Items marked with an asterisk (*) are within the N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Alleghany County
*Stone Mountain State Park - Located 60 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Stone Mountain State Park is home to the 600-foot granite dome that is a designated National Natural Landmark and the historic Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th-century farm situated at the mountain base. The park offers nearly all types of outdoor activity to experience a high country landscape adorned with beautiful waterfalls, winding creeks, and bountiful trout streams. A portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail runs through the park near the backcountry campsites.
Alleghany Fiddlers Convention – A friendly competition for bands and individual musicians, the contestants with the highest scores win cash prizes and ribbons. A separate dance contest is also held for bragging rights. Come show off your flatfooting, clogging or buck dancing!
Ashe County
*New River State Park - Located 35 miles northeast of Boone, New River State Park covers seven accesses along this National Wild and Scenic River that flows north through three states. All accesses allow for launching kayaks and inner tubes to paddle or float along the shallow, gentle river. Paddle-in only campgrounds provide a remote experience. The hellbender — the largest salamander in the U.S. — and 14 species of rare and threatened plant species inhabit the New River valley. Please note: the U.S. 221 access, Wagoner access, and Elk Shoals access are open. The King Creek access remains closed. Campgrounds between 221 Walk-In and Prather’s Creek are closed for repairs.
*Mount Jefferson State Natural Area - Located 25 miles northeast of Boone, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area surrounds a natural landmark that offers vistas as far as Tennessee from its overlooks and Luther Rock. The mountain, first spotted from the Blue Ridge Parkway, rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape. Over 700 plants call the park home, including the Dutchman's pipevine, which is visited by the beautiful swallowtail butterfly and its distinct black-and-orange-spiked caterpillar. The park's winding road to the summit hosts an annual downhill skateboarding event.
Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention - This event honors the old-time and bluegrass music of the mountains – and the musicians who make it happen – with individual and band competitions with cash prizes. The convention is a benefit for the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program that places fourth to six grade students who want to learn to play banjo, guitar or fiddle with an adult musician.
Ashe Arts Center – Located in downtown West Jefferson, the Ashe Arts Center houses The Gallery, a year-round exhibition space that showcases works of art by local and regional artists. The Gallery Shop features locally produced art and crafts. The restored stone building continues the legacy created in 1938 when it was built by the Works Progress Administration as a gathering place for the community.
St. Mary’s Church of the Frescoes – View fresco paintings by world famous artist, Benjamin F. Long IV at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Part of the Blue Ridge Fresco Trail.
Christmas in July Festival – Join this celebration of Ashe County’s Christmas tree industry, featuring traditional mountain music, handmade arts, and crafts vendors, festival foods and Civil War re-enactments.
Ashe County Cheese - See cheese being made at Ashe County Cheese in downtown West Jefferson. There are tours and cheese making schedules posted each day, and you can purchase a variety of local, award-winning cheeses.
Museum of Ashe County History - This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Ashe County and its residents. Through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs, it offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the region's past and its significance. This location is a designated stop on the NC Moonshine and Motorsports Trail.
Avery County
*Grandfather Mountain State Park - Located 13 miles southwest of Boone, Grandfather Mountain State Park showcases a stunning mountain known for severe weather and challenging terrain that has hikers scrambling along cliffs, gripping cables, and climbing up ladders. It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. The state parkland sits between privately owned Grandfather Mountain attraction (admission fee charged) and Blue Ridge Parkway trails managed by the National Park Service. Please note: most trails and campsites are open. All campers must enter through Boone Fork parking area or Asutsi parking area. Profile parking area, Profile Trail, and Profile Connector Trail remain closed.
Sugar Mountain – There’s more to Sugar Mountain than skiing. Hike or bike the mountain trails this summer, or enjoy the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show.
Beech Mountain – Visit the highest town in the Eastern U.S. for mile-high yoga, live music, downhill mountain biking and much more.
Buncombe County
*DNCR Archives & History Western Office - A regional archives and research library focused on historical and evidential materials relating to western North Carolina. The office hosts special events and exhibits throughout the year.
