Spend the day exploring downtown Sparta NC with our Downtown Daytrip Things to Do.  This is a great way to spend the day after a long weekend on the river or hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway!

MORNING

• Have breakfast at your cabin rental and enjoy the mountain views. Or head over to Becca's Backwoods Bean for a relaxing brunch while you take in the local art displayed throughout the shop.  Try the quiche or a pastry with a cup of NC roasted coffee.
  *Before you leave, pick up a bottle of wine for tonight and sandwiches and homemade salads for an al fresco lunch
  
  
• After brunch, visit a few of the unique stores and their friendly owners along Main Street.  Some unique and must-see shops we recommend visiting in the morning, include:
  
  
  • Mangum Cater on Main
    This studio/gallery is a hidden treasure of the High Country region! Step inside and head upstairs to the on-site clay studio to see the process of making pottery.  Downstairs, you can peruse the gallery and leave with functional pottery - from dish sets and mugs or vases to gift, and decorative sculpture.
    
    
  • Ofelia's on Main
    This boutique has one of the friendliest shop owners you will ever meet!  Pop in to find beautiful tea towels, new baby gifts, french hand creams and soaps and whimisical accessories from shawls to bracelets.
    
     

AFTERNOON

• Take a short stroll through downtown Sparta over to Crouse Park and enjoy a picnic lunch in the covered picnic shelter or on the manicured lawns.  After lunch, walk the 1/3 mile paved loop around the park and enjoy the sites and sounds of the small stream and playground.
  
  *Visiting on a Saturday?  Great! The Alleghany County Farmers Market is held in Crouse Park every May- October Saturday from 9am-1pm. 
  **Rainy day? Enjoy lunch indoors on Main Street! Some of our favorites are: The Pines Restaurant and Horizon Bistro
  
  
• After your walk, head back up to Main Street for some more unique shopping! A few more must visit stores include:
  
  
  • Sparta Candle Co.
    This locally owned candle company features hand-poured soy candles and bath and body products made on-site. The scents are amazing and are named after local landmarks- making them the perfect souvenir or gift (for yourself too)!
    
    
  • Alleghany Cares Thrift Store
    This thrift store has it all! From new clothing to a vintage thermos, you are sure to find a treasure here.
    *If you are enjoying Alleghany Cares, head over to Books 'N Friends for a LARGE selection of used books!
    
    
  • Looking for more downtown shopping? Find more HERE

 

Evening

• Start the evening with a visit to Sparta's first brewery, Laconia Ale Works. They offer a wide variety of light and dark beers, so there should be something for everyone!  Enjoy a board game or round of corn hole while you are there.
  
  
• For dinner and entertainment, walk over to Muddy Creek Cafe and Music Hall.  Be sure to try the Asparagus Greens and Cheese Curds! *Live music starts at 7pm
  
  
• After dinner, head over to the legendary Alleghany Jubilee in the historic Spartan Theatre (*Tuesday and Saturday nights only). If you love to flatfoot, clog, square dance or just tap your foot to old time mountain music, the Alleghany Jubilee is where you want to be!