the Surry County Ground Steak Trail, which includes:

• Aunt Bea's BBQ of Mount Airy
• Dairy Center - Mount Airy
• Snappy Lunch - Mount Airy
• Speedy Chef of Mount Airy
• Martha Sue's - Mount Airy
• All Sauced Up BBQ - Pilot Mountain
• Aunt Bea's BBQ of Pilot Mountain
• Central Cafe - Dobson
• Rockford General Store - Dobson
• Speedy Chef of Elkin

Visit Nearby Elkin NC

About 20 minutes from Mount Airy, NC, and well worth the drive, is the small mountain town of Elkin, NC. We could only spend about a half day exploring Elkin, but really enjoyed our short visit on a quiet and warm Sunday afternoon.

On the way to see downtown Elkin, we stopped off at Christian Paul Vineyards for a wonderful wine tasting. This fairly new winery has a gorgeous tasting room, built by the owners, that offers indoor and outdoor seating. We really enjoyed their wines and the beautiful views.

After our wine tasting, we drove over to downtown Elkin where we enjoyed walking along the historic streets, which are full of shops, restaurants and small business. You can also see the restored historic Reeves movie theater, which has its original paint blue paint theme. Most of the shops and the Reeve's theater were closed the day we visited.

We walked over behind the theater and found The Rail Yard, a really nice outdoor beer garden. We grabbed some waters and some cold local brews and sat down below the tree canopy in the shade and enjoyed the beautiful day. Many others were doing the same.   

The Rail Yard offers food and drinks, and has several seating options from picnic tables to lawn chairs. The beer garden is really well done and makes for a great place to relax and hang out with friends.

The name comes from the fact it's next to the Yadkin Valley Railroad. Being a railroad fan, I enjoyed exploring the tracks a little and taking photos of the engine and the old girder bridge.

We hung out at The Rail Yard until it was time for our dinner at Southern on Main, which was absolutely fantastic and highly recommended.

Today, the town embraces that heritage, with lots of themed attractions, stores and restaurants. This is particularly true of the historic downtown area of Mount Airy. In fact, Mount Airy often refers to itself as the "real life Mayberry".

During our visit to the real-life Mayberry, we really enjoyed exploring downtown Mount Airy. We visited many of the stores, shops, even restaurants.  

We found many things to do in downtown Mount Airy. Our guide covers many of the fun things we experienced exploring downtown Mount Airy NC during our visit in the summer of 2024.

Enjoy fresh baked goods at Miss Angel's Heavenly Pies

We don't like to be partial, but being truthful, Miss Angel's Heavenly Pies was our favorite place in Mount Airy.

Not only is Miss Angel a wonderful person who is as passionate about her community as she is about her pies, she also runs a farm with her husband AND makes some incredible moonshine ice cream!

We had never heard of moonshine ice cream, and this was our first trying it. It's delicious!

Miss Angel's Heavenly Pies is easy to find and trust us, you'll smell the fresh pies before you see the shop.

As you enter, you'll notice two things: lots of pink and lots of pies. The shop brims with displays full of pies, sonker, fried pies, rolls, cinnamon buns, and many other flavors of mouth-watering baked goodness.

We spend some time talking to Miss Angel and fell in love with her and her pies. Miss Angel bakes all the pies fresh daily, with no preservatives. Anything left over the next day goes on a discount table in the shop. If it doesn't sell there, it's donated to local charities to help feed those less fortunate.

One reason the pies and baked goods are so delicious is that many of the fruits used in the pies are fresh from Miss Angel's Farm and Orchard, where she and her husband grow apples, peaches, berries, pumpkins and more.

Next door, you'll find Hillbilly Creamery, which sells ice cream, moonshine ice cream, gluten-free baked products and other treats.

Opie's Candy Store

A trip to Mayberry (um, Mount Airy) wouldn't be complete without a stop at Opie's Candy Store.

Opie's Candy Store is an old-fashioned candy store with tons of candy options straight from the barrel. You'll also find ice cream, fudge, snacks, shakes, bottled soda and more! You can even get an Opie's snack pack, which is an RC Cola and Moon pie (picture below).

Most of the candy is sold by weight, so you can mix and match to your heart's desire.

We really enjoyed browsing the different candies and even picked up some red hots (Jenn) and orange slices (Larry). The Opie's snack pack was tempting, though. It's hard to resist a real southern RC and moon pie.

We found the two young ladies working the front of the store to be fun and pleasant as well, adding to the enjoyment of the store. You'll even find episodes of the Andy Griffith Show running on the TV in the back.

Like much of downtown Mount Airy, a visit to Opie's Candy Store will take you back in time and revise some of those childhood memories from old candy and general stores gone by.

Grab Lunch at Snappy Lunch

If you're an Andy Griffith Show fan, you'll probably remember Sheriff Andy Taylor mentioning going to Snappy Lunch in a few episodes. Turns out, Snappy Lunch is an actual restaurant and the oldest operating business in Mount Airy. Andy Griffith actually ate there as a young boy, often stopping by to grab a hot dog.

They are open for breakfast and lunch, and well known for their "World famous pork chop sandwich". They also have breaded burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, and other classic lunch meals.  

They've been serving great food in Mount Airy for nearly 100 years. Snappy Lunch is a Mount Airy icon and a must visit place to eat when visiting.

Be prepared. The lines to get in are often long and extend out onto main street and up the sidewalk.

Visit Floyd's Barbershop

Another real Mount Airy business with ties to the Andy Griffith Show is Floyd's Barbership. Opened by Russel Haitt in the late 1940s, Haitt was the inspiration for Floyd the Barber in the show. In 1989, they renamed the shop to Floyd's Barbershop as downtown Mount Airy themed itself for the Andy Griffith Show.

The barbershop is also famous for its "Wall of fame" where you'll find over 35,000 photos of people who have visited, thumb tacked carefully on the wall. You'll find Lou Ferrigno of the Incredible Hulk, Oprah Winfrey and many others if you look close.

Floyd's is located right next to Snappy Lunch, and is visible from inside Snappy Lunch as well. Floyd's is a real old-fashioned city barbershop offering haircuts and shaves even today. The shop welcomes visitors and photos and if you need a haircut, even better!

Enjoy great food and a wine at Old North State Winery

Located in a historic hardware store building on the north side of Main Street in Mount Airy is Old North State Winery. Ben Webb founded old North State Winery in 2002. A native of Mount Airy, Ben wanted to not only make great North Carolina wine, but wanted to help the Mount Airy economy as well.

