This was the best part of our mini vacation. All employees are sweet and very nice. They truly appreciate our business and our visit. It truly shows. The gardens and views are also great. Recommend to all young, old and small. Lots of benches for resting if you need it.

My visit to the Arboretum was absolutely lovely! 🌻The stroll through the gorgeous gardens was so relaxing and refreshing. I love how they’ve managed to find the perfect balance between manicured and wild. There are plenty of spots to relax and well placed restrooms throughout the path. 🌳 To our surprise and delight my friends and I had a close encounter with a precious deer along one of the trails. 🥹Everyone should come and enjoy this little paradise. 🥰 I will definitely return!

If you love nature, Christmas lights, nice people, and plants, this is a must see!! If you are a solo traveler who loves to be outdoors but is concerned about lost or hurt on a trail, this is the best place ever! Well marked trails, emergency call boxes, beautiful gardens and bonsai, Christmas train display, lunch cafe, dulcimer music. educational placards on the trails…plenty of miles of trails with enough safety items that a solo traveler can comfortably enjoy the day and not worry about anything. As a solo traveler, I want to be hiking on the trails in the state parks but realize I could get injured and it would be awhile til I was found, this place had good trails and people and call boxes so I felt like I could hike all day there!! Can’t wait to go back!

A lovely park and public gardens! Definitely smaller than we expected but still enjoyable. All the water features were off for the season and a few of the outdoor interactive elements were broken which was disappointing. The signs around the park were very informative and interesting! Our favourite part was definitely the bonsai exhibit. So cool!

Came here in the evening for Winter Lights. There was a line of cars waiting up to an hour to turn into the arboretum for Winter Lights. Perhaps it was because it was opening night. It was a really fun atmosphere. The trolls were so charming. The lights were fantastic! Go into the Winter Lights gift shop to see the animatronic animals singing Christmas songs. Admission price is per carload. It’s a great deal if you have a big family, not so much for a couple. You can save $5 on admission if you are a member and get free parking. Parking is $20 for non-members. It was a fun experience!

We were anxious to visit and explore the extensive grounds of the North Carolina Arboretum on a slightly warm Fall day. We were lucky enough to catch the groundskeepers and staff in the midst of constructing the Winter Lights display for the upcoming holiday season. The Arboretum still unfortunately shows signs of extensive damage from Hurricane Helene (visit was October 2025), but the recovery efforts are clearly underway and appear to likely be finished within the next year. Despite the damage and closure of several areas of the acreage, there are still several miles of wonderfully pleasant hikes available to visitors, and the main buildings highlighting the central gardens and bonzai display remained undamaged. The Arboretum offers a beautiful respite to nature, and we look forward to our next visit.

Absolutely loved this place!!!! Visiting from Orlando and was submerged in gods beauty. The bonsai garden was unique and cool to catch. We fortunate enough to experience the gardens in the day and winter lights at night which are mesmerizing. Loved this place

Trying so hard to recover. Many places open and ready to serve and delight! Always great shopping, creative places, and great food. Spend plenty of time exploring!!

It was my first time. Only came for a day but will be coming back for longer next time 💖 Such great people, artist, energy was 10/10. I’m from NY so it was refreshing to experience art in a new way. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Also the food at 12 Bones Smokehouse was very flavorful!

I don't know what to say, Helene has hurt the Arts badly. But what is still there is definitely worth seeing. Oh hey there is this new art that you look at, then hold your camera up and it comes alive! It's wicked!

Very nice park to play and or relax. Lots of places to sit by the river. The have picnic tables and benches up and down the sidewalk and plenty of trees in the park or by the river bank to hang a hammock. It's a cool place to go to enjoy hanging out at a park that has all kinds of things to do or not doing anything at the same time. Tubbing the river, fishing, swimming, walking, running, reading, sunbathing, napping, having a picnic, or like I did showing off my artwork. Not only there are all kinds of people visiting from outta town, there are locals enjoying the same stuff to do too. Pretty cool vibes and very friendly smiles. I would definitely come back and enjoy this beautiful park again.

Loaded with shops art, music, restaurants, excellent beer garden, and a nice little cinema. Good restaurants too. Looks like they are building some nice apartments, this area will flourish even more. Right by the French broad river with a walking path along the river.

