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Smokey's Den LINKS TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA ATTRACTIONS
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Links to Area Attractions
YOU GET WET! BUT IT IS FUN!
THINGS TO DO
DISCOUNT COUPONS
Switzerland Cafe Asheville: No matter when you decide to visit our magnificent North Carolina mountains, you will find plenty of things to do for the entire family in and around Asheville. Watch the mountains awaken as spring blankets the hillsides with wildflowers. Glorious summer brings warm days for outdoor adventures and cool nights for enjoying the hours after dark. Autumn cloaks the Blue Ridge Mountains with every shade of red, orange and yellow imaginable. Then, enjoy mild winter days in Asheville with easy access to the higher elevations that are dusted in snow. Anytime of the year, you can discover the region's rich cultural heritage in art galleries and artistic performances. Visit one of the area's historic attractions. Explore downtown Asheville's unique restaurants and eclectic shops. Delve into the mountains' endless opportunities for day trips. Experience the real Cold Mountain. Or take a short, yet breathtaking ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Throughout the year, there are events, festivals and attractions to spice up your visit.
Black Mountain: With its spectacular views, Black Mountain residents have welcomed visitors for over 109 years as they step from the quaint shops, prosperous businesses, and friendly neighborhoods into the great outdoors that serve as the centerpiece for a visual feast that continues to draw so many to this lovely valley. The historic downtown shopping district offers vital service sectors and clean industry. Marion: A wonderful place for all your needs including a 65-bed hospital, Wal-Mart, Lowes and several groceries stores and many nice restaurants. In Marion, "A Friendly and Progressive City", we enjoy a good quality of life, safe streets and neighborhoods, great recreational amenities and ample shopping opportunities. Marion is a great place to live, work, shop and play. You will enjoy an old-fashioned "small town" downtown historical area. Forest City What is now Forest City began as a crossroads on the Shelby-Rutherfordton and Spartanburg-Lincolnton Roads. Originally, the town was incorporated as Burnt Chimney in 1877. A replica near the site of the original chimney adorns the public square today. The "chimney" was the remains of the McArthur home that marked the crossroads. Today, the population of Forest City is 17,450. The town remains the commercial hub, there you will find all the major food stores, Super Wal-Mart, Lowe’s home improvement center and a small mall anchored by Belks. The legacy of "community betterment" can still be seen in the pride the town and its residents take in keeping Forest City a beautiful and livable community. The local college, Isothermal Community College, offers a full array of educational, hobby and adult courses. Rutherfordton: A quaint little town of just over 4,100 residents and the county seat, is an easy 15 minute drive away. There you have a 150-bed hospital, plus many antique, specialty shops, outlet stores and restaurants.
This is an outdoorsman's paradise. You are close to five North Carolina lakes (two of which are Lake Lure & Lake James) where you may picnic, swim, fish, boat, canoe, hike and much more. Lake Lure has unique rock formations, quaint little shops, restaurants, motels, and of course Chimney Rock Park with an array of beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and majestic mountain views. There are boat rides, dinner cruises, and several nice water-front restaurants on the lake. The nearby South Mountain State Park offers trout fishing as well as hiking, camping and horseback riding. There are several stables in the area. The closest of which is located only 12 miles from the site. Some of these facilities offer a variety of activities from trail rides to lessons and stabling your own horses. Within a 45-60 minute drive we have a dozen trout streams, five major lakes, some of the best hiking in the east, on the Daniel Boone Trail over Grandfather Mountain, the Appalachian Trail and Linville Gorge (one of only three Federal Wilderness areas east of the Rocky Mountains.) In some cases you are looking at the land of the South Mountain State Park from your own property. There is excellent snow skiing at Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and a host of other smaller resorts. For more information on the Appalachian Trail, visit the National Park Service's official page on The Appalachian National Scenic Trail and The Appalachian Trail Conservancy. There is plenty of golf in the area. Cleghorn Plantation is a first rate championship 18 hole course which is open the public, Marion Country Club, Lake Hickory County Club And Silver Creek Plantation . Fairfield Mountains at lake Lure, offers two premier golf courses Bald Mountain and Apple Valley. There are several stables in the area. The closest of which is located only 3 miles from the site. Some of these facilities offer a variety of activities from trail rides to lessons and stabling you own horses. Tryon, just minutes away, has hunt courses and steeplechase events each year in April. In a little more than an hours ride we have several trout streams, three major lakes, some of the best hiking in the east, on the Daniel Boone trail over Grandfather Mountain, the Appalachian Trail and Linville Gorge ( one of only three Federal Wilderness areas east of the Rocky Mountains.) There is excellent snow skiing at Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and a host of other smaller resorts.
