Any time of the year is great for a day trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but summertime in McDowell County just offers that extra something special. A day spent exploring the mountain towns of the Blue Ridge is the perfect recipe for relaxation, refueling, discovery, and exploration.
From Charlotte, you can reach McDowell County in under two hours via US-321 N and I-40. From Greenville, SC, it’s a straightforward 1 hour and 50 minute drive on US-25 and I-40 E. Once in McDowell County, the choice is yours: Outdoor adventures await on land and water.
In-town excursions to become acquainted with the history of the area and the people. Take it fast and furious or take it slow and easy. It’s all right here waiting for you.
How to Spend a Day in Old Fort
Bring your mountain bike and running shoes for the trails, or spend the day immersing yourself in the local culture.
- Stop into the Visitor Center on South Catawba Avenue for detailed area information and a warm welcome.
- Treat yourself to GoGo’s Handcrafted Cinnamon Rolls and Seeker Coffee.
- Get your steps in for the day on the Old Fort Gateway Trails in Pisgah National Forest. Walkers, runners, bikers, and horseback riders are encouraged to enjoy the endless loop and connector trails.
- Bring the fishing gear and take advantage of the world-class trout fishing in Curtis Creek, or bring your zest for angling and enjoy a guided fishing experience.
- Immerse yourself in town and learn about your surroundings at the Mountain Gateway Museum, Davidson’s Fort, and on the Seven Wonders Mural Trail.
- Wrap up your day with eats and drinks at Black Beary’s Cafe and Hillman Beer.
How to Spend a Day in Little Switzerland
Developed for relaxation and rejuvenation, Little Switzerland will transport you to a world entirely different from your own. Which is the whole point of a day trip, right?
- Treat yourself to a delicious coffee at Little Switzerland Books and Beans. The name says it all. Sip, read, and wander the 3-story shop filled with curiosities.
- Stock up on snacks and treats for the day at the Little Switzerland General Store and head up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Historic Orchard at Altapass. Enjoy picking apples and choosing locally made goodies to take home from the General Store. If you visit on the weekend, live music will get your toes tapping.
- Emerald Village is a must-visit destination for gem and gold prospecting. The NC Mining Museum, the Crabtree Emerald Mine, and the Blacklight Mine Tour are all fun ways to spend the day.
- Visit the Little Switzerland Orchard Cidery, Winery, and Brewery for any type of beverage you can imagine. It’s a casual and friendly setting to enjoy a variety of tasty spirits.
- Wrap up the adventure at the Little Switzerland Inn. Make a reservation at the Chalet Restaurant, or dine on the elevated pub menu at the Fowl Play Pub & Taproom.
How to Spend a Day in Nebo and Lake James
Nebo and Lake James offer a day of relaxation and breathtaking views. This area can be explored on foot, by bike, and by boat. You can create your own sports quest if you’d like – there are no rules on day trips.
- If you’re itching for a day of golf, the Marion Lake Club Golf Course is a public course on Lake James.
- Grab a meal at the Bear Creek Marina while gazing out at Lake James and planning the rest of your day.
- The Lake James State Park Visitor Center is a worthy stop for all things Lake James, so you can get to know the area’s potential. Spend the afternoon by the water, or on it, whichever calls to you on a warm summer day. There are many options!
Keep the day chill and stop at Mica Town Brewing and Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm. Local folks, local brews, and tall tales by the lake.
How to Spend a Day in Marion
A day spent in Marion should include strolling the streets of downtown, dipping in and out of shops and eateries along the way.
- Start your day with fuel from a coffee shop and then follow the McDowell Heritage Trail to get to know the history, culture, and amazing attractions around Marion and surrounding towns.
- A visit to the McDowell Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center will shed some light on what to do and where to go for a day of adventure. Shopping and dining in town is also an effective and enjoyable way to help support the local economy. And no matter what your taste buds are screaming for, you will likely find it in Marion. Comfort food, pub fare, southern classics, to award-winning fine cuisine – it is all here.
- Take a break with an activity. Take a stroll or bike ride on the Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway, located just outside downtown, accessible from sunrise to sunset. It’s a paved trail that follows the flow of the Catawba River.
The North Cove Disc Golf and Leisure Club is a beautiful and sprawling rural valley of rolling hills – it’s a pleasure to be there, throwing discs or not. Birdie’s Restaurant will fix you up with a cold beer and a hot slice of pizza. Ask about the Sasquatch slice.
How to Spend a Day in the Linville Falls Community
The Linville Falls Community is in the epicenter of outdoor adventure in the Blue Ridge. The Linville Gorge is considered the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’, and Linville Caverns is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to literally be inside a mountain.
- Linville Falls is a three-tiered waterfall accessible via several trails, making for a robust hike with a refreshing finish to start your day.
- Exploring the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area will add another notch to your hiking belt. This is wild and isolated terrain for those seeking challenging hikes, backpacking, rock climbing, and fishing for native trout. Be sure to visit the Linville Falls Visitor Center for helpful information to enhance your journey.
- A tour of the subterranean world that is Linville Caverns is fairly short, but it maintains a comfortable 52 degrees while inside the mountain, so be prepared with layers, in case you need them.
This is a lot of activity, so when you get hungry, make your way to the Linville Falls Lodge and Cottages to satisfy the need at Spear’s, their on-site restaurant with an extensive wine list and full bar.
