Foothills Guest Suite Guidebook ...
"You're Mountain is Waiting!"
Hiking & Sightseeing
One of the newest State Parks in the mountains and thus far not overly crowded. The Park offers a 4 mile round trip hike to the "Summit" where the long range views are superb. Elk Knob State Park features one of the highest peaks in North Carolina's High Country at 5,520 feet.
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Elk Knob State Park
5564 Meat Camp RdOne of the newest State Parks in the mountains and thus far not overly crowded. The Park offers a 4 mile round trip hike to the "Summit" where the long range views are superb. Elk Knob State Park features one of the highest peaks in North Carolina's High Country at 5,520 feet.
Easy hikes to two different viewing areas. A scene from the movie "Last of the Mohicans" was filmed here.
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Linville Falls
Easy hikes to two different viewing areas. A scene from the movie "Last of the Mohicans" was filmed here.
Hawksbill Mountain Trail Head
Popular hiking trail and area.
Strenuous rated hiking....experienced Hikers favorite.
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Linville Gorge - Table Rock Mountain
Table Rock Summit TrailStrenuous rated hiking....experienced Hikers favorite.
Famous for the mile high swinging bridge, visitors to the Grandfather Mountain State Park attraction will experience wonderful views, nature museum and hiking trails. Advance reservations recommended.
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Monte Grandfather
2050 Blowing Rock HwyFamous for the mile high swinging bridge, visitors to the Grandfather Mountain State Park attraction will experience wonderful views, nature museum and hiking trails. Advance reservations recommended.
This moderate short 2.4 mile hike will take you to the stone structure "Sitting Bear" and views of Table Rock, Hawksbill & Babel Tower. From the Foothills Guest Suite, follow the House Manual directions (book at the Suite) to Hwy 105 North via Collettsville & Adaco Roads.
Jonas Ridge Trail Head
This moderate short 2.4 mile hike will take you to the stone structure "Sitting Bear" and views of Table Rock, Hawksbill & Babel Tower. From the Foothills Guest Suite, follow the House Manual directions (book at the Suite) to Hwy 105 North via Collettsville & Adaco Roads.
Very popular trails at this Tennessee/NC border State Park. The rhododendrons in the spring are an especially popular time. Nice day or 1/2 day trip from the Foothills Guest Suite. Pack a picnic to enjoy when you get to the top or at one of their picnic areas.
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Parco Statale di Roan Mountain
527 TN-143Very popular trails at this Tennessee/NC border State Park. The rhododendrons in the spring are an especially popular time. Nice day or 1/2 day trip from the Foothills Guest Suite. Pack a picnic to enjoy when you get to the top or at one of their picnic areas.
Near Jonas Ridge & Brown Mountain Overlook area off of Hwy. 181 North (on the way to Linville). Easy hike in to the falls.
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Upper Creek Falls
6118 Wind Song LnNear Jonas Ridge & Brown Mountain Overlook area off of Hwy. 181 North (on the way to Linville). Easy hike in to the falls.
Trailhead in Blowing Rock downtown park area--free parking at trailhead off Laurel Lane. 3 mile round trip in & out. Moderate trail-hiking poles helpful for the climbing areas.
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Glen Burney Falls Trailhead
243 Laurel LnTrailhead in Blowing Rock downtown park area--free parking at trailhead off Laurel Lane. 3 mile round trip in & out. Moderate trail-hiking poles helpful for the climbing areas.
Parkway access closest to the Foothills Guest Suite is from Hwy 321 North near Blowing Rock. Whether you travel North or South on the Parkway, the overlooks and views are outstanding. Download the Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner App for complete mapping and milepost information. The Highlands Region section is most applicable to the High Country area (VA-NC state line to Spruce Pine).
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Blue Ridge Parkway
Parkway access closest to the Foothills Guest Suite is from Hwy 321 North near Blowing Rock. Whether you travel North or South on the Parkway, the overlooks and views are outstanding. Download the Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner App for complete mapping and milepost information. The Highlands Region section is most applicable to the High Country area (VA-NC state line to Spruce Pine).