*Thomas Wolfe Memorial - The childhood home of one of North Carolina’s most famous writers, and the setting of his best-known novel. Visit the second Saturday of the month for the Writers at Wolfe events.
*Vance Birthplace – Tour the birthplace of North Carolina governor, Zebulon B. Vance, tucked into the picturesque Reems Creek Valley. The site features seven historic and reconstructed buildings as well as a visitor center with interactive exhibits exploring daily life on an early 1800s plantation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Biltmore Estate – Biltmore Estate in Asheville includes the 250-room Biltmore House – America’s largest private home – and century-old gardens. Explore Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery, and dine in one of Biltmore’s amazing restaurants.
Shindig on the Green - Shindig on the Green is a celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers on summer evenings in downtown Asheville.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands – This Craft Fair is an event where connoisseurs and novices alike come to craft a collection, connect with tradition, and invest in regional culture. Over 200 craftspeople fill two floors with fine handcrafted items, while local musicians play live on the arena stage, and craft educators share their knowledge with children in hands-on projects.
North Carolina Arboretum - Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region.
Burke County
*South Mountains State Park - Located 55 miles east of Asheville, South Mountains State Park is situated at the crossroads of the Appalachian Mountains and the Foothills to provide the ultimate backcountry experience. The park boasts elevations up to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, and nearly 50 miles of trail for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Water recreation is offered via the Jacob Fork River, which hosts designated trout waters, or to the far west at the separate Clear Creek access that features the namesake lake. Please note: both the Clear Creek access and the Jacob Fork access are open. Some facilities remain closed until further notice. High Shoals Falls Loop, including the waterfall viewing area, is closed.
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail - Stretching 330 miles through four states (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina) the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail traces the route used by patriot militia during the pivotal Kings Mountain campaign of 1780.
History Museum of Burke County – Dedicated to preserving and displaying the heritage of Burke County for current and future generations.
McDowell House at Quaker Meadows Plantation – Built in 1812, this restored federal style home portrays life in the 19th century.
Caldwell County
Blowing Rock – An immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, the Blowing Rock is so named because the wind sweeps through with such force that it returns light objects dropped over the side. Here, even the snow falls upside down.
Fort Defiance - The restored 1792 home of Revolutionary War hero and statesman William Lenoir, the namesake of Lenoir, N.C., the home features more than 300 pieces of original furnishings and artifacts and is considered one of the country's most unique restorations.
Caldwell Heritage Museum – Learn about Caldwell County history, including military contributions by Caldwell county citizens, music, and Davenport College, the last building of which now houses the museum.
Tuttle Educational State Forest – This 290- acre state forest includes a series of trails accented by exhibits and displays that explain the ecology of the forest. Exhibits, the "talking tree" trail, and forest management demonstration areas help visitors learn more about the forest.
Caldwell Arts - The Caldwell Arts Council is home to four beautiful gallery spaces with monthly exhibits and a small artisan craft gift shop. Visit Labor Day weekend for the Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention and enjoy the traditional music of North Carolina.
Cherokee County
Fires Creek Recreation Area - Picturesque recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest at the base of Leatherwood Falls, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Picnic tables and BBQ grills in the woods next to a refreshing mountain stream. Hiking and horseback riding trails and a camping area where horses are acceptable.
Cherokee County Historical Museum – This museum displays the rich history of Native American and pioneer settlers in the far-western corner of the state. The museum is housed in a historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Murphy.
Valley River Arts Guild – This non-profit local organization supports local artists and showcases regional art in its gallery in downtown Murphy. Check out the Art Walk, held the first Friday of each month from May to December, and see local artists demonstrating their work.
Clay County
Clay County Historical and Arts Museum - The Clay County Historical & Arts Museum is housed in the Old County Jail Museum which was constructed in 1912 and used as a jail until 1972. The Museum displays items pertinent to the history of the area through changing exhibits.
Graham County
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center – Located in a picturesque valley about 10 miles northeast of Robbinsville, the Stagecoach Valley Cultural Arts Center celebrates mountain traditions through music programs, festivals, workshops, and other events.