As tourists, my family and I have been excited and curious to explore many popular things to do in Ashevile and this place popped up in the search. We were really glad that we came. This place is huge and we had a chance to explore only small part of it. The local artists are so talented. The next time when we spend our vacation in this city again, we'll definitely explore the rest of this amazing place ☺️

Great place to go. Very energetic and expiring. When you walk in various studios, you will see the artist and their friends actually doing their art. You can actually see the love for their art and the love for meeting new people. Many artists studios that I went in the artist was there creating the art right there. They will stop and talk to you. Walk you around the studio. Show you the prices of the art. Let you know what went into it and everything. It is a great experience just seeing people doing what they love to do. Moreover, just take a stroll and take your time. It's also calming for your soul. You will find very various food places in adult beverage spots to go to as well. You even find a record store which is also fun. You can park and you can walk. You'll probably have to do both, but one thing you will do is enjoy.

Beautiful church! The woman inside was very informative and told us some information about the Church

Remember to check the visitor schedule. Since it is open, just for someday if the week and in a specific time. But I truly recommend visiting the Basílica, the place brings calm and gives you peace. It's full of history and art wherever you look. Love my time at the Basílica

A small basilica worth the trip for several reasons. The priest that celebrates mass is very reverent and one can see him shortly before mass, praying on the side altar. Always a sign of devotion, at least I like to see priests praying. Check the schedule directly with the church as the times do not coincide with the ones posted online.

You can definitely feel God y la Virjencita when you walk in. Love it. Priest was great, and the lady's up front made me feel welcomed. Thank you

Beautiful church and the guy at the door was very welcoming. You do need to pay attention to the visiting hours. Self guided tour and the informational sheet was full of helpful history and pointed out awesome details.

Beautiful building, closed on the day we went to visit. Perhaps another time.

Beautiful. Undergoing renovations so check their website for changes to Mass times and tours. Great Jubilee 2025 stop if you are interested.

Beautiful property. Well maintained. Lovely and knowledgeable staff. Loved the audio. Listen at your own pace and the extra tidbits of information we learned on the audio before entering a new room. Very interesting.

I had my bridal luncheon here and it was amazing! Vanessa and Cole were so sweet and kind. I also really appreciated that I forgot to tell my aunt who hosted, that one of the bridesmaids was gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian. When I asked Vanessa, if it was just possible for them to make one salad without the dressing so she could eat, she took initiative and made sure to prepare a whole meal for her to be able to eat lunch with the rest of us. That meant a lot to me to know that someone I love dearly could partake in lunch with us even though it was an error on my end. Overall I absolutely had the best time, the scenery is beautiful but the staff and service is a quality like no other!

Highly recommend! Everything was perfect! Excellent service. Our room was beautiful, spotless and the bed was so comfortable. The view from our room was over the top! We loved morning breakfast. It was outstanding. Drinks and music on the main floor was a delight.

A fabulous stay! I recommend it highly! They have excellent staff, rooms and food! The Biltmore is beautiful!

Loved staying at the Biltmore Inn. We had one of the newly renovated rooms with a fantastic view. The room was very clean and comfortable. We had the package which included the buffet breakfast and private morning tour of the house before they opened. The private tour is a must. We had a group of 5 plus the guide. It was quiet and you could really ask questions and go at a pleasurably pace. We also had a pass for the length of stay and we went back to the house after lunch and it seemed like there were several thousand people in the house. It was noisy and hard to maneuver through the rooms. The grounds of the estate were the most impressive to us. I highly recommend staying at the Inn where It’s easy to experience the entire estate.

Probably the worst experience I ever had . Beth the Director of Reservations and Dina at the front desk were very difficult and condescending.

Most marvelous place to stay. Take an extra day to truly enjoy the experience.

Lovely time to come visit the Folk Art Center. We visited last winter when NC had been severely damaged from the Hurricane Helene and it is wonderful seeing all of the beautiful crafts on display in the center and seeing the artists who made them. So happy to be able to support local artists and to support the reconstruction of the Blueridge parkway. Thank you for all you do!

