The Blue Ridge Parkway
Called “America’s Favorite Drive,” but the Blue Ridge Parkway is about so much more than driving. Enjoy hiking trails, biking, lakes, picnic areas, bouldering, rock climbing, and of course, some of the most beautiful views in the South. The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain for seemingly endless views of parallel ranges connected by cross ranges and scattered hills. From the Shenandoah National Park the parkway follows the Blue Ridge, eastern rampart of the Appalachians, for 355 miles. For the remaining 114 miles it first skirts the southern end of the massive Black Mountains, named for the dark green spruce and fir that cover them. Then it weaves through the Craggies, the Pisgah’s, the Balsams to end up in the Great Smokies.
Tweetsie Railroad
Wild West family theme park featuring a three-mile, steam-powered train ride through the North Carolina mountains. Shopping, live entertainment, amusement rides and a petting zoo. Open on weekends in May (Fri.-Sun.). Open 7 days a week after Memorial Day weekend through mid-August. Mid-August through October, open weekends (Fri.-Sun.). Operating hours are 9AM to 6PM. Ghost Train Halloween Festival runs weekend evenings in October. Please call ahead to verify operating hours and rates, or visit our website for more information.
Grandfather Mountain
The High Country’s premier natural attraction entertains, informs—even inspires—young and old, families, and the serious outdoor adventurer. Grandfather Mountain, the tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge and the world’s only privately owned International Biosphere Reserve, is non-profit preservation at its loftiest. A spectacular drive takes visitors to the newly wheelchair-accessible Mile-High Swinging Bridge, thousands of feet above the Carolina Piedmont. You’ll marvel at 360-degree views of mountain ridge after mountain ridge retreating to the distant horizon. Surveys show that the journey to the other side is always the highlight of a trip to Grandfather Mountain. A world-class nature museum, interpretive programs, and Environmental Habitats for deer, bears, cougars, eagles and otters offer outdoor education and entertainment. Awesome trails lead to high adventure.
Mast General Store
Nestled in a secluded mountain valley, you’ll discover a place Charles Kuralt called “…a destination.” Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. Outfitting the Appalachian since 1883 with traditional mercantile goods, comfortable clothing, rugged footwear and quality outdoor gear for all mountain seasons. Warm up by our potbellied stove, mail a letter at our antique post office, and discover why some times are just too good to leave behind. Original Store/Mast Store Annex, Hwy 194, Valle Crucis. Also, King Street, Boone.
Old Hampton Store
Visit a step back in time at the Old Hampton General Store, located at the foot of Grandfather Mountain in Linville North Carolina. This Historic 1920 general store and grist mill, was the original train stop for the Tweetsie Railroad. Tweetsie was the narrow-gauge railroad that served Eastern Tennessee and Northwestern North Carolina when timbering and mining were important parts of this region’s economy. Tweetsie came from Johnson City TN, down through Roan Mountain, over to Elk Park and Cranberry NC, through Newland and Pineola and then on to Linville. These towns and other small towns in between were heavily logging timber, mining minerals and became commerce locations for grain mills to ship their flour and grist products to markets outside the local region.
Horn in the West
This outdoor drama in Boone—which runs mid-June through mid-August tells the tale of Daniel Boone’s adventures in the High Country and the little known, pivotal role local pioneers played in winning the American Revolution at the Battle of Kings Mountain.
Dates: June 27 to August 16, Nightly Except Mondays
Times: 7:30pm Preshow; 8:00pm Main Performance
