Distance Between Marion Nc and Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center
Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon
Sometimes, smaller is meliorate. That's certainly the case with those comparatively footling towns that offer an unexpectedly large amount of amenities, amusement, and recreation for locals and visitors alike. But what is it that makes a small town great? We plant out by exploring thirteen in Western Due north Carolina that share some characteristics—a population under 5,000, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, aplenty food and nightlife options—but possess unique attributes as well.
M.A. Pace General Store. Photograph by Caitlin Ragan
ane. Saluda {pop. 713}
A old railroad outpost that straddles Polk and Henderson counties, Saluda features a quaint and historic downtown strip. On Main Street, you'll observe the Chiliad.A. Pace General Store, an old-time grocery that'southward been offering jars of locally pickled and preserved goodies and much more than since 1899. A couple blocks away is the every bit venerable Thompson's Grocery, habitation to Ward's Grill, which has scratch-made flapjacks, biscuits and gravy, and sage sausage. The Saluda Grade Buffet serves upwardly a broad variety of bistro classics bent toward Southern fare, and the Purple Onion is a consummate host of alive music while offering i of the region'due south more various menus.
Downtown is as well home to antique shops and Heartwood Gallery, which features a carefully curated spread of locally made creations. Every July, the boondocks is ground cypher for a most-unusual festival: Coon Dog Day, which began as a fund-raiser for the local Coon Gild and at present draws nearly 10,000 people for live music, crafts, a parade, 5K race, and even a barking competition.
Around Saluda, outdoor activities abound, including Pearson Falls, a xc-foot spectacle that'due south hands accessed with a short and breathtaking hike. For something a little more daring, Green River Adventures offers everything from white-water rafting and kayaking to fly fishing and swimming hole tours, all along the beautiful Greenish River. Thrill seekers might also hitch a ride on The Gorge Zero Line, where riders drop a total of 1,100 vertical anxiety through 125 acres of sometime-growth forests. Larn more at world wide web.saluda.com.
—Jonathan Ammons
Photograph past Eric Haggart
2. Franklin {pop. 3,845}
For weary Appalachian Trail hikers, Franklin, which sits xi miles off the trail, serves as a popular refueling station. That's i reason why places like the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company and Outdoor 76 gear store accept found a foothold hither. Like the brewery, the outfitter even helps foster the growing nightlife in downtown through its Rock House Lodge bar, which takes up the back portion of the store and offers craft beer on tap, movie nights, dart tournaments, and live entertainment. Calculation to that buzz, Franklin has several noteworthy restaurants, including Caffé REL (an unassuming choice due to its location side by side the Hot Spot gas station) and The Bowery, with chic décor and modern cuisine that are more akin to something found in New York City's rags-to-riches Bowery District than a pocket-size mountain town. A number of shops (similar adorable Reign past RB clothing and gift bazaar), a public park, and a greenway attract visitors and residents alike, though the historical and cultural attractions are truly what set this town apart.
For starters, a well-preserved Indian mound sits smack downtown. The Nikwasi Mound, a remnant of a once-thriving Cherokee village, could nearly be mistaken for a hill were it not for the surrounding fence and historical marker. The Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts presents outset-rate plays and concerts. What's more than, Franklin has three distinct museums within walking distance. History buffs will savour browsing the well-appointed Macon County Historical Lodge, which displays relics of the county's past dating back to the early Native Americans. The Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum, housed in the old 1850s jail, holds i of the largest collections of gems, minerals, fossils, and artifacts in the Southeast. And the Scottish Tartans Museum is the only museum outside of Scotland devoted to Scottish Highlands clothes, history, and civilization, a attestation to the influx of Scots-Irish immigrants that settled hither in the mid 1700s. Learn more at www.discoverfranklinnc.com.