This might be an interesting stop at the start of Blue Ridge Parkway. The exhibits at this center change, and we found some lovely wool works. They were very cute and made us smile. There's a wonderful gift shop, which already had a lot of interesting and truly beautiful Christmas tree decorations in October. I can only imagine what luxurious Christmas tree decorations will appear here in November and early December! We didn't buy anything because the prices were too high for us. But if the prices had been a little lower, I would have left with three or four purchases for sure!

The Folk Art Center in Asheville is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you’re driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We headed north toward the top of the mountain, and the colors were absolutely beautiful. It’s a great time to visit — this weekend was amazing, and the coming weekend should be just as lovely with the fall colors. The place is clean, well-maintained, and offers plenty of free parking. There’s no entry fee, and they even have restrooms available. Inside, you’ll find beautiful handmade crafts and artwork, as well as a few art galleries where you can purchase unique pieces. The lady at the help desk was very kind and helpful — she patiently answered all our questions and explained everything clearly. Overall, it’s a lovely stop with a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of local charm. Definitely worth visiting if you’re exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I always stop here whenever I’m in the area to see what I can find. Wide variety of gifts for yourself or others with a range of prices. If you have young children, you may want to have one parent walk around with them outside since there are lots of breakable things. There is also a small gift shop for the Blue Ridge Parkway that has some cute things for kids! There are also usually crafters demonstrating their techniques. Lots of parking as well

Outstanding collects of local arts and crafts. Here you will find a bit of everything and many offerings are reasonably priced or unique in style. This place is worth a look and your time. Great for gifts or for your personal collection of goods s.

If you're in the area and you need something to do this would be a great place to stop and explore lots of different exhibits on the folk art of the Blue Ridge Parkway lots of things to look and the way it was set up was planned out well they have a visitor center gift shop and a Folk Art Center gift shop you'll definitely find something interesting here

The Folk Art Center is one of the stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A lot of the Parkway is still closed and this is the last stop at the moment as there are barriers preventing you from going north. The Folk Art Center is free to visit. Sometimes when I visit, you can see people working on their crafts. They were during my most recent visit. The building is accessible for everyone. The first floor has restrooms, the Southern Highlands Craft Guild shop and a Blue Ridge Parkway shop and an information desk. The second floor showcases the art. I love seeing all the different types of art from the quilts to woodworking to basket weaving. I enjoyed the stained glass and a canvas that was woven. It was quite unique. I enjoy the rotating exhibits as it is different each visit. Outside there are some trails if you want to explore nature.

For my husband and I it was $14 a piece on a Monday. Worth it because it was a Kool little experience. I liked the gift shop a lot 👍🏼 The guide here was awesome, she did a great job and I really enjoyed listening to the history about this place ❤️ It's nothing like the huge Luray Caverns but it was still fun, took about 30/45 minutes to walk through with the guide and a small group. It was a little sketchy though so I don't know about bringing small children. Very dark, small spaces, and some heights. Wear a rain jacket and something warm because it drips on you the whole time and I was a little cold. Other than that it was fun, and the people here are really nice and professional 👍🏼❤️

Been back a few times with different groups and it's truly a North Carolina treasure. The experience is wonderful. Brought my kids and they love the unique and intriguing portal into a world of natures wonders. If your in the area it's definitely worth stopping. Quick turn around for tours, knowledgeable staff and a great addition to our grandfather mountain hike.

A very enjoyable guided walking tour that includes interesting historical facts and stories. The path through had a few steps here and there but no climbing or crawling. Easy to navigate, just watch your head so you don't bump it. The tour takes less than an hour, appropriate for all ages but I wouldn't recommend it if you're in a wheelchair. It's a bit chilly inside so consider a light jacket - especially with a hood if it's recently rained if you don't want to get dripped on. I deducted a star for the bathroom facilities and the gift ship. The bathroom could be cleaner and the gift shop would have been nicer if they offered something local & actually having to do with the location (besides a T-shirt) instead of the same cheesy, generic junk found in in gift shops across the country. Otherwise, I highly recommend a trip here, especially if you're in the general vicinity (like Asheville).

Very informative a little cheesy but worth the visit. You have an option to not go into the dead end part of the tour. If you get claustrophobic opt out of this part. Very narrow, dead end. The babbling water over the rocks is beautiful outside of the caverns.

