Destination McDowell

Destination McDowell The McDowell County Tourism Authority was created as a non-profit, government authority in 1985 to promote the county as a tourism destination. Catawba Avenue.

From the high peaks of the Blue Ridge and Black Mountains to the serene waters of Lake James, to the trails of the Pisgah National Forest, Adventure knows "No Boundaries" when you make your Destination McDowell County, NC. Located in western North Carolina, between Asheville and Hickory, the Blue Ridge Parkway borders our northern communities between Milepost 316 and Milepost 350. These Parkway co

mmunities feature one of North Carolina's oldest vacation colonies, Little Switzerland, with neighboring attractions including The Orchard at Altapass, Emerald Village, the NC Minerals Museum and Linville Caverns. Some properties operate seasonally, their elevation is approximately 3,600 feet above sea level, with many individually owned lodging properties are open year-round. Check our website for details. Marion is the county seat, located in a thermal belt, enjoying moderate temperatures in the foothills region. Marion is approximately 1,404 feet above sea level, with a quaint historic downtown region with locally owned shops and the McDowell Arts Council Gallery and Shops. Marion is also close to the Lake James community, with two state parks, hiking and mountain biking trails. The Town of Old Fort is situated close to the Eastern Continental Divide at approximately 1,440 feet above sea level. Surrounding Old Fort, is the Pisgah National Forest. As you explore its waterfall trails, hiking and mountain biking trails, you will experience an increase in elevation. Our visitor center is located in Mill Creek Village at 91 S. Click our website to find lodging properties, local events, trail details and more. Call us, toll free at 888-233-6111, to receive a free visitor guide and map.

McDowell County, NC has a rich history around the gold and mining industries.  The Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine keeps ...
12/17/2024

McDowell County, NC has a rich history around the gold and mining industries. The Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine keeps that history alive with their active gold panning, mining, camping, and hiking! Grab that last-minute gift certificate for the "rockhound" and panner in your life by checking out their post below!

Needing a last minute gift for your favorite gold miner? We got you!

Stop by the Miner’s Diner to grab yours!

We are working on offering gift certificates on our website so keep checking back.

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Can’t wait to see you!
Open daily 10 - 4
251 Lucky Strike Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-4893
www.luckystrikecampground.com

12/17/2024

Just a bit of inspiration on this Tuesday afternoon from North Carolina Department of Transportation featuring public transit operations in McDowell County, NC (and a brief cameo of our Visitor Center). McDowell County is known for our beautiful natural surroundings, but our people are pretty awesome too.

Old Fort, North Carolina was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we were so glad to be a part of their Every...
12/16/2024

Old Fort, North Carolina was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we were so glad to be a part of their Everything Christmas Party this weekend! The Town of Old Fort Christmas Parade featured local businesses, first responders, repair/recovery crews, local community groups and more. It was heartwarming to see the community come together and welcome folks back to this beloved part of McDowell County, NC!

Y'all swing by Roaming Buffalo Outpost and have a sit with Appalachian Santa on December 18th (Wednesday)! Hot chocolate...
12/16/2024

Y'all swing by Roaming Buffalo Outpost and have a sit with Appalachian Santa on December 18th (Wednesday)! Hot chocolate and Refreshments by Kona Ice too! Details in the post below.

Did we mention Marion, NC is open? Well, ICYMI NC Tripping is here to remind you just how awesome it is to visit "Where ...
12/13/2024

Did we mention Marion, NC is open? Well, ICYMI NC Tripping is here to remind you just how awesome it is to visit "Where Main Street Meets The Mountains."

TFW You need an out-of-this-world biscuit but it’s after breakfast time. Elevate Breakfast Company serves breakfast and ...
12/13/2024

TFW You need an out-of-this-world biscuit but it’s after breakfast time. Elevate Breakfast Company serves breakfast and lunch specials until 2pm most days, so we beamed up this perfectly cheesy bacon biscuit for a busy Friday brunch. Stop by their cafe in downtown Marion, NC for dine-in or carry out (2 hr parking limit for all UFOs). 🛸 🥞😎👽

So excited for Old Fort's Everything Christmas Party by Old Fort Business Association , Mountain Gateway Museum and Heri...
12/12/2024

So excited for Old Fort's Everything Christmas Party by Old Fort Business Association , Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center, Arrowhead Gallery & Studios and other wonderful community partners. This weekend event in downtown Old Fort will be a beautiful celebration of the Holidays culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at the end of the day! Check the "Events" page on our website for more:

Are you ready to celebrate Christmas in EVERY way possible?? The Town of Old Fort has such a huge celebration day planned, and it might get even bigger!! We have things being added everyday.

Tickets for the Lake James Ice Festival by Friends of Lake James State Park are now on sale!  Get information and ticket...
12/10/2024

Tickets for the Lake James Ice Festival by Friends of Lake James State Park are now on sale! Get information and tickets through the following link:

Experience the magic of a sparkling menagerie sculpted from cold, clear ice at the Lake James Ice Festival on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 5-9 p.m.

Have you heard of the Come Hell or High Water Studio Tour? This small-artist funded and backed initiative by  and  allow...
12/09/2024

Have you heard of the Come Hell or High Water Studio Tour? This small-artist funded and backed initiative by and allows folks near and far to experience the magic of Western North Carolina's art scene. From small-scale artists to nationally recognized pottery or jewelry studios, you can get a true taste of North Carolina's heritage crafts and arts community. Learn more on our website: https://www.destinationmcdowell.com/events/2024-12-14-000000-come-hell-or-high-water-studio-tour/

The  Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival hosted by Camp Grier and Tanawha Adventures starts tonight with the Friday Eveni...
12/06/2024

The Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival hosted by Camp Grier and Tanawha Adventures starts tonight with the Friday Evening Endurance Festival Panel. Tune into their page for info about the event and their goal to raise $2 Million for the Hurricane Helene affected Town of Old Fort!

As more and more of the Pisgah National Forest reopens, please heed this very helpful and demonstrative advice from our ...
12/05/2024

As more and more of the Pisgah National Forest reopens, please heed this very helpful and demonstrative advice from our friends at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina! Also, please don't push your hiking buddies off trail, even if they have a hard hat on.

Tour some of Marion's beautiful historic downtown churches this holiday season. Members of the public are invited to dro...
12/03/2024

Tour some of Marion's beautiful historic downtown churches this holiday season. Members of the public are invited to drop in and tour St. Matthew's Methodist Church of Marion from 5-7 p.m. This is a free event and no tickets are required. For more information, please call 828-652-2215 or visit the Destination McDowell website:
https://www.destinationmcdowell.com/events/2024-12-05-170000-historic-church-tour/

Address

91 S. Catawba Avenue
Old Fort, NC
28762

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+18286684282

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