Small Town Ramble: Three Small Towns, Three Completely Different Personalities, One Tank of Gas

A day trip in McDowell County is full of possibilities and this one is serving up three towns in one easy day, starting in Old Fort with a hearty country breakfast and a focus on arts and culture. An easy, back roads drive brings you to a magical spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway where you will swear you have left the country without hopping a plane. Then onto a mountain adventure town where you have time and space to wander and explore while deciding your next move, which may include planning your next getaway to beautiful McDowell County.

At a Glance

• 60 miles
• About 2 hours of drive time
• Allow time for on-foot mountain town exploration
• U.S. 70, N.C. 221 and N.C. 226

Adventure Stops

Early risers can ease into the day with a morning yoga flow at Old Fort Yoga in the heart of downtown. From there, head to Bside Bakery, Books & Grocery, an independent bookstore and bakery known for its fresh-baked goodies. Stroll over to the Destination McDowell Visitor Center for visitor information, maps and EV charging before hitting the road. If a full breakfast is more your speed, Davis Country Store and Cafe serves farm-fresh eggs every morning. Browse the store’s locally made specialty foods, arts and crafts while your breakfast is being prepared.

After that hearty Southern breakfast, an easy walk is just the thing. A few doors down on E. Main Street, step into The Common Pine. It’s the kind of store you wish you had in your hometown, where there’s always something surprising or funny. Count on finding a gift for a friend, family member or, very possibly, yourself. Stroll back to Catawba Avenue, and make a stop at Arrowhead Gallery and Studios, a locally owned gallery filled with art created by Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League. With more than 30 local artists’ hand-crafted arts and wares, you'll find something special to take home. Continuing the artistic theme of your morning, right across the street Nanu Gallery offers a different vibe than Arrowhead. Sculpture, ceramics and visual arts fill this contemporary art space and shared clay studio.

Last stop in Old Fort before heading to Little Switzerland? GoGo’s! Take your crew through the drive-through for GoGo’s famous handcrafted cinnamon rolls. Twelve flavors and counting, this is scrumptious road trip fuel. Don’t forget the napkins.

Climbing Your Way to Little Switzerland

First Leg: From Old Fort, taking U.S. 70 West, toward Marion, follow the route to U.S. 221 N, then to N.C. 226 N to Little Switzerland, North Carolina. This is about 25 miles, so allow 35-40 minutes for the drive.

Arriving in Little Switzerland never gets old. The Swiss-inspired architecture at the heart of this tiny mountain village feels like a place far away and long ago, a reminder that travel doesn’t have to take you far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere completely different.

After the drive, stretch your legs at Little Switzerland Books and Beans, a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The drink menu is extensive enough that you may find yourself letting people go ahead of you while you decide. And the books? More than 30,000 of them, spread across three levels, with local art sprinkled throughout. Southern Living named the shop among the best things to do in Little Switzerland.

For lunch, you have options. For 30 years, Switzerland Cafe and General Store has served homemade sandwiches, soups, quiche, smoked trout and barbecue, earning a spot on the North Carolina Barbecue Trail. Grab a seat on the porch and let the world move on by. Or head just up the road to the Chalet Restaurant at Switzerland Inn for relaxed mountain dining with panoramic valley views. Its location near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Diamondback makes it a popular stop for sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts, too.

Before heading to your next town, stop by the Provisions Haus at the historic Switzerland Inn for homemade ice cream or coffee to go. Kids can make a final pit stop at the photo booth and arcade games before everyone piles back into the car.

Now onto Marion for some afternoon strolling and wandering

Second Leg: Get ready for some twists and turns on the Diamondback (N.C. 226A), a 12-mile stretch known for its mountain views and more than 190 steep curves. It’s a challenging drive and not a good choice for anyone prone to carsickness. Prefer something tamer? Take U.S. 221 to Marion instead. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the drive.

Marion was named one of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine’s “Top 100 Adventure Towns,” but this afternoon is all about downtown. Park the car and have a wander:

• Flavors on Main combines the old-time feel of a country general store with camping and outdoor gear, gifts and plenty to browse.
• With a name like The Pickle Barrel, you’re probably going to want to look inside. More than 30 vendors fill the space with art, home decor, vintage finds, books, cards and local honey.
• Musicians and instrument lovers should make time for Killough’s Music and Loan, part pawn shop and part full-service music store. Instruments line the walls, and with any luck, you might catch a spontaneous jam session.
• Just off South Main, Main Season Market & Brewery brings together local produce and flowers, artisan foods, fresh bread, specialty groceries and craft beer.

You’ll likely find a few other places that tempt you along the way. When it’s time to give your feet a rest, Refinery 13 offers drinks and a comfortable spot to settle in before your trip back to home base.

It’s a Wrap! Back to Old Fort

From Marion, it’s an easy 13-mile drive back to Old Fort on U.S. 70, about 25 minutes to complete your Small Town Ramble.

Make It an Overnight

Ever wanted to spend the night in a board game bed & breakfast? Of course you have. Tabletop Inn in Marion is a bona fide Board Game Bed & Breakfast, with a library of more than 800 games. Even better, the owners are board game designers themselves. Each guest room has its own colorful theme and custom art, and a home-cooked breakfast awaits in the morning.

For a private getaway in Old Fort, Railway Rest is a two-bedroom cottage with easy access to hiking, biking and fishing in nearby Mill Creek. The cottage sleeps four. Arriving guests may even find the makings of a hearty breakfast, including homemade bread, fresh eggs and coffee.

Prefer to rough it a little? Sky Island Campground and Cabin Retreat in Old Fort offers RV and tent camping along with cabins for groups. There’s also a music hall with weekly entertainment and plenty of room to roam among the property’s pond, creeks and natural spring.