Beautiful and different than any other sightseeing we had in a while. Our Tour Guide young lady was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information on this approx. 40 minutes cavern visit. Definitely worth the trip!

Overall friendly staff for a short, sporadically congested cave experience. Kid friendly for our 3,6,9 Year old hoard holding their attention. Cave features were simple but enjoyable with kids. Wouldn't seek it out as adults only trip. Trout are not in stream currently, maybe next year due to Hurricane Helene. That is a core unique to this cave and it's founding feature. Bat visibility isn't in summer time. Bathrooms are on-site. Small gift shop. Tours left in ~ 10 minute intervals. Tipping was greeted with "you didn't need to" as a culture. No advanced ticket options observed. There was a choose your time option. Worth checking out in area, good compliment to hiking Linville Falls. Combine with Linville Winery for a complete day outing.

Awesome experience with the kids! They loved it and so did the adults. Educational and just natural beauty!

The first 2 look outside are temporary closed but the other 3 look outs offer the highest views. Still worth walking to. The Erwin look out has roughly 67 steps but very nice place.

Great place to visit if you like hiking through the mountains and waterfalls. There are 3 major trails with 2 being at the Welcome Center. There are Park rangers to answer questions if needed. The trail to the right takes you across a bridge over the Linville River and is around 2.4 miles round trip and 4 different views of Linville Falls, which was flowing well because of recent rain. The trail to the left of the Welcome Center takes you to the right of Linville Falls and a great view right across from the fall. It's the plunge basin where the waterfall pours over the cliff into a large pond. This trail is 1 mile in and out. There also is a small 10' waterfall, Duggers Creek Falls, on a trail that is only .2 of a mile in and out at the end of the parking lot, which is where you enter the parking lot. The trail takes you to a bridge and gives you a good view.

Great area for some gorgeous hiking and dog friendly trails. Decent fishing upstream from the visitor center also. Green trail is easy and well maintained. The red trail is wilderness and not recommended unless you're looking for a challenge. Parking area starts to fill up around 10am.

The view of the falls from three different angles were beautiful though we could not access to the waterfall from the bottom. We hiked from Visitor Center, there are 3 hikes easy, moderate and difficult, map has been displayed at the entrance. We saw chimney view, Erwin view etc from the overlooks. There are stairs and unpaved trails. Restroom and gift shop are at the entrance. Plenty of parking were available at the weekend.

This was a great hike! We had beginners with us and they were able to complete the hike without a problem. The views were amazing, especially with the leaves changing for fall, and there was enough space to walk, even with it being pretty busy. There was not a lot of phone service once you get close to the mountain, so make sure you pay attention to directions for when you are leaving!

What a great hike! If you just hit the trail right out of the visitors center (which happens to have a wonderful gift shop), a well maintained trail leads you to the top of the waterfalls. There is a gorgeous view of two small twin falls that flows down to a twisty whitewater larger drop. There is large area for getting pictures and enjoying the view without being crowded. Keep following the trail to two more views of the other side of the falls. Both are really stunning. They'd be beautiful even without the waterfall. At the last view, the blue hiking trails is to the side and is easy to miss. It is rated as difficult and that is correct. Don't go unless you are up for some serious climbing on very steep rugged terrain. If you do go, you'll be rewarded with a deserted trail and a beautiful view of the waterfall at the bottom. I only suggest the blue trail of you are wearing the right shoes, are ready to get dirty, and are physically fit. GORGEOUS!

heading down Linville falls, The trail is a little tough heading down but it might be even harder on the way up, made it to the bottom base and it's amazing such an incredible waterfall and the gorge is just splendid, really a truly gem. The parking is big and there are restrooms at the park, There are several trails that will give you a nice view of the waterfall but we decided to do the trail that leads to the bottom of the falls for a close encounter, have a wonderful day and stay safe.

Love love love this place we had the best time tubing and not enough time to enjoy the other adventures this beautiful place had to offer. Every one was so nice and polite we arrived at 7 for our reservation and everything was explained by the employees and were very helpful. My 4 year old and I were tubing non stop together along with my 11 year old she was just having the time of her life tubing. This place was close to many other beautiful attractions near by there just wasn’t enough time we will definitely be taking a long vacation there again and my daughter will be 5 old enough to ski with the rest of us next time. Very underrated mountain I definitely recommend.