Ben located his winery in downtown Mount Airy to help the economy and give locals and visitors a nice place to hang out in town and enjoy wine.

Today, Old North State Winery is a leading Mount Airy and Yadkin Valley tourism destination. The main building is used to serve guests and produce their different red and white wines.

The historic building is beautiful, and the wine is excellent. In fact, if you're from North Carolina, you may recognize the vineyard's brand, Fish Hippie.

During our visit, we enjoyed sitting down at the main bar area for a Charcuterie plate and a wine tasting. Our server told us about the various wines and helped us make selections on what to taste based on our personal preferences. 

The charcuterie board was excellent, and we enjoyed all the different wines as well. While enjoying our food and wine, we learned that the large table to our left was the Chef's table where you can make reservations to enjoy a 5 course dining experience using local and seasonal ingredients.  

We heard from locals that the Chef's Table food was delicious, so we've added a Chef's Table dining experience to our future bucket list.

Overall, Old North State Winery offers a mix of excellent wines, great food, and historical ambiance, making it a must-visit destination when in downtown Mount Airy NC.

Visit the Andy Griffith Mural

Whether or not you're an Andy Griffith fan, you'll want to visit and see the large downtown mural of Andy Griffith. Located on the wall of Surrey Bank and Trust on Moore Avenue, this beautiful mural features Andy in his early days, to his role on the Andy Griffith show, and later as Matlock.

But the various faces throughout Andy's career aren't the only feature on this mural by artist Brian Lewis of Greensboro (known as "JEKS"). Superimposed over the face images is Pilot Mountain, another icon of Surrey County. 

The mural is one of 20 different murals in downtown Mount Airy, where they are passionate about arts and telling the story of the history of Mount Airy and Surrey County.

Be sure to put seeing this amazing mural and work of art on your short list! If you take a Mayberry squad car tour, they'll take you to see it!

Visit the locally owned shops

We really enjoyed visiting many of the downtown shops during the day, including:

Bear Creek Candy Kitchen - One our favorite general gift shops, and the perfect place to find Mayberry and Mount Airy souvenirs. You can't miss the shop as there is a Mayberry squad car parked right out front.

Mayberry Trading Post - This home goods and accent shop is full of seasonal and fun items to decorate your home, including decorative flags, silk flower arrangements and even a Christmas Dept.! 

Main Street Market - Wonderful antique shop full of vintage furniture, unusual and unique antiques and even old farm tools. You'll also find crafts and art from local Surrey County artists.

Unusual antiques, vintage furniture and old tobacco & farm tools, along with crafts of local artists

Mayberry Market & Souvenirs - Looking for Mayberry items and souvenirs? This is the place. Shirts, hoodies, license plates, mugs, crafts, local art, and much more.  

Fancy Gap Outfitters - Being avid outdoor people, this outfitter shop contained lots of outdoor and hiking gear, including shirts, pants, shorts, hiking boots, water shoes and more. They have all the popular and recommended brand names as well. Not into hiking or the outdoors, you'll find some great casual and comfortable clothing items as well.

Mark & Meow Pet Spa - Pet store, spa, bakery, and dog and cat hotel. They sell pet merchandise, have lots of baked dog and cat products, grooming facilities, and even provide overnight boarding.

Keswick Candle Company - Keswick Candle is one of the most beautiful stores we've ever seen, and as photographers, we had a hard time leaving. The shop makes their own candles, soaps, lotions, and more. They all smelled wonderful, and we brought some soaps and lotions home with us.  

Mount Airy Tractor Company - We enjoyed browsing this collectibles toy store full of die-cast tractors, trucks, cars and more. The store brought make memories for us of our boys when they were young. Super nice and friendly owners as well.

There are many more stores as well. We just didn't have enough time to visit them all. We surprised at how vibrant and busy Downtown Mount Airy was, and how many shops there were. You could literally spend all day long browsing and exploring the various shops.

Watch a movie at the historic Earle Theater

Built in 1938, the Earle was the only Mount Airy theater and cinema for many years. The theater also became one of the premiere locations for Gone with the Wind. Over the years, the theater received many updates and upgrades, and is still operational today.

While the Earle shows movies, it's also used for live music as well as part of the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall.

Andy Griffith attended the theater as a young boy, and later his movies premiered and were shown here as well. In the Andy Griffith Show, Sheriff Andy Taylor often mentions seeing movies in Mount Airy. The Earle is the theater he is referring to.

When visiting the theater, you can see movies, live music performances, and take tours of the old historic theater.

See the Donna Fargo Mural

While you may not recognize her name, but we're confident you'll recognize her biggest hit, "The happiest girl in the whole USA".  

Donna Fargo (real name Yvonne Vaughn) was born and raised in Mount Airy, NC. She attended college and became an English teacher in California. While there, she pursued a musical career.  

Her career peaked with the release of "The happiest girl in the whole USA", which she wrote and composed. The song made it to the #1 position on country music charts in 1972. She also received the Best Female Country Vocal Performance award from the Grammy Awards, and was also named Top Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music Awards.

While she released more albums and country hits, she never again broke the top 40. She had her own TV show in 1978 and was the first female country singer to do so.

Mount Airy is proud of Donna's success, and you'll find a beautiful color mural of her in downtown Mount Airy. The mural was painted by artist JEKS (Brian Lewis), the same artist that did the Andy Griffith mural.

Below you'll find our personal picks for the very best wineries in Hendersonville, NC. We not only visited these Hendersonville wineries, but we also went behind the scenes, meeting with the owners, learning about their history, their purpose, and their passions for making superb wines. We also did wine tastings and tasted their food offerings when available.

One of the best parts? All of the vineyards featured here are dog friendly. Whether you're stopping in for a tasting or spending the afternoon enjoying live music and mountain views, your pup is welcome to join you. Most offer shaded outdoor seating, water bowls, treats, and plenty of space for your furry friend to relax while you sip.

The vineyards aren't listed in any order of preference, as they all were wonderful and have their own individual set of perks, flavors, foods, and style. We do offer "our take" at the end of each vineyard feature to give you our own opinion and perspective about the vineyard and theirs wines.

At A Glance

Burntshirt Vineyards

Burntshirt Vineyards stands out as one of Hendersonville's premier vineyards, offering visitors a perfect blend of exceptional wines, gourmet dining, and captivating event spaces.

Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this vineyard, owned by the Oates family, bears the name of Burntshirt Mountain. The surrounding mountain's terroir creates the distinct flavors found in their wines.

Location

Burntshirt Vineyards is located at 2695 Sugarloaf Road in Hendersonville, NC. It’s about 5.4 miles from downtown Hendersonville, which takes roughly 12 minutes by car. From Asheville, it’s approximately 26 miles away, or about a 35 to 40-minute drive.

Burnshirt also has a location in Chimney Rock, but it is closed for the 2025 season due to damage from Hurricane Helene.

The Vintner's Table in Hendersonville

Burntshirt Vineyards isn't just about wine; it’s also home to The Vintner's Table, an excellent restaurant that compliments the winery experience. With a menu that celebrates farm-to-table cuisine, The Vintner's Table offers a range of tasty dishes that pair perfectly with Burntshirt’s different wines.

Guests can enjoy seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in a variety of gourmet offerings, from elegant appetizers to hearty main courses, all crafted to complement the vineyard’s signature wines.

During our visit to the Vintner's Table, we enjoyed a large charcuterie board for lunch before our wine tasting. It was wonderful and one of the best and largest Charcuterie boards we've had, especially with that delicious pimento cheese!

While enjoying our board, we also did a wine flight of reds and whites, all excellent and paired very well the items on our Charcuterie board.

Wine tasting

After relaxing on the beautiful outdoor patio and having lunch, we headed over to the wine tasting building for our scheduled wine tasting.

Wine tastings at Burntshirt Vineyards are an immersive experience designed for both those with less experienced and for experienced wine connoisseurs. The winery offers a variety of tasting options, allowing visitors to sample from an array of more than 25 different award-winning wines.

Our wine tasting was with Ben, the tasting room manager. Ben really knows his wine. We tasted a number of Burntshirt's different wines, including a few award winners. The tasting menu has all of their different wines to choose from, including a number of whites, reds, a rose, apple wine, and a peach wine.

We really enjoyed all of them, but the Harvest Moon Chardonnay and the Bat Cave Red were our favorites.

After our wine tasting, we walked around the vineyard and toured the building where they make the wines and store them.

Our Take

Burntshirt delivers a more high-end vineyard experience, yet somehow manages to feel casual and relaxed as well. They have a large selection of wines, a full-service restaurant, a large tasting room, and a retail store full of wine merchandise.

Whether you’re stopping by for a casual wine tasting or indulging in a gourmet meal at The Vintner's Table, Burntshirt Vineyards offers an exceptional and elegant experience that captures the essence of Hendersonville’s wine country. We have really enjoyed our visits.

Johnson Legacy Vineyard - New!

During a recent visit to Hendersonville on Friday, August 1st, we stopped by Johnson’s Legacy Vineyard, one of the newest wineries in the area. Open for just a few months, this small, family-run vineyard offers a casual, more affordable wine experience compared to some of the larger and more established vineyards nearby.

Location

Johnson’s Legacy Vineyard is located at 33 Fred Orr Drive in Hendersonville, NC, just a short drive from many of the other wineries in the area. 

The property is small and easy to access, with plenty of parking and a quiet setting away from the busier roads.

Wine Tasting

They currently serve five wines—two reds and three whites. During our visit, we tasted all of them. The lineup includes a Cabernet Franc and a red blend called Samiam, along with three whites: Vidal Blanc, Traminette, and Bluebird. While there’s no formal tasting flight, the staff was more than happy to let us sample each one before we made our choice.

We ended up going with the Bluebird White and the Cabernet Franc, enjoying a glass of each outside on their patio.

The tasting room is clean, new, and thoughtfully designed, with both indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. 

Food Offerings

They also offer light snacks and charcuterie to pair with your wine. During our visit, we didn’t try the food since we had eaten earlier, but the menu looked like a nice complement to a glass on the patio. It’s a thoughtful addition that fits well with the relaxed, casual vibe of the vineyard.

Our Take

 The Cabernet Franc pleasantly surprised me (Larry)—it’s not usually my go-to, but I enjoyed it here. 

The Bluebird wasn’t Jenn's favorite among the white wines available across the Hendersonville vineyards. Wine preferences are always personal, and we encourage visitors to try them for themselves and see what they like best.

What stood out most to us was how genuinely friendly and helpful the staff were. Johnson’s Legacy offers a more down-to-earth and affordable stop along the Hendersonville wine trail, perfect for visitors looking for a quieter, affordable, and more casual experience.

Marked Tree Vineyard

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Hendersonville, NC wine country, Marked Tree Vineyard is a lovely vineyard for both wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The entry up to the tasting room is long and provides some really nice views of the vineyards and property. The tasting room is at the top, next to one of the biggest oak trees we have ever seen here in the mountains. One of the staff members told us that the tree is estimated to be 200-300 years old.  

As you walk from the parking area to the tasting room, you'll walk under this enormous tree which makes for a grand entrance to the main vineyard building. For those with accessibility needs, there is accessible parking directly behind the building.

Location

Marked Tree Vineyard is at 623 Deep Gap Road in Flat Rock, just outside of Hendersonville. It’s only about 4 miles from downtown Hendersonville, which is a quick 9-minute drive. From Asheville, the trip is around 24 miles and takes about 30 minutes.

Wine Tasting - A guided experience

The tasting room is located at the highest point on the property, and offers incredible long distance views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains, including Mount Pisgah near Asheville.

The tasting room has both indoor and outdoor seating, with lots of different seating options available, including multiple patios. We sat on the small covered patio outside and enjoyed the views of the vineyard and Mount Pisgah in the distance.

Marked Tree provides full table service, and a guided wine tasting, where a staff member will bring each wine to you, explain about the different wines, and pour it for you. They have a seasonal tasting and a red tasting.

We elected to go with the seasonal tasting, which included 2 whites, a rose, and 2 reds. Marked Trees wine portfolio includes whites, reds, and rosés. Our personal favorite of the 5 we tried was the Chardonel. Very smooth, flavorful, and just the right amount of oak.

Food Offerings

To complement their exceptional wines, Marked Tree Vineyard offers a thoughtfully curated selection of small plates and artisanal cheeses. We really wanted to try the Pimento cheese plate, but they only had the spicy variety, so we passed. They even have caviar.

