Appalachian Cultural Museum - Historical exhibits, authentic mountain musical instruments and much more. The Appalachian Cultural Museum, part of Appalachian State University, was created to foster an understanding of the people of the Appalachian Mountains and to serve as a laboratory for new museum ideas. Through exhibits, publications, and special events, the Museum presents the rich traditions of the region. The Museum gives new meaning to life in western North Carolina in a manner that is authentic and non-stereotypical.

Ashe County Cheese Factory - Ashe County Cheese Inc. is open to visitors year-round who often come in to watch through a viewing room to see just how the cheese is made. Ashe County Cheese is the only cheese making plant in the area of its kind and possibly the only one in the state. Around 50,000 pounds of cheese is made a week at the Ashe County Cheese factory. The hours are from 8:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Blowing Rock - The Blowing Rock, North Carolina's oldest travel attraction since 1933, is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. Open all year weather permitting in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Scenic attraction. Views of gorge, gift shop and snack shop.

The Blowing Rock Community Arts Center - Theater, music, dance, film, children's workshop, and visual arts.

The Blowing Rock Stage Company - Evening performances 8:15. Sunday matinee 3pm. Plays are held at the Blowing Rock Arts Center on Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock. The Box Office is located on Maple Street in Blowing Rock. Mid June-early August.

Farm House, Live! - A 50 year tradition that continues in spirit and song with town sponsored concerts in the Broyhill Gazebo on the Lake. e.j. & shirl's Farm House, Live! Singers return with great vigor & variety, and the "magic" of the music, always the music, that brings us all together. Also available for dinner concerts and very special occasions. Contact Amy Young, Director, e-mail: ayverismo@hotmail.com, phone 828-266-1676; or Shirl Blackwell, Producer, e-mail etsonb@earthlink.net, winter phone 954-782-5696, summer phone 828-262-5864.

Frescoes of Ashe County - Located in two Episcopal Churches. Ben Long, Artist, Glendale Springs and West Jefferson. (828) 982-3076.

Grandfather Mountain - Mile-high swinging bridge, animal habitat, nature museum, food and hiking. Hwy 221 near Linville. Open year round, weather permitting. Hours vary in winter; 8-7pm in summer; 8-5pm in fall. $10 adults and $5 children (4-12).

Grandfather Trout Farm - Fishing, gem mining, and more. Open daily 12-5pm (weather permitting). Hwy. 105 South.

Horn In The West - Outdoor drama. June 30-Aug. 16. Nightly at 8:30 pm except Monday. $12 general admission, children $6. Group rates upon request. Hickory Ridge Homestead is also located inside of Horn in the West. Both in Boone.
www.horninthewest.com

Linville Caverns - Tours of underground caverns. Hwy 221 between Linville and Marion. Open daily May-November 9-5pm. Weekends December-February 9-4:30pm.

Linville Falls - Two falls plunge into Linville Gorge. 1/2 mile hike to falls. Open year round. Free. Between Linville and Marion. Hwy 221 to Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mast General Store - Building on National Register of Historical Places. Retail store and mail order. Historical site in Valle Crucis and annex store in Boone. Open year round. 10-6pm. Mon-Sat., Sun 1-6pm., hours in Valle Crucis 6:30am-6:30pm.

Moses Cone Estate & Parkway Craft Center - Crafts for sale, hiking trails. MP 294 on Blue Ridge Parkway. Craft Center 9-6 pm daily, May-Oct. 31.

Mystery Hill - Scenic, optical illusions and natural phenomenon; a remarkable defiance of gravity where you can see a ball roll uphill, and where folks are pulled from an upright position to an uncanny standing angle of nearly 45°. This strange phenomenon has been amusing and puzzling visitors to Mystery Hill for generations. Since there is a variety of things to see and do, no one leaves disappointed. Mystery is a family oriented "edutainment" center that offers fun for children ages 2 to 102.

The Orchard At Altapass - Historic Orchard at Altapass (founded in 1907) on Orchard Road, MP 328.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open late May to early Nov. Fresh baked goods, homemade fudge, ice cream, sundries, crafts made locally, tours, hayrides, history, tall tales, live local music, craft demonstrations and fresh apples in season. Something for the entire family.

SummerMusic - SummerMusic is a nonprofit music festival featuring chamber music of many types from classical to Jazz. Featuring world-class professional talents, lectures, open rehearsals and charming Festival venues, performances are open to the general public and visitors to the NC's High Country.

Tweetsie Railroad - Visit North Carolina's first theme park, and take a trip back into the days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains; but watch out for train robbers! Tweetsie Railroad also has amusement rides for all ages and live entertainment throughout the park. Be sure to watch the musical show and Can-Can girls at the Palace Saloon. Walk down Main Street, and chat with the cow pokes and gunslingers. Enjoy riding the chair lift to Miner's Mountain where you can pan for gold and stroll through the Deer Park.

Wahoo Adventures - a great outdoor adventure.

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Chetola Lodge & Conference Center
In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, nestled among the rolling hills, tranquil streams and natural woodlands, A haven of peaceful living has been cherished for over 100 years. At the turn of the century, This idyllic spot was named Chetola, A Cherokee word meaning "Haven Of Rest." The Chetola Lodge and Conference Center offers spacious rooms and suites as well as 3 handsome meeting rooms which provide professional facilities for small and medium sized conferences.
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