Families have been coming to the High Country for cool, fresh air and spectacular views since well before the Civil War. Many industrial and textile magnates established country estates here to enjoy the surroundings. The oldest attractions are areas of natural beauty such as Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain. The “newer” are oriented to family adventures such as the wild west-themed Tweetsie Railroad, the strange and historic Mystery Hill and the adrenaline-pumping Hawksnest & Sky Valley Ziplines. Whatever your family’s tastes, you’re sure to make memories on your journey in the High Country.

The Historic Orchard at Altapass

Unspoiled family fun! Enjoy free live mountain music Wednesday through Sunday (May 1-November 1), hiking trails (open year-round), storytelling…More Info

(828) 765-9531 :: Click For More Info

Sky Valley Zip Tours

Setting the bar high since 2012, Sky Valley Zip Tours is rated the #1 Outdoor Activity in Blowing Rock on TripAdvisor (February 2018). Experience…More Info

855-475-9947 :: Click For More Info

Horn In The West

Premiering in 1952, Horn in the West is considered one of three legacy outdoor dramas in America. The play tells the story of the Southern Campaign…More Info

(828) 264-2120 :: Click For More Info

Doc's Rocks Gem Mine & Fossil Museum

NC's premier educational mining experience! Geologist on staff. Open 7 days a week year round. Heated indoor mining for winter/rainy summer days.…More Info

(828) 264-4499 :: Click For More Info

Hawksnest Zipline

Come visit one of the largest ziplines in the country! With 20 zipline cables we have over 4 miles of zipline fun. Zip over trees, through the…More Info

(828) 963-6561 :: Click For More Info

Linville Caverns

See inside a mountain...NC's only show cave. Half-hour guided tours into a natural limestone cavern featuring stalactite and stalagmite formations…More Info

(828) 756-4171 :: Click For More Info

Mast General Store

Established in 1883, The Mast Store carries most everything you'd need for life in the past century and most of this one. On the National Register…More Info

(828) 963-6511 :: Click For More Info

Ashe County Cheese

Ashe County Cheese is North Carolina's largest and oldest cheese factory! Come see cheese made in our factory viewing room. Open Monday-Saturday…More Info

336-246-2501 :: Click For More Info

Emerald Village

Discover real fun in real mines! Gem mining, mine tours, gold panning, museums, gift shops and more! Just 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway…More Info

(828) 765-6463 :: Click For More Info

High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park

"Welcome to the newest adventure experience in the High Country! Race your friends across ground-based elements to see who makes the best ninja.…More Info

828-266-0151 :: Click For More Info

Hickory Ridge Living History Museum

18th-century Carolina backcountry living, demonstrated by docents in period attire. Open Tues.-Fri., 9AM-3PM, April-November. Guided tours, 10AM…More Info

828-264-2120 :: Click For More Info

The Children's Playhouse

Enjoy family together time at this intimate, friendly children's museum packed with indoor-outdoor fun for kids from birth to age eight. Closed…More Info

828-263-0011 :: Click For More Info

Grandfather Mountain

One of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge. Inspirational views, Mile High Swinging Bridge, native wildlife, picnicking, hiking. Open all year,…More Info

(828) 733-2013 :: Click For More Info

Mystery Hill

Fun! Mystery Hill explores the relationship of science, optical illusion and natural phenomena in a hands-on entertainment center. Mystery House…More Info

(828) 264-2792 :: Click For More Info

The Blowing Rock

North Carolina's Oldest Tourist Attraction Since 1933! The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River…More Info

(828) 295-7111 :: Click For More Info

Hawksnest Snow Tubing

With over 20 lanes of snow tubing, Hawksnest is the largest snow tubing park on the east coast with 4 different areas of snow tubing.Lanes are…More Info

(828) 963-6561 :: Click For More Info

Gem Mountain

Gem mine at covered, comfortable flume lines rain or shine. Mine trips available by reservation. As seen on The Learning Channel and The Travel…More Info

888-817-5829 :: Click For More Info