Vacation In The Mountains Of North Carolina
Accessing this site you can find all information about the Mountains of North Carolina, a place where many people need to go vacation. It is a place known for its beautiful sights and natural wonders and which features all the characteristics of mountain areas. There, you will find that many of the attractions are located in these mountains, offering boundless opportunities for both tourists and residents who would like to spend their free time actively. You will also be able to get expert advice on all the things there you can consider doing during your time of stay. All you need to do is look around this site, to explore all the contents it describes, and to make up your mind as to which things you like best.
The east coast of the United States is a popular place to go to have fun. North Carolina is one of those states that you must visit since it has a lot to offer for those who are looking to have fun and relax. There are many places that you can go but I recommend visiting the mountains because you will be provided with great scenery and scenery is something that you will want on vacation. The vacation that I want to talk about today is located in Asheville which is located in the mountains of North Carolina.
Located just southwest of the Great Smoky Mountain National park, the Blue Ridge mountains offer an almost endless amount of outdoor activities. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast or spend your weekend tending the lakes and streams, this region of North Carolina is sure to provide an exciting vacation
Traveling is always an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful. You have to plan ahead and carefully select the right destination. The potential dangers of traveling in an unknown territory, the competition involved and all the other practical details add a lot of pressure to the whole process. On top of that you don’t even know if traveling will give you total satisfaction or if your expectations will be fulfilled. However thanks to North Carolina, vacationing has become a much easier and more comfortable experience for visitors.
Vacation In The Mountains Of North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains are considered to be one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The mountain range is located in a very small portion of Southeast Virginia, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. This small section is not all of the mountains, but it is the most populated. The Blue Ridge Mountains run through parts of 13 counties.
If you’re looking for a getaway at a higher elevation and want an escape from the big city, look no further than one of these serene destinations in the North Carolina mountains. With plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, majestic scenery and wide-open spaces, these towns, parks and attractions are the perfect locales to visit for solo trips, romantic getaways and family vacations.
If you prefer a more laid-back vacation, there are also historical and cultural attractions, luxury accommodations and excellent dining options. And if you’re a craft beer enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know North Carolina is home to more than 370 breweries and brewpubs – the largest number in the American South.
So, if you’re ready for an adventure-filled getaway, need a relaxing vacation or prefer a little of both, check out the best places to visit in the North Carolina mountains.
Asheville
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Asheville is one of the state’s most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the main attractions, but visitors will also find a vibrant cultural, craft beer and culinary scene to explore.
Downtown is easily walkable, and you can even go on a self-guided “scavenger hunt” along the Urban Trail to learn about Asheville’s intriguing past. With the help of an interactive app that you can download onto your smartphone, you’ll discover 30 commemorative stops along the 1.7-mile trail. While the route can take as little as an hour, you’ll want to have a break between visits to check out the eclectic boutiques, galleries and restaurants serving internationally inspired cuisine. You might even want to hit up a few breweries and sample a cold brew or two.
Speaking of beer, Asheville has the bragging rights to more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. The town was named the first Beer City in the U.S. in 2009, and it has been widely known as one of the top beer cities in the country ever since. People come to Asheville for “beercations” devoted to all things craft beer. There is also a long list of annual beer festivals hosted in Asheville throughout the year, including Asheville Oktoberfest, the Burning Can Fest in August and to ring in the new year, the New Year’s Eve Keg Drop at Biltmore Park.
Visitors to Asheville also have access to many outdoor adventure activities like hiking, biking, mountain climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fly-fishing and whitewater rafting. And when it comes to dining, this mountain town has one of the most creative and inspiring culinary communities. You’ll find everything from cuisine focused on using locally sourced and foraged foods and artisan ingredients to top-notch Italian, Spanish, Indian and Mexican cuisine and more. And don’t forget the Southern-inspired spots serving up great barbecue, house-made charcuterie, fried chicken, pimento cheese and biscuits with red-eye gravy.
For accommodations, plan to reserve a room at Kimpton Hotel Arras. This upscale property sits in the middle of downtown in Pack Square, where you can walk to many restaurants, cafes, breweries, galleries and shops. The property is also pet-friendly.
[See more of Asheville: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]
Biltmore Estate: Asheville
If you’re traveling to Asheville and want to visit Biltmore Estate while in town, you should add a few extra days to your vacation to explore the 8,000-acre property and grounds. Historic Biltmore House is known as “America’s Largest Home,” and it’s the former residence of George and Edith Vanderbilt. If you want to stay close to all the activities, there are several options for accommodations on the property, including the casual Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate or the luxurious Inn on Biltmore Estate. For more privacy, you can book one of the four newly updated, historic Cottages on Biltmore Estate. You can even customize your stay in the cottages with a concierge and a private chef.
There are always seasonal events, special art collections and rotating exhibits at Biltmore. Christmas is especially festive with the house decked out in all its holiday splendor. There are also special Candlelit Christmas Evenings reminiscent of the Vanderbilt family’s first Christmas at Biltmore in 1895. Many tour options are available to see the house and grounds and engage in activities around the estate.
For a different look at what life was like at Biltmore with the Vanderbilts, book the intimate (maximum 12 guests) Biltmore House Backstairs Tour. This excursion visits rarely seen parts of the house and gives insight into the lives of the people that worked at the estate. Reviews from travelers that visit Biltmore say the architecture, grounds and a glimpse into the opulence of the gilded age at Biltmore make the attraction a must-see when visiting Asheville.
