Once known as a place housing the only cheese factory in the southeastern United States, this town has evolved since then. The area houses a historic museum - Museum of Ashe County History. This is the place where you could start off your trip and get to know more about the area and its people. There is so much to do in the are suitable for the entire family. Whether you are someone who enjoys long hikes and exploring the outdoors or enjoy sampling delicious food and beer, you will certainly have an entertaining itinerary during your stay here. This curated list includes some of the top things to do in West Jefferson, North Carolina.
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1. Shop the freshest produce at Ashe County Farmers Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The fresh and specialty products available at Ashe County Farmers Market will easily fill your shopping bags so make sure to bring plenty. Whether you’re looking for crisp vegetables and fruits, freshly baked homemade bread and pastries, hard-to-find herbs, and perennial flowers, you’re most likely to cross out every item on your shopping list. If you’re also scouring for the perfect cut of meat, artisan handicrafts, or pottery, consider the task done.
The market is a covered shelter comfortably accessible on the Backstreet in West Jefferson. It ensures a convenient day of shopping by offering hot coffee and having clean bathrooms. Visit the town’s market to learn more about its people.
Ashe County Farmers Market
Address: 108 Backstreet, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Website: Ashe County Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sat (mid Apr - Oct): 8am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
2. Let Ashe Arts Center raise your appreciation for arts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Heighten your appreciation for arts further by visiting Ashe Arts Center in downtown West Jefferson. This arts center is close to the hearts of the various local artists in the region. It features their work in an art gallery and shop where visitors can buy unique gift items and souvenirs. Catch the newest artworks during its gallery crawl events, happening mostly during weekends.
Additionally, as part of its goal to enrich cultural life, the center hosts year-round visual art exhibits and concerts. Ashe Arts Center also houses the offices of the Ashe County Arts Council, which offers art programming and experiences to other locations.
Ashe Arts Center
Address: 303 School Ave., West Jefferson, NC, 28694
Website: Ashe Arts Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
3. Get cheesy with the products of Ashe County Cheese
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This might sound cheesy but to make your West Jefferson trip better, you must visit Ashe County Cheese, the oldest cheese plant in North Carolina. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the cheese shop has been offering quality products since 1930. Have an enticing encounter with the place by watching the process of its cheese-making in the viewing room which is mostly open year-round free of charge. Note that the schedule of this activity varies from week to week so do check with the shop before going.
In its on-site gift shop, over 20 cheese varieties and other dairy products like butter, homemade fudge, and fresh cheese curd can be purchased.
Ashe County Cheese
Address: 106 E Main St., West Jefferson, NC 28694
Website: Ashe County Cheese
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Take a nice breather at Backstreet Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
When all the touring in downtown West Jefferson has taken its toll on the feet, find yourself a little corner in Backstreet Park to rest the tootsies. This pocket park in the historic downtown is a great place to simply take a break, or even enjoy a cone of ice cream or picnic lunch.
As the park is designed with a performing stage, it is the regular venue of the Summer Concert Series presented by the West Jefferson Community Partnership. You’re in for a live performance treat when you catch this event on your visit. Also, to kick off the Holiday season, a free admission Hometown Christmas event is held at the park on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Backstreet Park
Address: 2nd Ave, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Website: Backstreet Park
5. Catch snapshots of history at the Museum of Ashe County History
Kelley St. Germain sent us this great fly-over drone shot of the Museum of Ashe County History, courtesy of Germain...
Posted by Museum of Ashe County History on Saturday, 21 February 2015
This historical courthouse site is an architectural building that dates back to the 19th century. The heritage museum was previously known as the Ashe County Courthouse. The aesthetics of the building resemble a Greek temple boasting classical columns and cupola roof. Inside you will have the opportunity to see artifacts that include objects and documents and images of telling the story about Ashe County and its people.
Museum of Ashe County History
Address: 301 E Main St, Jefferson, NC 28640, USA
Website: Museum of Ashe County History
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free admission
6. Go bird watching or wildlife spotting at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
A great spot for nature and outdoor lovers in North Carolina is the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. Nestled amongst lush greenery and rocky mountains is this tranquil space for one to escape the busy everyday life. It is the perfect location to site some amazing bird species or take incredible photographs of the surrounding landscape while hiking up the hilly terrain. There are five different hiking pots, including a kid-friendly track. From the top, you can observe the neighboring states or pull out a blanket for a lovely picnic.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Address: 1481 Mount Jefferson State Park Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Website: Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Hike the scenic Rhododendron Trail
Nestled in the Mount Jefferson area you will find one of the most loved and scenic hiking trails in the park. The trail covers a variety of terrains and hikers will have the opportunity to view some incredible sites such as the New Valley River, Luther Rock and the spectacular view of neighboring valleys and peaks. At the end of your hike, you will be met by a tranquil picnic spot where you can enjoy a tasty snack before making your way back home.
