Location: Sparta
Top Things to do in Sparta
The 6 Best Things to Do in Sparta, United States
Sparta is a town in Alleghany County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,770 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Alleghany County.
Restaurants in Sparta
1. Stone Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
This 15,000-acre North Carolina state park offers trout fishing, hiking, climbing and scenic waterfalls.
Reviewed By Steven M
TripAdvisor found this park for us. It is pretty secluded area and some really good hiking. We hiked the loop to see the waterfall and it was a nice walk. Not too strenuous but it does get your heart rate going a bit. We started at the bottom and worked our way up to the falls. You go by a nice homestead and can see what it was like to live back in the day with no conveniences. We saw some wild turkeys and deer on our visit which was pretty cool. There is a vending machine for water and restrooms at the beginning of the trail and the parking was free as well as the entrance to the park. The park hours are good too. It didn't close until 8:00 pm so plenty of time for our visit. Plan on staying at least a couple hours if you are going to hike to the falls.
2. New River Country Club
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
New River Country is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, just five minutes outside the town of Sparta. It is a semi-private club offering 18 holes of golf with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Reviewed By Rick W
Great place to be a member or to visit as your home away from home. Competitive rates, very friendly staff, and views to die for.
3. Thistle Meadow Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Family-owned winery located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and near the New River. Featuring over 50 different kinds of red, blush, and white wines, ranging from dry to sweet. WiFi available. Porch and meadows are pet friendly. Feel free to bring a picnic. Annual wine festival the first Sunday in October.
Reviewed By kelkamp - Charleston, South Carolina
Stopped here while wandering through the area after visiting West Jefferson. So glad we stopped here! Great conversation with the owner as he educated us on wine and food pairings. Great story too behind him and his winery. So many wines to try, and every one so different! We felt very welcomed and enjoyed every minute. Took 2 bottles with us as well. A definite stop if you are in the area!
4. The Vintage Cottage
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Jordanne311
Stopped in for ice cream! Such a cute place! Lots of yummy treats to choose from, plus awesome little gifts like soaps and candles! Very charming decor!
5. Dusty Trails Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By waterNCfun - Raleigh, North Carolina
We had a great time canoeing and kayaking with Dusty Trails Outfitters in April. We saw geese swimming with their little ones, a couple of white tailed deer running beside the river, a bald eagle flying and another eagle on the nest. Quite the wonderful float on the New River. You can choose a brand new canoe or kayak or a heavy duty tube for your float. The New River has some rocks and some mild white water to add some excitement to a mostly calm float. There are many places to begin and end your float, so you have the option to choose the length of time you wish to be on the water before your ride meets you. I definitely recommend this experience for groups and families wanting a great water adventure. We will definitely do this again.
6. Doughton Park Campground and National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Rick B - Clayton, North Carolina
Went to Doughton Park for a day out viewing the Mountains and hiking. This is THE place to stop on the parkway for some outstanding views. Formerly known as the Bluffs it is centered around Bluff Mountain a "Bald" mountain right on the parkway around milepost 241. Doughton Park is the largest Recreation Area on the parkway and has a large campground and picnic areas, and loads of hiking and views. There is also some historically significant displays and weekend demonstrations of early primitive farming. We actually started our day at the backcountry lot off Longbottom Road near Abshears. Unless you want to walk a lot do yourself a favor and drive the parkway to this place. But we came to hike and hike we will! Started up the Cedar Ridge Trail a 4.5 mile trek, very strenuous as you gain 1000 feet in elevation in the first mile or two. The trail then evens out some as you countinue to climb towards the parkway. Once you get to the parkway you are at the Brinegar Cabin, a preserved late 19th century farmstead where farm life demonstrations are done on weekends during season. A really nice place and not a replica this is the real cabin where the Brinegars spent 60 years farming the nearby area. next is the campgrounds and this one is huge. It has trail and RV hookups and tent sites. There are facilities but no shower house and only a dump station for your RV's no sewer hookups. But sadly much of this campground is not being used, it is overgrown and is falling into disrepair. there is an on site camp host. Another mile and a half along the trail and one comes to the coffee shop, which is again regrettably closed. Evidently it had been in operation since 1949 and due to privatization of the facility and construction on the parkway which rendered the area inaccessible the shop closed. Everything is now repaired and the road reopened so hopefully someone will contract with the NPS to reopen this landmark. At the base of the last part of the hike towards the summit of Bluff Mountain is a modern picnic area with nice new tables and facilities. And a now closed lodge. At the summit whoa! views around you in every direction. We then descended the summit along the Bluff Mountain Primitive Trail a thigh burner of a descent to the Basin Cove backcountry campground. Next trip we want to take the Basin creek trail from this point to the Caudill Cabin which can be seen from the wildcat Rock and fodder stack trails near the coffee shop and lodge. Lets hope America awakens from it's slumber and reopens these valuable pieces of our recent history.
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