Awesome. Ride to 5000 ft above sea level. This day Oktoberfest. Music food arts crafts. Cost $22 to get chair lift. Besure to wear a light jacket in fall #snow #fun # goodtime

We went 2/8 - 2/9. I will say that the negative reviews here seem quite embellished and/or come from folks that are not very experienced in this space (which is ok). There are pros and cons to every destination, I'll offer ours below. Overall - This is a smallish resort that is well run, but can feel the stresses of overcrowding quite easily. We went on a normal weekend with snow melting (temps in 50s) and on a Saturday it was packed and a bit uncomfortable. Staff were excellent, from attendants at rental areas all the way to lift operators and teachers. Pricing - Lift tickets are about normal, a little high for what you get. Ice skating and tubing costs are absurd for what you get. A family of three paying $150 total to scoot down a hill for 90 minutes is nuts. Ice skating for 3 is +$100 total too, for ice that is not well maintained. Our only staff issue of our trip was here, as the ice rink folks started packing up and leaving about 20 minutes before our time was up (you pay $35 for a 90-minute session, then done). Hard to understand why those prices are where they are. Conditions - Our little one needed to learn, so we hit the little bunny slope after missing out on lessons (they apparently fill up right at 8am for the day). It was warm out but the snow was in good shape, the magic carpet and lifts were very well maintained.

I recently visited Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and had a mixed experience. Getting equipment and onto the slopes felt extremely unorganized. Most of the staff who spoke English were quite rude, except for those in the gift shop who were friendly and helpful. Service in the food and bar areas was notably slow. On a positive note, the slopes were actually quite good, although the snow machines blasting directly on the lifts were a bit of a nuisance. Overall, while the skiing itself was enjoyable, the service and organization left much to be desired.

Read This Before Buying a Tubing Ticket (If You Weigh Over 185 lbs) Visiting the tubing area at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort was a highly disappointing experience. I must say, this is one of the most poorly designed tubing setups I’ve ever encountered. The main issue is safety. On the slope, you quickly gain speed, and even if you start braking with your feet from the very top, as instructed, it is almost impossible to stop at the designated stop line. The stop line consists of only two rows of short rubber mats, totaling less than 8 feet in length, which is completely inadequate to stop a speeding tube. If you fail to stop in time, you face large trees and other children playing nearby, creating a high risk of collisions and injuries. Moreover, the idea of sliding down the hill while constantly trying to brake the entire way down takes all the fun out of the experience. The slope should have been equipped with a proper safety stop. Instead, there is a “slow down” sign at the very top of the hill, but at the bottom, you are greeted with dangerous obstacles. Realizing how hazardous the setup was, I decided to stop tubing to avoid hurting anyone else. Unfortunately, this meant the money I paid for the activity was wasted, as no refunds are offered. It seems that refunds are only considered in court cases for injured visitors, which highlights the lack of responsibility in the organization. I strongly advise the organizers to prioritize safety improvements. At a minimum, they should install more rubber mats at the bottom and regularly clean and maintain them. Additionally, adding more snow to the hill to reduce the icy surface would help, as an icy slope combined with trees at the bottom is a recipe for disaster. In its current state, this tubing experience feels more like a dangerous challenge than a fun activity. Visitors deserve a safe and enjoyable environment, not unnecessary stress and risks. Be careful if you decide to go!

My girlfriend and I had an awesome time on the slopes over the weekend. We were blessed with a great day full of fresh powdery snow. We enjoyed tubing as well as skiing. The only problem was that so many people came to the resort for the great snow causing overwhelming crowds and lines that had us standing for 3 hours. A common conversation was how it compared to Disney land lines. The longest line was for the rentals. Once we got everything we needed to hit the slopes we only had 1 hour to ski until they closed the slopes down for maintenance. This was a bit of a bummer. The staff moved at a snails pace, but once we got outside it was great. All the staff working the lifts and the outdoor areas were great. We went upstairs to the bar to try and get a drink after we came back in, it was just too crowded. We had one drink and left.

