.search .content-area a { Food will be served shortly after 12 p.m., and local crafters will be demonstrating their work at the park throughout the day. The underrated Stone Mountain State Park is shared by Wilkes and Alleghany counties. Its one of our favorite afternoon wind-downs on the weekends. ), How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, 4 National Forests in NC (Things to Do + Why We Love Them! Things to Do in NC | North Carolina Attractions | Smoky Mountains Asheville is not just the first alphabetical entry in our guide to weekend getaways in North Carolina. READ MORE: The Best Places to Visit in North Carolina, READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains. ), US Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!). Croatan National Forest is also a short drive from New Bern. Hikers can use the Blue Ridge Parkway to reach the Mountains to Sea Trail, or the Douglas Falls Trailhead, both of which will lead to a smaller, steep, 1-mile path to the top. Near Brevard, miners can check out Crystal Mountain Gem Mine and Pisgah Forest Gem Mine. $13. .generate-back-to-top, restaurants in Wilmington (and its surroundings), 20 Awesome Wineries near Charlotte (Vineyards Within 2 Hours). Blue Ridge Pinnacle, North Carolina towers above the town of Graphite below with an impressive 4,000-foot prominence for a summit height of 5,665 feet, making it quite a challenging climb. Hop in your car and hit the trails at Table Rock Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain, or drive up to Wisemans View for equally gorgeous views of the Gorge. In fact, my wife Emma and Ioved the region so much, we built a homestead here! 11 Phenomenal Things To Do In Black Mountain, NC The privately owned but publicly accessible town of Montreat is where the trailheads originate for this mountain, and signs clearly point to Graybeard Trail, which is the main trailhead. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Explore Things to do in NC Mountains, from Maggie Valley to Asheville From a drive along Blue Ridge Parkway, which will wow visitors with its breathtaking views and beauty, to rock climbing on one of the sheer cliff faces of the peaks above Linville Gorge, North Carolina is home to some truly spectacular sights and activities that are definitely not to be missed. .inside-article{ The gorge beneath the ridge is home to several watersheds and tributaries that eventually feed the Catawba River, and as this water makes its way down from the peaks, it creates many gorgeous cascades, including Catawba Falls, which drops approximately 200 feet. There are several trailheads that can be used to summit Blue Ridge Pinnacle, including the Pinnacle Trail, the Swannanoa Rim Trail, and the historic Old Mitchell Toll Road, which was once used for logging and was home to a tourist railway. The mountain, which is located near Morgantown, is home to the Harper Creek Trail, a loop trail that brings hikers into the Harper Creek Drainage, which is home to the waterfalls. 10 Great Outdoor Activities in Winston-Salem to Keep You Moving! Read More: 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!). For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. But that doesnt stop them from having a mystique, beauty, and fascinating history all their own. From Greensboros center, you can bounce around the outdoor spots like Triad Park and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. These trails vary in length from an afternoon jaunt to a full-day excursion, with an option to hike from bottom to top from the town of Graphite, using old logging roads and the Old Mitchell Toll Road. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh was the first museum to ever be established in North Carolina, and it is the largest natural science museum on the Southeast. Enjoy fun adventures & excursions in WNC. Stopped in at the visitor center in Maggie Valley where the staff provided me with a map. 25+ Restaurants in Raleigh (Date Night & Casual Bites), 22 Great Things to Do in Carolina Beach (and Nearby! Then you've got to head to Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, just outside of Charlotte. As does the area near Hendersonville, where Bold Rock Cider has set up shop. By wewhynot. Brevard NC, the hiking and mountain biking capital of the region, has some excellentbreweries & cideries. Rocky Face Mountain is a great location for rock climbing, with an old stone quarry where climbers will find a number of challenging and fun routes. We also love visiting Gate City for the Greensboro Science Center and the Childrens Museum if weve brought our little one along! You'll find visitor favorites like Mayberry Days, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, fall festivals, Fourth of July fireworks and much more. Top 5 things to do. These are some of our favorite weekend getaways in North Carolina! Youll find visitor favorites like Mayberry Days, the Grandfather MountainHighland Games, fall festivals, Fourth of July fireworksand much more. .wp-show-posts a { This popular wilderness area is replete with fine hiking trails and summits that overlook the stunning gorge. Event Views Navigation Photo List Month Day Photo Week Map Today. Getting the best of nature and the best of pampering, North Carolinas Blue Ridge offers a fantastic buffet of spas. } Panthertown Valley is not far from Cashiers, but