An Appalachian Evening Summer Concert Series - The Stecoah Valley Center’s summer concert series highlights the region’s cultural heritage with performances of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music in the historic Stecoah auditorium on summer Saturday evenings.
Barn Quilt Trail - From Stecoah to Robbinsville, Yellow Creek to Snowbird, there are barn quilts across the communities in the county. Quilt patterns include traditional and non-traditional patterns. The trail displays patterns such as Spinning Star, Ocean Waves, Inverted Log Cabin, original designs and more!
Native Azalea Festival - Graham County is home to one-of-a-kind variety of native flame azalea. The festival celebrates the history and the beauty of this extraordinary plant.
Haywood County
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life and the beauty of its ancient mountains, this is America’s most visited national park. Be sure to visit Cataloochee Valley -- rich in history, with original homesteads still standing, visitors can tour a school, churches, a barn, and several homes to learn what life was like for early settlers of the area.
Folkmoot USA - As the official “International Folklore Festival of North Carolina” Folkmoot brings culture and heritage from around the world to Haywood County every July to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
Shelton House Museum of Handicrafts – Stop by the historic Shelton House to view exhibits of 19th-century crafts including hand-woven coverlets, quilts, sculptured porcelain, dulcimers, masterpieces of pottery work and furniture and a fine collection of Native American artifacts.
Lake Junaluska – Enjoy fishing, hiking, boat tours, swimming, canoeing and more at this popular family destination.
Canton Labor Day Festival – A celebration of all things made in Western N.C., locals and visitors come together to enjoy live music, have fun at Papertown Kids Village, shop the Farmers Market, and shop the handmade crafts.
Henderson County
Carl Sandburg Home – Explore the legacy of poet Carl Sandburg at his home in Flat Rock, now a National Historic Site. Please note that the main parking lot is closed and to use secondary Hikers' lot.
Dupont State Recreational Forest – Home to more than 10,000 acres of forest, trails, and waterfalls between Hendersonville and Brevard.
Henderson County Heritage Museum – Learn about the people, culture, and history of Henderson County through this museum’s colorful exhibits, collections, and educational programs.
Holmes Educational State Forest - With rugged terrain, numerous rock outcroppings, and scenic vistas, Holmes Educational State Forest offers a rich mixture of mountain hardwoods, rhododendron, flame azaleas, and a variety of wildflowers.
Western North Carolina Air Museum – See and touch historic airplanes, engines from historic aircraft and more at this Hendersonville museum dedicated to the wonders of aviation.
Music on Main Street – Hear some of the region’s finest bands every Friday evening from June through August at the Music on Main Street Concert Series in Hendersonville.
Historic Flat Rock Cultural Center/Museum - Take a step back in time and learn about area history and historic preservation efforts.
Jackson County
Unto These Hills – Unto These Hills tells the story of the forced removal of the Cherokee by Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto in 1540, and their struggle along the “Trail of Tears.” This work debuted in 1950, making it one of the nation’s oldest Native American outdoor dramas.
Museum of the Cherokee People – Experience the history of the Cherokee people in this interactive, immersive museum.
Oconaluftee Indian Village – Let a cultural expert lead you on a tour of Cherokee lifestyle and history as you walk through this village of traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas and sacred ritual sites.
Jackson County Green Energy Park – Located in Dillsboro, the JCGEP captures methane gas from the old town landfill, then uses the gas as fuel for artisan studios. Stop by the gallery to view and purchase works by the park’s artists or sign up for a class and learn to make your own artworks.
Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail – Featuring some of the best trout waters in the Great Smoky Mountains, the trail takes you to 15 excellent spots for catching brook, brown and rainbow trout
Groovin’ on the Green – This summer concert series takes place Friday nights in Cashiers. Bring your blankets and chairs, kids and dogs, and enjoy some great music on the Village Green.
Macon County
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts - See a show at The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. This beautiful venue hosts some of the best live music, drama and dance performances in the region.
Scottish Tartan Museum and Heritage Center – Find your tartan and learn about the Scottish emigrant experience in North Carolina. Learn about your Scottish connection and find out which clan is yours.
Macon County Historical Museum – Learn about the history of Macon County, research genealogical information, and take a walk down Memory Lane at this museum in Franklin.
Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center - Built in 1943 on the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp by the WPA, Cowee School served thousands of students until it was closed as a school in 2012. It continues as an institution of learning and an exciting outdoor venue for music and the arts.
Madison County
Madison County Arts Center – Experience outstanding art exhibits, concerts and more at this arts center run by the Madison County Arts Council.
Appalachian Trail - The world-famous A.T., as it is affectionately known, passes from one end of the county to the other on its route from Georgia to Maine. Thousands of hikers pass along our ridges, slopes, and valleys each year. Many of them spending a night or more at the hikers' hostel in Hot Springs. The Appalachian Trail and many other trails are easily accessible to visitors. There are 65 miles of A.T. in Madison County. Please note: sections of the A.T. in North Carolina sustained severe damage in fall of 2024 from Hurricane Helene. Learn about current conditions, closures, and important safety information before heading out to the Trail in this section.
Hot Springs - Whether you are looking for a way to simply enjoy a relaxing end of a day or have finished hiking a stretch of the nearby Appalachian Trail, you can soak in the natural hot mineral waters in Hot Springs, N.C.
McDowell County
*Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center - Learn about the history and culture of Western North Carolina at this regional museum that encourages the preservation and understanding of the culture of the state’s mountain region. Please note: at this time the museum is operating from a temporary location: 78-C Catawba Ave., Old Fort.
*Lake James State Park - Located 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Lake James State Park includes two areas to access this picturesque lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campsites at both Catawba River and Paddy's Creek accesses provide an opportunity to spend the night by the lake, with some sites accessible only by paddling. Trails include bike trails at Paddy's Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Fonta Flora State Trail. Please note the following closures: Mill’s Creek Trail, East Wimba Trail, and West Wimba Trail. Also, a footbridge is closed for repairs on the southern leg of the Overmountain Victory Trail.
*Bob's Creek State Natural Area - Located 42 miles east of Asheville, Bob's Creek State Natural Area covers more than 6,000 acres of sheltered coves and ravines, unique rock formations, and diverse natural ecosystems in the Foothills. Conservation and low-impact recreation are paramount for the protection of numerous streams in the river basins of the Broad and the Catawba and the preservation of rare species that have been documented by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
Linville Caverns - NC’s only show caverns. Entertaining and informative guided tours take visitors along a level walk to see “inside” Humpback Mountain. Affordable family fun that features amazing mineral color, unique formations, an underground stream with native trout, the “Bottomless Pool” and a peek into total darkness.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area - The "Grand Canyon of the East." Primitive recreation in a wild and isolated terrain. Strenuous hiking, backpacking, rock-climbing and fishing for native trout. Stretches of virgin forest, rare and endangered species, an assortment of wild game and non-game species. Located in the Pisgah National Forest near Linville Falls.
Liver Mush Festival – Marion’s annual Liver Mush Festival will celebrate the liver mush heritage of the area. See the best-dressed pig contest, join in the liver mush toss and enjoy live music at this annual event.
Mitchell County
Penland School of Crafts - Take a tour of the campus and studios or better yet, sign up for one of the Penland classes or workshops and explore your own creativity.
Toe River Arts Council - The Toe River Studio Tour is perhaps the largest and the longest running studio tour in the country; you will find craftspeople and artists in nearly every medium, many tops in their field and several new-to-the-tour participants. This free, self-guided adventure will lead you to some unique places between Mt. Mitchell and Roan Mountain.
N.C. Rhododendron Festival – Head to Bakersville to see Roan Mountain turn pink with over 600 acres of blooming Catawba rhododendron at this festival held the third weekend in June. With a street dance, craft fair, pageant, car show, and other events, there’s lots of family fun to be had!
Mineral and Gem Festival – Since the early 1950s, Spruce Pine has welcomed visitors from around the world to the Mine and Gem Festival to shop for jewelry, gemstones, crystals, fossils and more. The festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country.
Polk County
KidSenses Interactive Museum – Take the kids to this interactive, hands-on museum in Rutherfordton for some science fun!
