Your Travel Guide To Little Switzerland, Lake James, Marion, Old Fort & Linville Falls

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Traveler's Towns and Trails! With cool mountain weather and warm Southern hospitality, the holiday season is the perfect time to plan your next vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a little mountain holiday spirit or you’re shopping for unique handmade gifts, be sure to check out these top holiday events. Stroll the small-town streets of Marion, Old Fort, Little Switzerland and the Linville Falls community, where you will encounter the craftsmanship of local artists in shops and galleries. Check out the events calendar for a full line-up of happenings throughout the season.

Winter is the season for breathtaking mountain views! Hiking trails like Newberry Creek and Catawba Falls are beautiful in the winter months. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (weather permitting) for unforgettable vistas — and selfies for next year’s holiday cards!

When it’s time for a bite, pull up a chair at one of our delicious local restaurants. From barbecue to bakeries, burritos to bubble tea, and plenty of scrumptious Southern fare, you’re sure to find the local flavor you’re looking for. Enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer at one of several craft breweries, and look for local wine, coffee, mead and spirits, too.

At the end of the day, choose from numerous lodging options including mountain cabins, lakeside vacation rentals and national brand hotels.

If you’re already planning your 2022 mountain vacation, be sure to take a look at our Blue Ridge Traveler’s Visitor Guide. Add some of our historic attractions to your itinerary to get a glimpse of mountain life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and find fun things to do for the whole family.

Note: All images are property of the McDowell Tourism Authority or tourism partners and are not to be copied, duplicated, re-printed, or shared electronically.