Marion

Marion, N.C. - Where Main Street Meets The Mountains

"Where Main Street Meets the Mountains"

With it's historic buildings set against the backdrop of picturesque Mount Ida, Marion is the heart of our county and a great middle point for your next Blue Ridge Mountain adventure. Get a taste of local flavors in our eclectic downtown, or explore the surrounding mountains by foot, bike, RV, or car.

Stroll the sidewalks of Marion’s historic Main Street where you’ll find former banks and warehouses brought back to life as locally-owned restaurants, craft breweries, bakeries, ice cream parlors, unique shopping boutiques and art galleries. You can find many popular Marion businesses on our website, or visit the Marion Business Association Page for more info.

Main Street is the site of several mountain craft fairs and community celebrations throughout the year. Stop by the Historic Marion Tailgate Market on Saturdays, May through October, to pick up local produce and artisan goods like bread, jams and handmade soaps. And don’t miss the family-friendly WNC Bigfoot Festival, our largest outdoor festival and one of the largest Bigfoot festivals in the South. Check the event calendar for more Marion festivals and happenings.

Marion is conveniently located to a variety of outdoor adventures, many accessible all year round. Walk or bike along the river on the Joseph McDowell Historic Catawba River Greenway at the edge of town, or take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see stunning mountain vistas, visit beautiful waterfalls and access many more hiking trails. Just a few miles away is Lake James State Park where you’ll find hiking and biking trails, canoe and kayak rentals and a swimming beach perfect for staying cool on a hot summer day.

At the end of the day, find your home away from home at one of Marion’s accommodations, including hotels, motels, campgrounds and private cabin rentals.

McDowell County's official arts council, McDowell Arts Council Association, is located downtown. As hosts to the Blue Ridge Artisan Sale and Show, the Micropolitan Film Festival, and the Appalachian Potters Market, MACA serves as the authority on local art in all forms in our community.

A new business to downtown Marion is Appalachian Remedies. Conveniently located downtown, Appalachian Remedies allows you to weave a rug on traditional looms in their studio. Learn more about their studio, hours, and weaving by visiting their Facebook Page: Appalachian Remedies.