Other special on-site activities include horseback or horse and carriage rides around the grounds. You can also explore the estate with an off-road Land Rover Experience, go fly-fishing with an Orvis-endorsed guide or take a river float trip on the French Broad River. And if that’s not enough outdoor action, try your hand at archery or sporting clays or even the ancient art of falconry with these incredible birds of prey. If you’ve come to Biltmore for a getaway to relax for a few days, you can book a spa treatment or participate in wellness activities, such as morning yoga or a mindfulness walk.
What’s more, the on-site winery offers complimentary tastings where you can sample Biltmore wines. Meanwhile, the wide selection of restaurants at the Biltmore’s restaurants offer everything from casual and pub fare to a more formal experience – in true Vanderbilt style – at The Dining Room at the Inn.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Known as “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding 469-mile road that connects the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are four main entrances to the parkway in the Asheville area and 252 picturesque miles to explore in Western North Carolina. You can choose to drive the route by car or go hiking on some of the best trails in the U.S. You can also head out for an adventurous bike ride or even take a bike tour with a local outfitter.
If you decide to go hiking, there are plenty of options with easy, short trails or more demanding treks. And no matter which trail best suits your hiking skills, you may be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the mountains and even dramatic waterfalls along the way.
After exploring the area by car, on foot or by bike, don’t miss two of the top spots to visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Craggy Gardens at milepost 364.4 sits at 5,640 feet elevation. This stop features the National Park Service visitor center and other facilities, such as a gift shop and restrooms. And Mount Mitchell, at the 355.4 milepost, is the tallest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River, with its summit at 6,684 feet. Travelers to the parkway say it’s one of the most beautiful drives in the country with incredible sunsets, stunning overlook views and numerous waterfalls.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the U.S. Located in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, the park encompasses 520,000 acres (or 800 square miles) of natural beauty, thundering waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The park is also known for the striking blue mist over its peaks and valleys, which inspires the Great Smoky Mountains name. If you’re staying in Asheville, the main western entrance to the park at Oconaluftee Visitor Center is approximately 55 miles from town. The visitor center is where you’ll find a collection of historic log buildings. It’s also one of the best places to view the park’s elk herd. While there, visit nearby Mingus Mill – a grist mill dating back to 1886.
Cataloochee Valley is another great spot for elk viewing. You’ll also find an old church, farmhouse and one-room schoolhouse built by the homesteaders that first settled the area. For hikers, there are three popular hiking trails: Midnight Hole, Mouse Creeks Falls and the more challenging Mount Cammerer at Big Creek. And if you’re up for even more adventure, head over to the overlook at Newfound Gap for picturesque views or visit the observation tower on Clingmans Dome, the highest summit in the Smokies at 6,643 feet elevation. Visitors to the park say that it’s beautiful to see in every season, especially in the fall. They also mention that there are trails for all levels of hikers.
[See more of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Things to Do | When to Visit | Photos ]
Highlands
Situated along a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains and along the Eastern Continental Divide, Highlands sits at 4,118 feet elevation in the Nantahala National Forest. The charming mountain town in North Carolina offers plenty of outdoor adventure options, with many hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls and fly-fishing in 107 miles of rivers and streams brimming with rainbow, brown and wild brook trout. You’ll also find scenic UTV tours and aerial thrills like zip lining and ropes courses at Highlands Aerial Park, just a short drive from town.
In Highlands, visitors will also find a vibrant cultural arts scene, with exhibits, art classes and events hosted at The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts. Music and theater are also a large part of the community with the annual Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, operatic Bel Canto Recitals, summer outdoor concerts and live theater performances.
For luxury accommodations, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a Relais & Châteaux property located in the heart of town. The hotel puts guests within walking distance of the upscale shops, galleries, restaurants and Satulah Mountain Brewing Co., the first post-prohibition legal brewery in Macon County, North Carolina. After a day exploring the outdoors or browsing the boutiques, book a rejuvenating or relaxing spa treatment at the hotel’s on-site European-inspired spa.
Grandfather Mountain: Linville
Grandfather Mountain sits at 5,946 feet elevation in the northwest part of the state and is part of the United Nations’ Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve. The North Carolina mountain is estimated to be approximately 300 million years old, with some rock formations dating back as far as 1.2 billion years. One-third of the park is operated as a tourist attraction under the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc., with proceeds going toward preserving the mountain. The remaining land is undeveloped and owned by the state as Grandfather Mountain State Park.
One highlight of a visit to the mountain is the panoramic view from the 228-foot-long Mile High Swinging Bridge, one of the highest suspension footbridges in the U.S. at an elevation of 5,305 feet. Adventure-seekers can also take the short hike along the Bridge Trail that goes beneath the bridge, or there are other routes to explore at the mountain. During your visit, you can also tour the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, which houses interactive exhibits and educational activities.
Tickets are required for entry to Grandfather Mountain and its attractions, and previous visitors highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. The park also assigns time slots for entry. Once you’re in the park, you can drive to most of the daily programs and activities, the Wilson Center, the Nature Museum and visit the wildlife habitats. Parking is available close to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. If you’re planning a full day at the park, bring a picnic lunch, or you can grab casual bites at Mildred’s Grill.
Visitors to Grandfather Mountain say it’s beautiful, but it can be windy, especially for a walk on the suspension bridge. For nearby accommodations, check out The Lodge at River Run in Banner Elk.