Our Take

Our overall experience at Marked Tree was good, and it's a very nice vineyard on some beautiful property. The staff was friendly and helpful as well. We did find the prices for the tastings and food to be higher than other area vineyards.

While the wines were good and popular with many, they weren't our favorites from the Hendersonville area vineyards. Now, with that said, we recognize wines appeal to some and not others, so we definitely recommend you give Marked Tree Vineyard a try. That's part of the fun and adventure of wine tastings!

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a cornerstone of Hendersonville's vibrant wine scene, offering visitors a blend of traditional winemaking techniques and innovative practices. Located on land that has been in the same family for centuries, this vineyard combines a rich heritage with a commitment to producing high-quality wines.

Saint Paul is the original Hendersonville vineyard. This pioneering vineyard paved the way for the region's thriving wine industry and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

The vineyard provides stunning mountain views looking over the vines and delivers an enjoyable experience for wine lovers.

Location

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards can be found at 588 Chestnut Gap Road in Hendersonville. It sits just 5.4 miles from downtown Hendersonville, making it an easy 11-minute drive. If you're coming from Asheville, expect a drive of about 26 miles, or 35 minutes.

Wine Tasting

The Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards tasting room is vineyard guests can explore the different wines produced on the estate. The tasting room provides both indoor and outdoor seating, with outdoor seating overlooking the vines and distant mountains.

We visited during a visit to Hendersonville in 2024 and sat outside overlooking the vineyard and enjoyed a "tubular" wine tasting. No, we're not speaking 80s. The winery literally brings the wine for your tasting to you in tubes, which was fun and different.

We enjoyed the Staff Favorite Picks, which was a mix of crisp whites, full-bodied reds, or a few in between. They also offer a Dry Tasting, featuring their dry wines, or you can make up your own selection.

You'll also find live music as well. The duet that was performing while we were there was amazing and very talented.

Food

Complementing the wine experience, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards hosts food trucks so you can pair some snacks or entrees with your wine.

Our Take

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a very casual and laid back winery. The wine is wonderful and the outdoor seating area overlooking the vines is really nice and the nice live music made it even better.

Open year-round, the vineyard invites guests to explore its beautiful grounds, enjoy great food, and create lasting memories.

Souther Williams Vineyard

Tucked away in the tranquil mountains surrounding Hendersonville, NC, Souther Williams Vineyard offers a charming and intimate wine experience that truly captures the essence of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This family-owned vineyard is dedicated to producing exceptional wines from estate-grown grapes, combining modern winemaking techniques with a deep respect for the land and its history in the family.

Suther Williams is located in a valley, and instead of looking down on the mountains like many of the vineyards mentioned here, you'll look up at them instead. The vineyard still offers up exceptional views. They're just different.

Souther Williams Vineyard has about 9 acres of vines, with different varieties of reds and whites. They also have some old structures from the original farm AND you can visit Amara, the lady of the vines - a wood carving by Maggie Valley's own Mike Ayers (aka Mountain Mike). 

Location

Located at 655 Hoopers Creek Road in Fletcher, NC, Souther Williams Vineyard sits just about 20 minutes from both downtown Hendersonville and Asheville, offering easy access from either city

Wine Tasting

The tasting room, bar, and sitting area are all combined at Souther Williams Vineyard. You can sample a variety of handcrafted wines, open a bottle to enjoy, or just grab a glass of one of their many white and red wines. The tasting area is a large covered outdoor area, offering beautiful views of the surrounding vineyard and views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  

For our wine tasting, we sat down with the owner of Souther Williams, Ken Parker. Ken shared with us the history of the land and vineyard, and how it is important to him to let the grapes determine the taste of the wine. Ken explained many vineyards go for consistency or a certain flavor. 

We really enjoyed sitting in the covered, open and relaxing outdoor space while enjoying our wine tasting and view of the vineyard and vines as they flow along the surrounding hills.

We enjoyed meeting the staff, Ken, and his granddaughter. We even had the opportunity to taste her very first production wine, which was excellent. Her grandfather's smile was a clear display of his pride.

From aromatic whites to robust reds, the wines of Souther Williams Vineyard reflect the unique terroir of the region and the passion of Ken and the vineyards winemakers. Souther Williams embraces each year's unique grape flavors and delivers wines that are unique and memorable for that year.

Food Offerings

Besides wine and wine tastings, Souther Williams vineyard serves food as well, including Charcuterie boards and light snacks including crackers, popcorn, pimento cheese, hummus, sausage, and some sweets. Our favorite there is the charcuterie board with cured meats.

They often have events and live music on the weekends with food trucks as well. You can learn more about these events on their website.

Our Take

A visit to Souther Williams Vineyard delivers a relaxing, memorable and casual experience with fine wines, delicious food, stunning scenery, and friendly, attentive staff.

The vineyard welcomes guests to explore its beautiful grounds, and enjoy fantastic NC wine. Souther Williams Vineyard offers a warm and inviting escape into the heart of Hendersonville’s magnificent wine country.

Stone Ashe Vineyards

Just a short drive from downtown Hendersonville NC, Stone Ashe Vineyards is a mountain top vineyards that offers outstanding wine and incredible views.  

As we drove up the steep drive to the main vineyard building, we were in awe of the location and the nearly 360 degree views of both the grapevines and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

We were greeted by rows of meticulously cultivated vines cloned from Bordeaux, a testament to the vineyard's commitment to delivering an authentic taste of this world-renowned wine region.

The gorgeous state-of-the-art tasting room definitely catches your eye and is perched on a top of a mountain at an elevation of 2,700 feet.

The heart and soul of Stone Ashe Vineyards, however, lie in its wonderful selection of natural estate-grown wines.  The focus is on flavor and whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual wine enthusiast, the vineyard's knowledgeable staff will guide you through their diverse range of wines they offer.

Location

Stone Ashe Vineyards is located at 736 Green Mountain Road in Hendersonville. It’s around 10 miles from downtown Hendersonville, or roughly a 15-minute drive. From Asheville, it’s about 27 miles and takes approximately 35 minutes to get there.

Wine Tasting

The tasting room building offers both indoor and outdoor seating, both having excellent views of the distant mountains. We sat inside with Heath Little, son of the owners Craig and Tina Little.  

The passion Heath has for creating excellent wines that trace their lineage back to France was clearly evident. We did tastings of both their white and red wines and they were incredible. Our favorite was their Rose, which frankly, is one of the best we've ever had anywhere.