Rhododendron Trail
Address: 1481 Mount Jefferson State Park Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Website: Rhododendron Trail
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Explore kayaking with proper guidance from Zaloo's Canoes
We really had a great day hosting the 39th annual canoe race yesterday! A great big thank you to everyone part of it!
Posted by Zaloo's Canoes, Kayaks & Tubes on Sunday, 2 June 2019
This one is for all you adventure- and thrill-seekers where fear is not a factor. Situated on the New River in Jefferson, NC, Zaloo’s offers the finest canoe, kayak, and tube trips in the area. The company has been in operation for over 43 years and is one of the oldest river outfitters in the area. If you would like something a little more on the relaxing side then you can try your hand at fishing. They offer full day and half day fishing excursions. You will be guided by the trained staff as you navigate the calm waters during your kayaking experience.
Zaloo's Canoes
Address: 3874 NC-16 S, Jefferson, NC 28640, USA
Website: Zaloo’s Canoes
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Price varies
9. Spend quality time with your kids at the Gem Valley LLC
Posted by Gem Valley LLC on Friday, 22 September 2017
Gem Valley LLC is the perfect location for you to participate in fun activities with your kids. The family-owned business is located just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and it is here where you will have the opportunity to dig up some treasures. You will get a chance to mine and search for all your favorite stones and the best part of it all is what find, you get to keep. There are flume workers on site that will gladly assist you in identifying your stones.
Gem Valley LLC
Address: 2489 Little Peak Creek Rd, Jefferson, NC 28640, USA
Website: Gem Valley LLC
Opening hours:Thu - Mon: 9am - 3pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: From 10 USD
10. Enjoy a relaxing mountain getaway in Jefferson Landing
Posted by Jefferson Landing on Monday, 14 May 2012
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Historic New River, Jefferson Landing is a gated mountain resort community designed for easy living. This is a perfect spot for taking some time off with your loved one to enjoy some quality adult time. The area features state-of-the-art facilities that include an award-winning golf course, exceptional dining, and beautiful accommodations. You can also enjoy some of the other facilities like the swimming pool, tennis court, fitness area, or just relaxing and taking in the scenery.
Jefferson Landing
Address: 184 W Landing Dr, Jefferson, NC 28640, USA
Website: Jefferson Landing
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Shop souvenirs at the Third Day Market
Guess what?!? Since we’re finally getting days that FEEL like spring, we wanted to help you get more spring in your...
Posted by Third Day Market on Saturday, 6 April 2019
Third Day Market is the perfect place to go if you looking to shop for incredible bargains. The market is home to a number of shops and vendors that showcase great gift pieces and souvenirs to bring a bit of Jefferson to your loved ones at home. The family-owned business also boasts a full-service garden center, nursery, home décor, and gift shop serving the northwest corner of North Carolina.
Third Day Market
Address: 599 NC-16, Jefferson, NC 28640, USA
Website: Third Day Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
12. Enjoy American delicacies at the Hotel Tavern
Posted by The Hotel Tavern on Friday, 10 May 2019
This one is for all the food-lovers that enjoy trying out different foods from different regions. If you looking to sample some of the best of what American cuisine has to offer then check out the Hotel Tavern located in a old historic hotel in West Jefferson. The easygoing American restaurant offers food ranging from burgers to steaks, plus a full bar and patio.
Hotel Tavern
Address: 5 W Main St, West Jefferson, NC 28694, USA
Website: Hotel Tavern
Opening hours: Tue - Thur: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm (closed on Sun)
13. Make the most of the nighttime at the Black Jack's Pub & Grill
Made fresh daily and covered in sauces made from scratch, our wings aren't something you'll want to share with the rest of the table.
Posted by Black Jack's Pub & Grill on Thursday, 7 March 2019
This down-to-earth eatery serves everything that you could expect from a pub-grub place. If you are searching for some of the best wings in town then this is definitely the go-to-place in West Jefferson. The burgers are made with pure beef and infused with spices from Romania which is what gives them their unique flavor while keeping all the juices locked in.
Black Jack's Pub & Grill
Address: 18 N Jefferson Ave, West Jefferson, NC 28694, USA
Website: Black Jack’s Pub & Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
14. Have a beer at Boondocks Brewing
Posted by Boondocks Brewing on Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Boondocks is an award-winning restaurant that started brewing their own craft beer in 2012. It is a unique and engaging destination for residents as well as visitors to Ashe County. It is the first and only commercially licensed Craft Beer Brewery and they brew small batches of handcrafted beers on a weekly basis. Over 30 beers are paired with wings, burgers, and other delicious foods.
Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant
Address: 108 S Jefferson Ave, West Jefferson, NC 28694, USA
Website: Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
Get in a bit of everything with these fun things to do in Jefferson
If you happen to make your way to this part of North Carolina then why not spice up your vacation by incorporating some of these fun things to do in Jefferson. Whether you a foodie or love the outdoors, there is something for everyone.
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