The Tweetsie Railroad is a family-oriented theme park that has something in store for all ages. Featuring old steam engine trains, carousel rides, live entertainment, a zoo and an interactive wild west experience complete with bandits, the place makes for a must-visit attraction, especially for children. When in town, head over to the Tweetsie Railroad with your folks to have a blast and capture your special moments in the lens. Special events at the destination make the experience even more exciting.
Appalachian Ski Mountain is a popular winter sports destination in Watauga County. This historic ski mountain features multiple ski trails for all skill levels, including beginners, intermediates, and advanced. The longest trail is known as the Orchard Run, which is about 0.5 miles (0.80 kilometers) long. Activities at the Appalachian Ski Mountain include skiing, snowboarding, snowmaking and outdoor rink skating. They also offer plenty of exciting lodging and dining options. An amazing attraction for families, the mountain is an unmissable site to be visited in Blowing Rock.
Mystery Hill is a great place to enjoy quality family time, especially with young children in Blowing Rock. While optical illusions and anomalies make up the major attraction, there are also a plethora of fun indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone engaged, along with eateries and shops. When in town, head over to this quirky place with your family to spend a fun time full of indoor and outdoor adventures. Enjoy gravity-defying installations as you watch water flow uphill, try out fun hands-on science activities, try axe-throwing, or enjoy splashing in the waters of the New River.
Grandfather Mountain, a majestic icon of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stands as one of North Carolina's most beloved natural treasures. A highlight of the mountain is the Mile High Swinging Bridge that sways high up above, offering breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain State Park's scenic environs. Be sure to bring your camera to capture your mesmerizing experience. The mountain's rugged landscape is a melange of natural habitats and ecological communities that are home to bears, cougars, eagles, otters, and other flora and fauna.
Since 1989 Foggy Mountain Gem Mine has been offering a unique experience that lets you discover the art of gemology with knowledgeable guides. Here, visitors are given buckets of gem ore to mine through dirt and rocks using water flumes. Dig into the dirt and find your treasure in your comfort. Get hands-on with emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and amethysts in an educational yet fun environment.
Connecting one end of the town to the other, Greenway Trail in Boone is one of the most scenic walking trails that welcome walkers, hikers, cyclists alike. The path leads one through a scenic river, green meadows, and wooded forest. Mostly flat a trail, people will all skill levels can explore the trail. There are several picnic tables and resting benches along the trail, where one can stop at a picturesque location for a quick picture. On this trail, encounter exotic birds and wildlife. Explore the natural beauty of the region as you walk down this trail.
The House of Mugs is exactly what it sounds like, a house covered in mugs! The Sisk Family bought a few mugs and decided to hang them up outside their home, then they added a few more, and then a few more. Today, the house is covered with over 25,000 mugs and cups! Head down a country road and discovered this unique sight. Visitors should note that this is private property, but the Sisk Family is usually happy to show off their uniquely charming house.
Doc's Rocks Gem Mine is an antique geology store in Blowing Rock. The historic store and fossil museum aims to educate visitors about the intriguing geology of the Appalachian Mountains. When in town, pay a visit to this exciting attraction and learn more about the formation of the majestic mountains and the rocks that form its terrain. The stunning fossil museum is home to rare fossils, minerals and gemstones collected from all over the country along with toys, specimens, puzzles, candy, souvenirs, and other memorabilia that are sure to delight the little ones.
This spectacular suspension bridge in Grandfather Mountain State Park enthralls visitors with the breathtaking vistas it has to offer. Measuring 228 feet (69.5 meters), the Mile High Swinging Bridge lies at an elevation of 5,305 feet (1,616 meters). A scenic road through the park winds along lush green foliage to reach the summit area, where visitors can further take a short road that leads to the magnificent bridge. While its name may suggest otherwise, the Mile High Swinging Bridge hardly swings but when the wind blows high, it can be heard "singing" like a harmonica. A souvenir shop located next to the entrance offers gifts, snacks, and other tidbits.
Located amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Appalachian Mountain range, Roan Mountain State Park is a great place to visit. Away from the bustling city, this state park covers an area of 2,000 acres (809 hectares). Set against the backdrop of the majestic Roan Mountain, this park offers a variety of facilities for activities like camping, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and more. The park offers an extensive network of hiking trails, including those leading to Roan Mountain's balds. Camping facilities at the park provide a rustic and serene environment for overnight stays, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Grandfather Mountain, a majestic icon of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stands as one of North Carolina's most beloved natural treasures. A highlight of the mountain is the Mile High Swinging Bridge that sways high up above, offering breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain State Park's scenic environs. Be sure to bring your camera to capture your mesmerizing experience. The mountain's rugged landscape is a melange of natural habitats and ecological communities that are home to bears, cougars, eagles, otters, and other flora and fauna.
Perched in the northwestern part of the state, Elk Knob State Park showcases the beauty of the North Carolina mountains. Here, a network of trails slices through the unspoiled wilderness, offering a chance to glimpse the surrounding sights, which are a marvel to behold. The park's ecological diversity is a delight to explore, beckoning nature lovers to study all that thrives within the woodlands. Bask in the vistas visible for miles on end from elevated overlooks, enjoy a picnic, or pitch a tent and indulge in a quiet getaway amid picturesque environs.