- Here Are the Best Things to Do in Western NC | Orchard Inn
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Simply step right out of your car and treat your eyes to this 60 foot tall stunner. Grandfather Mountain is the most beloved of all North Carolina attractions. The prime sight to see here is a swinging pedestrian bridge which sits one mile above sea level. As you walk across the bridge, you will take in gorgeous degree vistas of the mountains. The bridge opened in and is now one of the most popular attractions in the state. If you despise crowds, you will want to save this one for the winter season.
Surprisingly, the icy mountain views are just as enchanting this time of year, especially if a fresh layer of snow blankets the area. There are numerous attractions in this area. Combine with the extraordinary Linville Falls for one amazing daytrip. Gem mining is a fun tourist activity which the whole family can enjoy. There are numerous gem mines all over the Western North Carolina region.
One of the best is the Foggy Mountain Gem mine in the quaint mountain community of Boone. The beautiful High Country rustic ambiance creates a picture-perfect setting for hunting for your gems. Like a miner in the old days, you will sift through dirt to find your hidden treasures. Afterwards, a guide will help you identify your gems. If you wish, you can transform your rough gems into jewelry grade pieces.
Catawba is a mesmerizing foot tall waterfall which stuns with multiple cascading levels. The hike is just a little over 1. This one is particular scenic in fall, so all leaf peepers take note. While one of the more heavily trafficked trails, this does not at all distract from the beautiful natural surroundings. The perfect compliment to a day of hiking, rafting, or any other type of adventurous nature activity, is coming back home to a relaxing rustic lodge.
Lazy Bear offers a scrumptious homemade breakfast each morning. The innkeepers are super friendly and helpful with local recommendations for dining and activities. The grounds are gorgeous as well with Koi ponds, gardens, and a beautiful veranda with plenty of cozy seating to take in the grand scenery. Nothing really beats a great brunch, that is, asides from a brunch accompanied with extraordinary views. Here you can look forward to a made-to-order omelet station, a donut bar, fresh squeezed juiced drinks, homemade pastries, as well as all the standard breakfast sides.
The best part of dining at this buffet is enjoying the stunning vistas via the floor-to-ceiling windows. Every seat in the room has a great view. Really, there is no need to plan for brunch anywhere else when you could dine in company of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.
Thousands and thousands of used books fill up several rooms — you could literally browse here the entire day. Not a fan of champagne? Wine and coffee are also available. Gorges State Park is one of the best places to enjoy a day out in the Carolina wilderness. There are a number of trails here, the most famous being the hike to Rainbow Falls. The hike is just 1. If you are up for a good workout, you will be rewarded with an amazing adventure. The foot waterfall is named as so for the rainbow which appears in the mist on a sunny afternoon.
If you are up for a longer hike, you can continue on another half mile or so to see Turtleback Falls. Bearwallow is another beautiful trail, this one featuring a smaller waterfall and seasonal wildflowers.
Other things to do at Gorges include picnicking, mountain biking, and trout fishing. Asheville is home to a trendy walkable downtown district which is loaded with unique restaurants, coffee houses, and galleries.
The architecture is beautiful and the landscaping is always maintained. Plenty of unique dining establishments to explore.
Check out Chai Pani for lunch, an award winning Indian restaurant serving authentic street fare. If you are craving something sweet, treat yourself to a delicious liquid chocolate truffle at French Broad. The Mast General Store is a must stop for the old time nostalgia.
Also be sure to check out the lineup of events. Sightings are not at all rare — in fact, I saw a bear on my first hike! The fact that admission is totally free makes the park all the more desirable.
The North Carolina entrance to the park is in Cherokee. The Oconaluftee River Trail is the closest trail to the Cherokee entrance. The trek is 1. We really considered doing a Western NC BBQ Trail road trip during our staycation — these were some of the places we really wanted to explore. Beautiful photos! Thank you! I try to take the best photos possible with my phone camera lol still saving up for a good camera! Beautiful pictures and very tempting to visit another side of the world!
The walking trails and falls are sure super attractive! I had no idea there were hot springs in North Carolina. I might have to make a stop on my way to the Outer Banks next year.
I somehow never made it to the Outer Banks…still on the bucket list! Western North Carolina looks like my kind of adventure. The scenery looks stunning! This is amazing — I never expected North Carolina to be so interesting and…. Especially the Blowing Rock looks just marvelous — and Ashville looks like the perfect place for a hike. Thank you for reading! There are so many beautiful places in the US. I totally agree that NC is an incredibly diverse and beautiful!
When my husband and I move back to the states, we plan on doing an east coast road trip and I definitely want a detour through the Blue Ridge! North Carolina looks so beautiful! Your email address will not be published.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Search for:. Plan your next excursion with this list of family favorites. Slow moving ground water created underground labyrinths forming an incredible series of rooms, passages and spectacular formations.
