Magnolia Favorite Destinations
Explore nearby hikes, dining, and small-town experiences
Positioned as your ideal home base for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, Magnolia in the Mountains invites you to settle in for a longer, more immersive stay where nature and the charm of our curated local community are always within reach.
Your Magnolia of the Mountains Local Guide
Boone, NC – A vibrant mountain town blending Appalachian charm with great dining, shopping, and year-round events.
📞 828-264-2225
🌐 https://www.exploreboone.com
Blowing Rock, NC – A picturesque village known for boutique shopping, fine dining, and classic Blue Ridge scenery.
📞 828-295-7851
🌐 https://www.blowingrock.com
West Jefferson, NC – A charming small town filled with murals, artisan shops, and relaxed mountain culture.
📞 336-846-9550
🌐 https://visitwestjefferson.org
Wilkesboro & North Wilkesboro, NC – Historic towns offering music heritage, festivals, and access to Yadkin Valley wineries.
📞 336-838-8662
🌐 https://www.wilkeschamber.com
Blue Ridge Parkway – One of America’s most scenic drives, offering breathtaking overlooks and unforgettable mountain vistas.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
The Blowing Rock Attraction – A legendary cliffside rock formation with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
📞 828-295-7111
🌐 https://www.theblowingrock.com
Grandfather Mountain – Home to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and dramatic high-elevation scenery.
📞 828-733-4337
🌐 https://grandfather.com
🥾 Hiking, Waterfalls & Outdoor Adventure
Elk Knob State Park – A rewarding summit hike offering sweeping 360-degree mountain views.
📞 828-297-7261
🌐 https://www.ncparks.gov/elk-knob-state-park
Stone Mountain State Park – Explore a massive granite dome, waterfalls, and scenic trout streams.
📞 336-957-8185
🌐 https://www.ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-state-park
Doughton Park (BRP Milepost 238–245) – A peaceful stretch of the Parkway perfect for hiking and scenic photography.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
Cascades Trail (E.B. Jeffress Park) – A family-friendly waterfall hike just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
Boone Fork Trail – A picturesque forest hike with creek crossings and mountain charm.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
New River State Park – Paddle, fish, or relax along one of the oldest rivers in the world.
📞 336-982-2587
🌐 https://www.ncparks.gov/new-river-state-park
W. Kerr Scott Reservoir – Enjoy boating, fishing, and some of the region’s best mountain biking trails.
📞 336-921-3390
🌐 https://www.saw.usace.army.mil
🏔 West Jefferson & Ashe County Attractions
Ashe County Cheese Factory – North Carolina’s oldest cheese factory offering tastings and local favorites.
📞 336-246-2501
🌐 https://ashecountycheese.com
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area – A short hike leads to incredible panoramic views above West Jefferson.
📞 336-246-9653
🌐 https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-jefferson-state-natural-area
Downtown West Jefferson Murals – Take a self-guided walking tour through colorful Appalachian history.
📞 336-846-9550
🌐 https://visitwestjefferson.org
New River Outfitters – Rent tubes or kayaks for a relaxing day on the scenic New River.
📞 336-246-2700
🌐 https://www.newriveroutfitters.com
Ashe County Farmers Market (seasonal) – Discover fresh produce, crafts, and authentic Appalachian goods.
📞 336-846-5850
🌐 https://ashecountyfarmersmarket.com
🎿 Skiing, Snow Tubing & Winter Resorts
App Ski Mountain – A family-friendly ski resort offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and ice skating.
📞 828-295-7828
🌐 https://appskimtn.com
Sugar Mountain Resort – One of North Carolina’s largest ski resorts with varied slopes and tubing.
📞 828-898-4521
🌐 https://skisugar.com
Beech Mountain Resort – The highest ski area in Eastern America with year-round mountain activities.
📞 800-438-2093
🌐 https://beechmountainresort.com
Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline – A high-energy snow tubing park perfect for families and groups.
📞 828-963-6561
🌐 https://hawksnesttubing.com
🍷 Wineries, Breweries & Local Flavor
Banner Elk Winery & Villa – Enjoy mountain-view wine tastings in a beautiful vineyard setting.
📞 828-898-9090
🌐 https://bannerelkwinery.com
Booneshine Brewing Company – A relaxed craft brewery serving creative beers in a welcoming mountain atmosphere.
📞 828-264-9068
🌐 https://booneshine.beer
Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) – A lively brewery known for outdoor seating, live music, and local flavor.
📞 828-263-1111
🌐 https://amb.beer
🍽 Restaurants Guests Love
Boone / Blowing Rock
The Gamekeeper – An upscale mountain dining experience featuring seasonal Southern cuisine.
📞 828-963-7400
🌐 https://gamekeeper-nc.com
Vidalia Restaurant & Wine Bar – A refined yet cozy restaurant known for fresh ingredients and curated wines.
📞 828-297-8233
🌐 https://vidaliaboone.com
Proper – Modern Southern comfort food in a stylish setting.
📞 828-265-7262
🌐 https://properboone.com
The Speckled Trout – A local favorite for fresh trout dishes and craft beer.
📞 828-295-9819
🌐 https://speckledtroutrestaurant.com
Bistro Roca – An intimate dining spot offering upscale casual fare in Blowing Rock.
📞 828-295-4008
🌐 https://bistroroca.com
Wilkesboro / West Jefferson
The Chop House – A classic steak and seafood restaurant ideal for a relaxed evening meal.
📞 336-838-1161
🌐 https://www.thechophousenw.com
Dooley’s Grill – A laid-back local spot serving hearty American comfort food.
📞 336-667-4990
🌐 https://www.facebook.com/DooleysGrill
Craft Bistro – A farm-to-table dining experience highlighting fresh local ingredients.
📞 336-846-1512
🌐 https://www.craftbistronc.com
Havana Café – Authentic Cuban flavors offering something unique in the mountains.
📞 336-667-2244
🌐 https://www.facebook.com/HavanaCafeNW
🎶 Arts, Culture & Family Experiences
Appalachian State University Events – Year-round concerts, sporting events, and cultural programming.
📞 828-262-2000
🌐 https://www.appstate.edu
Horn in the West Outdoor Drama – A historic outdoor performance celebrating Appalachian heritage.
📞 828-264-2120
🌐 https://horninthewest.com
Tweetsie Railroad – A Wild West-themed family park centered around historic steam trains.
📞 877-893-3874
🌐 https://tweetsie.com
Mystery Hill – A gravity-defying attraction offering interactive fun for all ages.
📞 828-264-2792
🌐 https://mysteryhill.com
Ashe County Arts Council – A vibrant local hub for art exhibits and community performances.
📞 336-846-2787
🌐 https://ashecountyarts.org
Wilkes Heritage Museum – Discover regional history and music heritage in a historic courthouse setting.
📞 336-667-3171
🌐 https://wilkesheritagemuseum.com
🌅 Scenic Overlooks
Thunder Hill Overlook – A beautiful Parkway stop with expansive layered mountain views.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
Cowee Mountain Overlook – A high-elevation overlook with dramatic long-range scenery.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
Rough Ridge – A short hike to one of the most photographed views on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
Beacon Heights – An easy scenic hike offering sweeping views of Grandfather Mountain.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
Linn Cove Viaduct Overlook – An iconic curved bridge wrapping around Grandfather Mountain.
📞 828-298-0398
🌐 https://www.nps.gov/blri
Jumpinoff Rock – A peaceful overlook known for stunning sunset views above Blowing Rock.
📞 828-295-7851
🌐 https://www.blowingrock.com