Winter Sport
Hawksnest Tubing at Seven Devils: Longest runs of all the choices in the High Country for snow tubing. Advance reservations highly recommended. Ziplines operate in the summer season.
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Hawksnest Snow Tubing e Zipline
2058 Skyland DrHawksnest Tubing at Seven Devils: Longest runs of all the choices in the High Country for snow tubing. Advance reservations highly recommended. Ziplines operate in the summer season.
Closest slope to the Foothills Guest Suite (20 minute drive). Local favorite. Easily accessible in most weather conditions. Reservations in advance recommended.
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Appalachian Ski Mtn
940 Ski Mountain RdClosest slope to the Foothills Guest Suite (20 minute drive). Local favorite. Easily accessible in most weather conditions. Reservations in advance recommended.
The only State Park in North Carolina that offers cross country skiing (skiers bring their own equipment). Please contact the Park office directly for particulars due to ever changing winter conditions at this elevation. NOTE: Also, when the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed due to snow, cross country skiing is allowed on the Parkway. Be certain to park in allowed areas outside the gates.
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Elk Knob State Park
5564 Meat Camp RdThe only State Park in North Carolina that offers cross country skiing (skiers bring their own equipment). Please contact the Park office directly for particulars due to ever changing winter conditions at this elevation. NOTE: Also, when the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed due to snow, cross country skiing is allowed on the Parkway. Be certain to park in allowed areas outside the gates.
1st Tracks Ski Shop
1380 NC-105Ski & Snowboard Equipment Rentals
Cycling & Hiking
Also close by, check out the Lake James County Park. The Fonta Flora State Trail is popular in this area. As a natural surface trail, it is popular to hikers and bikers.
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Parco Statale del Lago James
7321 NC-126Also close by, check out the Lake James County Park. The Fonta Flora State Trail is popular in this area. As a natural surface trail, it is popular to hikers and bikers.
This area is extremely popular with Cyclists and Fly Fishing enthusiasts. Be sure to make it all the way down to "Betsey's Ole Country Store" for a hot dog. If you're going by car, it will take about 30 minutes (dirt/gravel road) to get to Betsey's, a place that "those in the know" haven't forgotten.
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Wilson Creek Visitor Center
7805 Brown Mountain Beach RdThis area is extremely popular with Cyclists and Fly Fishing enthusiasts. Be sure to make it all the way down to "Betsey's Ole Country Store" for a hot dog. If you're going by car, it will take about 30 minutes (dirt/gravel road) to get to Betsey's, a place that "those in the know" haven't forgotten.
Water Activities
Kayak and Canoe Rentals, reasonably priced. Across the Parkway & nearby is the picnic area near a river flowing through.
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Price Lake Boat Rentals
3636 Blue Ridge PkwyKayak and Canoe Rentals, reasonably priced. Across the Parkway & nearby is the picnic area near a river flowing through.
New River Fly Fishing, Lessons, Guided Trips & Fishing Supplies.
Advance reservations recommended.
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RiverGirl Fishing Co.
4041 Todd Railroad Grade RdNew River Fly Fishing, Lessons, Guided Trips & Fishing Supplies.
Advance reservations recommended.
Wilson Creek is a local favorite for Fly Fishing. Make certain you have the proper license.
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Wilson Creek Visitor Center
7805 Brown Mountain Beach RdWilson Creek is a local favorite for Fly Fishing. Make certain you have the proper license.
Watauga Lake (NC/TN line area beyond Boone).
Pontoon daily rentals with advance reservation.
Approximate drive time from Suite is 1 1/2 hours.
Beautiful mountain lake setting.
In another direction (Foothills/Nebo area) one hour away is Lake James Rentals (higher pricing)... relaxing but not as picturesque having no mountain views.
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Fish Springs Marina
191 Fish Springs RdWatauga Lake (NC/TN line area beyond Boone).
Pontoon daily rentals with advance reservation.
Approximate drive time from Suite is 1 1/2 hours.
Beautiful mountain lake setting.
