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.

This charming restaurant on U.S. Highway 221 Business is an amazing way to enjoy local flavor before heading towards Lin...
01/07/2025

This charming restaurant on U.S. Highway 221 Business is an amazing way to enjoy local flavor before heading towards Linville aka Little Parkway Scenic Byway!

“We feel like it’s a staple of this community and we want to keep that,” said co-owner Melissa Goley.

Important travel info from our friends at Blue Ridge Parkway! Remember, sections of the BRP can be closed for a variety ...
01/06/2025

Important travel info from our friends at Blue Ridge Parkway! Remember, sections of the BRP can be closed for a variety of reasons, ranging from snowy conditions to continued repairs due to Helene. Be sure to check their page or the link in their post for regular updates!

01/02/2025

Kicking off 2025 with big announcements from our friends at FloatLife Fest and Camp Grier! So excited to see this festival return to Old Fort, NC.

Start 2025 off right by not starting at all. Instead, getaway to a cozy forest retreat, cute cabin, or spectacular moun...
01/01/2025

Start 2025 off right by not starting at all. Instead, getaway to a cozy forest retreat, cute cabin, or spectacular mountain escape in McDowell County, NC. Check out online or click "Stay" on our website (DestinationMcDowell.com) to discover your next Blue Ridge vacay.

Happy New Year Y'all! Can we ask you a favor? Help out Destination McDowell and Marion Business Association by capturin...
12/31/2024

Happy New Year Y'all! Can we ask you a favor? Help out Destination McDowell and Marion Business Association by capturing the Nugget Drop in Marion during the New Year's Eve celebration! We want to see a celebration that showcases the beauty of McDowell County and the community that makes us great. We're looking for at least 5 great photos of the Nugget Drop, with emphasis on the Nugget and festive partygoers. If we pick your photo, we'd like to reward you with an official Destination McDowell sticker and full Photo Credit to your IG or FB. Tag in your photo, or use our awesome CrowdRiff collector upload the photo to us. We'll review all photos over the next couple weeks, which gives us all something to look forward to in 2025!

https://upload.crowdriff.com/NYEinMarionNC

Did You Know: Rest in Peace, Jimmy. And thank you for showing some love to Marion, North Carolina. As we rebuild parts ...
12/31/2024

Did You Know: Rest in Peace, Jimmy. And thank you for showing some love to Marion, North Carolina. As we rebuild parts of our McDowell County community impacted by Helene, here's a bit of history from the archives of beloved local news photographer, Jim Burgin:
There is an interesting story behind this photo of Jimmy Carter holding up an “I Love Marion” t-shirt back in July of 1987. Former President Carter was in Charlotte in July of 1987 to help build one of fourteen homes built in five days for Habitat for Humanity. 1350 Volunteers from 28 states and two provinces in Canada came to Charlotte for a week to do this major project.
McDowell News staff writer Pat Jobe and myself drove to Charlotte to get background information about Habitat for Humanity and their upcoming build for the first Habitat for Humanity home in McDowell County.
Of course Mr. Carter was busy talking with reporters most of the time but Pat Jobe found an opportunity to ask him questions while I took photos. At the end of our time with the former President, I asked him to hold up this t-shirt designed by local Marion artist Lee Lynch that said “I Love Marion.” He graciously agreed. Thus here is the photo of Jimmy Carter holding up an “I Love Marion” t-shirt.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail created an awesome Google map update for folks looking to hike the Mountain To Sea Trail post-Hel...
12/29/2024

Mountains-to-Sea Trail created an awesome Google map update for folks looking to hike the Mountain To Sea Trail post-Helene. From the info we see on this map, it looks like the Woodlawn section of MST in McDowell County is clear, and the Toms Creek portion of the trail is open, but may not be totally cleared. Please check out the link they posted (below) and share with other hikers to stay safe and stay informed on all your outdoor adventures in 2025!

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/viewer?mid=1oSH-JQQpOan3r5Km7lJSVDDopenkW6k&ll=35.763350170312755%2C-82.01445912672374&z=14&fbclid=IwY2xjawHbnOlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQUlFdEKyAM-85M_Gb99EOd75NzRUx8UKFfCq5fUZ1opBnti2LMPtgdeWg_aem_1I8jg1MAs-4x3ZVE8Wsxjw

Red line = area and trail closed Yellow = area and trail officially open, but trail not assessed or cleared; enter at your own risk Green = trail open

Throughout 2024, Hailey Moore (in her own words) had been inching her way along the mountain biking learning curve. She ...
12/28/2024

Throughout 2024, Hailey Moore (in her own words) had been inching her way along the mountain biking learning curve. She recently rode the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival and writes about what she learned from her first mountain bike race. Check out her thoughts on racing, trails, and resilience (of the racing spirit and of Old Fort, NC).