Attractions The South Mountains State Park (A Ten minute ride from SMOKEY’S LODGE)
*Biltmore Estate, Asheville Mountain Adventure Guides – www.mtnadventureguides.com Lake Lure Tours , Marina , Beach and Fun Center
Public Golf Courses Rutherfordton Golf Club, Rutherfordton. 828-287-3406
Meadowbrook Golf
Course,
www.meadowbrookgolfclub.com Cleghorn Plantation, Rutherfordton (828) 286-9117 www.cleghorngolfclub.com Blue Ridge Country Club - Semi-private country club features championship 18 hole, par 72, bent grass golf course designed by Clifton, Ezell and Clifton. Voted Golf Digest’s Places to Play 1998-99. Romantic inn has 13 oversized rooms with fireplaces. Restaurant, pub and pro shop. Dramatic, natural environment on US 221 North of Marion 828-756-4013. Marion Lake Club - Marion Country Club, Semi-private facility located on the shores of scenic Lake James overlooking Linville Gorge. Par 70, 18 hole course. Club house and pro shop. Located on NC 126 East of Marion. 828-652-6232 Old Fort Golf Course - Public, 9 hole, Par 72 course. Western North Carolina’s highest rated 9 hole course. Tee times and carts not required. From I-40, exit 73 and turn south on Bat Cave Road. Left onto Old Fort-Sugar Hill Road and left onto Golf Course Road. 828-668-4256. Forest City Municipal Golf Course Putt Putt Golf & Games - Forest City Miniature golf, video games 828-245-0466
Sherwood Forest
- Brevard, NC
Red Fox Country Club,
Hunting Country Rd., Tryon (828) 894-8251 Quaker Meadows Golf Club, Morganton 828-437-2677
Up, up and away in
my beautiful balloon..... Mount Pisgah Balloons Mountain View Guide Service -Guided trips for hunting & fishing 828-245-1532 Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in America Visitors' Center - Alexander Mills Site of future theatre, currently home to outdoor plays and festivities 828-248-1000 Washburn General Store - Bostic Old fashioned country/general store 828-245-4129 Chimney Rock Park - Chimney Rock Scenic attraction 800-277-9611 Edie's Good Things - Chimney Rock Fine Crafts Hand Made in the western Carolina mountains. Baskets, Clay, Glass, Metal, Wood & More. 828-625-0111 Bubba's Batting Cages - Forest City Recreational Center 828-286-4487 Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County - Forest City Extensive genealogical library 828-248-4010 Glassical Heirlooms - Forest City Largest collection of stained glass, gifts, & angels. 828-248-9870 Maimy Etta Black Fine Arts Center - Forest City Cultural and historic exhibits 828-248-1525 Rutherford County Farm Museum - Forest City Antique farm and home equipment on display 828-248-1248 Bottomless Pools - Lake Lure Scenic attraction 828-625-4275 Broad River Gems and Mining - Lake Lure Gifts, Jewelry, Minerals, Museum and On-Site Gem Mining 828-286-1220 Family Fun Collectibles - Lake Lure Collectible toys 828-625-5555 Lake Lure Tours - Lake Lure Guided boat tours 828-625-0077 Pumpkin Center - Lake Lure Pumpkin farm, open September & October 828-286-9438 Green River Plantation - Rutherfordton Antibellum plantation, tours by appointment, weddings 828-287-0983 Kid Senses - Rutherfordton Interactive children's museum and hands-on learning center. 828-286-2120 River Creek Campground - Rutherfordton Tubing and canoeing on the Broad River and Green River. 866-287-3915 Tanner Fine Ladies Wear Factory & Outlet - Rutherfordton Outlet shopping 828-287-3637 Thermal City Gold Mine - Rutherfordton On-site mining 828-286-3016 Rutherford County Farmers' Market - Spindale Open Tuesday & Friday 7 a.m.-12 Noon from May 31st to November 1st. Fresh local produce. 828-287-6080
Rutherford County
Tourism Development Authority Hiking For more information on trails, log onto http://www.nps.gov/
Mountain Adventure
Guides –
www.mtnadventureguides.com
Family whitewater rafting on the French Broad and Nolichucky
River. Mild to wild – no experience required.
