News

Keep up with what’s happening in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains! Check out our articles to start planning your next mountain vacation with the inside scoop on all there is to see and do in our towns and on our trails.

Find the best adventures in any season, whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic weekend escape or an outdoor expedition. Learn more about top local attractions, and be the first to know about exciting announcements. Be sure to check our Events Calendar for more of what’s happening in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

New Experiences Coming to McDowell County in 2023

2023 brings exciting new projects and celebrations to McDowell County, NC!

Blue Ridge Day Trip: Spruce Pine, NC

Learn about the mineral history of the region & explore the charming main streets of Spruce Pine.

Family at The Orchard at Altapass McDowell County

20 Blue Ridge Adventure Ideas for Kids of All Ages

Looking for family travel tips to the Blue Ridge Mountains? Find the activity most exciting for the kids, listed out by…

Dig Into Blue Ridge Mining History at the Museum of N.C. Minerals

The Museum of North Carolina Minerals on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a window into the science and history of mining …

See Frozen Works of Art at the 2023 Lake James Ice Festival

Experience the magic of a sparkling menagerie sculpted from cold, clear ice at the Paddy's Creek Recreational Area for …

Can’t-Miss Holiday Events in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The most wonderful time of the year has come to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of ways to get into the …

Where to Find Holiday Shopping in the Blue Ridge Mountains

If you’re making your list and checking it twice — and looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family — then se…

Brown Mountain Lights — A Blue Ridge Mystery

Move over, Bigfoot — there’s more than one unexplained phenomenon in the Blue Ridge Mountains and that's the Brown Moun…

fall color in the blue ridge mountains.jpg

2022 Blue Ridge Fall Color Report: November 3 - 9

Follow along as we provide you with an up-to-date fall color report for the Blue Ridge Mountains. Information on top dr…

Reel In Fun Family Memories at Buck Creek Trout Farm

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of catching your very own fish! Visitors of all ages will love fishing for fresh …

catawba-vale-business-hub-old-fort-meetings-and-bookstore.jpg

Catawba Vale Business HUB: A New Space for Coffee and Community

The Catawba Vale Business HUB offers a place for local and visiting small business professionals to meet, learn and wor…

New in Old Fort: Whaley Farm Brewery

Whaley Farm Brewery is now serving a selection of farmhouse-inspired and pub-style beers from its new brewery and tapro…

Blue Ridge Day Trip: North Carolina Arboretum

Explore the colorful gardens and wooded trails of the North Carolina Arboretum to see a snapshot of the diversity of bo…

Music in the Mountains: Where to Listen in the Blue Ridge

The hills are alive with the sounds of traditional Appalachian and bluegrass tunes, as well as blues, rock n’ roll, and…

25 things to do in the blue ridge mountains.png

Top 25 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains

From waterfalls and vistas to small-town main streets and locally crafted flavors, here are 25 top things to experience…

Old Fort Gateway Trails: 6 Miles of Hiking and Biking Paths

The Old Fort Gateway Trail System officially opened six miles of new multi-use trails to hikers, bikers and horseback r…