Marion & Lake James: Mountain Town Morning & Mountain Lake Afternoon on One Tank of Gas

Spend the morning strolling the sidewalks of a historic mountain town, discovering the places locals know and love. Then trade Main Street for mountain water with an afternoon at Lake James, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can do it all in one day, on one tank of gas and with surprisingly little time spent in the car. Let’s explore Marion and Lake James.

Adventure at a Glance

• 25+ miles round trip, but it can vary by stops
• Driving time is around 25 minutes each way
• Allow time for a stop at the Historic Carson House and the Black Bear Access Area along the route
• Main roads: U.S. 70 & N.C. 126

Adventure Stops

Fueling up for the Day Ahead in Marion

Locals head to Sharon’s Cafe at 500 North Main Street for the gravy and biscuits, but their classic breakfast platters include all of the Southern staples. If the daily special tickles your fancy, do not hesitate - order it. In case your breakfast is a to-go coffee from Bigfoot Books and Brews, Sharon’s is also open for lunch.

Locals head to Sharon's Cafe for biscuits and gravy, while classic breakfast platters cover all the Southern staples. If coffee is all you need to get moving, grab one from Bigfoot Books and Brews before exploring downtown.

Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in McDowell County, with majestic Mount Ida as its backdrop, downtown Marion is lined with historic buildings, churches and the McDowell County Courthouse. Architecture buffs will find plenty worth looking up for, including downtown's most recognizable historic landmark: the cupola atop historic Marion City Hall at the corner of South Main and West Court streets. Built in 1903, the Gothic Revival building features Romanesque Revival elements, a large bell tower, steeply pitched roofs and stained-glass windows.

You’ll also find the McDowell Arts Council Association’s gallery, filled with local pottery, woodwork, photography, original paintings and sculpture. While you're there, keep an eye out for local celebrity Biscuit the Cat. Shopping stops include Flavors on Main General Store, Lucky Crow Hat Company and Vintage Market. On Saturdays from May through October, browse the Historic Marion Tailgate Market, open 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Before leaving downtown Marion, make your way over to the Railway Depot District, a national historic district just a short distance from Main Street. Set in a park-like gathering space, the district is home to Marion's restored 1860s-era depot, the oldest surviving depot on the western rail line. The bright red rail car outside makes a fun backdrop for photos.

Trade Main Street for Mountain Water

Now for a change of scenery. From Marion, head east on U.S. 70, then N.C. 126 toward Lake James. Along the way, consider a stop at the Historic Carson House, just outside downtown Marion before continuing toward the lake. As you near the lake, consider a quick stop at Black Bear Access Area off Hankins and Lake James roads, where open-water views offer your first glimpse of what's ahead.

Welcome to lake life.

Start with lunch at Bear Creek Marina and Restaurant, where casual food, open-air dining and lake views make a pretty good introduction. Accessible by car or boat, the marina also hosts live music and entertainment during peak lake season. If getting out on the water is part of your plan, you can rent a boat here, too.

Then, choose your own Lake James adventure.

With 6,812 acres of cool mountain water and more than 150 miles of shoreline, Lake James is the kind of place where an afternoon can go in any number of directions. Get out on the water, hit a trail or simply find a good spot along the shore and take in the view.

At Lake James State Park, tucked beneath the Linville Gorge, the Paddy's Creek Area offers trails for a range of skill levels, a swimming beach open May through September, camping and a wooden bridge known for its sunset views.

Pick Your Lake James Adventure

There are plenty of ways to spend a day at Lake James:

• Bring your own boat or paddleboard, or rent one when you arrive.
• Pack a picnic and claim a spot at one of the lake's designated picnic areas.
• Fish for bass, walleye and catfish.
• Take a summer swim and spend some time on the beach.
• Try waterskiing or wakeboarding with certified instructors from Greenflash Watersports.
• Hike or bike a trail that matches your crew's ability and ambition.
• Play a round at the Marion Lake Club Golf Course.

Prefer a beer to a boat ride? Wind down at Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm.

Save the Sunset

If you can, save the last part of the day for the water. A Lake James sunset cruise offers views across the lake toward Shortoff Mountain, Table Rock, Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the shoreline and overhead.

Then it's back to Marion, about a 30-minute drive via N.C. 126 and U.S. 70. If lake time has worked up an appetite, choose a dinner spot in Marion and give yourself one last stop before calling your One-Tank Adventure complete.

Make It an Overnight

If you're not quite ready to call it a day, make it an overnight at the Cottages at Spring House Farm, a 92-acre eco-retreat in Marion. Private cabins blend rustic and contemporary touches, with amenities including hot tubs, fireplaces and outdoor grills. Birders, bring your binoculars: the property is part of the N.C. Birding Trail, so a walk around the farm may add a few new species to your life list.

Prefer something different? Find more places to stay in McDowell County here.