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Itinerary
Know before you go
Please note: A number of outdoor spaces and locations in Western NC were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Check our travel advisory for local visitor information, closings and Call Center hours.
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Thermal Valley Hang Gliding
Begin your adventures in and around Morganton by soaring among the clouds at Thermal Valley Hang Gliding. You’ll experience unique views of South, Grandfather, Table Rock, and Hawk’s Bill mountains and Catawba River. While you might expect hang gliding to be an adrenaline-fueled activity akin to skydiving, the experience is surprisingly relaxed — like lying in a hammock while you gently float back to the ground after being untethered from the tug plane.
Linville Gorge
Want to keep your feet on the ground? Head to Lake James for kayaking and hiking, or visit Linville Gorge, “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina.”
Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
Continue your way through Burke County at Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill. Pick your own apples from more than 20 varieties, sample fresh goodies from the bakery and slurp on a cider slushie while you take an educational or wagon orchard tour.
Fonta Flora Brewery
Next, enjoy Morganton’s local produce in a whole new way at Fonta Flora Brewery. By foraging for wild flora and partnering with local farmers, this brewery utilizes ingredients not readily found in craft beer like beets, ground ivy, spruce tips, rhubarb and black locust flowers.
Root & Vine
Finish the day at another scratch-prepared restaurant, Root & Vine, and dig into the wood-grilled, head-on North Carolina mountain trout on the beautiful patio under strings of white lights. Then tuck in to one of several area cabins or campgrounds.
Morganton Farmer’s Market
Kick off your second day at the Morganton Farmer’s Market to enjoy some fresh fruit and baked goods for breakfast as you browse the flowers, produce, crafts, and HoofandPaw Farm bath and body products made with goat’s milk. Grab some fresh bread, meats, cheeses and veggies to enjoy as a super fresh picnic later to break up your trek through South Mountains State Park, North Carolina’s largest state park.
Blue Ridge Distilling Co.
Add mountain biking, fishing or waterfall viewing to your South Mountains itinerary before heading to Blue Ridge Distilling Co. to sample Defiant, the award-winning American single malt whisky. This salvage diving crew turned whisky distillers have a beautiful setup on the site of a former Girl Scout camp and offer tours as well as hosting events and pairing dinners occasionally.
Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery
About 10 miles up the road, Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery also sits on a beautiful piece of land surrounded by spectacular views of the South Mountains. Visit for the wine, or check the calendar for events such as live music
Brown Mountain Lights
You might need a little liquid courage for tonight’s adventure: pursuing the unidentified Brown Mountain Lights. Look for the lights along vantage points on Highway 181 and decide for yourself if they are a scientific phenomenon, ghostly encounter or proof that aliens exist.
Sunny Point Cafe
Time to explore Asheville, one of Travel + Leisure’s “Best Cities in the US.” Head straight to Sunny Point Café, where an on-site garden keeps huge dishes impressively fresh, and ample vegan and gluten-free choices help keep the line out the door during peak hours.
No Taste Like Home
After you’ve had your fill, pick from the bounty of agritourism activities offered in Asheville. Foodies will salivate over the forage tour from No Taste Like Home or a cooking class. Water lovers will want to glide on the French Broad via paddleboard, kayak or tube, and aerial enthusiasts can zip line with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Follow your jaunt with a visit to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Sierra Nevada is America’s first LEED-certified production brewery, and its $175 million facility outside of Asheville, in Mills River, features an impressive taproom and beautiful back porch and beer garden.
The Chop Chop Butchery
Grab some take-home beers to pair with your meaty haul from The Chop Shop Butchery, Asheville’s first whole-animal butcher shop with sausages, deli meats and charcuterie boards that make for a delicious on-the-go dinner.
Craggy Pinnacle
Finish the day by taking in the sunset from the Blue Ridge Parkway, ideally at Craggy Pinnacle, where you’ll find dramatic views after taking an easy hike from milepost 364.1.
Lodge at Mt. Mitchell
Soak in the last slivers of light before heading to your overnight accommodations at The Lodge at Mt. Mitchell. Or rent a nearby cabin or yurt to squeeze in a bit more natural beauty.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Thermal Valley Hang Gliding
Stop 2
Linville Gorge
Stop 3
Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
Stop 4
Fonta Flora Brewery
Stop 5
Root & Vine
Stop 6
Morganton Farmer’s Market
Stop 7
Blue Ridge Distilling Co.
Stop 8
Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery
Stop 9
Brown Mountain Lights
Stop 10
Sunny Point Cafe
Stop 11
No Taste Like Home
Stop 12
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Stop 13
The Chop Chop Butchery
Stop 14
Craggy Pinnacle
Stop 15