Sugar can easily be made better than Beech. 1) Security cameras on the boards and skis outside to deter theft. 2) Add option to get lift ticket online and use your phone like a plane boarding pass. Or pick up lift ticket cards at kiosks after purchasing online. Reduce the lines that make people grumpy. 3) sign up and do all paperwork for ski school online which would prevent parents holding the spot in a 3 hour line for other parents. Then get the kids fitted in person the morning of ski school. Parents could be doing other things like spending money in the lodge for 3 hours on these busy weekends, again making them less grumpy. Print out instructions for parents for drop off day (verbal instructions is too much while filling out 3 forms). These 3 things will increase the vibe of Sugar and make it better than Beech, by far. Tubing: Put a couple small heater for kids at the tubing area, and make less dangerous berms between the lanes so legs or knees aren’t twisted. Get your ticket online the day before on busy weekends. We really enjoy cash not being needed, Apple Pay can be used for everything (lockers, equipment rentals, lift tickets, food, etc. Venmo tips for ski instructors and shuttle tips). We appreciate the drop off area, the shuttle busses for parking lots, the amazing kid instructors, reloading lift tickets online, the super long ski runs, covered lift carpet on the bunny slope, consistent grooming, the bakery and coffee are legit! Great beer selection.

If you're a nature lover, I recommend visiting this place. It's a magical place, full of stunning views. If you're a fan of hiking and climbing, choose shoes suitable for rough terrain. Bring food with you if you plan to spend a long time there, as food prices are a bit high. You'll have to pay $30 per adult to enter. The place is very organized and clean, and the security staff is everywhere. The service is absolutely amazing. The place is magical, you have to try it.

First off, we booked our tickets online and this made it entrance super easy and quick. The tickets are $28 per person, and you pick a time to enter, but you can stay all day . Judging by the signs you have to be off the trails by 5pm. The park is beautiful, so many spots to pull over and see the views . We stopped first at Spinx rock and split rock then about half way up at main visitor center , with so much to see and a small zoo with bears, elk, eagles, otters, mountain lions and a hellbender enclosure coming soon. There is a souvenir shop and a little cafe . We drove up some more after hanging out there for a while and parked at the Black Rock parking area and trail head. We did the short .44 mile hike to the swinging bridge. The trail has lots of roots and some rocks but very doable for all ages and we saw all ages on that trail . One note is that you do not have to do the trail, you can drive up the road to the swinging bridge if you aren’t a trail person The area at the swinging bridge is a large area with another souvenir shop , another trailhead for the grandfather trail and of course the swinging bridge . The bridge doesn’t sway a lot , the views are wonderful and well worth it. The rock on the other side is large and there were lots of people, some sitting and relaxing and others taking photos . There were lots of bird watchers up there as well and two park rangers to discuss whatever you like about the mountains , one was bilingual too by the way. There are no ropes or guidelines so there are signs to warn you to keep away from the sides or to be very careful. We then walked back down the trail to Black Rock trailhead and our car and did that trail. This trail is rocky and even more roots but a great little hike not steep at all. There are some great view points at the end (1 mile in and 1mile out for the trail) the large rocks at the end have a ladder and a steel cable to climb up on the rock for incredible 360 views . Be careful and respect where you are but I never once worried about slipping . Wear good grippy shoes . To finish up I’d say this was definitely worth the money and next time I’d want to get there right at opening so I could do more trails .

We loved the trip from beginning to end; Forrest Gump corner right up to the top. There are picnic areas to stop and eat while enjoying the scenery, which is breathtaking! Going over the bridge was absolutely amazing! Stopping at the Wilson Center is beneficial with tons of information.

