One of the reasons this area is so lush, beautiful, and diverse is due to the amount of rainfall these mountains receive throughout the year. So, when you’re visiting McDowell County and look out your window to see the occasional rain cloud, it’s easy to chalk it up to a lost day of vacation. But do not fret because this is just not the case. There is still plenty of fun to be had, whether you’re here on a solo trip, enjoying time with your favorite person, or have the entire family in tow. Here’s our guide to rainy day adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains:
How about a local cultural tour?
- The McDowell Arts Council, located at 50 S Main Street in Marion, offers an incredible variety of handcrafted goods from local artists, showcasing pottery, woodworking, paintings, sculpture, and photographs. The featured artists rotate every couple of months, so each time you visit will be a unique experience.
- Phoenix on Main on S Main Street is a local treasure trove of vintage and collectibles, plus work by local artisans. You never know what you’ll find here between the antiques and art.
- While in Marion, don’t miss the Historic Carson House, a 2-story mansion built in the 1700s. The Carson Family’s memories offer a glimpse into life through their experiences during the NC Gold Rush, Native American struggles, slavery and plantation life, and both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
- Nearby in Old Fort, the Mountain Gateway Museum focuses on Southern Appalachian and Western North Carolina cultural history, as well. Learn about traditional crafts, such as spinning and weaving, as well as unique displays of folk medicine and moonshining. Between the changing exhibits, events, and workshops, learning something new here is a given.
- Also in Old Fort, the Nanu Gallery will scratch that itch for contemporary art, focusing on the diverse artists of McDowell County. In historic Old Fort, you’ll find Arrowhead Gallery and Studios carrying a unique collection of art by more than 30 local artists focusing on pottery, painting, weaving, woodworking, jewelry making, fiber arts, and more.
- Make your way to Little Switzerland on a rainy day to have a grand adventure at Emerald Village. The NC Mining Museum consists of the multi-story Visitor Center and the Bon Ami Mine Tour. You’ll be out of the rain and inside the Earth - what a combination of an experience. And since the Gemstone Mine features covered flumes to pan for gems and minerals, it’s also a great way to spend a soggy day.
- Another excellent way to connect to local fine art and craft is at the Mica Gallery in Bakersville, NC. It’s a beautiful cooperative of artists who pull their inspiration from these Blue Ridge Mountains and a delightful weather respite.
Are you thirsty for adult refreshments?
This is an easy fix here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where brewing is so much more than a hobby. Whatever kind of spirit calls to you, it can be found here - beer, wine, cider, mead, whiskey, and moonshine.
- The Copper Creek Distillery in Marion offers free tastings. You read that right - free tastings (to those of legal age, of course!). And you want more than a sample. In that case, they offer several distinct moonshines made with recipes that date back generations, preserving the wisdom and legacy of distilling handcrafted Blue Ridge Mountain moonshine.
- If moonshine’s not your thing, chase away the rainy-day blues with a flight of brews at Mica Town Brewing, with locations in Marion and Nebo. Featuring carefully crafted beer, cider, and spirits inspired by the geology and hardworking people of Western North Carolina. Mica is a mineral once used as currency and steeped in local history.
In case you also have your four-legged friends with you, check out Hillman Beer in Old Fort. This casual community space is known for being friendly and welcoming to all within its 10,000 sq ft indoor taproom. Also, there are more than 30 beers on tap at any given time.
Can shopping cure the rainy day blues?
Retail therapy helps all manner of ills, and especially on a foul-weather day. There are a lot of shopping options within McDowell County. Here are a few suggestions.
- Books and Beans, a beautifully eclectic book shop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is an excellent stop in Little Switzerland that features an extensive collection of books (new, used, first editions, rare, and HTF), as well as a full-service coffee cafe (with a mouth-watering menu of options and flavors!). Shopping like the locals is another experience ideally suited for gray, wet skies.
- The Vintage Market in Marion specializes in repurposed and vintage items, including some singular antiques. The longer you stroll around, the more treasures you’ll find. Take your time - let it rain.
- Looking for a unique and tongue-in-cheek? The Common Pine in Old Fort is a charming boutique with sassy stationery, exciting succulents, and fun and eccentric gifts for everyone. They even have stickers designed in-house reflecting our quirky, but lovable, Blue Ridge community.
- Flavors on Main General Store is another intriguing shopping experience. Offering a wide range of camping and fishing gear, they also focus on North Carolina-made specialty foods. Shop for delicious oils, vinegar, and sauces, and then pick up some chocolates, cheese, and grits as souvenirs of your Blue Ridge Mountains vacation.
- Get cozy with the whole "Mountain Town General Store" vibe at Davis Country Store & Cafe. This general store offers unique local items, travel swag, and even plants and birds! The cafe serves up fresh breakfast, lunch, and light fare, as well as a wide selection of coffee & drinks. With charming indoor and outdoor seating, it's a great place to peruse local goods or sit on the porch while the weather passes.
- Get lost in the Lake James Antique Mall in Nebo, NC, for a while. In addition to the antiques, the vintage, the mid-century modern, the retro, and more, you’ll find handmade goods such as local soaps and lotions, and locally-crafted furniture.
Where to go in McDowell for that indoor fun?
- Downtown Marion brings traditionally outdoor fun indoors with the Hot Wheelz skating rink. Burn off some energy, play some arcade games, and then explore the rest of the indoor mall with retail shops, restaurants, and specialty stores, like Chance of Sprinkles Bake Shop, perfectly named for a rainy-day treat.
- If you’re a YMCA member, the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion can keep everyone entertained and in shape with the indoor pool, indoor basketball and handball courts, and workout areas.
Waterfall hiking in the rain? Why not!
If you’re going to get wet anyway, why not go ahead and do some outdoor exploring and end up at a waterfall? The Blue Ridge Mountains are famously known for their exceptional hikes and waterfalls. Keep in mind that exploring them in the rain can be extra slippery and dangerous. Here are a couple that can be tackled more safely in rain or shine.
- Roaring Fork Falls in the Pisgah National Forest cascades down 50 feet of mossy rock into the awaiting pool. You reach the waterfall via an easy, half-mile trail over a flat forest service road. The best part is that the waterfall is even more spectacular in heavy rain when the gently flowing water becomes a thundering torrent.
- Tom's Creek Falls is accessed by an easy hike that takes about 16 minutes to complete. The trail stays relatively dry because it was built using viaducts that channel the water away from the trail. View the spectacular falls from a rough-hewn wooden bridge that passes just a few feet above the cascades. There are plenty of opportunities to play in the creek along the way.
