Places to go and things to see
You may be amazed by the size of the estate and all the things to see and do. The house covers 4 acres, totaling 175,000 square feet. It consists of 250 rooms that include 35 guest and family rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and three kitchens. Allow at least a day to see the house, gardens, winery, and River Bend Farm. (Group rates apply for 12 people and over. $40, regularly $60) 70 Miles
Blue Ridge Parkway
Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System. "America's Favorite Drive" winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past seemingly endless vistas. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys. 60 Miles
The Cherohala Parkway
The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after being under construction for some thirty-four years. It is North Carolina's most expensive highway carrying a price tag of $100,000,000. Winding up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 15 miles in North Carolina and descending another 21 miles into the deeply forested back-country of Tennessee. 170 Miles to Robbinsville (Start of the Parkway)
Cherokee, NC attractions
Unto These Hills, the outdoor drama of the Cherokee, the Museum of the Cherokee Indians, Harrah's Cherokee Casino, and the Oconaluftee Indian Village are just some of the exciting things to see in Cherokee, NC. 130 Miles
Chimney Rock, NC
Chimney Rock is the natural fulfillment of your trip to the North Carolina mountains. Take a deep breath of refreshing mountain air, become invigorated by our hiking trails, and let your cares fade away in the cool mist of Hickory Nut Falls. This is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and spend time with family and friends. 75 Miles
Emerald Village
A group of gem, mining, and historical attractions nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and within an hour's drive of Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock. Located in a spectacular mountain setting, Emerald Village is home to 7 real mines and has been featured on The Travel Channel. Come see why we say "Real Mines - Real Fun!" There's a lot to see and do! Be sure to bring your camera and take pictures to share back home. People come from all over the world to visit Emerald Village! 60 Miles
Foothills Farmers Market
Connect with the local community, and make food shopping the pleasant experience it should be! Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, meet up with friends, or bring the kids along. There's something for everyone at Foothills Farmers' Market. 45 Miles
Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine
One of North Carolina's most enjoyable attractions! If you like gem mining...you'll LOVE Gem Mountain! Come experience the wonder and excitement of prospecting for gemstones in a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. 60 Miles
The Great Smokey Mountain Railroad
With 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of Western North Carolina. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on-board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys and through river gorges in a spectacular region near in the Great Smokey Mountains. 136 Miles
The Hickory Furniture Mart
A unique mix of nearly 100 furniture outlet stores, shops and galleries. Within this four-story complex, you’ll find home furnishings, accessories, lighting, art, fine rugs, fabrics and much more – all with discounts up to 80% off retail. Over 500,000 visitors travel to the Mart every year to visit some of the best discounted furniture showrooms in NC. 3.5 Miles
The Historic Orchard at Altapass
Live music and mountain dancing, storytelling and hayrides, monarch butterfly raising, naturalist tours and birding walks, arts and handwork demonstrations, book signings and more. Every week, Wed-Sun. The Orchard is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 328.3. 60 Miles
Linville Caverns
Located at the southern gateway to western North Carolina's High Country region, Linville Caverns is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. 60 Miles
Little Switzerland on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Offering eight shops in within the town limits. That includes the uptown shops: Trillium Gallery, The Gem Shoppe, The Swiss Ice Cream Shop, Hearthside Handmades, Simple Pleasures, Switzerland Inn Gift Shop and, 2 shops downtown. The Switzerland General Store and the Little Switzerland Bookstore. Plenty of shopping with no parking or driving issues. 60 Miles
Tail of the Dragon
318 curves in 11 miles is the definitive description of the "Dragon." Nuff said! 178 Miles
