Attractions
Emerald Village is just 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Little Switzerland, Milepost 333.9. Gem mining, gold panning, mine tours, waterfall, free exhibits, real mines, fun shopping! NC’s Gem! www.emeraldvillage.com (828) 765-6463. Read More
Gem Mountain – Located at Milepost 330.9. Mine trips to an active mine. Flume mining at its best. Picnic area, gem & jewelry store, general store, ice cream and free fluorescent mineral display. Make your gems into jewelry. People’s choice for gem mining! Open March-December, Monday-Saturday from 10-5. (828)… Read More
Grandfather’s lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Marvel at 360-degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars, otters, eagles and deer in natural habitats and interact with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Two… Read More
High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Adventure Park – Milepost 291.8 Boone/Blowing Rock. High Country adventure for the whole family. Experience our award-winning zip line tour, scream on the giant swing, and explore 75+ challenges in our aerial adventure park. Tickets and information available online at www.highgravityadventures.com. Read More
Linville Caverns – North Carolina’s only show caverns. Open all year, but days and hours vary. Courteous, experienced guides, outstanding gift shop. Located on US 221 between Linville and Marion, just 4 miles south of Parkway Milepost 317.4. Turn left on US 221 toward Linville Falls and Marion. www.linvillecaverns.com… Read More
Mystery Hill has been amazing Parkway visitors for over 70 years. Fun and educational for the entire family. Explore North Carolina’s only Natural Gravitational Anomaly (see above photo), experience hands-on science activities, create giant soap bubbles big enough to surround an adult, try… Read More
The Orchard at Altapass is a 100-year-old non-profit apple orchard located just off the Parkway at Milepost 328.3 featuring heirloom apples, family fun, bee habitat, U-Pick, storytelling, “heyrides,” weekend free music, heritage information, & spectacular views. Hand-scooped ice cream, hot apple pie, homemade fudge, gifts, & jarred goodies are… Read More
The Blowing Rock – North Carolina’s oldest Travel Attraction providing breathtaking views 4,090 feet above John’s River Gorge. Prevailing winds return light objects thrown over the void. Visit us on Highway 321 South in Blowing Rock, NC for your iconic photo. Available for weddings and special events. www.theblowingrock.com. Read More
As the Carolinas’ first theme park, Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction where guests can relive the Wild West featuring a ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains on a historic steam locomotive. Children of all ages enjoy western themed shows, amusement rides, shopping, panning for gold, and the animals… Read More