is little switzerland, nc worth visiting

This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. height: 100%; The Switzerland Inn was the first one built here, and was completed in 1910. Growing up in Bryson City, North Carolina, a half-mile, Saturday nights in July and August, you'll find Geneva Hall filled with visitors and locals ready to square dance! With cool mountain breezes, endless views and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure, summer is the perfect time to plan your next vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Well lump these two together because you can easily hike to both waterfalls on the same day. Little Switzerland orchard and winery - Spruce Pine, NC I hope this guide has you excited about your trip and that you have an unforgettable experience! But, it offers different sites and activities. Since its natures paradise, there are many things to see and do outdoors that dont require any spending. We did the rock mining is xperience and the tickets were charged per person and not per equipment. Pro-note: Buy the $20 bucket instead of two $10 buckets, or get the $30 bucket. While the food is incredible at Chalet Restaurant, the stunning scenery outside the panoramic view windows makes the dining experience unlike any other. It's off the beaten path a bit but don't worry, you'll be rewarded. READ MORE: Emerald Village: North Carolina Gem Mines in Little Switzerland. CHALET RESTAURANT, Little Switzerland - Tripadvisor Its also a great place to get T-shirts and other Little Switzerland souvenirs, especially those related to the scenic Diamondback driving route. Those picturesque panoramic views, with the deep valleys and rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching as far as eyes could see, reminded Clarkson of the scenery in the Swiss Alps. Theres also a general store where you can find unique souvenirs unlike anything else. They were completely up front about the pros and cons of my finds and no pressure to buy anything additional. I've always thought the gem panning was a little silly (dowsing rocks with water), but I suppose kids may like it. How to Get to Crabtree Falls Near Little Switzerland NC We were pleasantly surprised by this "gem" of a historical mine. So heres a look at our favorite things to do in Little Switzerland, from driving the Diamondback route and gem mining at Emerald Village to shopping, local restaurants, and more! ), Hiking Roan Mountain for Beautiful Appalachian Trail Views, 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Boone (within 2 Hours), 20+ Awesome Things to Do in Black Mountain and Nearby, Things to Do in Morganton and Burke County, 40 Wonderful Places To Visit In The High Country (Boone, Blowing Rock, And More! Lodging Visit Little Switzerland While you can simply trek in and out to see the falls, we recommend completing the loop for the full experience. } n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; The views cant get any better from its easily accessible observation deck. Not only is there a lot to enjoy at the inn, but theres even more right outside your door in North Carolinas stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake James State Park is situated on a lake and is surrounded by Appalachian Mountain views. 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |, hiking the mountains of Western North Carolina, The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit, The 20 Best Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, The Top 25 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC, The 20 Best Western NC Small Towns to Visit (& Live In), The 15 Best Treehouse Rentals in the North Carolina Mountains, The Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for Foodies, The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks in NC & VA, The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina, The 15 Best Boone NC Hiking Trails to Explore, The 20 Best Pumpkin Patches in the NC Mountains, The 10 Best Lakes in the North Carolina Mountains to Visit, The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC, The 20 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina, The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville NC, The 10 Best Lake Houses in Georgia to Rent, The 10 Best Things to Do in Waynesboro VA (Augusta County), The 15 Best Things to Do in Elkin NC & the Yadkin Valley, The 7 Best Restaurants in Mt Airy NC & Surry County, The 10 Best Blue Ridge, Georgia Horseback Riding Tours. This laid-back, affordable hotel is close to all the best things to do in Little Switzerland, NC. Little Switzerland sits at 3,500 feet, surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Best Restaurants In Blowing Rock NC You Must Try, The Perch Cabin with Hot tub and Panoramic view. Explore Little Switzerland! Which is precisely what makes Little Switzerland NC located at BRP milepost 334 so incredibly surprising. Blue Ridge Traveler | Things to Do | Official Travel Guide to the Blue READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC. There are also several greatBlue Ridge Parkway waterfalls nearby, including Linville Falls (MP 316, part of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area), theCrabtree Falls Loop Trail (MP 339.5), and Roaring Fork Falls (MP 344.1). If you become sick or injured, those medical bills can really add up. .inside-article{ Visit Discovery Mill, with 10 levels of displays, including the Music Museum, the Homestead Museum, the Blue Ridge model railroad display, and gift and snack shops. Their town sign says "Population 46." Many buildings incorporate iconic Swiss architectural styles. You can also skip fancy dining at Chalet and have a casual dinner at The Fowl Play. Today I'm taking a trip in the mountains of North Carolina to Little Switzerland. And how the molten rock that was forced into cracks of other rocks cooled slowly, forming massive mineral deposits. Theres plenty of space to sit and enjoy hanging out for a while. Penland visitors today can explore the 400-acre campus (which is on the National Register of Historic Places) and its exceptional galleries. No disappointments here. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Theres an array of accommodation options, from regular rooms in the main lodge to suites with majestic mountain views. Staff simply shine black lights on the roof if a grotto behind the gift shop/museum; (2) its completely dark so the lack of lighting on the path to the grotto and inside the grotto makes this treacherous and unsafe tour. In our experience, the best views in and around Little Switzerland include the Crabtree Falls trail, the Orchard at Altapass, along the Diamondback driving route, and nearby Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks such as Linville Falls and Chestoa View. 8 Things to Do in Little Switzerland, North Carolina Located at 3,200 feet on the side of Grassy Mountain, this rusticBlue Ridge Parkway lodge has 12 rooms, 8 of which offer private balconies overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Staff share the minimum and say, Just ask questions. Neat idea but could be better represented in the advertisement and better presented on site. Although the community is small, theres no shortage of activities. Located about an hour north of Asheville, it offers a rare stop right along the Parkway for food at the Switzerland Cafe and a little . The yard features a fire pit, covered porch, outdoor kitchen, and pet-friendly space. Itll take you past rugged mountains and offer views of long-range vistas. Whether youre traveling with family or looking for some solitude, the Switzerland Inn is ready for you. What restaurants are near Emerald Village? 1. The village of Little Switzerland is part of McDowell County, which was founded in 1842 and has a total population of around 45,000 people. Little Switzerland is a quaint taste of Europe. } ); There are also 25 miles of trails, ideal for hiking and biking. You can also enjoy local craft beer, wine, and mixed drinks. If you want the full Little Switzerland experience, youll want to book a room at the historic Switzerland Inn, which has a spa, outdoor pool, hot tubs, and, of course, expansive mountain views. Said to resemble the foothills of the Swiss Alps, these sweeping vistas are just one of the reasons travelers make the journey to experience the self-proclaimed jewel of the Blue Ridge Parkway.. Theres a decent number of restaurants, shops, and natural attractions nearby, including some fun things to do with kids. The building has 8 connected levels of shops and exhibits, with an unusual array of themes and collections. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. These flavors are fermented into the cider, not injected after the fact. Mountain View Restaurant Blue Ridge Parkway North Carolina by Bret Love; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted. In fact, you only need to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway the 469-mile drive connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park and head toward mile marker 334. We found one big tiger eye, a few medium size stones, but the majority were small and the variety was limited. Their NC Mining Museum and historic Bon Ami Mine Tours are family-friendly favorites, and we loved exploring the decidedly quirky Discovery Mill. There are railroad tracks and rusty mining equipment everywhere that you can bump into in the dark; (3) Theres little explanation or history offered. For a small piece of land with absolutely no real gems, this is grossly overpriced. Its an affordable 42-room inn that comes with complimentary breakfast and dinner. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Thank you for coming and having a good time! The gift shop at the Mining Museum at Emerald Village has a variety of reasonably priced local Crabtree Emerald specimens for purchase; much easier and cleaner! The staff was great and we plan to come back for a daytime visit sometime. As the name suggests, Little Switzerland has elements of Swiss architectural styles, but its geography is the original inspiration for the overall aesthetic. Here are a few of the best places to stay for your Little Switzerland getaway: Quirky Mountain Cottage: La Petite Chalet La Petite Cottageis a unique vacation mountain home situated on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Explore the many shelves and treasures of this gem! Little Switzerland is a beautifulNCmountain town located just one hour away fromAshevilleto the south andBooneto the north. Little Switzerland Books and Beans 2. About a 10-minute drive from Little. Its coming from one of the largest wood-fired smokehouses in the state of North Carolina, which earned the restaurant a spot on the NC BBQ Trail. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 1. Visit Little Switzerland. 13 Best Things To Do In Little Switzerland NC (and Nearby!) The Diamondback, in particular, appeals to motorsports enthusiasts. So seasonal residents were understandably upset by the idea of a highway running through their retreat. A quick hop and skip next door from the General Store is a three-story bookstore with a full coffee and espresso bar. Popular Blue Ridge Parkway hikes nearby include the Rough Ridge Trail (MP 302.8, from which you can also access the 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail), Flat Rock Trail (MP 308.3), Erwins View Trail (MP 316.4), and theCraggy Pinnacle Trail (MP 364.2, a popular place for catching the sunset). Wander among unique shops to find books, souvenirs and locally crafted art and decor. His vision for the rural area was to build a resort town with. This large, unique bookstore boasts three stories of endless books and unique art. Spruce Pine in Mitchell County is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of adventures. One of the most iconic things to do in Little Switzerland, NC, is visitingEmerald Village. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Her photos have appeared in numerous travel publications (including National Geographic and Southbound) and various textbooks. Although the 1911 building was demolished and replaced in 1961, the Switzerland Inn today still maintains its original old world European charm. All the alcohol contents are on the high side (8-11%)which gives it flavor it deserves. .search .content-area a { Here are some nearby stops within 25 miles of MP 334 and Little Switzerland. Best Time to Visit I personally think the best time to visit Little Switzerland is in early October. NC Tripping offers access to a huge audience with multiple advertising options! As someone whos lived in North Carolina and done my fair share ofeast coastroad trips, Im here to tell you that Little Switzerland is a must-visit. 