West Jefferson is an amazing place to live. If you’re lucky enough to own summer property here, you can be sure you’ll never run out of things to do. We’ve provided a roundup of some of the best activities in the West Jefferson area.
Ashe County Cheese Factory and Store
The Ashe County Cheese Factory and Store runs tours of their facility where you can see the whole process in action. You’ll also enjoy tastings and browsing their store full of fine wines, artisan foods, and souvenirs.
Ashe Civic Center
The Civic Center hosts a regular schedule of fun concerts and events all year long. If you love community theatre, bluegrass music, poetry, or nearly anything else in the fine arts world, there’s always something on at the Civic Center.
Mount Jefferson
This state park is home to so many trails that you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. There is a child-friendly track that everyone can use to get up the mountain, plenty of picnic shelters, amazing views from the top of more ambitious climbs, and a regular roster of educational activities and events.
Hickory Ridge Living History Museum
Once you get some West Jefferson real estate, you might be curious about how people lived in the Southern Appalachians long ago. Costumed staff are always ready to show visitors what life was like around the time of the Revolutionary War. You’ll learn about cooking, spinning, blacksmithing, and many other crafts as well as the daily life of early residents.
St. Mary’s frescoes
St. Mary’s Episcopal church is home to beautiful fresco paintings by Ben Long, a world-renowned artist. The frescoes and the church are always free to the public though donations are appreciated. The church has installed an automatic tour button so you can hear all about it.
West Jefferson arts district
In the downtown area centered around the Ashe Arts Center you’ll find plenty of arts and crafts events and displays to enjoy. Special speakers get invited regularly and there are always holiday events and outdoor exhibits to be seen as well as shops and private galleries to explore.
Great Southern Gothic
This escape room game is one of the region’s very best. The game embraces everything that is mysterious about the Appalachian area within a constantly rotating group of fun and exciting escape room layouts.
Farmers Market
The Ashe County Farmers Market features local fare of every type. Get organic, and delicious, fruits and vegetables, honey, jams and jellies, meats, dairy products, and baked goods from local farmers and artisans. You will also find plenty of seeds and plants for your garden as well as handmade crafts.
Grandfather Mountain
Take a day and drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Grandfather Mountain. This is the tallest peak in the Eastern Blue Ridge and offers plenty for visitors to do and see. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a local rite of passage, and every year people celebrate the Gaelic heritage of the area with The Highland Games.
Moses H. Cone Manor
This manor, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, is near West Jefferson and a favorite place for visitors. Tour the Parkway Craft Center and explore the estate, a prime example of early twentieth century architecture. If you like horseback riding or hiking, there are plenty of trails here to enjoy.
Linville Caverns and Falls
Hike or even camp at Linville Falls in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The hike in isn’t too strenuous, and once you see the falls in all their beauty you’ll be glad you made the effort. At the caverns, take a guided tour of the natural limestone formations and streams and enjoy the cool temperatures year-round.
These are just some of the fun things you can do around the West Jefferson area. There are also endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping all over the region. There truly is something for everyone in this area of North Carolina.