Heath spent a great deal of time with us explaining the history of their wines, and how each one was developed and why. After our wine tasting, we were able to explore the winery grounds and see the mountainside vineyard up close.

Food Offerings

Stone Ashe offers charcuterie boards, cheese boards, pimento cheese, hummus, and craft chocolates from Marble & Steel. All menu items are locally sourced. The vineyard does not allow outside food. 

Our Take

If you enjoy excellent wine and are looking for the perfect getaway that combines the allure of fine wines with the charm of mountain living, Stone Ashe Vineyards is the perfect spot.

Point Lookout Vineyards

Perched atop a mountain with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Point Lookout Vineyards offers an exceptional wine experience in Hendersonville, NC. This family-owned vineyard is known for its stunning vistas, premium wines, and excellent service.

Whether you're enjoying a leisurely afternoon tasting or celebrating a special event, Point Lookout Vineyards promises a memorable visit that captures the beauty and bounty of the region.

Location

Point Lookout Vineyards is located at 408 Appleola Road, roughly 11 miles from downtown Hendersonville. The drive takes around 20 minutes. From Asheville, it’s about 30 miles and typically takes 40 to 45 minutes to reach.

Wine Tasting

The tasting room at Point Lookout Vineyards takes full advantage of its breathtaking location. With panoramic views and a rustic yet elegant atmosphere, the tasting room invites guests to relax their large and diverse selection of wines.

Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide visitors through their tasting experience, offering insights into the vineyard’s winemaking approach and the distinct characteristics of each wine.

The Tasting room is open and covered, and there isn't a bad seat in the house, because of the extensive and wide views. You can also sit in one of the many outdoor seating areas as well, where the views are best. 

For the tasting, you select 5 different wines, and a mead. 

Point Lookout offers an extensive selection of different wines, from crisp, refreshing whites to bold, complex reds. The wines of Point Lookout Vineyards reflect the exceptional quality and terroir of the region.

One of our favorite Point Lookout wines reflects on their history in the coffee business, with a coffee and chocolate-flavored Javine red wine, that is exceptional.

They also offer several meads as well, and a mead is included in your tasting.

We enjoyed our tasting with owner Michael Jackson, who talked to us about the different ones, how they are crafted and made, and shared the history of the 30+ acres of vines and how it became a family vineyard. Michael even gave us a full guided tour of the vineyard and large amount of land it includes.

The vineyard is more than just a place to enjoy great wine, as Michael told us, "We make wine, but that is not the main purpose. We wanted to create a place where people can come and hang out, take photos, drink, and spend time together. A place where people can share life together"

We really enjoyed all the wines in our tasting, so much so, that we brought a few bottles of our favorites home with us.

Food Offerings

Wine and food always pair together wonderfully, and Point Lookout offers small plates, charcuterie boards, pizza, and a chicken salad sandwich. We enjoyed our wine while sitting on one of the outdoor seats with the baked brie wheel topped with an apricot preserve.   

Visitors can also bring their own food as well.

Our Take

Point Lookout Vineyards offers excellent and large selection of wines, food, and some of the most beautiful view in Hendersonville NC. It offers nearly the perfect retreat and a one of a kind wine experience in the Hendersonville area. It's one of our personal favorite vineyards, because of the wine and excellent views. We've also found the staff to be super friendly and helpful as well.

Give Point Lookout Vineyards a try, you won't regret it. Oh, and don't forget to bring your camera!

Sawyer Springs Vineyard & Winery

We recently had the chance to visit Sawyer Springs Vineyard & Winery, just a short drive from downtown Hendersonville.

This small, family-run vineyard is veteran-owned and has been in the same family for six generations. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great stop for anyone looking to enjoy local wine in a laid-back setting.

Location

Sawyer Springs Vineyard is located at 124 Sandy Hill Lane, just south of downtown Hendersonville and about 4 miles away. From Asheville, the drive is approximately 25 miles, which typically takes 35 minutes.

Wine tasting

During our visit, we did a full wine tasting—Jenn sampled the whites, and I tried the reds. Jenn's favorite was the Belvedere, Savignon Blanc. It delivered a nice smooth finish with flavors of green apple and lime. Mine (Larry), was the 828 Reserve with flavors of dark chocolate, raspberry, and was semi-dry.

We genuinely enjoyed all of them. The wines at Sawyer Springs are on the sweeter side, especially compared to other vineyards in the area, which made for a delightful contrast. Their reds were smooth and easy to drink, and Jenn found the whites crisp, fruity, and refreshing. 

They have a traditional tasting which comes with their picks of wine, or you can select 4 wines of your choice.

Food Offerings

While Sawyer Springs doesn’t serve full meals, they do offer a gourmet snack board that pairs nicely with their wines. Guests can also enjoy a jam tasting, which adds a fun and flavorful touch to the experience. Sodas and bottled water are available as well.

During special events, they often bring in local food trucks, offering a variety of meal options depending on the occasion. If you're planning to visit during one of these events, it’s worth checking their schedule in advance.

Our Take

Sawyer Springs offers a relaxed and welcoming experience that stands out for its sweeter wines and casual vibe. While it has a different feel compared to some of the larger or more polished vineyards in the area, that’s also part of its charm.

The wines are approachable; the setting is unpretentious, and the personal, family-run atmosphere adds a warm touch. If you're looking for something a little different in the Hendersonville wine scene, Sawyer Springs Vineyard & Winery, makes for a pleasant and enjoyable stop. We'll definitely be back!

Our Favorite Things to do in Blowing Rock NC

We're mountain locals and live in Waynesville, NC. Blowing Rock NC is about 2 hours from our home, making for an easy and beautiful drive. We visit Blowing Rock often and really love its quaint, small town atmosphere.

Blowing Rock is full of fun things to do, including shopping, attractions, scenic drives, and outdoor activities. Here are just a few things we think you should do when you visit!

The Blowing Rock

No trip to Blowing Rock is complete without seeing the natural attraction for which the town is named, The Blowing Rock. Yes, there is an actual blowing rock, that you can visit, sit on, and enjoy the incredible views.

The Blowing Rock is known as one of North Carolina's oldest attractions. The Blowing Rock sits at a breathtaking 4,000' in elevation and sits over Johns River Gorge. Sitting on The Blowing Rock, you'll notice that the air flows upward, under and over the rock.   