Tryon Fine Arts Center – Located in the heart of Tryon, the Fine Arts Center has been a focus for entertainment and the arts since 1969. View outstanding performances or learn a new craft.
Rutherford County
*Chimney Rock State Park - Located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park offers some of North Carolina's most dramatic mountain scenery, overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. At the fee-based Chimney Rock attraction, hike to Hickory Nut Falls and take an elevator or climb to the top of the park's namesake, a 315-foot freestanding rock spire. It also has the most facilities, including riverside areas, interpretive exhibits, and gift shops. The free Rumbling Bald access provides a more rugged backcountry experience. Please note: the Rumbling Bald Access reopened for hiking and individual climbs. Chimney Rock attraction remains closed indefinitely.
Bechtler House/N.C. Gold Trail - Home to Christopher Bechtler who is credited with minting the first U.S. $1 gold coin, the Bechtler House showcases period artifacts and exhibits that transport visitors back to the 1830s. The house also serves as the headquarters of the NC Gold Trail, which connects over 27 counties with historical significance from the NC gold rush.
Lake Lure – Visit the place where “Dirty Dancing” was filmed. Enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities on the lake, or go rock climbing or golfing. Please note: while the town of Lake Lure is open to visitors, recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene are still on-going.
Surry County
*Horne Creek Farm - Once the Hauser family farm, Horne Creek enables visitors to experience farm life in North Carolina's northwestern Piedmont circa 1900. The site features the family's original farmhouse, a tobacco curing barn, a corn crib, adjacent fields under cultivation, and even a heritage apple orchard.
*Pilot Mountain State Park - Located 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Pilot Mountain State Park centers around the iconic geologic knob that serves as a beacon, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to a vast array of activities. The park offers the gamut, from hiking and horseback riding to rock climbing and camping, with accesses on both the rugged terrain of the monadnock and the Yadkin River. The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail also traverses both park sections.
Visit the World of Mayberry in Mount Airy – Andy Griffith based the fictional town of Mayberry on his hometown of Mount Airy, and dozens of places in town celebrate the Andy Griffith Show. Visit the Andy Griffith Museum, take a ride around town in a squad car, stop at Floyd’s City Barber Shop for a haircut or get a bite to eat at Snappy Lunch.
Historic Rockford – Once the seat of government for Surry County, the historic Village of Rockford includes several historic buildings such as the general store, Methodist Church and Post Office. It’s part of the N.C. Civil War Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail.
Foothills Arts Council – Located in downtown Elkin. Visit the gallery, participate in a Downtown Art & Music Hike or take in a performance at the Foothills Theater.
Swain County
Swain County Heritage Museum - Located in the 1908 historic courthouse in downtown Bryson City, the museum tells the story of Swain County and its people. Through photos, exhibits and video you will learn about the life of early settlers, and how the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam rewrote the landscape and changed lives.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life and the beauty of its ancient mountains, this is America’s most visited national park.
Deep Creek – One of the most beautiful areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek is known for waterfalls, trails, swimming, tubing and fly fishing.
Fontana Dam - When completed in November 1944 to produce electricity for WWII industries, the 480-foot-high dam became the highest in the Eastern United States and the fourth highest in the nation. Learn about its history at the Fontana Dam Visitor Center.
Swain County Quilt Trail – Explore the scenery as you follow the Swain County Quilt Trail to find quilt blocks painted on barns, public buildings, and even on an island in Bryson City.
Transylvania County
*Gorges State Park - Located near the tripoint where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, Gorges State Park sports plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, and sheer rock precipices. Backcountry-style recreation is a hallmark of the park, from backpacking to horseback riding. This park located in the Blue Ridge Escarpment spans over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest and hosts extraordinary biodiversity. The park features 26 waterfalls, the northern boundary of Lake Jocassee, and a portion of the 70-mile Foothills Trail.
Pisgah National Forest – Come to the “cradle of forestry” and experience the birthplace of science-based forest management. Explore the trails, visit the Adventure Zone or Forest Discovery Center, or attend a nature program.
Sliding Rock – North Carolina’s most famous naturally occurring thrill ride, Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest is a slippery, 60-foot rock waterslide that drops you into a 7-foot deep pool. Summertime can bring large crowds looking to take the plunge.
