Prospective Itineraries

There are lots of hiking trails (most dog friendly) and kayaking/canoeing/tubing on the New River. The New River is recognized as the “second oldest river in the world” and is estimated to be between 10 and 360 million years old. It’s headwaters begin near Blowing Rock, NC and is one of the few rivers in North America that flows northerly.

If you prefer browsing shops/restaurants/watering holes, below are some suggestions for the weekend.  Note that reservations or putting your name in early for lunches or dinners in any of these towns is highly recommended this time of year.

West Jefferson (~12 miles/15 min from our house):

Starting with our own West Jefferson, in Ashe County NC (*Christmas Tree Capital of the Eastern US, shipping ~ 20m trees a year to your local vendors). It happens that “Toadfest” falls on the weekend of the annual “Christmas in July” festival, the main street is closed to traffic to allow local vendors to sell and exhibit; but also means planning ahead for parking and walking in to town. Reservations for restaurants, are a must.  If you’re here early Thursday and Friday may be your best bets; but Saturday morning before “Toadfest” erupts is also a possibility!

Food & Drink:  Great burgers at Black Jack’s, good BBQ/pub food at both the New River Brewing Co. and Boondock’s Brew Pub or pizza& sandwiches at Slice.

Shopping:  About five blocks of local art, specialty gifts, outdoor clothing, antiques and the Ashe County Cheese Factory. Don’t miss Watson Foods.

Boone (~ 20 miles/25 min from our house):

Home of the Appalachian State University Mountaineers (~20k students), ‘downtown’ Boone is a picturesque mountain college town.  Have great BBQ at Howard Street Station, shop at historic Mast General Store, have a drink on the rooftop bar of the Horton Hotel, or stop on your way back out of town at Boonshine Brewing Co for a sampling of local beers and ciders. Fine dining as well, Check out Vidalia.

Blowing Rock (~ 25 miles, 35 minutes direct; 45 minutes for the Blue Ridge Parkway scenic route):

From Toad South, enter the Parkway via Park Vista Road and head to the Moses Cone Mansion, where you can tour the historic mansion, hike and shop great local art in the gift store (but be patient with parking). Just a couple of miles out from our home you might want to stop and take the gentle hike to the Cascades Water Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

After visiting the Moses Cone Park, head back north on the Parkway to the Blowing Rock exit, there you can go visit The ‘actual” Blowing Rock for a stunning view of the surrounding mountains atop a ‘Mile High’ observatory; then head into the quaint, upscale resort town for shopping, great restaurants (Twigs, Town Tavern, Speckled Trout, Bistro Rocca, or really anywhere, - just be prepared for crowds).

For the young/young at heart go visit our local Theme Park - Tweetsie Railroad, mine for Gem’s, Zipline, Climb & many young touristy options.