The views are incredible, and long range. From the rock, you can see Table Rock, Hawksbill Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Mt. Mitchell on a clear day.

Tweetsie Railroad

The most popular attraction in Blowing Rock is the historic Tweetsie Railroad, which opened in 1957.  Tweetsie offers family-friendly Wild West Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

We're railroad fans (ok, Larry primarily), and we absolutely love visiting Tweetsie Railroad and riding the trains through the mountains. That steam whistle echo through the mountains is a sound you will never forget!

The park features live shows, shops, amusement rides, The Deer Park Zoo, and the highlight of the park, the 3-mile ride along a historic rail line, and historic stream engines, #12 and #190.  

Both are historic coal-fired, narrow gauge steam-engines, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia PA in the early 1900s. You definitely do not want to miss this Wild West Railroad adventure, for the whole family!

Mystery Hill, Blowing NC

Mystery Hill is difficult to describe, as it's one of the more unique attractions in Blowing Rock NC. Mystery Hill offers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities including: 

• Natural Gravitational Anomaly where you can watch a ball and waterfall go uphill.
• Hall of Mystery where you'll have fun with weird science in a hands-on science attraction
• At Tomahawk Hill, you can try your hand at knife or axe throwing
• Find treasure at Prospector Hill Gem Mining

These are just a few of the many things you can do at Mystery Hill, which is located right off of Highway 321 between Boone NC and Blowing Rock NC.

Relax and rejuvinate at the Spa at Chetola

The Spa at Chetola offers an extensive selection of treatments for ultimate pampering and rejuvenation.

From luxurious massages and facials to body treatments and wellness services, this amazing spa has it all. We experienced the spa during a recent stay at Chetola, and thoroughly enjoyed it.   

Your experience begins in the relaxing common room with a fireplace, relaxing music and chairs, and complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit-flavored water.

We enjoyed our luxury massages on heated tables by professional, friendly, and experienced therapists. The spa is a great way to treat yourself to a few hours of pampering, and indulge in little self-care while visiting Blowing Rock.

Grab a Local Brew and some great food at Blowing Rock Ale House and Inn

Grab a Local Brew and some great food at Blowing Rock Ale House & Inn

Located in downtown Blowing Rock, NC, Blowing Rock Ale House & Inn offers great beer and food with a delightful blend of rustic charm and mountain comfort. The Ale House is in a historic building that offers indoor and outdoor seating, surrounded by beautiful landscaping and the hustle and bustle of the town.

We really enjoyed the casual, warm and comfortable feel of the indoor dining area. The food and beer were fantastic, and the staff were friendly, attentive and very helpful. We felt right at home.

The menu at Blowing Rock Ale House featuring a mix of classic pub fare and innovative dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients. We enjoyed the Ale House Chips, Carolina Bison Burger, and Shrimp Tacos.

What truly sets this place apart is its impressive selection of craft beers, all brewed on-site. We tried a few different craft beers, but our favorite was the Scotch Ale. One of the best we've had anywhere.

Enjoy a wonderful dinner at the Speckled Trout Restaurant

During our visits to Blowing Rock over the years, the one restaurant we always seem to come back to is the Speckled Trout. Seems we're not alone in this, given how busy it always seems to be.

The Speckled Trout is in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, and offers a memorable dining experience that beautifully combines southern charm, mountain flavor and casual elegance. 

The menu at The Speckled Trout features Appalachian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The menu is seasonal as well.

Signature dishes we've enjoyed include the Mountain Trout, served with seasonal vegetables, and the Duck Confit paired with Gouda grits. The Speckled Trout also offers an impressive selection of regional wines and craft beers, and cocktails to perfectly complementing the rich flavors of their dishes.

Besides its outstanding food and beverages, The Speckled Trout features a charming outdoor patio, where you can have a drink and enjoy live music during the warmer months.

We highly recommend the Speckled Trout, and it needs to be on your short list of place to eat when visiting Blowing Rock.

Treat yourself to a Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich at Blue Deer Cookies

After a wonderful dinner at Blowing Rock Ale House & Inn, Jenn and I were in the mood for some ice cream. A quick search yielded a few options, but the one that caught my attention was blue deer. Not only do they have ice cream, fresh made cookies, but they combine them ...

They create an ice cream sandwich using your cookie and ice cream selection that is well, to die for. I tried the sugar cookie with coffee ice cream, and Jenn tried the chocolate cookie with vanilla ice cream. Fantastic, and they really hit the spot.

Craving a sweet treat, and looking for something local and a little different, make sure their ice cream cookie sandwiches are on your agenda!

Other Things to do in Blowing Rock NC

Blowing Rock many other things to do as well, including these great options: 

Where is Blowing Rock NC?

Blowing Rock NC is located just south of Boone NC, in southern Watauga County in North West North Carolina.  Blowing Rock is about 90 miles northwest of Charlotte NC, and about 200 miles west of Raleigh North Carolina.

Blowing Rock is at an elevation 3,500 feet, and well in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. 

Where to stay in Blowing Rock NC?

The town provides several really nice accommodation options, when you're looking for a place to stay for weekend excursion or extended vacation. Options include luxury to accommodations to more family-friendly and budget oriented places to stay. You'll find something that meets your needs, and that is safe and clean.

 Options for where to stay in Blowing Rock NC include:

• Hotels
• Cabin Rentals
• Camping

Hotels we've enjoyed in Blowing Rock NC

The most popular accommodation option when visiting Blowing Rock NC are hotels. Hotels provide many nice amenities, prices that meet everyone's budget, and are often located very close to town.

During our visits to Blowing Rock, we have always stayed in area hotels and would highly recommend all the ones below, based on our personal experience. If we had to pick just one, though, Chetola Resort is our favorite. 

Where is Helen GA?

Helen's location in the Georgia mountains makes it ideal for a quick trip or a longer excursion.

At roughly an hour and a half north of Atlanta, Helen is easily accessible for city dwellers seeking a gorgeous and unique mountain escape. For those traveling from further distances, many regional airports are within driving distance, with many flying into Atlanta.  

From North Carolina, and specifically the Asheville area, Helen GA is about 2.5 hours away along a beautiful and scenic mountain drive.   

Where to stay when visiting Helen GA

Helen offers several different lodging options for those desiring to stay overnight or even for a few days.  Whether you're visiting for a cozy, romantic getaway, a budget family trip, or to experience some Bavarian luxury, Helen Georgia has multiple options for you to choose from.