Summer Adventure Camp, guided rock climbing, backpacking and group
adventure programs, near Asheville, NC.
Armstrong Creek
- 3640 Ft./6 mile trail. Primitive hiking on Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.
Trail begins past hatchery parking lot. Easy -moderate. FOOTHILLS EQUESTRIAN NATURE CENTER -Hunting Country Road, Tryon. Hiking and horseback riding trails, bird walks, nature center, pond with boardwalk and picnic area. 320 acre nature preserve. Equestrian events, concerts and more throughout the year. Free and open to the public. Lodge available for private gatherings. Reservations and rental fee for lodge. 828-859-9021 GREEN RIVER COVE-Saluda. Two public access areas for fishing, swimming, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking and hiking. Map of hiking trails available at Polk County Visitor's Center. 800-440-7848 BRADLEY FALLS, HOLBERT COVE Saluda. Hiking trails, rushing river, spectacular waterfalls and gorge. Trails are rustic, proper attire recommended. Some trails and especially the rocks near the falls can be dangerous, use caution and do not climb on the rocks or too near the falls. Parking area on the right, 3.2 miles from brick columns at Heaven's View Motel in Saluda, exit 28 off I-26. Holbert's Cove Road.
Whitewater Rafting & Tubing
Mountain Adventure
Guides –
www.mtnadventureguides.com
Family whitewater rafting on the French Broad and Nolichucky
River. Mild to wild – no experience required.
Summer Adventure Camp, guided rock climbing, backpacking and group
adventure programs, near Asheville, NC. Wildwater Rafting - Lake Lure Provides transportation to whitewater rafting 828-625-9111, ext. 7238 Green River Cove, Saluda. Two public access areas for fishing, swimming, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking and hiking. Map of hiking trails available at Polk County Visitor's Center. 800-440-7848
Silver Creek
Campground and Tubing,
Silver Creel Rd., Mill Spring Nantahala Outdoor Center, Asheville 1-800-232-7238 for reservations. http://www.nocweb.com/
LOAFERS GLORY RAFTING &
TUBING.........
Horseback Riding Cedar Creek Stables - Lake Lure Horseback riding, gem mining, stocked fishing lake 828-625-2811 Double J Stables - Lake Lure Horseback riding 828-625-2683
Public Riding Trails
- Horseback riding is permitted in many areas within the Pisgah National
Forest Lands. A few popular undesignated areas in the Grandfather
district include the Curtis Creek Recreational Area off US 70 near Old
Fort, the Woodlawn Work Center on US 221 North, the Yellow Mountain Road
near Altapass and the Kistler Memorial Highway near Linville Gorge
Wilderness Area. Two designated areas in the Toecane District include the
Buncombe Horse Range Trail, a challenging trail for advanced riders near
the Black Mountain Campground and Victor Fields off the Blue Ridge Parkway
near Little Switzerland. Call the US Forest Service for more
information. 828-652-2144.
Polk
County equestrian businesses and services FOOTHILLS EQUESTRIAN NATURE CENTER (FENCE) Hunting Country Road, Tryon. Hiking and horseback riding trails, bird walks, nature center, pond with boardwalk and picnic area. 320 acre nature preserve. Equestrian events, concerts and more throughout the year. Free and open to the public. Lodge available for private gatherings. Reservations and rental fee for lodge. 828-859-9021 Pisgah Forest Stables, Pisgah Forest 828-883-8258 Green River Cove Riding Program, Tuxedo, NC 828-692-5706 Fishing
Lake James State Park
-At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more
than 150 miles of shoreline. Scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains
with 565 wooded acres for picnicking, swimming, canoeing, camping and
hiking. Boat Access -Black Bear Boat Access Area, Linville Access Area,
and Hidden Cove Access Area. 828-652-5047. Public Trout Streams - (stocked waters)
Little Buck Creek
(game lands portion) 4 miles with tight
creek well stocked. Armstrong Creek (Cato Holler lower line downstream to Greenlee upper line) 2 miles with large holes. Mill Creek (upper railroad bridge to US 70 bridge ) 6 miles. Fished heavily due to easy access, lower section near US 70 is posted. Public Trout Streams - (delayed harvest)
Curtis Creek
- 5 miles with easy access. Also, nice holes for swimming. Trout Ponds & Farms: Buck Creek Trout Farm - 2525 Buck Creek Road (NC 80) Elliott’s Trout Pond - Buck Creek Rd. (NC 80) South of Mountain Stream RV Park Harris Creek Trout Pond - On Huskins Branch Road, off US 221 North Also, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision for state guidelines. Green River Game Lands, Henderson and Polk Counties, 800-440-7848 Transylvania County Agriculture Center, (trout fishing farms) 828-884-3109 Pisgah National Forest Game Lands Lake Lure, Rutherford county U.S. Forest Service Wilderness Areas, Asheville, NC 828-258-2850 ext. 601 Fishing Licenses are available.