Visiting Grandfather Mountain was an unforgettable experience! The forest trails are absolutely beautiful — filled with tall trees, fresh mountain air, and breathtaking views at every turn. The mix of rugged cliffs, hanging bridge, and peaceful walking paths makes it perfect for both adventure and relaxation. I loved how well-maintained the park is, with clear signs and friendly staff who truly care about the place. The wildlife habitats and nature museum were an added bonus, offering a deeper connection to the mountain’s rich ecosystem. Whether you love hiking, photography, or simply being in nature, Grandfather Mountain is a must-visit destination that leaves you feeling refreshed and inspired. 🌲⛰️💚

Just get in the car and go! My husband and I had been wanting to take our Sons for years. Finally decided on Thursday night to buy tickets and go Friday. The weather was about 57 degrees so it was perfect and not super windy. Went to do alpine coasters first in Banner Elk about twenty mins away then grabbed Subway to go into Grandfather mountain and picnic. The road up once in is winding and up up up lol! So worth it. Stopped at the little animal sanctuary was so cool to see Eagles, Bears, Elk, Cougar, Otter. There’s a gift shop there too and bathrooms. Then Forrest Gumps curve haha. The views at the top were breathtaking. There’s a gift shop & bathrooms there too. An elevator(out of commission right now) but it’s cool because I told my sister who’s paraplegic she could even gain access! Once at the Mile high bridge you cross and can go alittle further with some small climbing for even higher views! We got into the park around 1pm and left about 3:30. Wish we’d stayed for sunset or at least closing but the teens were ready to go lol. Military discounts on tickets and at the gift stores were nice! We will be back!

Absolutely beautiful. FYI if you are coming on a weekend or peek times please go online and purchase your tickets. We get all the way up there in very slow traffic to be told they are sold out.

Extremely beautiful site but a bit overpriced in my opinion. We went up with a family of 5 and it cost $91 in total for 2 adults and 3 kids. The sites were wonderful, the staff was friendly.

My son loved the train ride. They only take coins and cash so be prepared. He also mentioned that it seems like a long ride, which was 3 laps so he was very satisfied with the length. There is a nice playground and other attractions as well including an outdoor swimming pool.

We rented the gym for several hours and we had the best time. These Park employees go above and beyond. They treat you with the upmost respect and kindness. I couldn't have hand picked a better group of people. This is where you'll feel right at home. The grounds are so clean,the bathrooms are second to none. Just can't say enough about how wonderful this park is.

Love the train and carousel and the park itself is great. They host a lot of neat events throughout the year!

Always have such a Great time at the Shelby Merry-Go-Round Festival they have here each year! You can't beat 1 price for unlimited rides and free entertainment! LOVE IT!!! 💖

Was playing tennis at the court at 6pm and this guy comes up and kicks us out because he's a "teacher" who teaches rich kids. He said that court is for teaching only. However there is no sign and no lock. Online it says his lessons end at noon. And it also says he offers teaching at the Shelby City Park tennis court(S) so I don't know what makes him so privileged to get that specific tennis court when we were there first and there are 2 other perfectly good tennis courts he could use. And it also says online that there are 3 courts available for play daily, so if that court really was just for him why would they advertise online that 3 courts are open the the public not 2.

I go there for safe walking, with paved roads and sidewalks. Nice tree lined walk ways bring joy from pleasant strolls to hard serious strides.

Love the Carousel. Easy parking, may have to walk lil ways on certain events like big travel softball tournaments. Clean upkeep.

This is the 2nd time we we’ve visited Tweetsie the first time was during Christmas and it was so much fun! However, I think I prefer coming on a non-holiday. The experience was great but half of the park/ rides weren’t open during the off-season since it was cold / snowy. My 3.5 year old daughter is about 34 inches tall and was able to ride every ride except for the three big ones! 10/10 recommend, we had so much fun!!

Our 4 year old son is, as most little boys, very interested in trains right now. So, when we decided to have a nice autumn weekend trip in the Blue Ridge mountains, we obviously had to come visit. Tweetsie Railroad is a great, smaller-time amusement park with your typical locomotive and wild west themes. We definitely enjoyed all the rides, exploring the shop, seeing the shows, and of course, riding the train. Highly recommend for anyone with steam locomotive loving children (and adults!)

It was absolutely fantastic! I had a great time here, the rides are amazing, the food is great, the historical ET&WNC 12 and Yukon Queen 190 are 2 fantastic locomotives, the ride around the mountains has great scenery, the cowboy show is also great and well scripted, the gift shop has a lot of nice items, feeding the animals is fun, you can also pan for gold. I would definitely recommend this place if you like steam locomotives or if you just like amusement parks.

So much fun for all ages! The Gohst Train was great, the rides fun, and the haunted house! Our group had ages from 5 to 45. We all had a blast. Loved the shopes and the food was good too!