—Melissa Reardon
Burnsville Boondocks Foursquare. Photograph Courtesy of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce
3. Burnsville {pop. i,693}
Nearby Penland School of Crafts has certainly played a function in establishing the Burnsville area as a haven for high-caliber artisans. Many of their works tin be plant at The Design Gallery or at the Toe River Arts Quango in downtown. Though if you want to explore more in depth, embark on TRAC's biannual Studio Tour, held every June and December. And the Mt. Mitchell Craft Fair, which takes over Burnsville'southward quaint town square and celebrates its 60th ceremony in June, offers even more opportunity to shop for local art and crafts.
Culturally speaking, the Parkway Playhouse presents top-notch theater productions, and the Appalachian Quilt Trails offer routes to roam the countryside and learn virtually celebrated and notable sights marked by hand-painted quilt squares. Writers tin partake in the offerings as well at the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, held in September. And outdoor enthusiasts will dear the town's shut proximity to Mt. Mitchell, accessible via the Mt. Mitchell Scenic Byway, which meanders through the lovely Toe River Valley.
At that place is also enough on offer in downtown, with dozens of businesses scattered near the charming town square park. Shopping options include home accouterments at A Affect of Cass and 5,000 square feet of fine art and antiques at Menagerie Mercantile, while the list of restaurants ranges from pancake breakfasts and pulled-pork lunches at Pig & Grits to pub fare and pints at the local watering hole, Snap Dragon. Learn more at www.exploreburnsville.com.
—Melissa Reardon
Photo by Sam Dean
four. Banner Elk {pop. 1,028}
Flanked by Beech and Sugar mountains, dwelling house to the state'south ii biggest snowfall resorts, Banner Elk is the region's quintessential ski town and much more than. The biggest event to jam the tiny downtown is October's Woolly Worm Festival, where worm races determine which woolly caterpillar'southward stripes will predict the coming winter weather. Hordes of visitors and like-minded locals attend, among them students from Lees-McRae College. The resurgent LMC, where a summer theater series highlights tourist flavour, recently welcomed its biggest-ever freshman class. And the stone structures on campus are historic landmarks that are increasingly appreciated on walking tours offered through the Civil War-era Imprint House Museum.
Winter is an atmospheric time to indulge an après-ski piqued appetite at restaurants and pubs, with specialties like steak, sushi, Italian, Cajun, and tapas. Other pluses include a walkable assortment of shops (including the South'southward get-go snowboard shop) and enticing inns and B&Bs. Part of the entreatment is "the pace" of the place, says Beverly Lait, owner of the pop Banner Elk Inn. "The town motto is 'Only Be,' and that sums upwards our small-boondocks life." It's besides one of the state'southward northernmost climates. Consequently, "Beech Mountain is likewise cool for a lot of people," Lait notes, "and Boone tin can be a little too warm. But Imprint Elk, it's just about perfect." Learn more at www.bannerelk.org.
—Randy Johnson
Photo by Jackson County Tourism Development Authority
5. Sylva {pop. two,588}
A gem of a Jackson County boondocks, pocket-sized but bustling Sylva is abode to dozens of independent shops, eateries, and places to raise a glass. And per capita, it'due south probably the most bookish identify in WNC. The county library, situated in the iconic onetime courthouse on a hill overlooking Main Street, is ane of the finest in the region. In that location are likewise 3 downtown bookstores: the well-stocked Friends of the Library Used Bookstore, Harry Alter Books (home to vintage and rare volumes), and the standout City Lights Bookstore, which doubles as a classy yet casual café.