closest to Sapphire. Narrows Knob is named for the narrow ridges that lead to the top. Along this trail, hikers can find the picturesque cascades of Graybeard Falls as well as Walkers Knob, a giant rocky crag. Asheville NC is one of the finest cities in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, and one of my personal favorites in the Southeastern US. It begins around Blowing Rock NC and moves northward through NC, Virginia, and on into West Virginia. North Carolina Mountains: The Chimneys, 16. Whether youre walking around Biltmore Estate (especially during Christmas at Biltmore), the River Arts District, or any of the great hikes near Asheville, get ready for a weekend youll never forget. With some 30 Asheville NC breweries, its easy to see why the place is unofficially known as Beer City.. Mountaintop Yoga Hike Tomorrow 9:00 AM Bearwallow Mountain Trail Road to the Ramble ft. Red Clay Revival & Isaac Hadden Organ Trio Today 9:00 PM Asheville Music Hall Citizen Vinyl Factory Tour - Q3 Tomorrow 1:30 PM + 1 more Citizen Vinyl Asheville Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game Tomorrow 8:00 AM Downtown Asheville READ MORE: The 15 Best NC Wineries to Visit. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. by Jonathon Engels, featured image by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett. MOSES CONE MANOR TOURSAugust 25-27, Moses Cone Manor, Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing RockTours are ranger-led and structured for the time indicated below. 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |, 20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA, The 15 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The 15 Best Western North Carolina Mountains For Hiking, The 20 Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails in North Carolina, The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC, The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina, 40 Facts About the History of the Banjo (From Africa to Appalachia), The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In! The trails to the summit are of various levels of difficulty, but most are for experienced hikers, as several require scrambling or climbing. Balds are named for the grassy or rocky patches, usually at the summit, that are unique to the typical wooded slopes of most mountains in the region. We live in the Bull City, so we may be a little biased when we say Durham is one of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina! Rocky Face Mountain is a distinctive granite dome, similar to Stone Mountain, with a bald top almost completely free of trees, though it is well known as a home to many species of rare flowers and other plants, which thrive in the shallow soil atop the granite. ROOTS IN THE GARDEN CONCERTAugust 24, 5:30pm, Daniel Boone Native Gardens, BooneEnjoy a free concert with Adam Church Picnics are welcome -- all beverages should be in plastic or aluminum cups. At 6,684 feet, Mt. The area can be quite crowded on weekends and during the summer, so those looking for solitude should visit The Chimneys on weekdays or early in the mornings. Wilkes County has Call Family Distillers and the Copper Barrel Distillery. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. The summit is accessible via the Mountains to Sea Trail, and a short spur trail, which can be quite difficult to traverse in wet weather due to mud and erosion. One of a handful of places that claim to be the Grand Canyon of the East, theLinville Gorge Wilderness Area definitely earns its spot on the shortlist. Unfortunately, the trail ends almost 2 miles from the summit, so access is limited to those who are comfortable with bushwhacking. The Blue Ridge Parkway The Carl Sandburg Home Chimney Rock Christmas Tree Farms Clingmans Dome Observation Tower DuPont State Recreational Forest Earl Scruggs Center Fields of the Wood Fontana Lake and Fontana Dam Grandfather Mountain Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the NC Side) Beginning at the bottom of Linville Falls and culminating at Lake James, the Linville Gorge is a 12,000-acre canyon in Pisgah National Forest. At 5,408 feet, Graybeard Mountain is the sixth-tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge Range. We highly recommend you stay and play there, but we also think theres more to this special small town. 50 Things to Do in Asheville, N.C. Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!). The trailhead for Brushy Knob is located in the community of Montreat, on the Big Piney Ridge Trail. Save this event: ESSENCE LOUNGE SATURDAYS!. With a summit of 5,930 feet and a location just north of Asheville, Bullhead Mountain is a great destination for a peaceful, solitary hike. 25+ Great Lakes in North Carolina (+ Our Top 5 Picks), Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! Appalachian music is renowned the world over as the root of modern country music, and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are famed for theirbluegrass and old-time music scenes. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in North Carolina Mountains - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor North Carolina Mountains Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Flights Vacation Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars United States North Carolina (NC) North Carolina Mountains Things to Do in North Carolina Mountains There are even some really fun outdoor activities in Winston-Salem, including Salem Lake, Renoylda Gardens, and more! "agent": "woocommerce-8.0.1-3.0.31" Geologists will revel in the layers of exposed rock, and climbers will love the ridgeline with its various climbing routes. I got tremendous insight from spending some time in Cherokee NC, which offeredimportant, enlightening, and rewarding insights into the regions indigenous culture. Fun Things to Do in North Carolina - NC Attractions The fun town of High Point also awaits nearby (one of our favorite day trips from Greensboro) and on the other side toward Raleigh, youll find Red Oak Brewery in Whitsett. For serious trekking fans, it would be hard to miss out on the opportunity to hike on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. The Crystal Coast runs from the Bogue Banks (including Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach) to Cape Lookout and Harkers Island. Do you want to know our secret for planning the best Outer Banks getaway? Plus, the fact that the peak arrives on the weekend means that many folks can stay up late or get up before dawn without the usual worries about having to go to work after losing sleep. Fall Experience fall color like never before In North Carolina, fall color is about so much more than leaves - it includes watching stunning sunrises and sunsets from the same spot on the beach, hopping on family-friendly hayrides after picking pumpkins, and indulging in fall flavors at colorful events and beer festivals. The mountain is a major destination for rock climbers in the area, and offers routes of varying levels of difficulty. ), The 20 Best Lakes in North Carolina (Mountains, Coast & Beyond), Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 15 Best NC Apple Orchards, 15 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christmas, The 15 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains, The 10 Most Haunted Places in North Carolina, hike on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina, The 10 Hiking Essentials Packing List for the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lakeview at Fontana Inn & Treetop Soaking Cabanas, The 15 Best Romantic Getaways in NC (Cabins, Inns & Resorts), 7 Covered Bridges in North Carolina You Can Visit in 1 Day, The Top 20 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County), The 10 Best Things to Do in Cashiers NC & Jackson County, The 15 Best Places to See Fall in Tennessee, The 10 Best Apple Orchards in Tennessee for Apple Picking & More, Fall Fun at the Ellijay Apple Festival (aka Georgia Apple Festival), The 12 Best Hendersonville Apple Orchards for Apple Picking & More, Apple Picking in Virginia: The 20 Best VA Apple Orchards to Visit. The Blowing Rock a remarkable rock formation that creates crazy updrafts has been visited for centuries now. } In the Blue Ridge Mountains,North Carolina distilleries are primarily found from Asheville and Wilkes County (which is known as the best spot for the real deal moonshine) all the way up to Mount Airy. Please, Save this event: The Secret Garden Soiree Festival (The Ultimate R&B Experience), Save this event: All White Attire Affair "ELEGANCE 2023 ", Save this event: Paperhand Puppet presents: WHERE OUR SPIRITS RESIDE, Save this event: Colours: A Seersucker and Sundress Day Party, Save this event: A Dope Day Party | Adult Recess Raleigh, Save this event: The Dj Cleve Capital City Exclusive All White Party With A Splash Of Pink, Save this event: Winterville Watermelon Festival Watermelon Jam, Save this event: Saturdays Nights @ Love Lounge, Save this event: Uptown: Sip & Paint (R&B Edition), Save this event: The Link Up; Drink Up Day Party, Save this event: Melanin and Mimosas Brunch and Day Party, Save this event: Social Saturdays @ R0Z Bar & Lounge RSVP Guest list. Those are a few of our favorite museums in the city and great starting points! I love to sit overlooking the river at Roaring River Vineyard, which is less than 15 minutes from my house. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} The other awesome long trail in North Carolina is the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which travels nearly 1200 miles from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockeys Ridge on the Outer Banks. Camping is permitted in designated areas inside Hanging Rock State Park. There are a few more fun facts about North Carolina found in New Bern but even more things to do await beyond these historic tidbits. The trails from Rich Mountain Gap to the top of Snake Mountain are not marked, but are frequently used and easy to follow, though the hike can be quite steep. There are several segments of it in the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Peak to Peak, The Balsams, and Gorges, Peaks, and Waterfalls.. In addition to nationally known attractions like Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Tweetsie Railroad, Boone also has a vibrant art, history and cultural scene. Alcoholic beverages are permitted if patrons are of legal age, but no open containers are allowed beyond the Jones House property. Mainland spots include Beaufort, Morehead City, and Newport, rounding out some of Carteret Countys most impressive small towns. