Location: Mills River
Top Things to do in Mills River
What to do and see in Mills River, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Mills River is a town in Henderson County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 6,802 at the 2010 census, and was estimated to be 7,168 in 2016. The town took its name from the nearby confluence of the Mills River and French Broad River. It is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area. It was incorporated into a town in June 2003. Sierra Nevada opened a brewery in Mills River in 2014.
Restaurants in Mills River
1. Biltmore Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 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 SCAngler
The home is truly a masterpiece of architecture. The grounds are beautiful, especially when flowers and trees are in bloom. My wife and I just visited on 4/11/18 and blooming flowers(tulips, etc) and trees(redbuds, etc.) were on full display. There are several trails on the...MoreWe are happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to Biltmore! We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to the estate again in the future.
2. Jump Off Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By Gloria L - Austin, Texas, USA
The view is amazing at this spot although it can be tricky getting there. The Laurel Parkway is curved and changes names plus some GPS systems sometime tell you to go through gated communities, which do not work unless you live there or are visiting someone there.
The history is also interesting.
3. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5 based on 571 reviews
Warm indoor mining open every winter day. At Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, in Hendersonville, NC, you become a prospector from the 1800's and mine for real gem stones that you can keep! Gems that are found daily include Rubys, Sapphires, Emeralds, Quartz crystals, Citrine, Amethyst, Garnets, Adventurine, Sodalite, Opal, Fluorite, Aquamarine and many more! Our flumes are covered for your comfort and for rain or shine mining! You can even bring a picnic and relax at one of our picnic tables or by the creek! During colder months we have INDOOR mining too!Our Rock Shop is the best around and no one can beat our prices! Also, come pet our baby goats!
Reviewed By ltower6869 - Matthews, North Carolina
This place ROCKS! Pun intended. They always make sure that you get your money's worth when you buy one of their buckets. I found a ruby that weighed almost a pound...it wasn't gemstone quality, but WOW! My mom found a smoky quartz that WAS gemstone...MoreSparkly. I love it. Glad y'all had fun at the mine. We hope you will visit again next time you're in town!
4. Etowah Valley Golf Club and Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Jason N - Georgetown, Kentucky
I booked this room mainly because of the inexpensive rate and not a chain. I'm so glad I did!! This is a hidden gem! Every room overlooks the golf course with spacious, modern rooms and patios/balconies. Very quiet, beautiful and nice. And the hotel breakfast is second to none! Great, hot buffet of good southern foods, not your typical hotel breakfast. Nice pool. If you are looking to stay in the Hendersonville area, do yourself a favor and go 10 minutes down the road to the Etowah golf resort. You'll be glad you did.
5. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Tours & Tastings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 776 reviews
We brewed our first batch of beer in 1980 in Chico, California, the lush forests of North Carolina far from our mind. Over three decades, folks tried our bold beers and deemed them fit for friends across the country. In time a second brewery became the wisest, most sustainable way to send fresh beer to the farthest reaches. Today you can venture inside our Mills River brewery to trace our history as a craft beer pioneer and see first-hand our drive to make flavorful beer the status quo. Cruise up our wooded driveway, park under a solar-panel canopy, and head behind the scenes with us. Our tours fill up quickly! You must make reservations online for all tours except the Guided Tasting and the self-guided Visitor Corridor. Click below to check availability and book your tour. Please feel free to contact our Tour Desk before your visit if you have any questions about our tour programs or policies.
Reviewed By Bubba1202 - Orlando
We loved it here. Very laid back even though it was packed. Tons of space. Great beer and a great self guided tour. A must for anyone in Asheville.
6. Blue Ghost Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Madeit2Ireland - North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina
This is an update on my first review of Blue Ghost. Everything I said still pretty much stands but I am agreeing with some of the other reviewers about children sometimes overrunning the place. I have mixed feelings on this issue. After living in Ireland where people often bring their kids to the pubs FOR A MEAL, I think it is fine this is allowed. However, in Ireland the children are very well-behaved and most definitely are not allowed to run loose in the pub. Here, that doesn't seem to be the case with some families. And I always wonder if there's a designated driver. There's just something about seeing people drinking while their children run around, babies crying when the hour is beyond when they should be home in bed, that doesn't feel right and is uncomfortable for me. I think limiting hours/days when children can be present would be a huge improvement. Seems it would be better if those who wish to party with their kids would confine it to home. (Nothing against kids - or those adults who have A beer with kids in tow - just a general observation/opinion.)
7. Lazy Otter Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Lazy Otter Outfitters provides shuttle service and kayak, tube, canoe, and stand-up paddle board rentals along the calm, beautiful section of the French Broad River in Henderson County.
Reviewed By Cain P
Our family and friends all had a great time here. The guide was very friendly and helpful.. he was good with the kids too. Life jackets, paddles and a spare tube were provided for us. Good safety brief, informative but not long winded. Perfect!Yes, the safety briefing is a challenge to keep short and fit it all in. So happy you had a great time and hope to see you and the family again!
8. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5 based on 371 reviews
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned operation located in the heart of Henderson County's apple country. Nestled on 10 acres of a land grant from England are panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that the family has enjoyed for generation, and now would like to share with you. The 14 varieties of wine-grape vines grown on the vineyards at elevations of 2,300 and 3,000 feet, along with the cool nights, develop some the best wine-producing grapes in the country. Meticulously growing our fruit allows us to incorporate the unique character of our vineyards into each bottle. Come to a place where you not only enjoy beautiful views with a glass of unforgettable wine, but become part of our family too!
Reviewed By Nancy D - Swannanoa, North Carolina, United States
What an amazing winery!!!! Comfortable and so welcoming with the fire burning!!!! And the tasting was awesome. Leslie walked thru each & every grape..... she made us feel right at home. The whole adventure was FANTASTIC. So worth $ 10 plus a glass. What can we say about Molly... so charming. Will definitely be back again with friends!!
9. Bold Rock Hard Cider
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Gator G - Asheville, North Carolina
Wow, what a great place! New, clean, friendly, great cider, and food truck!!! Pimento grilled cheese, delicious!!! Pet friendly INSIDE!! Thank you! It's great place to go with all the family (including the four legged ones) on cold or rainy day too. They offer lots of ciders and beers! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place!!!!!!!!!!
10. WNC Agricultural Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Rod L
Very nice opening day. Not quite 100 percent yet, but there was not over crowding and the the people were super friendly. Clean, easy to get around and good food. Lots of rides and the animals appeared content. Worth a trip any year. Handicapped parking is extremely limited and the courtesy golf carts we're really not paying close attention but most worked just great.
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