The South Mountains State Park PARKS
HARMON FIELD
Harmon Field Road, Tryon. Covered picnic area, playground, tennis courts,
track, baseball field, horse shoe area, Pacolet River frontage. Open to
the public. Log cabin and covered picnic area available in park.
Reservations are recommended for picnic area and required for log cabin as
well as a fee for cabin rental. PEARSON'S FALLS
Pearson's Falls Rd., off of Pacolet River Scenic Byway, Highway 176. Easy
well maintained hiking trails, picnic areas, bird watching, wildflowers, a
rushing river and a 90 ft. waterfall. Closed Mondays year round and
Monday-Tuesday (Nov.1st - March 1st) Admission fee. WOODLAND PARK Chestnut Street, Tryon. Rustic natural trails for short hikes, benches and a meandering stream. STEARNS PARK Highway 108, Columbus. Picnic area, walking track, basketball court, gazebo. Located across from the historic Polk County Courthouse. GIBSON PARK Park Street, Columbus. Public swimming pool, open seasonally and picnic area. Fee for pool use. 828-894-8199 McCREERY PARK Downtown Saluda. Covered picnic area, swings, see-saws, playground and tennis courts. LAKE ADGER Silver Creek Road, off of Hwy. 9, Mill Spring. Public boat ramp, fishing, boating and swimming. Fee charged. Personal boat needed to access lake. GREEN RIVER COVE Saluda. Two public access areas for fishing, swimming, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking and hiking. Saluda, I-26 exit #28. Turn away from Saluda and take the first left on to Green River Cove Road. Access areas are well marked. Map of hiking trails available at Polk County Visitor's Center. For tube and kayak rentals see Outdoor and Camping pages on this web site. 800-440-7848 BRADLEY FALLS, HOLBERT COVE Saluda. Hiking trails, rushing river, spectacular waterfalls and gorge. There are many miles of trails which are unmarked but easily visible. Use caution when hiking near the falls and stay off of wet rocks which can be very slippery and dangerous. Saluda, exit 28 off I-26. Turn away from Saluda on to Holbert's Cove Road. Parking area on the right, 3.2 miles from brick columns at Heaven's View Motel. Trails are across the road. RODGERS PARK, TRYON 200 seat amphitheater and reception and gathering area. Small creek and short trails meander through the park. Rock walls and beautiful landscaping. Local events and performances. Can reserve for private functions. Tryon Town Hall. 828-859-6655 Theaters Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company Marquee Cinemas--Mimosa Cinemas Near by Morganton Foothills Community Theater Several community theater productions offered throughout the year. Call ahead for production information and schedules. 828-652-8610 McDowell Twin Cinemas First release, twin-screen movie theater. Call ahead for features and show schedules. 828-652-8368 Biking
Blue Ridge Parkway
A designated bike route, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides challenging
climbs, thrilling downhill plunges, gentle rides at various points, and
breath-taking scenery. The speed limit for motorists is 45 mph and most
should be aware that bicycles often share the road. The Craggy Pinnacle Segment follows the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville past Buck Creek Gap at NC 80 to Little Switzerland. Features include a 30-mile climb, gaining 3,000 feet in altitude, a 14-mile downhill ride, and an additional 4-mile climb. Mountains to Sea Trail There are two segments of the 700-mile Mountains to Sea cycling route in McDowell County: The Brown Mountain Lights Segment continues on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Linville Falls at the northern tip of McDowell County and on to the foothills via NC 181. The route includes several gentle descents, easy climbs, and a quick 15-mile downhill ride. Lake Tahoma Road. Sometimes called Buck Creek Road, Lake Tahoma Road (NC 80) was included in the Tour DuPont in 1994 and again in 1995. The highway was recently designated as a bike route, but cyclists should still be cautious. Lake Tahoma Road is a tough, steep climb heading north to the Parkway, but return trip is a rapid descent down toward Marion Lake James Road Lake James Road (NC 126) is a designated bike route circling scenic Lake James. Portions are infrequently traveled by motorists. Lake James offers 150 miles of perimeter road and takes the rider through wooded areas with occasional views of the lake. Tour DuPont Route In 1994, competitors entered McDowell County on NC 226 from the Blue Ridge Parkway and continued onto NC 226A to Little Switzerland and south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Riders descended NC 80 to US 70 and traveled west to the town of Old Fort, then south on Bat Cave Road. In 1995, the route was reversed. Portions of this route are heavily traveled by motorists. Cyclists unfamiliar with local routes should drive these roads by vehicle to identify potential hazards and areas of interest or concern. Always wear a helmet and obey traffic laws. For mountain biking information, contact the US Forest Service at 828-652-2144, or our local bike shop at 828-652-5358.