Learn to surf in the emerald green waters of Wrightsville Beach with private and group surfing lessons and camps. Connect with wildlife from two different continents as you explore acres of exhibits carefully constructed to resemble natural habitats. Learn to hang glide over soft sand dunes or fly tandem with an instructor at Kitty Hawk Kites.
Other activities include kiteboarding lessons, dolphin tours, Lost Colony and bioluminescence kayak tours, as well as parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding. Comprising more than , acres , this forest features whitewater rivers, waterfalls, hundreds of miles of trails and popular campsites.
Choose one of the family-friendly campgrounds, such as Lake Powhatan or Davidson River. Learn to hang glide over soft sand dunes or fly tandem with an instructor at Kitty Hawk Kites. Other activities include kiteboarding lessons, dolphin tours, Lost Colony and bioluminescence kayak tours, as well as parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Comprising more than , acres , this forest features whitewater rivers, waterfalls, hundreds of miles of trails and popular campsites. Choose one of the family-friendly campgrounds, such as Lake Powhatan or Davidson River. And venture to the legendary Sliding Rock , a foot natural water slide. Carowinds expanded its water park in , transforming it into Carolina Harbor and becoming the largest water park in the Carolinas.
It will entice you to slide through Blackbeard's Revenge, watch your kids frolic in Kiddy Hawk Cove, catch some sun on one of the luxury cabanas and more. Enjoy the cool mountain air as you cross Mile High Swinging Bridge , a foot suspension bridge spanning an foot chasm at more than 1 mile in elevation.
North Carolina Top 25 Attractions | Things To Do in North Carolina | Attractions of America - Grandfather Mountain State Park, North Carolina
The region is home to over incredible waterfalls, including one of the highest east of the Mississippi. The central hub of the region, Asheville, is a prominent foodie and vacation destination. Below are 30 of the best things to see and do within the Western North Carolina region. Of course, there are endless recreational opportunities to explore, so this list is by all means not all inclusive, but rather a helpful starting point!
Embarking on the step climb up to the top of the million year old megalith known as Chimney Rock is a rewarding experience for anyone who appreciates nature. Although the climb is a bit taxing, the grand degree views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and rolling Blue Hill scenery really makes all your hard effort worth it in the end!
As one of the only Carolina waterfalls you can walk behind, Dry Falls should be high on your must-see list. This hike to see this beauty is as close to no effort as you could possibly get.
At just a quarter of a mile, this one is easy enough for just about everyone kid-friendly, handicap accessible. While the 75 foot waterfall itself is absolutely enchanting, the real highlight here is walking behind the falls without getting wet, hence the appropriate name.
The winning entries are displayed throughout the property. The gingerbread artists are incredibly talented. Who knew you could create such detailed scenes solely out of food? On a side note, the resort is decorated gorgeously for the holidays. Treat yourself to a signature salted caramel hot chocolate by the gigantic fireplace and be sure to check out the extraordinary buffet! The trail travels through a quiet forest and is just over a half mile out-and-back.
At the end, you will be treated to a peaceful view of this 60 foot multi-tiered waterfall. The most unique aspect of this waterfall is the beautiful mica embedded into the rocks. At one point, mica was mined in the area. Today, the remaining mica glistens in the sun. The Asheville Botanical Garden is a prime place to bird watch, hike, and soak in some nature, anytime of the year.
The garden looks gorgeous year-round, whether encompassed by the beautiful hues of fall, or covered with a fresh blanket of snow. The space is quite small at just 10 acres, however, it is conveniently located right in the center of the city, and thus, makes for a nice quick escape. This beautiful North Carolina tourist favorite was chosen as an alternative to the Catskills due to the similar gorgeous rolling hills scenery which dominates the landscape.
You will see the location where Johnny and Baby practiced their dance moves, as well as the now-famous stairs where Baby practiced her dance moves. Biscuits are a staple of Southern cuisine, and catheads biscuits are definitely the way to go. In a foodie haven like Asheville, there are numerous places where you can feast on great biscuits, with Biscuit Head coming in as the best-of-the-best. While prices are super affordable, you will pay for this treat with a lengthy wait.
Whether you decide to go with a gravy flight served alongside your biscuit, or simply order your biscuit plain and top with jams of your choosing, you really cannot go wrong.
Try the Half Breakfast special which includes a biscuit, a side, and 2 eggs for just 6 bucks. Not a bad deal. Whitewater Falls is a must-see for any waterfall lovers visiting the WNC region.
