Leaves begin to change color around September here in North Carolina and they usually peak right around my anniversary in October. 16 years yall!! Whew, I swear it flew by. Often on our anniversary we find our way out of the foothills and into the mountians. This anniversary we went looking for things to do in Little Switzerland NC.
Visitors begin to flock to the Blue Ridge Parkway every mid-October and if you haven’t experianced the NC mountains in the fall, it really is a must see.
Unfortunately PRETTY LEAVES means BIG CROWDS and this year I just wasn’t feeling it. I wanted something more low key, with less crowds, but still all the views. Where can I go?
Little Switzerland & the surrounding areas are the ANSWER. It makes the perfect day trip or a even a weekend getaway.
Jump Ahead…
- Getting There
- Switzerland Inn
- Downtown Little Switzerland
- Diamondback 226A
- Gem Mine
- Pick Apples
- Chase Waterfalls
- Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Little Switzerland
Have you discovered Little Switzerland yet? Just off of the Parkway it’s the ideal place to spend a day or even two.
Location
Located off the Blue Ridge between Asheville & Boone.
~1 hour NE of Asheville
~1 hour SW of Boone
The drive to Little Switzerland just brings peace to the soul. This might sound lame but try it, then tell me you’re not lame too!
During the ‘fall leaf change’ the views are inspiring and relax the mind.
Sometimes in this busy world you just need a little ‘Sunday Drive’ to catch up with your people. So just relax, enjoy the conversation, and let time tick by a little slower.
Sunday Drive: Taking a leisurely and aimless drive in the country on Sunday afternoon as a form of entertainment.
Things to do in Little Switzerland NC
Switzerland Inn
Make the Switzerland Inn your first stop. The Inn is quaint and a picture perfect stop for food, views, and a little shopping.
Stay
Turn your day trip into a weekend getaway.
Spa
Massages available
Shops
- Trillium Gallery is the first shop you come to. Lots of cute earrings and blue ridge souveniers to explore. If you’re cat obsessed several items will call your name in this boutique.
- The Swiss Shoppe Candy Factory is an excellent place to blow money if you have a sweet tooth or children. We got out of here spending ZERO dollars because our girls are currently away at church camp. Pocketbook Win!!
- The Swiss Shoppe Ice Cream & Fudge is technically connected to the candy shop and continues to encurage you to blow out your diet. Why in the world are ice cream parlors always muggy?! Does anyone else wonder this?
- Little Switzerland Trading Co. is the place for those who think they need to buy a hat or shirt everywhere they go. *Cough Cough* ….MY HUSBAND!
- Spruced is a super cute boutique and is the ideal place to pick up a couple christmas gifts for friends and my girls. Never a bad idea to start christmas shopping early!
Terrace Dining & Bar
Open for lunch if weather permitting.
Chalet Restaurant
Open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Fowl Play Pub & Tap Room
Open nightly
Explore the Grounds of Switzerland Inn
Don’t worry, you don’t need to book a stay to enjoy the following.
- Hotel Lobby: Enjoy a game of checkers, connect four, & more. The Lobby is pretty inviting and has panoramic windows & plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the outdoor view.
- Fire Pit Area & Viewing: This patio is perched on the lower hill of the property and is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and the views.
- Horseshoes: Challenge your husband to a game, and lose!!!…gosh dang it i’m so competitive but I still enjoyed myself. My husband had several ringers, apparently he’s a self-proclaimed pro.
Downtown Little Switzerland
After exploring Little Switzerland Inn, drive around the way (those directions don’t get more country than that) and you will run right into the town of Little Switzerland. You will notice the crowds & motorcyclists gathering on the small strip.
- The Little Switzerland Books & Beans is by far the coolest new & used bookstore we‘ve ever visited. Up, down, & around held different rooms to explore. In the basement grab a book, a seat on the couch, and unwind to the sound of actual running water. Not sure if they had to design it this way but there is an open grate that the mountain stream runs thru.
- Switzerland General Store is your typical souvenier shop. Again we got out of here spending ZERO dollars, only possible when our girls are away.
- Switzerland CAFE is pretty hopping. If the menu at Switzerland Inn doesn’t interest you, this is a great option to fill your bellies with.
- Destinations & Diversions is small and accessiable thru the bookstore. We actually spent alot of our time here exploring the maps. I love maps! I can’t be the only one?! Grab a magnifying glass and delve into a map of the area or beyond.
- Charging Stations for electric cars can be found here. This is becoming more and more commonplace, but still surprising to see to me.
Diamondback 226A
Motorcyclists & Car Enthusiasts visit these mountains just to ride the Diamondback 226. Filled with 12 miles of 190 steep climbing curves. Not my favorite thing to do in the mountains, but we were passed by many zipping & hugging the curves as they travled through. Lord it’s everthing I can do to just get my ears to pop! Make sure you stop in the town of Little Switzerland for this photo op to mark your ride.
Go Gem Mining
Visit Emerald Village gem mines.
Pick Apples
Stop by The Historic Orchard at Altapass.
Chase Waterfalls
There are several waterfalls near Little Switzerland. Waterfall hikes are the BEST because you always have a reward at the end.
*Use alltrails.com for accurate trailhead locations & trail descriptions.
- Crabtree Falls: ~11 min drive from Little Switzerland. Very popular 2.6 mile loop hike. Hike is moderate with inclines to & from falls. This trail tends to be muddy.
- Grassy Creek Falls: This is a major bummer, the new owners have posted that due to the few who did not take care while on the trail, the trail is now CLOSED for all.
- Toms Creek Falls: ~19 minute drive from Little Switzerland. Super easy, and very popular, .7 mile out & back hike.
Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Travel roughly 6 minutes East of Little Switzerland for this little piece of history.
- Stop by the visitor center to collect 1 of 15 National Park Passport Cancellations for the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Explore exhibits in the Museum that detial the mining history in the Blue Ridge.
- Talk to a park ranger about the Overmountain Men who traveled through on thier way to the battle of Kings Mountain.
Whether you’re on a ‘sunday drive’, are looking for an adventure, or spending quality time with the Fam, Little Switzerland has something for everyone, and with LESS crowds!
Hopefully this posts will guide you and inspire you for your next day trip or weekend getaway.
💜So until next time, Keep Adventuring….