Historic Ledbetter House Built in 1826, the two story, gable sided house of post and beam construction remains one of McDowell County's few intact dwellings from the early 1800s. Recently restored and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house features hand painted walls and doors, and a rare antique quilt collection. Tours of the home are offered every Saturday by appointment only. Call for further information. Located in the community of Montford Cove, between Marion and Lake Lure. 828-738-9798
Lake James State
Park The
565-acre park offers picnicking, swimming, canoe rentals, and hiking along
picturesque Lake James. Ranger office, concession stand, bathrooms.
Located on NC 126 east of Marion. 828-652-5047 Shops
A Warp in Time
Fine hand-woven fabrics. Custom spinning, weaving, and natural dyeing.
Offering classes and workshops. Open by appointment. Greenlee Road, Old
Fort. 828-668-4885
Max Woody Chair Shop
Woodworking workshop. Handmade chairs, benches, stools, tables, hutches,
buffets, corner cabinets, dry sinks, dry bars, entertainment centers.
Mon-Sat, 7-5. US 70 West, Pleasant Gardens. 828-724-4158
Emerald Village
Outdoor gemstone mine and indoor heated flume. Mine tours, displays of
authentic mining equipment, and heritage exhibits. On-site gem cutting,
polishing, and jewelry making services. Indoor and outdoor picnic
facilities. McKinney Mine Road, Little Switzerland. Open year round,
weather permitting. 828-765-6463
Maple Leaf Sports Complex - includes bowling lanes, miniature golf, batting cages and snack bar. Scheduled baseball and softball tournaments throughout the year. Located in Marion off North Main Street on Finley Road adjacent to Ivans Restaurant. Call 828-652-2626
Orchard at Altapass
Century-old apple orchard featuring heritage varieties and numerous apple
products. Because of its location along the migration route of the Monarch
butterfly, recent additions include a butterfly garden, wildflower walk
and wetlands garden. Scheduled activities include guided hikes, talks
featuring local historians and hayrides through the orchard. Picnic
tables, snack bar, gift shop. Mid-May through October. Blue Ridge Parkway
Milepost 328.3. 888-765-9531 or 828-765-9531 Springmaid
Mountain
Guided horseback riding only. Minimum age for riders is nine. Lead rides
available for younger children. Guests may bring horses, pasture
available. Accommodations include cabins, lodge, and camping facilities.
Other activities include fishing, rafting, tubing, and hiking. Located in
Altapass near Little Switzerland. 828-765-2353
Specialty Shops
Mountain Creek Furniture - Great Rockers from Mountain Creek Furniture. You can have owner and craftsman Carlos Mast craft some of your own. Contact Carlos at MastCS@bellsouth.net or 828-286-3605 in n Affordable
Treasures
Antiques, collectibles, country crafts and furniture, gifts, quilts, and
dolls. Open Monday-Friday from 10:00-5:00, and Saturday from 10:00-3:00.
Located on North Main Street in Lady Marian Plaza (next to NCDMV tag
office), Marion. 828-652-7768
Grassy Mountain Book
Shop
Used, scarce and out-of-print books. Will locate books. Daily, May-Oct,
10-5. Downtown Little Switzerland. 828-765-9070
SNOW SKIING
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