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This is because winter weather is quite cold and snowy in Western North Carolina, and many snowbirds go elsewhere. Museum of North Carolina Minerals While there are many awesome mountain towns in North Carolina, I definitely recommend not overlooking this one. Check out the rest of ourawesomeNorth Carolina articles in ourEast Coast USA Seriesto help you with your travel planning. Although its not directly in town,Lake James State Parkis another top spot close to Little Switzerland. We came back at night for the black light tour, which was beautiful and fascinating. Its under 30 miles away and, with so much to see and do, makes for a fun day trip. A professional writer/editor since 1995, he's covered travel and culture for 100+ publications, including American Way, Destination Marriott, Georgia Travel Guide, National Geographic, and Southbound. Visit Little Switzerland Get to Know Little Switzerland. Mountain View Restaurant The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-drive road for many, with many of us seeking it out for the remoteness and stunning views. . There arent many better places to camp than in the mountains of North Carolina. Its about an hour away, so I recommend heading there early. And we can continue bringing you free tips and advice. Shes also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Little Switzerland is about 2 hours from Charlotte, NC or Greenville, SC and about 2.75 hours from Knoxville, TN. Emerald Village 252 Mines Temporarily closed By 926denniss This was a blast, the kids loved the gem mining and the museum. This Little Switzerland hotel offers 38 rooms, four suites (which have King beds and full kitchens), plus individual and grouped cottages. This quaint area directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway southeast of Mt. Overseen by the National Park Service, the NC museum offers interactive displays featuring 300+ types of gems and minerals found in the mountains of the Spruce Pine Mining District. What To Do In Little Switzerland Nc? - Tourismguide.info } padding-right: 10px !important; "pluginVersion": "3.0.23" As well as her top tips for visiting. Little Switzerland is an unincorporated community in McDowell and Mitchell counties of North Carolina, United States. The uphill trek can be a bit of a slog, especially when its muddy after a rain. The nearby Crabtree Emerald Mine is the best place to find local Emeralds, but that is hard work. Nearby, experience the thrill of the hunt at Emerald Village, where guests of all ages will love gem mining and exploring the historic underground mine. Is Little Switzerland NC worth visiting? READ MORE: The Top 25 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC. Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland, North Carolina - Travel The 16-room Sky Line Inn also boasts panoramic scenes that guests can soak up while sipping coffee on the shared balcony. In downtown Little Switzerland, you'll find the most unique three-story bookstore and coffee shop! Little Switzerland is home to two of the most magnificent waterfalls in North Carolina: Grassy Creek and Crabtree Falls. a More than 100 years later, Little Switzerland is an iconic stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway (at Milepost 334), where youll find delicious food, eclectic shopping, warm Southern hospitality and sweeping, uninterrupted mountain views. Mitchell and 25 miles south of Grandfather Mountain. Mount Mitchell is 6,684 feet high, and its the highest point east of the Mississippi. You can drive for 50-100 miles and never see any Blue Ridge Parkway hotels, resorts, restaurants, or gas stations. Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!). Its the first place youll see when exiting off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 334. Exploring the town itself wont take very long, but there are a few must-see stops while there. Youll love a camping trip in Little Switzerland if youre a nature lover like I am. Little Switzerland, NC was built to resemble the Swiss Alps | Charlotte Whereas Emerald Village offers a family-friendly look at the areas mining history, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals (which offers free admission) takes a more science-focused approach. A 2-mile round-trip hike will take you to three different vantage points of the falls. Or use the Map below to see all your options: While visiting Little Switzerland, NC, youll want to make sure you see and do as much as possible. As we mentioned earlier, Grassy Creek Falls is a two-tiered waterfall that's 25 feet high, from top to bottom. Theres also hot coffee, hot cocoa, and a few old school video games in the seating area to keep sugar-fueled families entertained. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Switzerland Inn also offers fine dining, on-site shops, and a spa. Here you will find everything from LGBTQ+ travel & lifestyle advice, to comprehensive guides and itineraries designed to make your travel planning easier. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Buying a prepared gem bucket is definitely easier and more productive. Step into Geneva Hall on Saturday evenings in July and August to join the community square dance and try your luck at the cake walk, or head up the parkway to the Historic Orchard at Altapass for live music on summer weekends and U-pick apples in fall. This charming, custom-built vacation rental offers a homey vibe with a beautiful indoor and outdoor living space. Within Switzerland Inn, youll find Chalet Restaurant and Fowl Play Pub & Tap Room. You can also check out the art gallery where local artists showcase their crafts. The challenging drive is so popular, the Switzerland Inn has an 8-room Diamondback Lodge reserved primarily for groups of motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Little Switzerland NC, the adorably quaint Swiss Shoppe is centered around indulging your inner child (and its sweet tooth). Some are newer, but others were used as farm cabins in the area 100+ years ago. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) {

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