We’ve passed through Saluda a few times over the years, usually on our way nearby trails or waterfalls—but we’d never carved out a full weekend just to explore the town itself. That changed this spring, and we’re glad it did. This small mountain town surprised us in the best ways, with its active arts scene, fantastic food, and the kind of peaceful, laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer.
During our visit, we stayed at the Orchard Inn, one of the most peaceful and charming inns we’ve experienced in Western NC. We spent time browsing the shops downtown, sipped coffee from Wakey Monkey, ate at local favorites like Green River BBQ and The Purple Onion, and even zipped through the treetops at The Gorge. The annual Saluda Arts Festival happened to line up with our trip too, adding an extra dose of color and energy to the weekend.
If you’re looking for a relaxing mountain escape with a mix of adventure, great dining, and small-town charm, Saluda is worth a closer look.
Here’s all the details on everything we saw, did, ate, and loved during our fun weekend getaway.
Hurricane Helene: Impact and Recovery in Saluda
While our weekend in Saluda was relaxing and full of great memories, it was also clear that the town—and much of Western NC—is still feeling the aftershocks of Hurricane Helene. The storm brought widespread flooding and landslides across the region, and while the town of Saluda itself was spared the worst of the damage, the ripple effects have been hard to miss.
The main town area showed little to no signs of damage. However, as we drove from Saluda to Hendersonville, along highway 176, the damage was evident. We saw many signs of repairs, and some repairs in progress. Below the Orchard Inn, where we stayed, again on Highway 176, the road was closed a few miles down due to significant washouts.
Green River BBQ also had a significant slide behind their restaurant that caused considerable damage to the point they just recently re-opened.d
Talking with local business owners, it became clear that the lack of tourism in recent months has been tough. Shops, restaurants, inns, and outfitters that rely heavily on seasonal traffic are all feeling the squeeze.
And yet, what stood out most to us was how hard everyone is working to bounce back. Events like the Saluda Arts Festival are still happening, inns are open and welcoming, and business owners are doing everything they can to keep things moving forward.
If you’ve been thinking about a visit to Saluda, this is the time to come. Your visit supports the local economy in a real way. Stop in the shops, grab a meal downtown, stay an extra night. It makes a difference, and you’ll get to experience the warmth and beauty of one of many small NC mountain towns that are still standing strong.
Our Saluda NC Travel Guides
Where to Stay in Saluda, NC
Saluda might be a small town, but it has a couple of solid options when it comes to places to stay. We spent our visit at the Orchard Inn and really enjoyed the peaceful setting and views.
We also heard about the recently reopened Saluda Inn from someone we met in town—it sounds like a beautiful spot with a lot of history. Both are just a short distance from downtown and offer a quiet place to relax after a day out exploring. Here's a look at each.
Orchard Inn
It’s hard to imagine a better place to unwind than the Orchard Inn in Saluda. Tucked on a quiet hillside surrounded by forest and mountain views, the inn feels like a true retreat—peaceful, scenic, and full of mountain charm.
Originally built in 1926 by the Southern Railway as a getaway for their employees, the inn still carries that spirit of rest and relaxation. Today, it’s a quiet escape for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy the mountains.
In addition to the main inn rooms, they also offer suites and private cottages, giving guests a few different ways to stay—whether you're looking for a cozy spot or something with a little more space and privacy. The property itself is beautifully maintained, with colorful gardens, mature trees, and a short walking trail that winds through the woods—perfect for a peaceful morning stroll.
Our room on the upper floor was cozy and comfortable, with windows that looked out over the treetops. The wide front porch quickly became our favorite hangout—for morning coffee, afternoon downtime, or a glass of wine at sunset.
A real perk of staying here is having Newman’s Restaurant right inside the inn. Dinner there was one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time—a thoughtful four-course menu served in a warm, intimate setting with panoramic mountain views. And each morning, guests are treated to a complimentary breakfast that’s just as memorable—fresh, homemade, and served with a view.
The Orchard Inn is perfect for couples, anniversary getaways, or anyone looking to slow down, unplug, and take in the beauty of the mountains.
