Location: Vilas
Top 10 Things to do in Vilas, United States
Vilas is an unincorporated community in Watauga County, North Carolina, United States. The community is located on U.S. Route 321 and U.S. Route 421 5.6 miles (9.0 km) west-northwest of Boone. Vilas has a post office with ZIP code 28692.
1. Mast General Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
An old-fashioned country store with many unique items for sale.
Reviewed By Sarah M - Fort Myers, Florida
This store is a must if you are visiting the area for the first time only. It is a bit touristy and expensive but does have unique and old-fashioned items to over. The store is usually crowded and their is not very good spacing with the merchandise so it often feels very cramped.
2. Doc's Rocks Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
Reviewed By CeCeatl561
Takes about an hour. You buy your bucket and “pan” for gems. Indoor because of weather, but they also have outdoor flumes. Staff is knowledgeable and can quickly identify gems. No real tour or explanation - an “on your own” kind of place. You can your stones cut for an extra charge. Plenty of gems/rocks available for purchase or to make your own jewelry.
3. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 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 PonyMan132 - Denver, North Carolina
What a fun way to spend an hour or two. the employees are very knowledgeable. There is an outdoor and an indoor sluice for cold or rainy weather. after you mine your gems, they will educate you on what you have found. our grand kids found fossils, gems, rubies, and other beautiful rocks. We will definitely do this again.
4. Mountain Dog
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Mountain Dog and Friends is the High Country's dog and cat destination, for mountain locals and dog and cat lovers visiting from all over the South. Enjoy views of Grandfather Mountain from our fenced "pet rest area," then bring Fido or Fluffy inside to shop our amazing collection of products for your dog or cat's active life. We only sell high quality USA-made pet foods, treats, and wellness products, and we're known for dispensing experienced, expert advice on feeding and equipping healthy, happy four-legged friends. We carry an amazing range of gear and accessories, from great beds and bowls to sweaters and rain gear, and everything in between and beyond. Mountain Dog is no ordinary pet store.
Reviewed By Samara2008 - Sparta, North Carolina
This store has a varied assortment of pet supplies of various kinds that would be hard to find elsewhere. All food purchased there is quality all the way. The very healthiest for one's pets. Even though it is called Mountain Dog, there are many wonderful supplies for cats. The prices are good. Pet owners need to patronize private pet shops such as this one.
We visited there on April 14, 2017. The owner is very knowledgeable about everything that she sells. She and her wonderful pets were most helpful to us. We plan to return.
5. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By colajules - Lexington, South Carolina
While the surrounding scenery was breathtaking, the real story is Nicole in the Tasting Room. My husband and I were early and she invited us in, shared the wines with us, suggested some delicious, locally sourced garlic/herb/chive cheese and parmesan crackers, and even tracked us down because I left my credit card by accident! We will DEFINITELY visit Grandfather again and look forward to spending time with the wonderful folks at this vineyard!
6. Dutch Creek Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Lynette A - Lenoir, North Carolina
Greeted by Granny Phyllis You feel like one of the family. You ride out in a comfortable tractor bed to the horses. They hand pick a horse just for you. Your horses have pleasant personalities. Our guides Travis and Justin were well experienced in woes of an inexperienced trail rider and also flexible to meet the needs of an experienced trail rider You can talk to Granny and take family photos by the swing. This is truly mountain trail riding and the foliage is beautiful this time of year. We are so grateful to the staff for our wonderful experience lots of belly laughs and genuine fun
7. Elk Knob State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By honeybasil - South Carolina
We hiked the Summit Trail with four adults and eight kids (ages 5-16), and we all loved it. It was very doable for our families with a great reward at the end. The trail is uphill the whole way, so it is a little bit challenging, but the actual trail is well maintained and not filled with rocks and roots. We had beautiful weather and enjoyed the spectacular views from the top. This is a must do if you're in the area!
8. Julian Price Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By LKNCHOWHOUND - Cornelius NC
Beautiful venue close to Grand Father Mountain on the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Drove up today to catch some of the autumn color but about a week early. Still very beautiful with lots of yellow and red coming in.
Still even without autumn foliage, this is a special place.
Good place to unwind. Look at the lake and vistas, rent a kayak or canoe, camp out, fish, take a hike, picnic etc.
The things we did when we were younger and not because we were trying to get back to nature but because it was something that we enjoyed naturally.
Great place to unwind and just enjoy.
9. Appalachian Mountain Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Bill S - Centreville, Virginia
Excellent beers, friendly staff, and nice outdoor area. I'm a homebrewer and appreciate good beer. They have it. Many different styles that will please almost anyone. Bartender Andrew knows what he is serving and is pleased to discuss them with you. Will give you a generous taste, too. Prices very reasonable.
10. The Valle Crucis Community Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 59 reviews
The Valle Crucis Community Park is a nonprofit organization. We depend on visitors like you: 80% of our operating budget comes from donations. The suggested donation is $2 per day. You can donate in the Welcome Center or in donation boxes located around the park. We offer a 1-mile paved path for walking, jogging, biking, or skating, as well as playground areas for children and lots of open space for sports, yard games, or a nap in the sunshine. The Watauga River runs the length of the park and offers incredible fly-fishing as well as a perfect place for little ones to get their feet wet. There are two large covered picnic shelters in the park, as well as several picnic tables. Shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless they have been reserved in advance. Reservations are required for parties of 15 or more. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Reviewed By Ken G - Key Largo
What a nice place to spend some time! Picnic tables for a creek side lunch in a perfect setting! A mile circular pathway for exercise or a leisurely walk. Trees labeled with descriptions.
Swings for children.
Fishing and tubing in the creek.
A perfect place for a picnic ! Buy some sandwiches at the Ham Shoppe and enjoy this place.
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