It's about a 4-hour drive from Apex, and we've made it more than ten times now. Yeah, we're hooked on the Asheville area and the Blue Ridge mountains. Every time we go, we find something new to love – whether it's a new trail, a restaurant we somehow missed, or just a different view of the same mountains we've seen a dozen times before.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of pure mountain magic. We never skip it. Fall is obviously incredible with all its colors, but honestly, every season has its own charm. Stop at the overlooks – they're worth it.

Linn Cove Viaduct

The Linn Cove Viaduct is one of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway for good reason. This curved bridge literally hugs the side of Grandfather Mountain, and driving it feels like you're floating over the forest. There's a visitor center and a short trail underneath where you can see the engineering up close. Total engineering marvel and absolutely stunning.

Mount Mitchell

Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet. The views from the top are incredible. Just bring a jacket – it's way cooler up there than down in Asheville.

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is a must. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is definitely an experience – it's literally a mile high and yeah, it sways when it's windy. If you're afraid of heights, it might get your heart racing, but the views are insane. The hiking trails are great too, and keep your eyes open for wildlife.

Pisgah National Forest

Over 500,000 acres of trails, waterfalls, and pure nature. We've done a bunch of different trails over the years, and each one's got its own vibe. Some are easy walks, others will definitely get your heart rate up.

Bryson City & The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson City is a charming little mountain town that's become one of our favorite discoveries. We took the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad excursion, and it's such a relaxing way to see the mountains. The train winds through valleys and along rivers, and you get views you just can't see from the road. They have different routes and themed rides throughout the year.

The Nantahala Gorge area near Bryson City is stunning. The river cuts through the gorge with beautiful scenery all around. Whether you're into whitewater rafting (which is huge here) or just want to enjoy the mountain views, it's worth the trip. We loved just being near the water and taking in the scenery.

Boone

Boone has that cool college town vibe with mountain charm. It's a fun base for exploring the High Country area and has some good restaurants and shops. Plus, it's close to a lot of great outdoor spots.

Just a few minutes away is Blowing Rock, a cute little mountain village that's worth a visit. Main Street is packed with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The town's namesake, The Blowing Rock attraction, has been around since the 1930s and offers killer views. It's one of those charming mountain towns where you can easily spend an afternoon just wandering around.

Cherokee: History and Culture

Cherokee is the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and it's worth spending some time here to learn about the history and culture. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian does an excellent job telling the story of the Cherokee people, from ancient times through the Trail of Tears to today. It's thoughtfully done and really eye-opening.

Right next door is the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a living history museum where you can see what an 18th-century Cherokee village was like. Craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills like pottery, weaving, and canoe carving.

Where We Stay

We've tried a few places around the area:

Hampton Inn Asheville - Solid and convenient for getting around town.
Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown - Right in the heart of downtown, walking distance to restaurants and breweries.
Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate - This one's special. You're literally on the estate grounds, and you get to feel like you're part of the whole Biltmore experience. Morning coffee with mountain views hits different here.

Hampton Inn & Suites Boone - Perfect base for exploring the High Country. Close to Grandfather Mountain and all the great stuff around Boone.

The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is massive – 250 rooms and the largest privately-owned home in America. The gardens are stunning year-round (spring blooms and fall colors are peak), the winery does tastings, and we hear Christmas at the Biltmore is absolutely magical. Yeah, it's not cheap, but it's the kind of place that's worth splurging on.

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock State Park is wild. There's an elevator inside the mountain that takes you up 26 stories (seriously, an elevator through solid rock), or you can hike if you want the workout. The views from the top are breathtaking – you can see for miles. Fun fact: they filmed part of The Last of the Mohicans here.

Downtown Asheville Vibes

If you're in downtown Asheville on a Friday night, check out the Asheville Drum Circle in Pritchard Park. It's a weekly thing where drummers, dancers, and people just hanging out come together for this spontaneous community gathering. Super funky, very Asheville, and totally free. It's one of those experiences that captures the city's creative spirit.

Where We Eat

Asheville's food scene is seriously impressive for a mountain town. We've eaten our way through a lot of places over the years, and these are the ones we would recommend:

Cúrate Bar de Tapas - This is hands down one of the best restaurants we've been to. The Spanish tapas are perfection. Make a reservation well in advance because it fills up fast.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar - Southern comfort food done right. The shrimp and grits, as well as the sweet potato pancakes, are very flavorful. There's usually a wait, but grab a drink and it goes quickly.
Corner Kitchen - Farm-to-table spot in a historic house near Biltmore Village. The menu changes seasonally, and everything has been great. Good for a nicer dinner out.
Limones Restaurant - Cal-Mex with a Southern twist. Great street tacos and margaritas. Casual and always reliable.
Chai Pani Asheville - Indian street food that locals love. Bold, authentic flavors. The pani puri and thali plates are excellent.

Why We Keep Going Back

The NC mountains are close enough for a long weekend, but feel like a completely different world. We've hiked the trails, tasted the wine, driven the scenic routes, and the lazy mornings with mountain views never get old. We've eaten really, really well. And somehow, after 10+ trips, we still find new things to do and new reasons to go back.

That's the thing about these mountains. They're not one-note. You can make each trip whatever you need it to be.

Four Hours West, Worth Every Mile: North Carolina Mountain Guide