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Jefferson, West Jefferson, & Ashe County Area

About Jefferson, West Jefferson, & Ashe County Area

The Blue Ridge Parkway borders Ashe County for 20 miles from Milepost 275 to Milepost 255. Jefferson, the county seat of Ashe County, is located at the foot of Mount Jefferson as seen from the overlook between Mileposts 266 and 267 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The settlement was established in 1799 and was first called Jeffersonton, the first town in the new nation to bear the name of Thomas Jefferson. The name was changed to Jefferson in 1849. The former Ashe County courthouse on Main Street in Jefferson has been restored to its 1904 appearance and houses The Museum of Ashe County History, which tells the story of Ashe County and its people.

Nestled between the South Fork of the New River and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is home to The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, one of the two Churches of the Frescoes in Ashe County. Here visitors can view one of artist Ben Long’s impressive frescoes entitled “Last Supper”.

West Jefferson’s downtown area features more than a dozen art galleries plus craft shops and restaurants. Numerous murals on the Appalachian Mural Trail adorn the historic buildings throughout downtown depicting the musical heritage, colorful landscape and diverse culture of the region. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church houses an additional three Ben Long frescoes. Each year, the Christmas in July Festival is a unique experience that regularly draws more than 20,000 visitors.

For more information visit www.ashechamber.com

Area Visitor Centers

Lodging, Dining & Things to Do

The Cabins at Healing Springs

Stories from Jefferson, West Jefferson, & Ashe County Area

Numerous motorcycles are parked in the gravel lot in front of Big Walker Lookout's multistory tower.
8 Tips for Planning Your Parkway Travels
January 25, 2021
Caves & Caverns, Gems & Minerals, Native American Culture
The last Tuesday in January is National Plan for Vacation Day. Academic research shows that trip planning and anticipation bring positive effects. Here are some tips for planning your upcoming Parkway travels.
Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.
Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge
August 26, 2020
Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm
The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?

Recommended Itineraries

Row upon row of foggy ridges are visible at Thunder Hill, NC in the Parkway's Highlands region.
Highlands Region Weekend Getaway
Region: Virginia , North Carolina
Duration:2 - 3 days
Accessible Facilities, History & Heritage, Hiking Trails, Arts & Culture, Home & Garden, Family-friendly, Local Food
A two-day trip through the Parkway's Highlands district reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317) with a night in North Carolina’s High Country of Boone or Blowing Rock.