Mast General Store
Valle Crucis, NC

The Mast General Store opened in 1883 and quickly grew in reputation for carrying everything from "cradles to caskets."  Even today, you'll still find shelves packed with all you might need for life then and now.  Entering this landmark, you'll notice advertising posters untouched since Mr. Mast hung them decades ago, stand at a counter where locals once bartered their goods or mail a letter at the community's corner post office.

INSIDER TIPS:

• You can still get a cup of coffee for a nickle here, so don't stop by a gas station on your way!
• In the winter it is fun to sit by the ol pot bellied stove and play a game of checkers
• Pick up a scavenger hunt brochure and look for fun items around the store
• Live music can be found indoors on weekends

Mystery Hill
Blowing Rock NC

Mystery Hill is famous for fascinating tours of North Carolina's Natural Gravitational Anomaly. See these entertaining exhibits for the entire family:

• Actually defying the laws of gravity
• Hands on science activities
• Giant soap bubbles
• The 2nd largest collection of Native American artifacts with over a quarter million pieces
• The historic 1903 home of the founders of Appalachian State University
• Professor Finnegans Old Time Portrait Parlour

The Children's Playhouse
Boone NC

Enjoy family together time at this intimate, friendly children's museum packed with indoor fun for kids from birth to age eight. Convienently located minutes from downtown Boone, the Playhouse offers special daily activities and programs from crafts to yoga.  View the calendar HERE 

Ashe County Cheese Factory Viewing Room
West Jefferson NC

Visit the factory viewing room and see the machines at work. Next, have your photo taken by the trademark giant milk cows. Then, head across the street to get some famous cheese curds and a glass bottle of soda from the factory store to snack on.