Shopping
Little Switzerland Books & Beans offers the best coffee break on the Parkway, with pastries, restroom, EV charging station (L2), 30,000 books to browse, unique gifts, and compasses and maps for when GPS fails you! Open 7 days a week, 9-5PM March through November at Parkway Milepost 334. Come… Read More
Mast General Store – Established 1883 & listed National Register of Historic Places. Authentic & nostalgic emporium located in NC’s first rural historic district, Valle Crucis, just 8 miles from Boone. Clothing, camping gear, shoes & boots, housewares, candy & unique gifts plus an EV charging station.. Hwy 194, (828)… 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,… Read More
Closed for the 2023 season. The Northwest Trading Post at Parkway Milepost 258.7 features souvenirs, apparel, maps, games, educational toys, snacks and other camping and picnicking items in a historic venue. FIND Outdoors also offers educational opportunities for visitors such as Cherokee talks and demonstrations and Mountains-to-Sea Trail hikes. Read More
Under new ownership, the recently updated Park Vista Motor Lodge & Diner is located on the Parkway at MP 268 in West Jefferson, and features a beautiful setting, updated rooms, a firepit and picnic area, an on-site Diner with incredible food, and the historic 1898 Watson General Store. Come… Read More
Penland Gallery at Penland School of Crafts in Mitchell County is one of the finest showcases for contemporary craft in the Southeast. Visitor Center provides information about area studios. Seasonal hours. Exit Parkway at Milepost 330.9 and take NC 226 north for 7.5 miles; turn onto Penland Road; follow… Read More
Southern Highland Craft Guild Moses Cone Manor – located at Milepost 294.1, it represents 400 traditional craft makers of the Southern Appalachians on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Guild is the second oldest craft organization in America. Craft demonstrations offered from April to November. Open 9-5 daily March 15… Read More
Snowy Mountain Christmas Shop & Sweets features Christmas decorations for the home. Local artists’ craftsmanship as well as imported items fill the store with Christmas wonder May through December. We’re located just 5 miles north of Parkway Milepost 317.5 on US Highway 221. Offering sweets, holiday decorations, Christmas trees, greenery… Read More
Switzerland Cafe specializes in fresh, homemade sandwiches, soups, and quiches and we craft our own award-winning Applewood Smoked Trout and Hickory Smoked Pork BBQ. Serving lunch Easter – Halloween. Our General Store offers picnic items, wine, beer & cheese as well as T-Shirts, crafts and souvenirs. Check Google listing… 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