Western North Carolina calls to road trippers with winding mountain roads, stunning vistas and small-town charm. I’ve explored this region on three unforgettable trips, from the Blue Ridge Parkway’s iconic overlooks to rare finds only locals know. Along the way, I’ve uncovered family-friendly stops, foodie hot spots and adventures for every traveler. Whether you’re chasing fall colors, planning a romantic escape, or seeking outdoor thrills, here are the places I think you’ll love the most.
Meadowbrook Inn and Historic Tapoco Lodge hosted me. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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Blue Ridge Parkway, AKA “America’s Favorite Drive”
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina, northeast through the Blue Ridge Mountains into Virginia, where it links with Shenandoah National Park and becomes Skyline Drive.
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Highlights Along the Drive
- Asheville: The largest city in Western North Carolina; nestled between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. The city boasts a lively arts scene, historic architecture, a bustling downtown, highly rated restaurants and local breweries, all set against mountain views and anchored by the Biltmore Estate.
- Hendersonville: A quaint mountain town just 15 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with historic streets and shopping, the Dupont State Forest, and views from Jump Off Rock!
- The North Carolina Arboretum: Spans 434 acres in the Southern Appalachian Mountains south of Asheville. Visitors find 65 acres of cultivated gardens, a Bonsai Exhibition Garden, miles of trails, rotating exhibits, a bistro and a gift shop, all surrounded by Pisgah National Forest.
- Grandfather Mountain: Delivers breathtaking views and rugged terrain for hikers and explorers. The famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge thrills visitors above a deep gorge, while rare wildlife and dramatic rock formations await on its trails.
- Blowing Rock: Offers sweeping Blue Ridge views and a lively local art scene. Galleries, shops and festivals line downtown, and the town’s namesake landmark juts dramatically from a cliff with legendary scenery.
- Moses H. Cone Memorial Park: Flat Top Manor, the 23-room estate built by Moses Cone in the early 1900s, crowns 3,500 acres along the Parkway. Carriage trails, lakes and landscaped grounds invite hiking, horseback riding and craft shopping at the Parkway Craft Center.
- Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM): Showcases the art, culture and history of the Southern Appalachians. Exhibits highlight local artists, traditional crafts and regional heritage through permanent collections and rotating shows.
Where to Stay: Meadowbrook Inn – Blowing Rock
A cozy boutique hotel in downtown Blowing Rock, Meadowbrook Inn treats guests with a regional breakfast menu in the morning and a duck pond with free food for the resident ducks. This mountain retreat, situated near shops, galleries and restaurants, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where to Eat
The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop – Blowing Rock
In the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, The Speckled Trout blends High Country cuisine with a cozy mountain setting. Carolina Mountain Trout anchors the menu, served six ways with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan sides—I chose the almond & cornmeal-crusted trout with Hoppin’ John and collard greens.
Six Pence Pub – Blowing Rock
Six Pence Pub brings a classic British pub experience to downtown Blowing Rock. With traditional fare like Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips and Pot Roast, it ties Old World flavors to North Carolina’s colonial heritage—I ordered the delicious Shepherd’s Pie.
Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway: Twists and Turns for Daring Drivers
These drives are beautiful but not for the feint of heart!
- Promoted since the 1990s as a motorcycle and driving destination, Tail of the Dragon twists through 318 curves in 11 miles and traces its roots to a trail once used by Cherokee Native Americans and buffalo herds.
- The Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway, connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina. It passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests and takes its name from the combination.
After my battle driving the Dragon, I connected to the Cherohala Skyway along the Tennessee border. Unfortunately, the rain and fog made it an arduous journey. Fog thickened so much in several places that I couldn’t see the pavement in front of me.
She Buys Travel Tip: While I took it easy on the winding curves of the Tail of the Dragon in the rain, the dense clouds on the Cherohala Skyway made it hard to see the road. Wait for a sunny day to see the stunning landscape.
Highlights Along the Drive
- Fontana Dam: The tallest dam in the eastern U.S., with impressive scale drawing history buffs and photographers.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This national park protects one of America’s richest natural habitats. Trails, waterfalls and wildlife encounters make it a must for outdoor lovers.
- Nantahala National Forest: This rugged landscape offers hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting adventures. Towering trees and mountain streams create an unforgettable backdrop.
- Cheoah Dam: The dam played a starring role in The Fugitive, when Harrison Ford’s character jumped from the structure. Cheoah Dam remains a dramatic stop along the route. Stay at the Tapoco Lodge to see the dam and it’s dramatic falls on Release Dates.
Where to Stay: Historic Tapoco Lodge – Robbinsville
The Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort, designated a National Historic site and a popular local destination built in the 1930s by ALCOA for dam workers, now blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Sitting on the Cheoah River in the Nantahala National Forest, this modern hotel, built with local materials like river rock, chestnut wood and handmade bricks, is a viewing site for Release date events (releasing the water from the dam).
Where to Eat
Tapoco Tavern – Robbinsville
Tapoco Tavern offers pub fare and craft beer in a casual, family-friendly setting at Historic Tapoco Lodge. My Campfire Carolina Mountain Trout arrived on caramelized onions, smoky bacon and glazed pecans, with indulgent sides of baked mac and cheese and super slaw.
Cheoah Dining Room – Robbinsville
The Cheoah Dining Room at Tapoco Lodge delivers a refined dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and wine pairings. Daily breakfast and evening meals showcase upscale Appalachian-inspired cuisine in a formal riverside setting.
Flying In
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), the largest commercial airport in North Carolina, serves as a central hub with 186 nonstop destinations. Its single-terminal layout makes it easy to navigate and ideal for both domestic and international flights.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Hampton Inn & Suites at Charlotte Airport offers comfortable accommodations that prioritize convenience, amenities and accessibility for both business and leisure travelers. With free breakfast, It’s the perfect hotel for your start and end of a Western North Carolina road trip. And bonus: you’re nearby the rental car centers where you can pick up and drop off your ride.
Read More
- Where to Stay in Asheville, North Carolina: 15 Top Choices
- Hendersonville NC: This Mountain Town is Back and Bustling One Year After Hurricane Helene
- Best North Carolina Family Resorts for Relaxation & Adventure
- Best Things to Do in Andrews, North Carolina
- 12 Places to Celebrate Christmas in Western North Carolina
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