For the less literary-minded, Sylva offers fun eats at Mad Batter Food and Picture show, which shows free movies while you dine, and finer fare at the lauded Lulu'south on Main, to name merely 2 of the town'due south popular restaurants. And Sylva boasts not one but two microbreweries: Innovation Brewing and Heinzelmännchen Brewery. Prefer live music? Visit Bridge Park Pavilion, the town's newest public venue, for the free downward-home Concerts on the Creek staged every Friday nighttime in the summer. Learn more at www.mainstreetsylva.org
—Jon Elliston
Photograph Courtesy of Hot Springs Tourism Association
six. Hot Springs {pop. 560}
This tiny town has a rich history, but today information technology's primarily known as an outdoors paradise and, as its name implies, for its natural hot springs. Located at the confluence of the French Broad River and Leap Creek in Madison County, Hot Springs is an official Appalachian Trail community. The trail runs right down Bridge Street, giving visitors a chance to say they "walked the A.T." Bluff Mount Outfitters has long been a key outpost for trail hikers. In add-on to gear, the store offers shipping and shuttle services forth with a grocery section packed with trail food. Just a few steps away is Iron Horse Station, a combination inn, restaurant, tavern, and shops. Information technology's a must-stop on any visit to Hot Springs.
River sports accept become a substantial industry for the town, with several rafting companies serving the area. Hot Springs is also well stocked with cabins, holiday rentals, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations. To truly soak up the town, try the 100-acre Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Initially established in 1778, the site is known especially for its Jacuzzi-style tubs filled with hot mineral water and also offers overnight accommodations and spa services.
The town is replete with annual festivals—Hot Springs Community Trailfest in April, French Wide River Festival in May, Bluff Mountain Music Festival in June, Wild Goose Festival (a kind of social justice celebration) in July, and the French Broad Brew Fest in September—but it's fair to say that Hot Springs is festive any day of the year. Learn more at www.hotspringsnc.org.
—Tim W. Jackson
Photo by Todd Bush
7. Blowing Rock {popular. 1,241}
Blowing Stone's cool breezes and guest rooms started drawing visitors in the 1880s, and it'south still amidst the Due east'south premier places to savor summer. One of the primeval attractions was The Blowing Rock, with awesome vistas of Grandfather Mountain. Today, this postcard-perfect hamlet is total of quaint lanes, flower bedecked specialty shops, inns, and eateries, all centered around a boondocks park that'due south an idyllic spot to lick ice cream cones or scan the offerings at the monthly summer Fine art in the Park events.
The town is a vibrant mix of tourists and locals, with many of the latter having roots multi-generations deep. Their history and more than is as close every bit a visit to the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. And of course, Blowing Stone and its environs are a veritable wonderland of outdoor activities. A top Blue Ridge Parkway site, Moses Cone Park, has miles of white pine-shaded trails for walking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Simply off Master Street, the Glen Burney Trail dips into a waterfall-laced wilderness, and a paved path circles Cannon Lake. You can take a rhododendron-sheltered path to The Village Café and have a gourmet brunch or sip Encarmine Marys outside with locals beneath towering trees. It'southward little wonder authors January Karon and Tom Robbins hail from here—a tiny but inspiring boondocks that calls itself "The Crown of the Blue Ridge."
Learn more at world wide web.blowingrock.com.
—Randy Johnson
Photograph by Caitlin Ragan
8. Tryon {pop. ane,646}
If ever at that place was a town with a stature that'due south much larger than its size, it's Tryon, which has a prestigious reputation as both a vibrant arts enclave and North Carolina's horse land.
Amid the many studios and galleries is the recently expanded Tryon Fine Arts Center, which hosts fine art exhibitions as well as concerts, community theater presentations, TEDx talks, classic films, and the Tryon Little Theater for children.
The regional steeplechase equus caballus race dates back to 1929, and the freshly opened Tryon International Equestrian Center is catapulting the area'southward equine legacy to a new level, hosting world champions in a state-of-the-art facility that besides boasts restaurants and lodging. A luxury hotel and spa is slated to open up in 2017.
In the historic downtown, La Bouteille wine and beer shop provides a wide multifariousness of craft libations and features weekly tastings. Lavender Bistro serves up classic global cuisine like duck Provençal, Cacciatore crespelle, and paella. Effectually the corner, the Village Bookstore has been offering a wide range of reads for nearly xx years.
