10 Of The Best Things To Do In Marion, North Carolina

1. English Farmstead Cheese

For high quality and tasty cheese, stop off at English Farmstead Cheese and pick up some goodies while you’re there. Family run for generations, they produce small-batch cheeses using milk from the farm’s Holstein cows. All the milk is produced on site before being made into a variety of hard cheeses and soft cheese spreads, some of which have been aged for up to 5 months.

English Farmstead Cheese

Address: 19456 US 221 North, Marion, NC 28752

Website: English Farmstead Cheese

2. Linville Caverns

Linville Caverns has been open since 1937 but for centuries before, the marvels inside these wonders were unknown to man. Today you can take a guide through the intricate underground pathways nature created inside a mountain. On your tour you’ll be told about the history of the caverns, interesting formations and experience the beauty of these old mountains from the inside.

Linville Caverns

Address: Pisgah National Forest, 19929 US-221, Marion, NC 28752

Website: Linville Caverns

3. Historic Carson House

Step back in time and visit the Historic Carson House, a beautiful plantation built by an Irish immigrant, Col. John Carson in 1793. The house is filled with history and lots of famous people have lived, passed by or stayed here and you can learn all the details when you’re taken around by an informative guide through authentic period furnishings. Alternatively, imagine the skirmishes of the family’s experience in the Revolutionary War, Native American struggles, the Civil War and the North Carolina Gold Rush.

Historic Carson House

Address: 1805 US 70 W, 28752-7455 Marion, North Carolina

Website: Historic Carson House

4. Catawba River Outdoors

For a bit of adventure try out the tube and kayak trips along the Catawba River. Friendly staff from the Catawba River Outdoors will help you and if you’re not experienced or have small kids, you can do it in tandem too. There are plenty of places to stop and have a swim and there’s also a lake if you fancy going fishing too.

Catawba River Outdoors

Address: 105 Deerfield Lake Dr, 28752 Marion, North Carolina

Website: Catawba River Outdoors

5. Sweet Betsy Farm

Ed and Karen look after their bees as if they’re part of the family and their passion is sure to rub off on you when you visit Sweet Betsy Farm. The bees are looked after with no herbicides or pesticides so they provide pure, raw local honey straight from the bees. Learn all about bee keeping on a prearranged tour and, if you like, purchase honey and other bee-inspired products from their shop.

Sweet Betsy Farm

Address: 3947 Mudcut Rd, 28752 Marion, North Carolina

Website: Sweet Betsy Farm

6. Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine

If you’ve ever fancied trying your hand at gold or gem mining, then here’s the perfect opportunity to have a go. Step back in time and take a pan into the stream to find your own gold and experience the thrill of ‘gold fever’. Alternatively, grab a gemstone bucket and search for semi precious stones such as ruby, sapphire or emerald. Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine has it’s own campsite if you want to stay or, if you get hungry, try out their Miners Diner.

Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine

Address: 251 Lucky Strike Dr, 28752 Marion, North Carolina

Website: Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine

7. South Creek Vineyards & Winery

This winery might be off the beaten path but it’s well worth the effort to visit this charming Italian Renaissance Farmhouse and its owners cum winemakers. Stroll through the vineyards, enjoy the panoramic views and of course, taste some excellent wines while learning about them at the same time! Choose from medal winning Bordeaux style wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and their signature blend, Maestro.

South Creek Vineyards & Winery

Address: 2240 S Creek Rd, 28761 Nebo, North Carolina

Website: South Creek Vineyards & Winery

8. Linville Falls Golf Club

If a game of golf is your thing, then you’ll love to tee off at Linville Falls Golf Club. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just south of Grandfather Mountain, the course is in excellent shape and meanders through a hardwood forest, over numerous creeks and has fabulous views of Linville Mountain range and Humpback Mountain.

Linville Falls Golf Club

Address: 210 Blue Ridge Dr N, Marion, NC 28752

Website: Linville Falls Golf Club

9. Greenway Bike Trail

Even if you don’t cycle you can still walk the Greenway Bike Trail which runs right by the The Catawba River. Enjoy the natural habitat of deer, squirrels, cranes, turtles and all kinds of birds as you meander through beautiful flowers and shrubs. For 3 miles (5 km), you are walking through forests and mountainsides, making it a relaxing and peaceful time.

Greenway Bike Trail

Website: Greenway Bike Trail

10. Buck Creek Trout Farm

From April to October you can visit Buck Creek Trout Farm and fish for your own rainbow trout. A family run business, you will be well looked after so even if you’ve never fished before, you’re guaranteed to catch some lovely trout for your dinner. Located in 2 pristine creeks and surrounded by forest land you’re sure to have a great experience fishing and they’ll even clean them for you after!

Buck Creek Trout Farm

Address: 74 Rainbow Trout Dr, Marion, NC 28752

Website: Buck Creek Trout Farm

Explore the Blue Ridge Mountain Area

What more could you want than to explore the beautiful landscape that surrounds Marion? You’ll have a choice of golfing, hiking trails, water sports, trout streams and even opportunities for looking for rare gems! When you want to do serene activities, visit some great local farms for delicious produce including sampling some great wines.