Western North Carolina is the region of North Carolina that includes the Appalachian Mountains and small charming mountain towns to explore around every corner. It is an area that I seem to return to regularly. Brenda’s family has returned annually for the past sixty years. So, when I had the chance to tag along with my father-in-law to check on his camper, I jumped at the opportunity.
While the mountains are always here, the summer season doesn’t officially open until about May 1st, so many restaurants, accommodations, and attractions have not opened yet. Part of the area was like a ghost town. I think I saw a tumbleweed blowing across the road. I can’t complain about this because the lines were short and the traffic was light. Let’s face it. Is there ever really a bad time to go to the mountains?
Cherokee
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that runs from the southern gateway to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park near Cherokee to Front Royal, Virginia. A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you into another world. No billboards, no flashing neon signs, no traffic, just a peaceful drive through the mountains of North Carolina.
Elk Viewing
After the sunset as dusk approaches, we headed to the Oconaluftee Visitors Center and spotted many elk in the surrounding fields. They didn’t seem to have a care in the world as they grazed near the highway. Folks stopped to view them just outside their car windows.
Elk prefer to feed in cool weather, so they usually come out to graze in the early hours of the morning or late in the evening. John and I stopped by every night at dusk to catch a view of the herd.
The Mountain Farm Museum at Oconaluftee Visitor Center
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum – is located on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These exciting attractions feature a hiking trail, museum, and historical artifacts. This location is where we spotted the Smoky Mountain elk. The Mountain Farm Museum contains a collection of log structures that include a farmhouse, a barn, a smokehouse, and more.
Next to the Mountain Farm Museum is the Oconaluftee River Trail. This easy 1.5-mile trail follows the Oconalufftee River.
The Oconaluftee River flows past the Mountain Farm Museum and continues its flow through downtown Cherokee. There are rivers and creeks scattered all over western Carolina. During the summer, if you’re in the mood for floating in an intertube and you’re willing to brave the chilly mountain water, outfitters offer tubes for rent in some areas of the rivers. If tubing isn’t exciting enough for you, try whitewater rafting at The Nantahala Outdoor Center near Bryson City.
Granny’s Kitchen
Come and enjoy Granny’s Kitchen for great Southern home cooking your whole family will enjoy — from hand-carved roast beef and fried chicken to a wide selection of vegetables and homemade desserts. This is one of our favorite restaurants to get some down-home-country cooking, and at a reasonable price. The menu changes daily. You better come hungry because this is all you can eat.
Mom & Pop Motels
Some say The Warrior Motel is haunted. Four and a half miles west of Cherokee stands the remains of The Warrior Motel. This was a happening place in the sixties. The tomahawk on the sign once moved back and forth. Many motor courts such as these are sprinkled throughout the mountains. Some are still open during the season, while others have been abandoned.
Motor Inns like The Pink Motel are what travelers stayed in before the days of Interstate Highways and Hiltons. This Mom & Pop drive-up motor lodge is along Highway 441 in Cherokee, North Carolina. The Oconaluftee River flows just outside your back door. The famous iconic Tinkerbell road sign beckons visitors who want a taste of how life was for travelers sixty or seventy years ago.
Econo-Lodge Cherokee
Cherokee has several Mom & Pop family-owned motels remaining. Since it was not quite the season when we visited, many were still closed. We booked a room for three nights at the Econo Lodge. I am generally cautious about staying in lodging like this, but I found the room to be very clean and comfortable. The Econo Lodge is right in the middle of almost everything we wanted to do and see in the area. There was coffee, a muffin, and yogurt available for a to-go breakfast in the lobby.
Are you in need of a set of tires? How about a fan or an ironing board? Medicine? Ammo? This store has everything but good luck finding it in the store. The shelves are filled to the rim with the merchandise. Stores like this are scattered throughout the mountains. If you love shopping at flea markets and antique stores, this would be your heaven.
Breakfast at Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles
Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles is a small, family-owned restaurant on the Oconaluftee River serving up sumptuous breakfast pancakes, eggs & bacon. I would venture to say that this is the best breakfast in town. In fact, we stopped and ate here twice. This popular breakfast spot is right on the river making for an excellent view. It is a breakfast to crow about.
Chasing Waterfalls
I have always loved the sight and sound of waterfalls, and this area has no shortage of water that falls from the peaks of the Smokey Mountains. Two of these falls are in the Cherokee area. Mingo Falls is located in the Big Cove community just north of Cherokee. At 120-feet tall, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. The other is Soco Falls which is a double waterfall. We visited Mingo Falls. It is a rather steep climb to the top but is easily walkable. There are a few benches to rest if you need a break. The trip to the top is worth the hike.
Sylva, NC
Sylva is a charming mountain town with shops, galleries, fine dining, eateries, and breakfast inns. Mill Street, located along the railroad tracks to the north of West Main Street, appears as a quaint step back in time with its interesting retail establishments. Sylva is home to Western Carolina University and is the perfect town to relax and enjoy small-town living. The Jackson County Courthouse is considered to be the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina. It will take you 107 steps to reach the top.
Sylva is a perfect mountain town to relax and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of small-town living. There are plenty of good reasons to get out and walk the town a little. Explore the shops in the downtown area or appreciate the historic buildings.
Waynesville, NC
Waynesville, North Carolina, is the largest town in Western North Carolina. Downtown Waynesville has a quaint, urban charm, perfect for walkable shopping in local boutiques and gift shops. The Haywood County Courthouse on Main Street in the historic district of Waynesville, North Carolina. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Orchard Coffee
Just next to the Haywood County Courthouse on Depot Street is a small family-owned coffee shop. Orchard Coffee serves up some delicious coffee and made from scratch baked goods. We stopped here to grab a cup for the road.
Bryson City
Surrounded by mountains, Bryson City is a small town next to the Tuckasegee River in western North Carolina. Bryson City borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and entices nature lovers, especially aspiring fishermen.
We stopped at what the locals call “The Filling Station” for lunch. The High Test Deli is a big hit at lunch with visitors and locals alike. My father-in-law says this is the best lunch spot in Bryson City. We ordered the Cuban Sandwich to split and some sweet potato fries.
Deep Creek Falls
We visited Deep Creek Falls near Bryson City and hiked uphill on a well-marked trail about a quarter of a mile to reach Juney Whank Falls. I almost pictured myself in a scene from Lord of the Rings as I crossed the log footbridge over a ninety-foot cascade of water that starts above and then under the bridge and meets up with Deep Creek at the bottom of the trail.
There are two other falls at Deep Creek which include Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls. Once you get back to the parking lot, walk just 1,000 feet along the wide, flat Deep Creek trail to Tom Branch Falls. A bench is provided beside the creek and is a great place to sit and watch the inner-tubers float by in the summer.
Small Country Churches
There is something romantic to me about old country churches. You can find many of these small cathedrals when staying off the main roads while traveling through the small towns of western Carolina. They are peppered throughout the region. There is something about a small church that brings unity to those that attend. It brings back days of simpler times that are often forgotten. If you listen close, you can hear the hymns echoing through the hills on a Sunday morning.
From the land of waterfalls to charming country towns. From the misty haze of the Blue Ridge Parkway to cool crisp mountain air. Western North Carolina will always be a favorite destination for me.
There is another town in Florida that has the same small-town feel as many of these mountain hamlets. Check out my post on Mount Dora, Florida here: https://allaroundthebend.com/antiques-small-town-charm-await-visitors-in-mount-dora-florida/
Have you visited this area of the North Carolina Mountains? Tell me about your favorite experience below in the comment section. I’ll make it a point to visit next time I am in the high country.