In another direction (Foothills/Nebo area) one hour away is Lake James Rentals (higher pricing)... relaxing but not as picturesque having no mountain views.
Sightseeing
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 304.4...
Recognized internationally as an engineering marvel, visit the Linn Cove Visitor Center to learn the background of the last link of the Parkway completed in 1987.
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Linn Cove Viaduct
3218 Blue Ridge PkwyBlue Ridge Parkway Milepost 304.4...
Recognized internationally as an engineering marvel, visit the Linn Cove Visitor Center to learn the background of the last link of the Parkway completed in 1987.
From the Foothills Guest Suite, the closest entry access to the BRP is at Blowing Rock from Hwy 321 or in-town from Hwy. 221. For a beautiful fall leaf drive, consider taking Schulls Mill Road from Hwy 221 to Hwy 105.
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Price Lake Overlook
Price Lake TrailFrom the Foothills Guest Suite, the closest entry access to the BRP is at Blowing Rock from Hwy 321 or in-town from Hwy. 221. For a beautiful fall leaf drive, consider taking Schulls Mill Road from Hwy 221 to Hwy 105.
Bare Dark Sky Observatory, part of Mayland Community College, offers nighttime two hour ticketed visits to view and learn the night sky through their telescopes. (Check for post-Covid re-opening schedule).
Tel: 828.766.1277
Email: observatory@mayland.edu
FREE: Nighttime star gazing along the Parkway is best in winter months, no humidity, crescent or no moon away from any city lights or lighted camping areas.
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Star Park
66 Energy Exchange DrBare Dark Sky Observatory, part of Mayland Community College, offers nighttime two hour ticketed visits to view and learn the night sky through their telescopes. (Check for post-Covid re-opening schedule).
Tel: 828.766.1277
Email: observatory@mayland.edu
FREE: Nighttime star gazing along the Parkway is best in winter months, no humidity, crescent or no moon away from any city lights or lighted camping areas.
The four corners Loop of the High Country from the Foothills Guest Suite. The in-Suite manual contains information about several locally known routes for beautiful fall leaf drives along with shortcuts to the four corners.
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Blue Ridge Mountains
The four corners Loop of the High Country from the Foothills Guest Suite. The in-Suite manual contains information about several locally known routes for beautiful fall leaf drives along with shortcuts to the four corners.
Driving route tours of the Ashe County Barn Quilts. Six routes available to select from. I recommend either the Orange or Red Loop. Each has about 13-15 barn quilts & takes about 1 1/2 hours each. Access Loop/Tour directions at ashecountyarts.org/barn-quilts.
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Ashe County Arts Council
303 School AveDriving route tours of the Ashe County Barn Quilts. Six routes available to select from. I recommend either the Orange or Red Loop. Each has about 13-15 barn quilts & takes about 1 1/2 hours each. Access Loop/Tour directions at ashecountyarts.org/barn-quilts.
Retail Shopping
The original Mast General Store and an additional Annex are located in Valle Crucis, not far from Boone. There is a branch store in downtown Boone. Locals prefer the original stores in Valle Crucis but all locations offer similar merchandise.
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Mast General Store Boone
630 W King StThe original Mast General Store and an additional Annex are located in Valle Crucis, not far from Boone. There is a branch store in downtown Boone. Locals prefer the original stores in Valle Crucis but all locations offer similar merchandise.
Downtown, the Village of Blowing Rock, offers interesting, privately owned retail shops. Plan 4-6 hours along with lunch in the Village to experience this sweet little mountain town. Their Chamber web site maintains an active event calendar. Many festivals are held throughout the year in Blowing Rock. The BRAHM museum is usually of high interest to visitors with an eclectic interest in art. Downtown Blowing Rock is only 15 minutes from the Foothills Guest Suite.
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Blowing Rock
Downtown, the Village of Blowing Rock, offers interesting, privately owned retail shops. Plan 4-6 hours along with lunch in the Village to experience this sweet little mountain town. Their Chamber web site maintains an active event calendar. Many festivals are held throughout the year in Blowing Rock. The BRAHM museum is usually of high interest to visitors with an eclectic interest in art. Downtown Blowing Rock is only 15 minutes from the Foothills Guest Suite.