Throughout 2024, Hailey Moore (in her own words) has been inching her way along the mountain biking learning curve. She recently rode the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival and writes about what s…

Throwback to one of the best Waterfall Trails of 2024: Catawba Falls. With repairs underway, we know we'll see you on t...
12/26/2024

Throwback to one of the best Waterfall Trails of 2024: Catawba Falls. With repairs underway, we know we'll see you on the trail soon. Looking forward to spectacular views, the song of rushing Catawba waters, and scenery like no other.

: Very excited to welcome back J Hartman's Restaurant as they reopen in McDowell County!
12/26/2024

: Very excited to welcome back J Hartman's Restaurant as they reopen in McDowell County!

J Hartmans will have our Grand re-opening 12/26!!!! We will not be open for lunch for just a short period(hopefully). We will be open Thursday-Saturday this week from 3:00 until close. We apologize for not being open at lunch but we anticipate lunch service soon! Come see us! We cannot wait! Best Christmas EVER!!!!

Our amazing friends at Blue Ridge Mountain Life created an awesome guide based on their trip to Old Fort, North Carolina...
12/24/2024

Our amazing friends at Blue Ridge Mountain Life created an awesome guide based on their trip to Old Fort, North Carolina. Check out their experience, recommendations, and tips for visiting our area. Special to Larry for working closely with us on updated reopening announcements and trip info Post-Helene to ensure everyone has a a memorably visit to our Blue Ridge Mountains community.

Discover fun things to do in Old Fort, NC! From hikes to local breweries and charming shops, explore the best this small mountain town offers.

We miss you! Yes, the Destination McDowell team has endured a stressful, exciting, and miraculous couple of months, but ...
12/23/2024

We miss you! Yes, the Destination McDowell team has endured a stressful, exciting, and miraculous couple of months, but we're spending the rest of 2024 with family for the Christmas and Holiday season. Looking forward to us (hopefully) reopening early 2025! Can't wait for y'all to visit, until then you can get Visitor Guides and more at: DestinationMcDowell.com (just click "Guides" at the top of the page).

Thanks Visit North Carolina for highlighting The City of Marion, NC and their Gold Nugget Drop on New Years! What are yo...
12/23/2024

Thanks Visit North Carolina for highlighting The City of Marion, NC and their Gold Nugget Drop on New Years! What are your NYE celebration plans? Swing by our little mountain town party, we miss ya!

Ready to ring in the new year, NC style? We've got some delightfully quirky drops that’ll make midnight unforgettable:

✨ Marion’s Gold Nugget Drop in Destination McDowell - Because nothing says “shine bright in the new year” like a giant gold nugget dropping in this old mining town!

🥒 Mount Olive’s Pickle Drop in Mount Olive, NC - Only in the Pickle Capital do we count down with a big ol’ dill pickle! Yes, it’s real. And yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.

🫐 Burgaw’s Blueberry Drop in Visit Pender NC - Start the year off sweet as a blueberry in Burgaw, where the celebration is as local as it gets.

Where are you ringing in 2025?

When you ❤️ your community…Check out this artist rendering of Gogos Cinnamon Rolls done up for the holidays. 🎄🎁Care of ...
12/22/2024

When you ❤️ your community…Check out this artist rendering of Gogos Cinnamon Rolls done up for the holidays. 🎄🎁
Care of (IG) -Check her out!

Yesterday I cried. I received this note and the framed painting below:

Wendy,
Hi. You and I don't know each other but I work at the Visitor Center in Old Fort and also part-time at Emergency Services. During the flood you came in and made breakfast for us. It was very kind. I looked forward to it every morning while working at the EOC. I painted this picture for you of Gogo's all decorated for Christmas. This is my 'thank you' for making my day better while working during the flood. Merry Christmas!!--Johnsie Parker
https://www.instagram.com/thecampgroundartist/

Thank you Johnsie for the most sweet and kind surprise. It's absolutely beautiful.

The Pisgah's not just a forest, it's a people: a resilient and steadfast community that answered the call when Helene hi...
12/18/2024

The Pisgah's not just a forest, it's a people: a resilient and steadfast community that answered the call when Helene hit. Read "Reflections from receding waters and storms" by U.S. Forest Service featuring some amazing individuals and members of the U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina:

When Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern United States in late September 2024, its destruction spared neither national forests nor members of the U.S.