Venturing a bit out of town, you'll find the region's wine country. Visit Parker-Binns Vineyard on a day when the delightful retired restaurateurs-turned-vineyarders have their woods-fired pizza oven sparked upwardly to bake some Neapolitan-style pies. Learn more at www.exploretryon.com.
—Jonathan Ammons
Murphy Riverwalk and Canoe Trail.
ix. Murphy {pop. 1,627}
Tucked in the far w corner of the land, Murphy tin be summed upward in four simple words: mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams. Since the area is rich in these natural resource, the town has much to offer as a home base for wild wanderings. Appalachian Outfitters is an anchor for outdoorsmen of every ilk, peculiarly fishermen. And anyone tin can enjoy a stroll along the White potato Riverwalk and Canoe Trail, a two-mile path that follows the Valley and Hiwassee rivers that environs the town.
Downtown is comprised of just a few blocks, offering ample opportunities to rub shoulders with friendly locals. The Daily Grind & Wine might every bit well be the Spud customs and welcome center. Locals and visitors arrive early for java, stay for luncheon, and return afterwards for beer, vino, and live music most nights. The Parson's Pub boasts some 80 beers on tap. Craft mash enthusiasts can earn rewards by joining the Beervangilists, a beer lodge that encourages exploration. Doyle's Cedar Hill is among a smattering of restaurants in town, and on warmer evenings, the adjoining Tiki Bar is the place to be to mix, mingle, and savour live music on the weekends. And with John C. Campbell Folk School a quick jaunt downwards the road, the area is rife with creative types. Stick effectually for a class and yous might feel and then inclined to become 1 yourself. Acquire more at www.visitcherokeecountync.com.
—Melissa Reardon
Photograph by Christopher Shane
10. Westward Jefferson {pop. 1,299}
As Due west Jefferson tips over the 100-yr mark in 2016, this High State town has much to show for its accomplishments. In addition to what is peradventure its most popular attraction, the Ashe County Cheese factory and shop—where yous can watch the process and purchase cheeses, jams, and preserves—West Jefferson holds a surprising number of arts offerings. The entire downtown is essentially considered the arts district, containing public artworks and 18 craft shops and galleries, including Originals Simply, The Ashe Arts Council, and The Artists' Theatre, which too sells antiques. Fifteen murals reverberate the boondocks's past and graphic symbol, and most 20 colorfully painted fire hydrants and concrete pedestals (remnants of one-time street lights) further brighten the well-groomed sidewalks. The Florence Thomas Art School is here, offering workshops in a diversity of artistic mediums to all ages. And Saint Mary's Episcopal Church building is ane of Ashe County'due south two renowned churches open to visitors featuring fresco paintings past internationally noted Asheville artist Ben Long. The creative spirit tin can also be found at Bohemia, a gallery, coffee store, and community gathering hot spot.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Mount Jefferson State Natural Expanse sits to the west and offers hiking trails—including a kid-friendly trail—along with picnic areas and nice views over the town. The Bowie-Seagraves Municipal Park keeps families active with lawn tennis and basketball courts, a playground, baseball field, and walking trail. And with outdoors retailer Mountain Outfitters in town, W Jefferson makes a great base from which to explore the New River. Learn more at www.visitwestjefferson.org.
—Melissa Reardon
Photograph by Rob Mangum
11. Weaverville {popular. 3,120}
A expect at real estate prices in Weaverville indicates that this in one case sleepy little town is quickly becoming a hot commodity. And why wouldn't it? Its quaint, walkable downtown is bursting with activity and only ten minutes from Asheville.
Weaverville'south Main Street is the epitome of small-town charm. Its restaurants offer only enough variety to keep the locals happy and attract culinary visitors. Some of the expanse'southward all-time pies are made at Blue Mountain Pizza, and other nearby standouts include Creperie Café, Drinking glass Onion, Principal Street Grill, Soba Sushi & Noodles, and Twisted Laurel. Norbury Books & Café, just across from the Weaverville Public Library, offers baked goods and an assortment of teas. All Good Coffee serves as the town'southward coffee shop, while next door is Maggie B's, a wine and specialty foods shop that offers vino tastings every Friday night. And don't miss Well-Bred Bakery, which was recently recognized past Travel + Leisure as 1 of "15 Amazing Small Town Bakeries."