Here are just some of the photos we took or this gorgeous and historic inn:
Saluda Inn
Photo courtesy of the Saluda Inn
If you prefer something a little closer to downtown, the Saluda Inn is a great option. This historic property has been beautifully renovated and now blends its original character with a more modern, upscale, and luxurious feel.
Located just a short walk from Main Street, the inn is convenient for exploring the shops, galleries, and restaurants around town. Accommodations include a mix of rooms and spacious suites, some with kitchenettes—perfect if you want a little extra space or plan to stay a few days. The decor strikes a nice balance between classic and contemporary, with clean lines, warm wood accents, and stylish furnishings that still honor the building’s roots.
One of the standout features is the underground wine cellar and lounge, which offers a cozy space to relax with a glass of wine or gather with friends in the evening. There are also outdoor sitting areas, a fire pit, and well-kept grounds that make it easy to kick back and enjoy the mountain air.
The Saluda Inn makes a great base if you're looking for walkability, comfort, and a touch of luxury while still staying connected to the charm of the town.
Both inns offer two very different experiences, but each brings something special to a weekend in Saluda. You really can’t go wrong.
Where to Eat?
We ate well during our weekend in Saluda—really well. For a small town, the food scene is surprisingly strong, with everything from slow-smoked barbecue to elevated farm-to-table dining, fresh-made pizza, and locally roasted coffee. You won’t go hungry here, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll find yourself planning your next meal before you even finish the one in front of you.
Over the course of our stay, we had the chance to try nearly all of the local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and honestly, we didn’t have a single bad bite. Each spot brought something different to the table, and we’d happily go back to any of them.
If you're curious about what we ordered, what stood out, and a few other local favorites to check out, take a look at our full guide to the best restaurants in Saluda:
Things to Do in Saluda, NC
We packed a lot into our weekend in Saluda—and loved every minute of it. This small mountain town has way more to offer than you might expect, especially if you enjoy scenic drives, local shopping, live music, outdoor adventures, or just slowing down for a while.
During our visit, we explored Main Street’s shops and galleries, caught some live music, spent time out on the trails, and even flew through the treetops on one of the most thrilling zipline courses in the region. We also found time to relax with good coffee, walk through the local gardens, and meet a few folks who made the experience even more memorable.
To see everything we did—and a few more activities we didn’t have time for—check out our full guide to the best things to do in Saluda:
Planning Your Visit
Saluda is one of those places that’s easy to fall into—and hard to leave. It works well for a quick weekend getaway, but there’s enough to do (and enough good food to eat) that you could easily stretch your stay a few more days.
Most shops and restaurants are open Friday through Sunday, so if you’re visiting during the week, be sure to check hours ahead of time. Weekends tend to have more going on, including live music, the Saluda Tailgate Market (seasonal), and more foot traffic downtown.
Spring through fall is the most popular time to visit, especially if you want to take advantage of hiking trails, outdoor dining, and mountain views. Fall brings beautiful foliage, and summer is a great time to cool off in the Green River or catch some shade on a porch with a cold drink in hand.
Saluda has a laid-back, local feel, so don’t expect big attractions or crowds. Just slow down, take your time, and enjoy everything this small mountain town has to offer.
What’s Nearby
Saluda feels tucked away in the mountains, but it’s actually in a great spot if you’re looking to explore more of the area. Just 15–20 minutes down the road, you’ll find Hendersonville—a larger mountain town with a walkable downtown, plenty of shops and restaurants, a strong local food and craft beverage scene and plenty of vineyards. It’s also home to several apple orchards, breweries, and much more.
If you're up for a scenic drive, Tryon is just south of Saluda and offers a small but artsy downtown, along with wineries and equestrian events throughout the year.
You can also hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Saluda in about 45 minutes. The most direct route is to head north on I-26 toward Asheville, then connect with the Parkway via the U.S. 25 or U.S. 74A exits. From there, you’ll be on one of the most scenic drives in the country, with access to overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain views that stretch for miles.
Saluda makes a great base if you want to experience small-town charm with easy access to some of the best spots in the western North Carolina mountains.