At feet, the combined Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls are the largest in the state, and one of the tallest east of the Mississippi. The rustic setting and beautiful natural surroundings really set this one apart. This is one amazing waterfall with a perfect unobstructed viewpoint.
Definitely make the time to drive out to this one! This nostalgic arcade is located in downtown Asheville and almost always super busy. Not a surprise really as this place is pretty awesome.
Leave your phone at home and enjoy a few hours of old-fashioned fun! Looking Glass Falls is the most dramatic of the roadside waterfalls in the Carolinas. This one is just 45 minutes from the city center and well worth the short trek to see such an amazingly powerful wonder of nature.
Simply step right out of your car and treat your eyes to this 60 foot tall stunner. Grandfather Mountain is the most beloved of all North Carolina attractions.
The prime sight to see here is a swinging pedestrian bridge which sits one mile above sea level. As you walk across the bridge, you will take in gorgeous degree vistas of the mountains. The bridge opened in and is now one of the most popular attractions in the state. If you despise crowds, you will want to save this one for the winter season. Surprisingly, the icy mountain views are just as enchanting this time of year, especially if a fresh layer of snow blankets the area.
There are numerous attractions in this area. Combine with the extraordinary Linville Falls for one amazing daytrip. Gem mining is a fun tourist activity which the whole family can enjoy. There are numerous gem mines all over the Western North Carolina region. One of the best is the Foggy Mountain Gem mine in the quaint mountain community of Boone. The beautiful High Country rustic ambiance creates a picture-perfect setting for hunting for your gems.
Like a miner in the old days, you will sift through dirt to find your hidden treasures. Afterwards, a guide will help you identify your gems. If you wish, you can transform your rough gems into jewelry grade pieces. Catawba is a mesmerizing foot tall waterfall which stuns with multiple cascading levels. The hike is just a little over 1. This one is particular scenic in fall, so all leaf peepers take note. While one of the more heavily trafficked trails, this does not at all distract from the beautiful natural surroundings.
The perfect compliment to a day of hiking, rafting, or any other type of adventurous nature activity, is coming back home to a relaxing rustic lodge. Lazy Bear offers a scrumptious homemade breakfast each morning. The innkeepers are super friendly and helpful with local recommendations for dining and activities. The grounds are gorgeous as well with Koi ponds, gardens, and a beautiful veranda with plenty of cozy seating to take in the grand scenery.
Nothing really beats a great brunch, that is, asides from a brunch accompanied with extraordinary views. Here you can look forward to a made-to-order omelet station, a donut bar, fresh squeezed juiced drinks, homemade pastries, as well as all the standard breakfast sides. The best part of dining at this buffet is enjoying the stunning vistas via the floor-to-ceiling windows. Every seat in the room has a great view. Really, there is no need to plan for brunch anywhere else when you could dine in company of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.
Thousands and thousands of used books fill up several rooms — you could literally browse here the entire day. Not a fan of champagne? Wine and coffee are also available. Gorges State Park is one of the best places to enjoy a day out in the Carolina wilderness. There are a number of trails here, the most famous being the hike to Rainbow Falls.
The hike is just 1. If you are up for a good workout, you will be rewarded with an amazing adventure. The foot waterfall is named as so for the rainbow which appears in the mist on a sunny afternoon. If you are up for a longer hike, you can continue on another half mile or so to see Turtleback Falls.
Bearwallow is another beautiful trail, this one featuring a smaller waterfall and seasonal wildflowers. Other things to do at Gorges include picnicking, mountain biking, and trout fishing. Asheville is home to a trendy walkable downtown district which is loaded with unique restaurants, coffee houses, and galleries. The architecture is beautiful and the landscaping is always maintained. Plenty of unique dining establishments to explore. Check out Chai Pani for lunch, an award winning Indian restaurant serving authentic street fare.
If you are craving something sweet, treat yourself to a delicious liquid chocolate truffle at French Broad. The Mast General Store is a must stop for the old time nostalgia.
Also be sure to check out the lineup of events. Sightings are not at all rare — in fact, I saw a bear on my first hike! The fact that admission is totally free makes the park all the more desirable. The North Carolina entrance to the park is in Cherokee. The Oconaluftee River Trail is the closest trail to the Cherokee entrance.
The trek is 1. Other fun things to do in this portion of the Smokies include scenic drives, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. The Mast General Store is an old-fashioned gem with numerous locations throughout the Carolinas. This is a really cute place where you can shop for nostalgic decor, regional food goods, outdoor apparel, and retro toys and games.
Mast offers a huge selection of quality outdoor goods including well respected brands like Patagonia and Life is Good.
The old-time candy counter will really take you on a blast to the past. Bridal Veil falls has the distinction of being the only waterfall you can drive behind in the state.
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