Features many local artisan's products of the gift and home decor variety. Excellent and unique selection. Locally owned.
My Mountain Home
120 Maple RdFeatures many local artisan's products of the gift and home decor variety. Excellent and unique selection. Locally owned.
Locally owned franchise; excellent customer service; outstanding selection of spices, blends & teas.
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Blowing Rock
1087 Main StLocally owned franchise; excellent customer service; outstanding selection of spices, blends & teas.
Neaco
1053 Main StEclectic assortment of funky and fun gift items.
West Jefferson - Mountain handcrafted cheeses, numerous varieties, known for their original hoop cheeses that can be purchased in various round waxed wrapped sizes. They also have a small "sale" case usually offering various small cuts with BOGO pricing.
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Ashe County Cheese
106 E Main StWest Jefferson - Mountain handcrafted cheeses, numerous varieties, known for their original hoop cheeses that can be purchased in various round waxed wrapped sizes. They also have a small "sale" case usually offering various small cuts with BOGO pricing.
Historical
Annual three day event with over 100 Scottish Clans assembling with several festival events and displays of sportsmanship & dance. The Foothills Guest Suite is only 30 minutes from the location of the Games at Grandfather Mountain.
Grandfather Mountain Highland
4210 Mitchell AveAnnual three day event with over 100 Scottish Clans assembling with several festival events and displays of sportsmanship & dance. The Foothills Guest Suite is only 30 minutes from the location of the Games at Grandfather Mountain.
Eclectic and historical art and sculptures with historical roots in the local Mountains.
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Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
159 Ginny Stevens LnEclectic and historical art and sculptures with historical roots in the local Mountains.
Historical home of the Cone Mills family. Southern Craft Guild shop. Close to Blowing Rock. Open mid-April to mid-November. Just completed complete restoration early 2022.
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Maniero di Moses Cone
Historical home of the Cone Mills family. Southern Craft Guild shop. Close to Blowing Rock. Open mid-April to mid-November. Just completed complete restoration early 2022.
Open daily, restored to its original architecture and on the Historic Register. Small, interesting cemetery dating back to early origins of the local Caldwell County/Lenoir settlers. The Preservation Society hosts a spring and fall concert along with a Christmas Eve service.
Chapel Of Rest
1964 NC-268Open daily, restored to its original architecture and on the Historic Register. Small, interesting cemetery dating back to early origins of the local Caldwell County/Lenoir settlers. The Preservation Society hosts a spring and fall concert along with a Christmas Eve service.
Only 1 hour/15 minute drive from the Foothills Guest Suite, The Biltmore Mansion is a popular Asheville attraction. Make it a day trip with lunch in downtown Asheville (see restaurant recommendations in Suite Guidelines Reference Book upon arrival.) Biltmore advance reservations are recommended.
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Biltmore
1 Lodge StOnly 1 hour/15 minute drive from the Foothills Guest Suite, The Biltmore Mansion is a popular Asheville attraction. Make it a day trip with lunch in downtown Asheville (see restaurant recommendations in Suite Guidelines Reference Book upon arrival.) Biltmore advance reservations are recommended.
Call in advance for current entry conditions and opening.
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Grotte di Linville, Inc.
19929 U.S. 221Call in advance for current entry conditions and opening.
Visit their website to learn more about current exhibits and visitation. Open dusk to dawn. On site at the Patterson School grounds. Hwy 268 / Happy Valley area, about 6-8 miles from the Guest Suite.
Western North Carolina Sculpture Park
4612 Patterson School DrVisit their website to learn more about current exhibits and visitation. Open dusk to dawn. On site at the Patterson School grounds. Hwy 268 / Happy Valley area, about 6-8 miles from the Guest Suite.
Free to view - check with the Ashe County Visitors Bureau for hours and locations. Located in the West Jefferson area.
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Ashe County Frescoes Foundation
400 Beaver Creek School RdFree to view - check with the Ashe County Visitors Bureau for hours and locations. Located in the West Jefferson area.