West Jefferson is a hidden gem of the High Country and is a great place to escape the heat and the crowds! Check out our West Jefferson NC Social Distancing Things to Do Day Trip.  Want to turn your escape into an overnight stay?  Stay at the West Jefferson Holiday Inn Express or find a cabin/condo rental at Four Seasons Vacation Rentals or High Mountain Cabin Rentals.  

MORNING

• Start your day with breakfast at the Hillbilly Grill. Load up on classic country breakfast items like country ham biscuits, fried bologna and hot cakes.
  
  
• After breakfast, head to some outdoor recreation.  Choices include:
  
  
  • Drive over to Zaloo's Canoes,Kayaks & Tubes for a paddle on the New River.  The New River is a mellow ride with unique views of the mountains and wildlife.  It is common to view heritage trout  through the crystal clear water and eagles flying on the wind currents above. 
    
    
  • If water sports aren't your "thing," drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit Cascades Waterfall. This one mile round trip stair trail leads to a 35 foot cascade.
    
    
  • For golfers, Mountain Aire Golf Course is a public golf course in West Jefferson offering 18 holes of well-maintained fairways, complimented by the natural, rugged beauty of the Appalachians
    
    
• Before heading back to town for lunch, visit Holy Trinity Church in Glendale Springs or St. Mary's Church in West Jefferson.  These quaint mountain churches are home to famous Ben Long Frescoes.

AFTERNOON

• Stop by the drive thru at the legendary Smoky Mountain Barbecue for lunch. The fried chicken, country ham and (of course) bbq are the perfect picnic spread!
  
  
• Drive ten minutes to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area for a picnic. There is a covered picnic shelter and some individual tables located near the top parking area.   
  
  
• Next, take one of the six hiking trails near the picnic area. Ranging from 0.3 or 2 miles each, the trails all have spectacular views of Ashe County.
  
  
• After your hike, head back to downtown West Jefferson and park near Ashe County Cheese. Stop in for a bag of fresh cheese curds and a glass bottle soda to snack on while you walk around town.

EVENING

• Enjoy a walk around downtown West Jefferson.  Stop two doors down from the cheese factory and pick up a Downtown Mural Walking Trail map from Ashe County Arts Council.
  
  If you start before 5, make sure to stop by:
  •  The Honey Hole to learn about beekeeping, see the "live bee wall" and pick up some local honey products. 
    
    
  • The Florence Thomas Art School to view an amazing gallery featuring regional artists
    
    
• For dinner and drinks, head over to Boondocks Brewing. Featuring one of North Carolinas best craft beer selections and a classic American menu, there is sure to be something for everyone! Take advantage of the extended outdoor seatings and roof-top deck as you social distance.
  
  
• For dessert, drop by Hole Lotta Doughnuts. Warning: the doughnuts are HUGE and taste amazing. Enjoy your doughnuts at one of the picnic tables in the Backstreet Park.