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. Couples can spend an entire weekend browsing Seagrove Pottery studios and galleries, viewing new and unique pieces at each stop. From its summit of 5,008 feet, visitors will see some of the major peaks in the southern Appalachians and the town of Sylva far below. From its 3,000-foot summit, Shortoff offers gorgeous views of the entire Linville Gorge as well as the peaks of the Black Mountains. Whether or not youre staying at Switzerland Inn, we think youll enjoy this lovely little town. .inside-footer-widgets a { Most of the hike to the summit is in forested areas, although there are some lovely views near the summit, where trees have difficulty growing. By 1979SE. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Chetola Resortboasts one of the best spas in Blowing Rock, while the Old Edwards Inn & Spa and The Greystone Inn are top-tier spas in the southern part of the region. Mitchell is the highest peak in the Eastern US. For the rest of your weekend getaway, make sure to stop by Millstone Creek Orchards for some apple picking and try their incredible cakes and pies. The area receives a lot of snow during certain parts of the year, which can make hiking difficult, and amateur hikers may find it difficult to navigate. Its rustic and wild and spectacular a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. More North Carolina day trips. The Sylva Pinnacle is one of dozens of peaks in the region referred to as The Pinnacle, and lies close to Blackrock Mountain in the Plott Balsams. 1. The Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) are four hours away. Dogs are not allowed in the gardens. Umstead hosts some of our favorite trails in the area, but we especially love the Multi-Use Trail that leads to chainsaw art. Brevard and Hendersonville steal the show just south of Asheville. Ive explored the Pisgah District for over half a decade now, and I still havent seen all of the amazing highlights! WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS MARKETAugust 26, 9-1pm, Horn in the West, BooneUp to 65 vendors offer quality locally farmed produce and plants, as well as locally made crafts and edibles. Enjoy being close to the Yadkin Valley where many NC wines are made or swing by Stardust Cellars to indulge in craft mead. } NYC weekend events: August 19 & 20 From Seth Myers and John Oliver to Pokemon Go Fest 2023 to Stephanie Mills, there are a variety of things happening in NYC this weekend. Shortoff Mountain, located on the southeastern side of Linville Gorge, is a beautiful mountain for hiking and climbing. Charlotte has some of the best restaurants to accompany fun things to do, both indoors and outdoors. With 5 great waterfalls to visit, it rivals anything Ive seen in two decades of traveling the world! Charlotte, North Carolina, sits 2.5 hours east via US-76. } 10 Beautiful Roadside Waterfalls in North Carolina for Everyone! Things to Do in Boone This Weekend | Eventbrite However, this isnt the only place in the area that appeals to both couples and families. The Mount Jefferson State Natural Area does not permit camping and contains only one trail, a loop that traverses the ridgeline to the summit that is about 1.1 miles long. The Art Loeb Trail and the Mountain-to-Sea Trail both cut through Pisgah National Forest, as does the Blue Ridge Parkway. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} We think youll love the small town of Swansboro, a shop-heavy spot about 30 minutes away from Jacksonville. Two more of the Top 5 peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains are also in the Black Mountains Mt. Its part of the town of Cherokee NC, with its important museums, outdoor theatre, and craft market keeping the culture alive and providing income for local residents. You can do that up to 24 hours in advance. There is also a Forest Discovery Center with a restaurant and shop. Walking Lake Tomahawk is one of the most soul-fulfilling things to do in Black Mountain on this list. There is no camping or overnight parking allowed at Allison Ridge, but there is a nearby campground called Catawba Falls Campground. READ MORE: The 30 Best Waterfalls Near Asheville NC. 11. Things to do This Weekend in North Carolina - WeGoPlaces.com Dogback Mountain is located in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area, with steep, rocky slopes and cliffs. Some favorites include Roan Mountain near Bakersville, the Summit Trail inside Elk Knob State Park, and Rough Ridge Trail just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. By VacationIdea Staff on July 24, 2023 - Updated. Here are the best things to do in North Carolina. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. It is quite large and isolated from other peaks, which makes it an impressive sight from a distance and affords it some fantastic views from the summit. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Asheville has an excellent live music scene, including bluegrass, folk, and rock. 