The town also offers outdoor amenities. Lake Louise Park, with its walking trail, playgrounds, and picnic facilities, is great for fair weather days, and Main Street Nature Park is a lovely wooded hideaway in the middle of town.
Art enthusiasts should visit Miya Gallery and Mangum Pottery and grab the annual Art in Fall festival as well equally the biannual Weaverville Art Safari. Learn more than at www.visitweaverville.com.
—Tim West. Jackson
Photograph courtesy of the Bryson City/Swain County Bedroom of Commerce
12. Bryson Urban center {pop. i,424}
Bryson Metropolis feels like a place in a pleasant state of perpetual motion. The town is the hub of the Nifty Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers a range of regular runs on the rails, along with the stellar Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. It'due south likewise a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and home to the nearby Nantahala Outdoor Center, a world-renowned base of operations for white-h2o rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking.
And so at that place's the eminently walkable downtown, which is replete with options for day and night fun on foot. In a couple hours of strolling, you can take in the Swain County Heritage Museum (a treasure trove of mountain history), the town'due south Island Park (a shaded retreat tucked, similar Bryson City itself, on the shores of the Tuckasegee River), and dozens of shops, bakeries, cafés, and art galleries. After night, don't miss the cord of restaurants and bars forth Depot Street, from Nantahala Brewing's tap room, featuring local beer and alive music, to the swank cocktail bar Derailed, and more.
If all that moving makes you hungry, Bryson City's many eateries are gear up to satisfy. For on-the-get fare, the Filling Station Deli & Sub Shop makes sandwiches that would cause even a big city resident's stomach to growl. For finer dining, Cork & Edible bean Chophouse is among the ready options, and the owners recently opened The Everett Hotel in the same former bank building that houses the restaurant, featuring boutique-fashion lodging and a primo rooftop deck on which to wind downwardly. Learn more at www.greatsmokies.com.
—Jon Elliston
Photograph Courtesy of the Highlander
thirteen. Highlands {pop. 924}
Few towns can merits that their master admission is via an official scenic route, nonetheless for Highlands, the winding drive through the Cullasaja River Gorge along Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is only role of the attraction. While maintaining a year-circular population of a lucky few, this isolated, high-elevation outpost draws an elite oversupply of vacationers and 2nd-homeowners from places like Charleston, Atlanta, and Knoxville. The mix of great shopping, impeccable restaurants (many of which boast Vino Spectator awards of excellence), and cultural and outdoor offerings keeps locals and visitors satiated year circular.
If you're a company to this adorable hamlet, an ideal day might include a morn taking in the views of downtown from Sunset Rock and an afternoon trolling the dozens of boutiques along Main Street. Or it might include a luxurious day of pampering at the award-winning spa at Old Edwards Inn. The evening could be capped with fine dining at a posh restaurant similar Paoletti's or On The Verandah. For those already in-the-know, taking a painting grade at The Bascom, touring the Highlands Botanical Garden, or communicable a performance at Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center might be in lodge. The good thing is that for a boondocks that takes upwardly a mere 6.ii square miles, at that place'due south no shortage of choices. Larn more at www.highlandschamber.org.
—Melissa Reardon
Check In!
Book a room at one of these great accommodations: Main Street Inn, a bazaar hotel in a beautifully renovated farmhouse (www.mainstreet-inn.com), The Park On Master, a dog-friendly luxury hotel (www.theparkonmain.com), or One-time Edwards Inn & Spa, a European-manner resort and spa (www.oldedwardsinn.com).
Source: https://wncmagazine.com/feature/13_best_small_towns_western_north_carolina
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