Downtown Charm: Immerse yourself in all the action by choosing a hotel or inn located directly in Helen. Many options even have balconies overlooking the busy streets.

Alpine Ambiance: For a more secluded and nature-focused experience, consider a cabin rental. Located in the mountains surrounding Helen, rental cabins offer peace, quiet, and often beautiful views. Luxury accommodations like fire pits and hot tubs add to the experience and relaxation.

Riverfront Retreat: Several hotels and resorts line the banks of the Chattahoochee River, providing waterside settings with the added benefit of easy access to water activities like kayaking or fishing.

Luxury Lodges: For those seeking a more upscale experience, Helen has a few luxury lodges and resorts where you can expect spacious accommodations and high-end amenities.

Our Picks for fun things to do when visiting Helen GA

We've visited Helen GA several times over the past few years, and have always had a great time when visiting. We love the shops, attractions, vibe of the town, and restaurants. Be sure to see our Helen GA Travel Guide for more information.

But if you're focused on fun things to do, here are top picks!

Our Helen GA Video

During one of our many visits to Helen GA, we not only took tons of photos like always, but some video of our Helen GA adventure as well. You can come along with us on our visit in our Helen and North Georgia YouTube video.  

Be sure to follow us on YouTube!

Wrapping Up

Helen GA is this charming town in the north Georgia mountains. You can have all kinds of outdoor fun and it's got a cool Bavarian vibe. Helen has it all - waterfalls, hikes, shops, and tasty food!

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or a just a simple solo escape into nature, Helen promises unforgettable fun and a unique experience.

We highly recommend a visit to Helen, GA–a place where Bavarian fun and relaxation await!

Orchard at Altapass History

The Orchard at Altapass, despite being located at Mile Post 328 on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of North Carolina, actually has a history that started well before the parkway (which began on September 11, 1935) came along. 

The orchard, as it is now, is only a small fraction of its original size and scope of operations. Originally, it was started in 1908 by the Clinchfield Railroad due to its location.

The orchard is located along the lowest point of the Eastern Continental Divide, which is the dividing line of where rain water eventually ends up; in the Atlantic Ocean on the Eastern side, or the Mississippi River on the Western side.

Due to this, the orchard is nestled in the valley and protected on all sides by mountains which act as a buffer and insulators to hold in warmer air and protect against freezing during the cooler springtime nights.

Originally, the orchard held over 30,000 apple trees planted across a massive 600 acres. However, it now only has about 3,000 apple trees across 70 acres. 

One cause of the decrease came just eight short years after its beginning. In July 1916, two hurricanes (a category 2 and a category 3) came together over Western North Carolina and led to over 10 straight days of rain that would devastate several mountain areas and leave marks behind that can still be seen to this day.

The converging of storms and their seemingly never-ending rainfall would later become known as the Great Flood of 1916 which broke records all over the Southeast US. One such record was for the highest amount of rainfall in an area within the continental US in a 24-hour period; which the area of Altapass claimed with a staggering 22.22 inches.

Because of this massive down pouring of rainwater, every part of Western North Carolina became inundated and triggered several deadly landslides and dam failures in the region [1].

However, despite the damage caused by this historic event, the orchard persisted and the act of replanting began. To this day, there are still several trees that are believed to be from that original replanting. That would make some of them 108 years old this year! 

What is an orchard, and why is this one special?

Orchards are often large areas of land that are used to grow and raise one particular type of fruit bearing tree. In this case, it’s all apples!

The production of apples is one of North Carolinas top crops and is consistently in the top 10 list of apple producers in the US. Because of the climate, soil, and pollinators (more on a few of them below) that call NC home, there are around 200 apple orchards or commercial apple growers located here [2]!

Despite all these orchards though, there are several things that make the one in Altapass unique. The main one being the variety of apples that are grown here; heritage heirloom apples.

Some of which can be traced back to the beginning of our nations history when Europeans first began colonizing the area. 

On average, it takes around five years before apple trees begin to produce quality apples. Once they produce, most apple trees have a lifespan of about 70 years until they slow down. However, as mentioned above, there are some here that are well past that 70-year mark and still producing! 

All apples begin their life as just a small bloom in the springtime before spending the next few weeks to several months (depending on variety) growing larger and juicier until it’s time for them to be picked. During this harvesting season, another example of how this orchard sets itself apart is that it is a “Minimum Spray” orchard.

Minimum spray means that during the harvest season, they only spray their orchard 4-5 times and only using organic compounds. This is in contrast to some commercial growing operations, which conduct over 20 sprayings.

This means you get a healthier and a more environmentally friendly product and operation.

Finally, at the end of the season and toward the end of the year, when the cold weather returns to the region, the caretakers begin pruning the trees. During pruning, they take the time to shape and trim as many trees as possible so that they grow outward and downward, almost in the shape of an opened-up umbrella. 

An umbrella shape is important, as it helps ensure that water and sunlight access each apple. It also makes the apples more accessible for picking.

Orchards also play many roles or exist for several different reasons. For example, some are for commercial growing, some are for fun events like apple picking, and some, such as the one here, play a very important role: preserving and protecting these historical heirloom varieties so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

While there are thousands of different apple varieties, the Orchard at Altapass focuses on growing the ones listed below.

The vast majority of these are original heirloom varieties that the orchard has preserved. One example of which is the Limbertwig, a very hard to find variety that is native only to the Southern Appalachian region.

Pollinators abound!

Another distinguishing difference of this orchard is their approach towards local pollinators, such as honey bees and several types of butterflies. They recognize that without them, there would be no orchard; or for that matter, no humanity either.

They have started several programs and placed additions around the orchard to ensure these pollinators have plenty of options for habitats. One example is the transparent observation beehive inside the visitor’s center. Don’t worry, it’s entirely enclosed with only a small tube that goes through the wall for the bees to come and go safely.

There are also several other beehives located around the property. However, there is just something fascinating about being able to watch the inner workings of a beehive and all the activity that goes on inside of one. Also, it’s right next to the fresh honey that’s for sale, and what’s better than watching bees make honey? Eating some while watching them make more! 

Bees alone are not the only pollinators that the orchard has worked hard to ensure the safety of; butterflies are the other main attraction and big stars at the orchard.

They have planted butterfly friendly plants such as milkweed all around the orchard and even have an established butterfly garden which is full of pollinator friendly plants, flowers, and bushes.