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains Craig (6,647 feet) and Balsam Cove (6,600 feet). The mountain is located within Pisgah National Forest in the Mackey Mountain Roadless Area, and is partially accessible via the Mackey Mountain Trail. Many tour companies offer rafting, kayaking, and river tubing trips on the French Broad. Gem mines are everywhere in Western North Carolina, and kids can even get a chance to pan the mountain stream waters for their own treasures. The park is filled with some amazing hiking trails, although the northern half of the park, where Buzzards Roost lies, is undeveloped and remote. Some area wineries are featured along with others in these NC wine trails. There are also lots of things to do in Wilmington (especially with kids) including the following: Walk the riverfront, take a sunset river cruise, and climb down into the depths of Battleship North Carolina. 20 Fun Things to Do in Black Mountain, NC - Stuck on the Go } Not only has the land proven to be a great place for growing specialty grapes, but its also home to native wild grapes called muscadines (which are red) and scuppernongs (green). Several clear streams run through the Sauratown Mountains and form some beautiful cascades and waterfalls along the trails. padding-left: 10px !important; Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort is a destination that you could never leave. Tryon Palace hosts charming tours of our states first permanent capital and the home of Pepsi also happens to be New Bern. CLASSIC FILMS @THE APPWeekly, Appalachian Theatre, Downtown BooneEnjoy classic films in a fully restored art deco theatre on the big screen for $6! In addition to the home and garden, the grounds also has a winery, Antler Hill Village, and top-flight accommodations, including cottages, a four-star inn, and a village hotel. Two of the bigger names include Dry Falls and the roadside Bridal Veil Falls, not to be confused with the one inside DuPont State Recreational Forest. Together, these attractions make the BRP the most visited national park in the USA. Shortoff is also unique because it possesses a natural pond near the summit, something that is quite rare for mountains in the southern US. /***Underline Links***/ Christmas in NC is especially spectacular at The Biltmore, with the entire mansion decorated and both daytime and candlelit nighttime tours available. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, places to visit in Western North Carolina, 50+ Great Things to Do With Kids in Asheville (and Nearby! The Biltmore Estates Winery is the most visited of all wineries in the USA, but most of these vineyards are small-batch types that create very unique flavors and experiences. Advance booking is required. Read More Labor Day Weekend Events & Things to Do Sep 01, 2023 - Sep 04, 2023 See our special list of top events, festivals and things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains. Youll find a large selection of local crafts here. 8. The trail extends for about 6 miles to the top of the mountain, and the change in elevation is steep, about 2,400 feet. Nowadays, illegal moonshine is still readily found in the North Carolina mountains. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} ), 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways! North Carolina Festivals - Events This Weekend in NC Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to enjoy the music from the lawn. Around 300 miles of the trail are in NC, or along its border with Tennessee. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. Please turn on for a full experience. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} You can stay in any of these big names and enjoy plenty of mountains to hike. North Carolina Fairs and Festivals, Craft Shows, Art Fairs, Events $( document.body ).append( '
' ); The school, originally known as the Biltmore Forest School, was built to teach responsible management of forest lands to the timber industry. Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest is one place thatll convince you why Brunswick County ranks among our favorite weekend getaways in North Carolina. 7. The ironically named New River dates back to around 360 million years ago, while the French Broad River is also over 300 million years old. Did you see something new to explore? We also love the amazing restaurants in Wilmington (and its surroundings) and cant wait to share more about them with you. Highlands sits in the heart of Western NC and a lovely mountain town in Macon County. 60. I mean, how can you go wrong with a place known as the land of waterfalls? Bryson CitysNantahala Outdoor Center is another great place to look. ), 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One! Near Oak Island Lighthouse at Caswell Beach, you can look across the water at Bald Head Island (and Old Baldy Lighthouse). Along the route, visitors may find forests and old logging lands, rocky outcroppings and ridges, and even the states only naturally occurring growth of bluebells. Dont forget to stop by Wilkes Art Gallery in North Wilkesboro and enjoy works by local artists. The Buncombe County seat has plenty of restaurants and breweries to keep your belly happy and ready to explore more! Great Wolf Lodge Ready to thrill (and exhaust) your kids? fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { BANNER ELK MUSIC IN THE PARKAugust 24, 6:30, Tate-Evans Park, Banner ElkThe Banner Elk Concerts are a tradition and each year friends, neighbors and visitors meet weekly in the park for a great selection of bands, and lots of dancing. Read More: 17 Amazing Eno River State Park Trails. Weve included a mix of small towns and cities from the mountains to the sea.Yuma Union High School District Salary Schedule,
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