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

Website

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Videos

Look, after the past couple months AND the upcoming Holiday Season, you ABSOLUTELY DESERVE a giant Apple Ugly from @mr.bobs_donuts2 in downtown Marion, NC. Just saying, donuts make great self-care, it’s just a little treat (the size of your laptop). 💁🏻‍♀️🍩💅 #treatyourself #treatyoself #destinationmcdowell #mrbobsdonuts #appledonuts

Indigo Retreat: Inspiration through Strength
Indigo Retreat: Inspiration through Strength

From our friends at Indigo Nature Retreat, enjoy this calm video exploring the beauty and recovery of their wild and beautiful surroundings, as impacted by Hurricane Helene. Located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest with the Blue Ridge Mountains as their canvas, Indigo Nature Retreat provides the perfect ng to get away and unwind. Dense foliage, rolling currents, and diverse trails make our home away from home a unique place to come alive. As we’ve learned through Helene, storms only encourage trees to grow deeper roots. Not just the trees surrounding us, but the branches, roots and arms of our community. Hand in hand, we are stronger for it. We still have much work to do, Day by day, we are making progress. Learn more about Indigo Nature Retreat on our website: https://www.destinationmcdowell.com/attractions/indigo-nature-retreat-event-venue-lodging/ #oldfortnc #destinationmcdowell #waterfallretreat #exploreasheville #naturelovers

We are so proud of the Town of Old Fort, NC! Despite the impact of Hurricane Helene on our town, sooo many community partners and local businesses banded together to bring a safe and awesome Halloween to the kids (and grown ups) of the community! There’s too many people to thank, but thank you for coming together to make tonight great! #CapCut #oldfortnc #oldfortstrong #destinationmcdowell

We get it… Roadtrips can be frustrating and stressful, construction makes it worse. Stop by our Visitor Center at 91 S Catawba in Old Fort to get alternate driving directions, maps, trail guides, or just to stretch your legs. Karate Optional. 😎👌 #roadtrip #destinationmcdowell #blueridgetraveler #oldfortnc #northcarolina

NGL, McDowell County, NC is the place to be for Leaf Season. Can’t wait for crisp Autumn air, changing leaves, and sipping warm cider in front of scenic views. #LeafSeason #hurryupsummer #hurryupfall

Did you know it’s Moth Week? Unfurl your wings and join Painters Greenhouse in Old Fort for a dazzling night of Moth Magic! If you’ve never had the opportunity to “go mothing” get your ticket to Moth Night at @paintersgreenhouse to meet these amazing night time pollinators! Event Info: https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/events/2024-07-26-190000-moth-night-at-painters-greenhouse/

Yes, let the water (and history knowledge) flow! Along with several awesome regional history exhibits, @mtngateway offers a unique destination stop for day trips, picnics, and live music entertainment on Sundays during the Summer. Stop by for a refreshing moment next to the fountain or soaking up some mountain history. #oldfortnc #DestinationMcDowell #History #OldFortBasecamp

This 4th of July, we have something to celebrate in every corner of McDowell County, NC! Come celebrate Independence Day with an evening at the rodeo, or one of the smallest charming mountaintop parades in the state. #destinationmcdowell #oldfortnc #fourthofjuly #4thofjuly

We interrupt your normally scheduled “Waterfall Wednesday” to let you know Andrews Geyser is currently operating! This engineering marvel in the heart of Old Fort, NC is currently undergoing some improvements so this is a great opportunity to see it while it’s working! #oldfortnc #oldfortbasecamp #andrewsgeyser #geyser

Lake James: Your Summer Oasis in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Lake James: Your Summer Oasis in the Blue Ridge Mountains

With temperatures rising every day, take the trip to Lake James and cool down with off-shore dining, hiking, swimming, boating, and watersport options. Learn more about the Nebo & Lake James regions of McDowell County here: https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/nebo/

Catawba Falls Grand Reopening Announcement!
Catawba Falls Grand Reopening Announcement!

Get your hiking shoes ready and mark your calendars! We're only a week away from the grand reopening of the Catawba Falls Trail, but here's a sneak peek from U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina and our community partners at The G5 Trail Collective and Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina at what to expect when you visit the falls on May 31. We hope to see you there! https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/attractions/catawba-falls/ #DestinationMcDowell #CatawbaFalls #NCWaterfalls #OutdoorNC

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