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A travel guide for Marion, Old Fort, Lake James, Linville Falls and Little Switzerland, NC.
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Upcoming Events & Activities
Experience the Blue Ridge
See Frozen Works of Art at the 2025 Lake James Ice Festival
Experience the magic of a sparkling menagerie sculpted from cold, clear ice at the Paddy's Creek Recreational Area for the Lake James Ice Festival.
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Where to Find Holiday Shopping in the Blue Ridge Mountains
If you’re making your list and checking it twice — and looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family — then search no further than the main streets and markets of our Blue Ridge Mountain communities.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway
Discover Little Switzerland, Linville Falls, The Orchard at Altapass, Crabtree Falls, and the spectacular views of America's Favorite Scenic Drive.
A Photographer's Dream →
Pisgah First: Exploring the Oldest National Forest in the East
With hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, and forest exploration, you're invited to come experience this region first-hand. The possibilities are endless.
Discover Something New →
Waterfall Trails
Hike into Pisgah to find amazing waterfalls in a region with over 200 waterfall trails.
Western NC Waterfalls →Your Travel Guide To Little Switzerland, Lake James, Marion, Old Fort & Linville Falls
Welcome to the Blue Ridge Traveler's Towns and Trails! With crisp mountain weather and warm Southern hospitality, the holiday season is the perfect time to plan your next vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a little holiday spirit or you’re shopping for unique handmade gifts, be sure to check out these top Blue Ridge holiday events. Stroll the small-town streets of Marion and Old Fort, where you will encounter the craftsmanship of local artists in shops and galleries. Check out the events calendar for a full line-up of happenings throughout the season.
Winter is the season for breathtaking mountain views! Take a hike at Newberry Creek or Setrock Creek Falls — they are two of many popular hiking trails that are beautiful in the winter months. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (weather permitting) for unforgettable vistas — and selfies for next year’s holiday cards!
And be sure to get a taste of the local flavors. Enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer — or wine, mead or spirits — as you explore the High Spirits Trail. Or pull up a chair at one of our delicious local restaurants. From barbecue to bakeries, burritos to bubble tea, and plenty of scrumptious Southern fare, you’re sure to find the local flavor you’re looking for.
At the end of the day, cozy up beside the fireplace in a picturesque mountain cabin or a lakeside vacation rental. Choose from numerous lodging options, including national brand hotels.
If you’re already planning your 2023 mountain vacation, be sure to take a look at our Blue Ridge Traveler’s Visitor Guide. Add some of our historic attractions to your itinerary to get a glimpse of mountain life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and find fun things to do for the whole family.
Note: All images are property of the McDowell Tourism Authority or tourism partners and are not to be copied, duplicated, re-printed, or shared electronically.
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