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AROUND ASHE COUNTY AND BEYOND

West Jefferson and the surrounding area has an abundance of things to do!

Stroll downtown,  shop, wine taste, sample fresh cheese, have a coffee, eat some delicious food, eat some ice cream, browse multiple art galleries, or just people watch.

Climb Mount Jefferson, go on a hike, float on the new river, bicycle Railroad Grade Road, or just sit back and breathe in the fresh air!

ATTRACTIONS

Please click on all underlined words to go directly more information about the listed activities

Bicycling from our Inn to Railroad grade road

-For bicyclists, come ride along the New River for 20 miles or more of scenic, easy riding or start from Meadowsweet and traverse some of our hills and have a rest at Todd Mercantile before continuing on a more challenging ride! We are addicted bicyclists and love to share stories! For experienced bicyclists, try the Black and Blue, a double century and relay race or the Blue Ridge Brutal, a brutal ride through scenic Ashe County.  Choices include 57, 75 or 100 miles.

 

Ashe County Cheese Factory

The only commercial cheese factory in NC. Stop by and watch local cheese be made! They have a huge variety of cheese and butter, and feature NC wines.

West Jefferson has numerous art galleries featuring local artists in a variety of mediums. Home of Stephen Shoemaker.

Mountain aire golf course is 1/4 mile from Meadowsweet. The course is public and is as beautiful as it is challenging.

The New River access at Todd, NC is 10 miles from the house. It is the oldest river in the United States, and is one of two rivers that run south to north. One can fish canoe, tube, or raft on the river.  The Elk Shoals access of the New River is 7 miles away and is perfect for picnicking or wading in the water.

The River Girl Fishing Co.,  plan a fishing trip or rent rafts for the river. Visit Todd Mercantile and browse through local crafts, or enjoy baked goods by proprietor Helen Barnes Reilly.

Motorcycle Tours- Meadowsweet is only 10 miles away from the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is great for motorcycle tours. For more daring rides try the back roads of Ashe county going  into Virginia and Tennessee.  We have all the curves one could desire! We are happy to recommend routes as we are familiar with the county and we love to ride!  A lovely ride is 194 from West Jefferson to Boone.  Lots of curves and scenic view.  Stop at Todd and enjoy a snack at the Todd Mercantile which is set on the New River.   The Snake runs from Mountain City, Tn to Bristol Tn hitting Va and NC in between.  Experience 33 miles that has 489 curves, 3 mountains and  beautiful Shady Valley midway- a great place to stop for food and souvenirs

Ashe County Churches of the Frescoes- Ben Long was a West Jefferson native who studied in Italy.  Come see these beautiful frescoes that 2 local churches.

Stores
Carolina Country Wines and Beer-features wines from many countries and a variety of local wines.  Great craft beers on tap and a huge selection to purchase.Wine and beer tastings daily.  Local goat cheese and other snacks can be purchased plus wine by the glass.  The owners are knowledgeable and entertaining!

Scott Harris Guitar-Find a variety of stringed instruments for sale.  Lessons and repairs are available. 

Antiques on Main-A huge 'mall' of every antique imaginable with fabulous prices!

The Art of Oil-features a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

The Honey Hole-a beekeepers heaven; features honey, many kinds, honey butters, beeswax candles and many other related items.

Mo's Boots- a locally owned clothing and show store that specializes in western wear.

Pretty in Pearls-women's clothing boutique.

Numerous Galleries-too many to name:  features oils, watercolor, fiber, photography, wood plus more...

Restaurants

Boondocks- Fabulous microbrewery and restaurant featuring local foods.

New River Brewing Smokehouse & Eatery- Fabulous craft beer and restaurant in town 

New River Brewery-Brewery and restaurant in Jefferson

Blue-Ridge Dinner Theater- Great dining and entertainment! Located at 9331 Hwy 16S.  For reservations, call 336-246-2900

Mountain Aire Steak and Seafood-located at the corner of 163 and Hwy 16, the steak and seafood are always delicious.

Oshu House Japanese Steak House-Enjoy delicious Japanese food!

Black Jack Pub and Grill-Great hamburgers on ciabatta bread. Try a fried pickle with your burger. Enjoy sports T.V., and listen to music.

Smokey Mountain BBQ- great BBQ and fried chicken!

Havana Cafe-authentic Cuban cuisine-located on the Back Street

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Monte D Rey- Good Mexican food located near Mount Jefferson State Parks.​​​

Sweet and Savory-enjoy homemade cookies, pastries or a light lunch that is sure to please.

Red Dog Bar & Bistro-casual atmosphere and great food; the owners are delightful.

Homeslice- Delicious pizza and pasta on main street.

Craft Bistro- An upscale restaurant! Reservations required.

Thong Summit Thai & sushi- Asian restaurant with great pad thai

Pie on the Mountain- Stop by and have great pizza, salads, or sandwiches- located in Lansing.

Old Barn Winery and Vineyards-great wines and entertainment; food truck seasonally

Entertainment

Parkway Theater movie theater on main street

Blue Ridge Movie Lounge-small boutique movie lounge located on Second St.

Ashe Civic Center Plays, Musicals, and other music performances.

-On any given weekend, there is blue grass, old fashioned fiddling, and a number of other musical events around the area.

Ashe Art Center-Gallery of local arts and crafts. ​

Check with Ashe Chamber of Commerce for a calendar of events.

Christmas in July-A street festival that has been tradition for many years. Always numerous craft booths, live music, and lots of street fair food.  It is not to be missed!

Ola Bell Reed Festival-Commemorates Ola Bell who was born in Lansing, NC. She was a famous American folk singer, banjo player, and song writer.  The festival is in August every year, and is always in the

town of Lansing.​​

Blues Festival- A Saturday of blues on the river. Usually on the grounds of the River House in August.

Cook Park-free summer concert series, Todd, NC.

Gallery Crawl- happens the 2nd Friday of each month during the summer ion West Jefferson, meet some of the artist, enjoy food and beverages and live music on the street or storytelling.

On The Same Page Literary Festival- celebration of reading and writing; www.onthesamepagefestival.org

Art School

Florence Art School- legacy left by Florence Young Thomas, one of the greatest artists of the High County.  Visit and see her many paintings or take a variety of art classes

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