Area Attractions

Biltmore House & Winery
800-624-1575
www.biltmore.com
America's largest home, the Biltmore House is a four-acre masterpiece with 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, indoor pool, bowling alley, priceless art, antiques and 8000 acres of backyard to explore. Vineyards on the estate's west side grow several varieties of vinifera grapes while the estate's former dairy complex now houses the winery which produces 75,000 cases of wine each year in about 15 varieties. Biltmore wines have been awarded gold and double-gold medals in prestigious national and international competitions. Self-guided winery tour, tastings and shop.

Blowing Rock
www.blowingrock.com
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will find the storybook village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This is an enchanting destination, offering cool temperatures, beautiful landscapes and excellent shopping and dining. Definitely a must-see!

Blue Ridge Parkway
www.blueridgeparkway.org
www.nps.gov/blri
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from Virginia to North Carolina and consists of over 400 miles of some of the most beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains. Part of the National Park System, the parkway incorporates several recreation areas, some exceeding 6,000 acres. “Parks within the parkway,” they have visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and often, lodges, restaurants and other facilities. The parkway is great for a leisure drive (speed limits are 45 miles per hour or less) and provides visitors with a bounty of photo opportunities.

Grandfather Mountain
www.grandfather.com
View the peaks of the southern Appalachians from the highest swinging footbridge in America. Not for the faint of heart, this famous bridge suspends visitors more than one mile above sea level. Grandfather Mountain is also home to many creatures such as panthers, black bears, eagles and otters. Like so many other areas in Western North Carolina, here you'll find picturesque scenery and spectacular views.

Lake James State Park
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/laja/home.html
One of North Carolina's newest parks, this 3,500-acre state park on the shore of Lake James will soon be expanded by another 2,915 acres. Numerous outdoor activities for visitors are available, including sunbathing and swimming at the lake's shore; boating, water skiing and fishing on Lake James; camping and hiking on the park trails; and simply picnicking with family and friends. Two boat ramps, 20 backpack camping sites and washhouse with hot showers.

Linville Falls
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls provides visitors with a spectacular view of the Linville River as it cascades over two dramatic drop-offs, known as upper and lower falls. Take a hike into the Linville Gorge, camp in Linville Falls Campground, or just enjoy the scenic views of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information, just search “Linville Falls, North Carolina” on the Web.

Mount Mitchell State Park
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/momi/home.html
Located approximately one hour from Morganton, Mount Mitchell is the highest point in North Carolina and the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Visitors to this state park can stand 1.25 miles above sea level while viewing the skylines of Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina and Johnson City, Tennessee.

Pisgah National Forest
www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc
Encompassing more than 500,000 acres of land along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest is known for its easy access to beautiful waterfalls, hiking, rock climbing and camping facilities. In the fall, the forest's Craggy Gardens is one of the best places to visit. The forest is home to the Linville Gorge Wilderness, which covers more than 12,000 acres, and is laced with trails that wind through thickets of mountain laurel and descend to the depths of Linville Gorge-one of the most rugged and scenic gorges in the East. From the gorge's rim, there is an awesome view of the Linville River 2,000 feet below.

Tweetsie Railroad
www.tweetsie-railroad.com
Visit North Carolina's Original Family Theme Park and take a trip back into the days of old west. The train ride is a three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Tweetsie has amusement ridges for all ages, and live entertainment throughout the park. Don't forget to ride the chair lift and stroll through Deer Park Zoo.

U.S. National Whitewater Center
820 Hawfield Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214
704-372-9695
www.usnwc.org
The largest manmade whitewater facility in the world is located near Charlotte, a little over an hour from Lake James. Set on over 300 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers both outdoor recreation and an environmental education center, as well as a restaurant and retail shop. Alongside mountain-biking and running trails, a climbing center, and challenge course, the park's unique feature is a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities. Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers share this world-class sports and training center. Enjoy mountain biking, trail running and climbing in addition to rafting, canoeing and kayaking. The Center is also home to the national governing body for the sport, USA Canoe and Kayak (USACK). Check the website for seasonal hours and more information.


Area Attractions | Boating | Campgrounds & RV Parks | Country Clubs | Equestrian Facilities | Fly Fishing | Golf | Marinas | Skiing | State & National Parks | Trails