Top Things to do in North Carolina Mountains
Top Hotels in North Carolina Mountains
- 1. Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
- 2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- 3. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village
- 5. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road, NC
- 7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Westgate, NC
- 8. Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
- 9. Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Biltmore Village
- 10. Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road
The 10 Best Things to do in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina Mountains
Discover the best top things to do in North Carolina Mountains, United States including Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore, The North Carolina Arboretum, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Mingo Falls, Tweetsie Railroad, Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Restaurants in North Carolina Mountains
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,921 reviews
This 469-mile scenic drive links Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while protecting the cultural and natural features of the Blue Ridge.
Reviewed By cynthiap259 - New Britain, United States
Where do I start? What an awesome drive from Skyline Drive all the way to the Smoky Mountains ... through the magnificent BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY! It was in my bucket list and it sure delivered. The blue mountain ridges and colorful fall colors...seen in every overlook, just amazing! We stopped at Mabry Mill, the Blue Ridge Music Center, multiple overlooks, stopped and hiked the Natural Bridge trail and Graveyard Fields trail and saw a whole herd of elks in the Oconaluftee area! Ate real southern food and experienced their hospitality especially at Clyde’s in Waynesville. Didn’t get to explore Asheville and Biltmore Estate due to time constraint but will be coming back for it hopefully soon to see the rhododendrons blooming!
2. Biltmore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,629 reviews
George Vanderbilt's historic country estate in Asheville, NC; Biltmore includes Biltmore House--America's largest home--plus gardens, winery, Antler Hill Village, historic farm, 4-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, shops, restaurants, branded products, and outdoor adventures. This National Historic Landmark is an amazing destination offering a wide range of activities for all ages.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
We did the self-guided audio tour of the house early in the morning, with tickets bought on-line a month earlier. While the house itself was fascinating, I have to say the audio part of it was a little corny and overacted at times- all about guests going to a party, and not much about the history or architecture of the house; but I liked seeing the period clothing. The tour ended appropriately with a tour of the servants quarters, at the bottom of the house. After that we walked around the gardens, to the Bass pond and back. The highlight was definitely the Conservatory, which was stunning; make sure to stop in there to see the orchids. After a quick lunch we took the Legacy of the Land tour, which is a shuttle tour that makes a few stops for guests to get out and look around. I think our tour guide was Jim, and it was absolutely fascinating. I was expecting a tour of the Farm, but it was more about Vanderbilt’s decision to build the Biltmore, how he acquired the land, Olmsted’s design of the grounds, the beginnings of the US forestry service… It was definitely a nice counterpoint to the house tour, and I highly recommend it. We ate at Antler Hill Village twice while here, and sampled wine at the winery. I have to say this place is HUGE; it’s about 5 miles between the Biltmore House and Antler Hill Village, so you’ll definitely want a plan and a car. Plan on spending at least a day. The only negative we ran into is that parking for the Biltmore House tours was confusing and not well signed, especially if you’re looking for the park and walk lot. Pretty much every car that came in ended up driving all the way up to the lawn in front of the house, where a guard told them to do a U-turn and go back. More signs or a couple of folks directing traffic in the morning would be really helpful.
3. The North Carolina Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,603 reviews
Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region.
Reviewed By SeniorTravelTales - Oldsmar, United States
We have visited the Arboretum previously initially just ourselves, seniors, touring this magnificent arboretum and gardens and another time with our grandchildren to thrill at Winter Lights. Having our grandchildren visit again and since they love “LEGO’s” we were excited to visit the Lego Exhibit at the Arboretum. Specifically this is a very popular traveling exhibit that has 500,000 Legos. The exhibit is called Nature Connects: Art with LEGO bricks by Sean Kenney. Our grandchildren were so excited to stroll the gardens locating the 16 larger-than-life-size sculptures. Amazing how each sculpture is carefully placed in an appropriate location. This created excitement to find each sculpture and get a picture with each one. These Lego sculptures are just magnificent with design, color, depth and imagination. Additionally, the scale train was exciting for them to watch. They loved the “eyes” on each engine searching the tracks. A fun afternoon. There is much more to do at the Arboretum with hikes, creeks, and more. We plan to check into on our next visit
4. Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,484 reviews
This site tells the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians through displays and modern computer images.
Reviewed By 79shirleyj - Boones Mill, United States
You'll need an hour or two to do this fine museum justice.It is a very well done and accurate telling of the history of Cherokee people.. You have headphones and can take as much time as you like touring.The exibits and artwork are very well done.History lovers will thoroughly enjoy it.I think the $11 fee for seniors is fair and well worth it.The gift shop is large and has a really wide selection of books as well as other items.
5. Oconaluftee Indian Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
A guided tour of the Oconaluftee Indian Village; a replica of a 1750s Cherokee Village. See Cherokees making traditional trades using centuries old techniques. The Village Square Grounds is a place of ceremony where you will learn about traditional songs and dance, our clan system and beliefs. Inside the Village Council House you will learn of our government, family and structure. We welcome you to our home.