On top of these efforts, every year they lead a program to help protect the Monarch Butterfly, which is on the brink of being declared an endangered species again. The staff constantly search the property and when they discover monarch eggs, they remove the entire plant and place it inside for protection. Once they are then placed in the enclosure, visitors can observe and learn more about them, and if lucky, see multiple stages at the same time! I did this last year and got to observe several of them shortly after they emerged from their chrysalis’ (the butterfly equivalent of a cocoon).

I then got to see and learn something new; did you know that monarchs have furry edges along their wings? I had no idea until then! 

Ensuring their protection until they emerge as a gorgeous, golden-orange butterfly is not the end of their program though. Once a butterfly is ready to go free, the orchard tags their wing (it does not hurt or bother them) so that it can be traced on its long journey south. 

Some of their monarchs have successfully made the trip from the orchard in Altapass all the way down to Mexico, a staggering distance of over 1,000 miles!

Things to do at Orchard of Altapass

There are so many fun activities here and something for everyone (and even the pets) to enjoy no matter the age!

Walking Trails

Come and just enjoy the outdoors and walk one of the many trails that are located throughout the orchard. See some of the heritage heirloom apple varieties and many other sights along the way. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a hike down to the original form of transportation (before the Parkway), the train tracks! Trail maps and detailed information about each trail are available at the Red Barn and online. Also, it’s free!

Map of trails, buildings, and sights around the orchard. (Taken from website)

Photo opportunities

No matter where you look there are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities! There are several peek-through standing props placed around the orchard for fun and creative pictures. On top of these, there is the natural beauty that can only be found in the mountains of North Carolina and particularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Which leads me to one of my personal favorites; taking in the view of the setting sun while relaxing on the back-porch area! Be sure to bring your camera! 

Dining

The on-property restaurant, The Apple Core Grill, serves several types of sandwiches such as BBQ, Chicken Salad, Pimento Cheese, and even hotdogs. Also, in the general store, there are more options available including: fresh baked apple pies (my recommendation), Hershey’s ice cream, homemade fudge, fresh honey, and so much more!

Apple Picking

Come take a guided tour among the orchard with some of the many knowledgeable staff who will guide you to some of the freshest and tastiest apples in the orchard. Get your chance to see and pick the apples you want (and maybe enjoy one or two along the way). Be sure to bring your close-toed shoes and questions for this fun experience! (Prices range from $10, $15, to $24 depending on size of bag or basket you choose)

Prebagged Apples

Don’t have time for picking your own? Weather isn’t cooperating? Or if you just want some apples to take home with you- There are several varieties that are already picked, bagged up, and ready to go available for purchase. (Prices range from $8 for a half peck, $14 for a full peck, to $45 for a full bushel)

Live Music

Throughout the season, there are constantly unique artists and bands playing at the music and events pavilion.

Be sure to check the website and Facebook page to get the most up-to-date information. 

“Heyrides”

Similar to a normal hayride, however, this one is missing the “hay” on the wagon. During these, you are treated to a 45-minute ride that is packed with stories of local lure and history, including those about the first settler of the orchard: Charlie McKinney.

This is a great educational experience and way to learn more about the orchard, its history and mission, the apples, and the wildlife found there.

Be sure to visit the orchard website for days, times and cost.

General Store

Make this both your first and last stop of your trip, get your trail maps here, see the enclosed beehive, explore the model train set up, and get a overview of the orchard before going exploring or apple picking.

Then come back for some great food, delicious deserts, fresh honey, and find some unique gifts to take home for friends and family.

Finally, finish your visit off by spending some time on the back deck taking in the awe-inspiring views of the mountains and valleys that surround you. 

Know before you visit

Here are a few tips that will make your visit to the Orchard at Altapass more enjoyable!

• The orchard is mostly outside, so be prepared for the weather and plan ahead if necessary. 
• Pet/animal policy: All pets are welcome as long as they are leashed and well behaved. Also, please remember to clean up after them. 
• The orchard has some steep areas, roots, and uneven ground, so watch your step. However, there are still several areas that are easily accessible and allow for the use of wheelchairs, strollers, etc. 
• While the orchard has a set season and hours of operation, the walking trails located around there remain open year-round! 
• Don’t be surprised if you see or learn something new. 
• Most importantly, HAVE FUN and enjoy making memories!

Orchard Information

Address:

Orchard at Altapass, Altapass Foundation, Inc

1025 Orchard Road

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Milepost 328 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Website: http://www.altapassorchard.org

Phone: (828)-765-9531

Opens: May 4th, 2024

Closes: End of October. However, the walking trails stay open year-round! 

Hours:

Weekends only in May (10a-5p)

Starting in June, Wed-Sun (10a-5p) 

(The Apple Core Grill opens June 1st and operates on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 11a-4p with more dates to be announced)

How to get to the Orchard at Altapass

From Spruce Pine/Marion: Follow NC Route 226 North, toward to the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn right across from the NC Museum of Minerals, then make a left onto the Parkway. Go 3 miles to Orchard Rd. Turn Right (VERY TIGHT TURN), then right again at the intersection. Follow the signs to the Orchard.

Note: If you are driving an oversized vehicle such as a motor home or attached trailer, please continue past Orchard Rd. to the next overlook (North Cove Valley Overlook, about a half mile away), turn around there, then come back making a left onto Orchard Rd. 

Special thanks

I need to do a special thanks to Sam McKinney, the Mission and Sustainability Manager, who has graciously assisted me with compiling extensive amounts of information and helping make this article happen. 

Also, listed below are just a few of the individuals who need special mention for their work, assistance, and dedication in making sure that the Orchard at Altapass stays one of the top attractions to visit along the parkway: 

Beth Hilton: Executive Director

Alicia Sillman: Retail Operations Manager

Germaine Galjour: Bees, Blooms, Butterflies

Michael Fortner: Field Lead

Ramiro Chavez: Field Specialist

Kit Trubey and Bill and Judy Carson: Founders 

Sources

1. Neufeld, R. (n.d.). Visiting Our Past: A harrowing tale of the great flood of 1916. The Asheville Citizen Times. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/07/12/visiting-our-past-harrowing-tale-great-flood-1916/5414920002/
2. Apple Facts | NC Apple Growers Association. (n.d.). Ncapplegrowers.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://ncapplegrowers.com/apple-facts/#:~:text=How%20many%20apple%20producers%20are