a #1 of 7 things to do in Little Switzerland Mines Open now 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 1 hour from Asheville, NC, is Emerald Village, North Carolina's #1 gem mining attraction! There are tons of activities to appreciate at the park, including swimming, camping, fishing, and boating. If you make it through, you definitely deserve some swag from the Little Switzerland Trading Company. Every Saturday evening in July and August, Geneva Hall hosts mountain music and traditional square dancing. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} 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. Exploring the town itself wont take very long, but there are a few must-see stops while there. "agent": "woocommerce-7.7.0-3.0.23" A trip to Little Switzerland offers a memorable experience. Little Switzerland is a quaint taste of Europe. Mica has been mined there by Native Americans for nearly 2,000 years. 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 . READ MORE: The 20 Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants for Foodies. .search .content-area a { This museum isnt like others, so its a great stop for history buffs looking for something different. 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. We spent more time in there than on the tour. Grassy Creek takes you on an adventure hike up a steep but relatively easy trail. Her photos have appeared in numerous travel publications (including National Geographic and Southbound) and various textbooks. Another one of my favourite cant-miss things to do near Little Switzerland, NC, is visiting Blowing Rock. There are many things to see and do in this quaint mountain town. Rachel Means 2023-03-26 The small town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina has long been a beloved stop for many a road tripper traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway through the High Country of western North Carolina. Kids were very disappointed with the glow in the dark tour. 828-765-6463. For a more casual experience, The Fowl Play Pub offers delicious bar food, delightful cocktails, and 20 beers on tap that include some local options. We were a little disappointed, but one piece was a nice size. The Switzerland Cafe is located at Milepost 334 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at 9440 Hwy 226A right in the heart of Little Switzerland, NC, across from the town post office. We want to inspire you to live the life of your dreams. CLOSED "The best cider I have had, period. Books and Beanscame to life in 1987 and expanded in 2004. And how the molten rock that was forced into cracks of other rocks cooled slowly, forming massive mineral deposits. My family and I went on the black light night tour of the mine. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Although these events are unlikely, they do happen, and having travel insurance gives you that extra piece of mind that you are protected. Our girls kept saying it was the best day ever, which is music to my ears! } The county seat is Marion NC, which was named after Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion (a.k.a. If youre travelling to North Carolina by plane, your best bet is to fly into Asheville. If this is true, you should take it off of here. While it may seem like a tiny town, there are plenty of things to do in Little Switzerland for all . The Swiss Shoppe 3. the Swamp Fox). Get discounts & updates in our monthly newsletter, Get discounts & updates in our monthly newsletter, 2022 Our Taste For Life Blog All Rights Reserved. From kitchenware and jewelry to handmade soaps and stained glass, the Trillium Gallery is the sort of welcoming shop where youre sure to find treasures you didnt know you needed. READ MORE:The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville NC. 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. 1. Although the community is small, theres no shortage of activities. The Diamondback is an intense 38-mile driving route beloved by bikers and sports car owners alike. Each room has its own character with vibrant colours and fun decor. Your Travel Guide To Little Switzerland, Lake James, Marion, Old Fort & Linville Falls. Welcome to the Blue Ridge Traveler's Towns and Trails! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Youll definitely want a car to get around Little Switzerland. With fine dining, Swiss-style shops, spectacular views, and lots of fun things to do nearby, its the centerpiece of the cutest little Alpine village in North Carolina. It's definitely worth the stop to check these out. As the team and their mules reached the grassy summit of one peak, they marveled at the stunning sights before them. This National Parkway is almost 500 miles long and runs right through Little Switzerland. Inside the pub, guests can cozy up to the bar for a burger, steak, or buffalo wings (typical pub fare), as well as a large selection of beers on tap. Theres also a visitor centre with food and a gift shop. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. We love visiting this area and hope to continue sharing more of our experiences here with you. 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.. The mining museum was really interstate and full of vintage mining equipment and such that told the story of the mine and miners quite well. So seasonal residents were understandably upset by the idea of a highway running through their retreat. They offer a variety of drinks and desserts, too. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Great panning experience. We bought a day package which included the self guided mine tour, the museum, and buckets to flume. .generate-back-to-top:visited { The yard features a fire pit, covered porch, outdoor kitchen, and pet-friendly space. This charming, custom-built vacation rental offers a homey vibe with a beautiful indoor and outdoor living space. They still have local mountain art, jams and jellies, Southern-style sweets, and souvenirs, as well as hiking trails and a Butterfly Conservation Center. Youll see everything from black light minerals and antique homesteading tools to a huge model railroad and an extensive collection of impressive gems. If youre familiar with Little Switzerland, wed love to know what you think of this place. Staff we friendly and knowledgeable. Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls are both within driving distance of Little Switzerland, and youll want to stop at Chestoa View to look out on Table Rock and Grandfather Mountain. As experienced rock/gem hounds Emerald Village was very disappointing in what we found and experienced. The kids loved the buckets. The suites boast separate sitting areas and pull-out sofas, while their cozy cottages have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. text-decoration: underline .generate-back-to-top, READ MORE:The 20 Best Pumpkin Patches in the NC Mountains. 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. If this is your first square , Mail me One of the most iconic things to do in Little Switzerland, NC, is visitingEmerald Village. Clarkson was also put off by the amount of land the NC Highway Commission wanted for the road and its scenic easement. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, 30+ Great Things to Do in Boone (Hikes, Eats, and More in App Town), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! Pro-note: Buy the $20 bucket instead of two $10 buckets, or get the $30 bucket. You can drive for 50-100 miles and never see any Blue Ridge Parkway hotels, resorts, restaurants, or gas stations. Explore Little Switzerland! In good weather, meals can be taken out on the terrace. You can enjoy small bites like toast, traditional dishes, and even sweet treats at breakfast. Home USA 18 Best Things To Do In Little Switzerland, NC. Winding roads, waterfalls, and iconic bbq make Little Switzerland the perfect mountain town to visit, but it's only open for six months. 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. Either way, come get yours! READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC. This is because winter weather is quite cold and snowy in Western North Carolina, and many snowbirds go elsewhere. Our second adventure was a $35 gem bucket. Museum of North Carolina Minerals 11 reviews of Little Switzerland orchard and winery - Temp. While the food is incredible at Chalet Restaurant, the stunning scenery outside the panoramic view windows makes the dining experience unlike any other. Using a VPN when you travel is very important these days not only for safety reasons but also helps to avoid demographic price discrimination while looking for a flight or a hotel. This densely wooded 38-mile trek provides a challenging and exciting ride for motorcyclists and mountain drivers, with some steep switchbacks looping almost 360 degrees. There are also several lookout points from the parkway in Little Switzerland, including Table Rock Mountain Overlook, which offers a breathtaking long-distance mountain view. Arguably among the best Blue Ridge Parkway resorts in North Carolina, this expansive Little Switzerland Inn is the heart of the tiny towns tourism. Theres also a cafe, which offers delicious coffee and treats. 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! At dinner, you can enjoy many items off the lunch menu and steak and speciality entrees. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { A few things worth checking out in Blowing Rock include: For a more local experience, we recommend checking out the guided tours onGet Your Guide: There you have it 18 impressive things to do while visiting Little Switzerland, NC. Spruce Pine in Mitchell County is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of adventures. In terms of desserts, the Swiss Shoppe offers Breyers Ice Cream, local organic ice cream from Artesana (in nearby Marion NC), Jelly Bellys, and an array of old fashioned sweet treats. Will your museum be opened in late October? When you're enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway and are looking for locally crafted foods and beverages, stop here! Those with a sweet tooth can get their fix at The Swiss Shoppe (also inside Switzerland Inn), which offers candy, sweet treats, and locally made ice cream. text-decoration: none READ MORE: The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit, READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Here, youll find Little Switzerland, North Carolina, an unincorporated community with direct access to the parkway. Decorated in an explosion of pink, purple, teal, and lime green, the shops splatter-paint floor and colorful decor should make kids feel right at home. How long should I alot to spend at Emerald village. Here are some nearby stops within 25 miles of MP 334 and Little Switzerland. Little Switzerland is about 2 hours from Charlotte, NC or Greenville, SC and about 2.75 hours from Knoxville, TN. The Asheville Regional Airport is about an hour away, so you can rent a car at the