Brevard Music Center Summer Festival – Celebrate Brevard Music Center’s tradition of musical excellence with the summer festival of symphony, chamber, jazz, bluegrass, opera and more. June through August brings 80 performances, including internationally famous performers.
Waterfalls – Transylvania County is home to 250 magnificent cascading waterfalls, all within a few miles of each other. From the 400-foot drop of Whitewater Falls to the iconic beauty of Looking Glass Falls, few things in nature are as awe-inspiring as this.
Allison-Deaver House – This mountain-crafted Federal and Greek Revival house was built in two parts, and has remained virtually unaltered for two centuries. Today the house serves as a museum and is part of the N.C. Civil War Trails Program.
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute - At the height of space exploration, NASA operated a manned satellite tracking station in Pisgah National Forest. Today, the site is operated by the non-profit Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Visit and explore the former NASA facility, enjoy hiking trails, campus tours, scenic mountain views, hands-on space and earth science exhibit galleries, a nature center and more.
Watauga County
*Elk Knob State Park - Located 11 miles north of Boone, Elk Knob State Park was established in 2003 to protect the mountain and the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River. An overlook summit rewards visitors with a panoramic view of North Carolina's high country. Backcountry campsites, located 1 to 2 miles into a cover forest with beautiful streams, offer the ultimate primitive overnight experience. In the winter, about 1 mile of ungroomed trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Please note: the Backcountry Trail is closed and all campsites are closed until further notice.
Hickory Ridge Homestead – Located on the grounds of Horn in the West, Hickory Ridge Living History Museum was created in 1980 to foster a better understanding of the life of the settlers in the Horn in the West outdoor drama.
Flat Top Manor – Moses H. Cone Memorial Park preserves the country estate of Moses Cone, a prosperous textile entrepreneur, conservationist, and philanthropist of the Gilded Age. Its centerpiece is Flat Top Manor, a gleaming white 20-room, 13,000 square foot mansion built in 1901 in the grand Colonial Revival style. The Manor is now the home of the Parkway Craft Center, one of five shops of the Southern Highland Craft Guild which features handmade crafts by hundreds of regional artists. Please note: while Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and the section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to access it is open, there are several other road closures on the Parkway, check the Parkway's Road Status and Closures page for up to date information.
Summer Concerts at the Jones House – Bring your lawn chair or blanket to the Jones House lawn on summer Fridays at 5 p.m. for the free summer concert series.
Mast General Store – This iconic general store in Valle Crucis once carried “everything from cradles to caskets.” These days it’s a treasure trove of home goods, clothing, outdoor gear, bulk candy barrels and just about anything else you could want.
An Appalachian Summer Festival - Presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, this annual celebration of the performing and visual arts is held every July in venues across the university campus and features an eclectic, diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and film programming.
Wilkes County
*Rendezvous Mountain – Located 30 miles east of Boone, Rendezvous Mountain provides a unique, educational outdoors experience in a mountain forest environment. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this forest showcases magnificent mountain hardwoods in one of North Carolina's most scenic settings. Visitors can explore its features on a series of well-marked trails and learn about the ecology of the mountain through exhibits and displays along their way. Please note: access is from Rendezvous Mtn. Road, off of Shingle Gap Road, Purlear.
Wilkes Heritage Museum – Celebrate the heritage and history of Wilkes County at this museum in downtown Wilkesboro. Through a collection of artifacts and images, numerous stories of early settlement, military history, industry, agriculture, medicine, communication,
education, entertainment, and transportation are told.
Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame - The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame exists to showcase and preserve the rich musical heritage of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains area from northern Georgia to northern Virginia.
North Wilkesboro Speedway - This historic NASCAR racetrack is known for its tight turns and challenging layout. It is also a part of the NC Moonshine & Motorsports Trail.
Yancey County
Quilt Trails – Take a drive along the scenic roads of Yancey County and discover painted quilt blocks on barns and outbuildings along your way. Each quilt block is connected, by its pattern name, to the history of the land, the building or the family.