Reviewed By Tyaskin - Mebane, United States
While it is well promoted, the village is easy to miss, as it is tucked away up a hill, removed from the bustle of the main drag through Cherokee. If you are interested in actual, bona fide Cherokee traditions and history (as opposed to the sometimes hokey tourist junk peddled in some stores in town. Now, I will tell you, your guide can make or break this tour. My daughter (15) and I were fortunate to have a young man who seemed both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he was doing. Your guide, dressed in traditional Cherokee clothing from the late 1700's (generally) will walk with you through the reconstructed village, explaining to you about the Cherokee language and history, and giving you some brief glimpses of how this group of Native people lived prior to and shortly after the coming of the settlers. Woodworking, beadwork, fingerweaving, canoe making, cabins, governance, and religion are all covered, and at various points you will see members of the Nation demonstrating various crafts, such as pottery or basket making. We also were shown the use of the Cherokee blowgun, used for small game hunting. It is informative, and you are encouraged to ask questions (but don't expect your guide to be an expert on EVERY aspect of Cherokee culture and history; many of them are young and still learning) There is a gift shop, which we didn't visit, and a Plant trail showing various plants used for different things by the Cherokee. The path through the village is generally easy to travel, even in a stroller, but there are some gentle grades that may require an extra minute for the elders in your party. I would think that wheelchairs could handle it with some assistance. So when you pass through the area, add this to your list of things to visit, but call ahead to make sure they are open, as they close for a while during the winter months. And, as always, Happy Motoring.
6. Mingo Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,144 reviews
Reviewed By CastleBe0wulf - The Villages, United States
This was my first time visiting. I knew from doing my research that there would be quite a very steep staircase up the side of the mountain. Woof those 160 steps are pretty rough. They're not impossible even if you're not in the best shape. The staircase is wide and has rails on both sides. And once you reach the top of the stairs it's a level short walk to the waterfall. the waterfall is actually quite high and has a long fall, luckily we were there after a rainstorm so the water was coming off of the mountain quite heavily. there's a small wooden bridge close to the base of the waterfall where you can set up a tripod and take an amazing photo of the water. Mingo falls is what I would clarify as off the beaten path there is only one sign that tells you when to turn into the parking lot other than that if you don't do your research you'll have no idea how to get there. Overall is the drive and the staircase worth it, I say YES.
7. Tweetsie Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,041 reviews
Experience a action-packed day of Wild West Adventure at Tweetsie Railroad where you can hop aboard a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive, enjoy classic amusement rides, feed the animals in Deer Park Zoo, pan for gold, participate in live entertainment, and more! Special annual events: Day Out With Thomas, Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas. History: As North Carolina’s original family theme park, Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, cowgirl, or an engineer. Shop along Main Street, pan for gold, or visit the animals in the Deer Park. Tweetsie has amusement rides for all ages and live entertainment throughout the park. And, of course, hop aboard our historic train for a fun-filled three-mile Wild West journey through the scenic mountains. Located in Blowing Rock, NC.
Reviewed By frankr888 - Pinehurst, United States
Bottom line, up front...in the end, with a military discount, we paid $140 for a family of four and added an additional $100 for food and souvenirs. Yet, beyond the high price point, Tweetsie Railroad was well worth the day. Our kids will remember this experience for a long time. Between the actual train and riding on numerous kiddie rides, the lines were never an issue. If I could offer one complaint, it'd be the price of concessions. I paid in excess of $15 for water not realizing one could bring in their own bottle. Perhaps more advertising is due?
8. Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 483 reviews
Reviewed By 511ellat
The place is filled with model trains the work was neatly done and walking in the gift shop and looking at the trains was heaven love Andy highly reccomend it!
9. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine has been family owned and operated for generations. We are located in the mountain community of Boone, which is in the beautiful High Country of North Carolina. We are the choice Gem Mine in our area because of the experience that is offered our guests by our knowledgeable staff, and because we offer buckets of the finest gem ore from the best gem mines in the world. You are invited to come and satisfy your craving for a gem mine adventure and experience the thrill of discovery as you pan for gems. Just like miners from the old days, you will sift through dirt and rock using water flumes to find your treasures in the safety and comfort of our year round location on Hwy 105 in Boone. Regardless of the weather, you can search for gems since we have both outside and inside flumes. Each bucket of our gem stone mix contains genuine rough gems. We guarantee a gem find every time.
Reviewed By LadybugRiceLake_WI
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine is amazing for everyone! My husband and I were there by ourselves and we each bought a motherlode bucket. As adults it was so much fun to sift and swish the stones around in the water and see the colors appear, and the kids around us were having a blast and learning a lot from the workers that walk around to answer questions and provide help if needed. When you are done you can take your loot inside and talk to staff about exact gem identification and if you want to get any stones cut they will help you decide which are best for cutting and they have a gem cutter on staff to take care of that for you (the stones are cut at a later date and shipped to you). My husband and I were lucky enough to have Wendy go through our stones and educate us on them. She was so great with the kids in the group ahead of us that she put us at ease before we even got up to her station to have the rocks identified. We are already planning another trip to NC next year with a bigger group and my sister and I plan on splitting a wheelbarrow! :)
10. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,298 reviews
A 52-mile rail journey through valleys, inside winding tunnels and across spectacular gorges of the Great Smoky Mountains.