airport and drive to town. 1. Most accommodations offer fantastic outdoor space to allow guests to enjoy nature right outside your backdoor. It was crazy cool!! You can also count on all the fun activities and locations mentioned below being available and open. One of the cool things about visiting Little Switzerland, NC, is staying in a mountainside inn or lodge. Go underground in a real mine at the NC Mining Museum. Just outside is a firepit and garden paths. Dinner is decidedly more upscale, with an array of perfectly prepared Steaks, Short Rib, Shrimp, and Seared Ahi dishes to select from. These programs attracted several noteworthy artists and craftspeople, and Brown brought in iconic instructors such as Harvey Littleton (who established the first glass program in the U.S. and taught Dale Chihuly). No disappointments here. The other option of buying a premade gems bag and just cleaning them might be more cost effective. This business it not only a place to mine for gems and gold but offers a free ten floor museum of historic relics from over two centuries ago. Absolutely! They saw Mount Mitchell to the west, Linville Mountain to the south, Table Rock and Grandfather Mountain to the east, and Roan Mountain to the north. There are also 25 miles of trails, ideal for hiking and biking. Find out information on living conditions, demographics, transit options, schools, daycares, things to do, and homes for sale. What restaurants are near Emerald Village? You'll find. You can also check out the art gallery where local artists showcase their crafts. Chalet Restaurantis a part of Switzerland Inn, but you dont have to be staying there to enjoy their delicious food. Not being rock hounds we were a little hesitant to book this tour, but it just looked too cool not to try and were so glad we did!! Switzerland Inn includes a spa, two dining options, luxurious rooms with views, the Diamondback Lodge, and cute shops to peruse. You can reach it after a short walk in the woods. This group of historical, gem, and mining attractions is a must-visit. If this is your first time driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, youre in for something special! However, we still had a good time. READ MORE:The 10 Best Restaurants in Boone NC. Best Time to Visit I personally think the best time to visit Little Switzerland is in early October. There was a few people holding black lights against the wall. Youll love a camping trip in Little Switzerland if youre a nature lover like I am. You cant visit Western North Carolina without experiencing the excellent hiking opportunities and various waterfalls. My favourite free activities from the list above include chasing waterfalls, hiking, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, and walking through the Orchard at Altapass. text-decoration: underline 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. READ MORE:The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} This is a more laid-back spot to have drinks after dinner. Founded by North Carolina State Supreme Court Justice Heriot Clarkson in the early 1900s after his Switzerland Inn was built, the resort mountain town is the only commercial access point youll find along the entire length of the Parkway. From May through October, theres also a delicious on-site restaurant. Its definitely one of the best places to see Fall colors in Western NC. Accommodations range from casual quarters in the Main Lodge to mountain view suites and rustic cottages. Bibliophiles will appreciate Little Switzerland Books and Beans, a three-story bookstore and coffee shop that encourages browsing through the stacks and its maze of rooms. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Mountain View restaurant might seem to have been plopped in the middle of nowhere but that's part of the fun. 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. Here, check out various hikes and sights, one of which is Linville Falls (MP 316.3). If youve never been or are looking to visit again, this Little Switzerland travel guide covers where to stay, eat, and play in this beautiful spot just off theBlue Ridge Parkway(Milepost 334). Their known for their extensive array of sandwiches, soups, and salads, with the Applewood Smoked Trout, Hickory Smoked Pork BBQ, and Smoked Salmon BLT among the most popular favorites. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. If youre looking for a mountainous view and upscale dining, youll want to try The Chalet Restaurant and its locally sourced ingredients. About a 10-minute drive from Little. We hope you will join us! With so much to see and do, theres something for everyone. So, lets get to it and check out the best things to do in Little Switzerland, NC! Its easy to make this a quick stop as its a small museum. The Orchard at Altapass 8. text-decoration: underline Also located on the Switzerland Inn property, the Fowl Play Pub & Tap Room is more low-key, with a laid-back gastropub vibe. On a budget, theres no shortage of what to do in Little Switzerland, NC. Emerald Village, Little Switzerland: Hours, Address, Emerald Village Reviews: 4/5. Books and Beans has three stories chock full of books, a small gallery of arts and crafts, and a full-service coffee and espresso bar. One of them is Little Switzerland, North Carolina . This trip was planned kind of last minute and it turned out to be one of our best family trips (parents with two 6 year old girls). Mitchell, and Craggy Dome along the way, why on earth would you want to?