I been coming to Tweetsie since I was a child. My family loves the mountains and Tweetsie. Now my children and grand babies are getting the experience I had as a child. We love it here! ❤️ Great place to take your family and make lots of memories. This was our first time riding the ghost train and we LOVE it! The park was decorated along with the train. The train was our favorite. They had trick-or-treat for the kids different types of shoes throughout the park. We rode the rides in the dark. It was so much fun. Our next adventure will be Christmas at Tweetsie. We can’t wait.

Fantastic experience! We enjoyed the Ghost Train and did the Halloween experience. So much fun. We definitely will be back. The haunted house and freaky forest were the right amount of scare for our 9&11 year olds and so fun. Plenty of parking, organized so well, lots to see and do, minimal wait times for rides, so fun. The staff was 10/10 and so friendly and seemed to enjoy their jobs having fun with everyone!

Tweetsie doesn’t disappoint. If you have kids from the ages of 4-10 it’s a great family experience. I prefer the way it was in the 1980s and 1990s with gunfire (blanks) and cowboy and Indian (Native Americans), but it is still a great family fun destination.

We stopped on our way down the mtn for a photo opp. The store was nice but very packed with people waiting for some type of show or tour. There wasn't much shoulder room I was terrified my purse would accidently damage some merchandise while navigating the store. The bathroom was pretty cramped and was in dire need of a thorough cleaning.

Mystery Hill is a great place for all ages. My husband and I went and had a great time. Make sure to check out the Museums as well!!

My family and I go to the mountains every year and to Mystery Hill every other year. I personally have been going for 35 years and I never get bored with going. Go, it’s fun for the entire family. You will not be disappointed and it is so reasonably priced.

Well, I must say this was very different then any other place i have visited. It was easy to find and parking is plentiful. It is in the mountains, so that is another extra too. There are plenty to do to keep you entertained. Now, the room! As you get closer to the room, that can't be explain, you feel the pulling of the gravity. It is so amazing about this room and my mind was baffled at the oddity of this room. The experience was amazing and strange.

My previous visit was a little over 30 years ago, I was just a kid at the time. I recently got the chance to take my daughter there for the experience. We had so much fun. It wasn't crowded or overstimulating for her. The people there were super nice. Mystery Hill holds a lot of nostalgia and happiness for me. I'm glad I was able to pass that experience on to my daughter and hopefully Mystery Hill will be around for her children to visit one day too.

Was a truly unique experience. The guide James was funny, engaging and professional. The facilities were definitely worth the money!!

This place was so fun to visit! Loved the gravity exhibit and mystery room! We also met some regulars who come often and had such good things to say about the owner! The museums were awesome too! So glad we made the detour to see this place! My 5 year old also had a blast. AND shout out to the tour guide, his sense of humor is great!

You won't regret visiting this park. They also have picnic areas. You can fish 🎣 You can run You can organize parties 🥳

Thanks! Based on what you shared, here's a polished review you can use or tweak as needed: 🌳 Fantastic Family-Friendly Park with Something for Everyone! This park is a hidden gem for families, fitness lovers, and pet owners alike. It has everything you could want—a well-maintained kids' playground, spacious baseball and soccer fields, walking tracks, and a lovely picnic area perfect for weekend outings. It’s also dog-friendly, which is a huge plus for pet owners looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors with their furry friends. Whether you're looking to work out, take a peaceful walk, or just relax with the family, this park has you covered. The bathrooms are always clean, and the overall park is very well-kept, which makes each visit pleasant. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a safe, fun, and versatile outdoor space!

Easy to reserve a picnic section for your out door functions 3 minutes to QT service station for store runs Book after this post and get you a sunny day

It's a nice place to have a picnic let the kids play on the playground walk around the lake fish rent a paddle boat .

We had a great romantic walk with beautiful scenery!

Brilliant, wide open park with a giant lake surrounded completely by a paved shoreline walkway. Numerous benches, a long bridge and several nice fishing piers are featured. Great place to walk your dog and picnicking spots abound. One whole side of the park is flanked by a sprawling swamp where access is wisely forbidden and well posted. Would be extremely peaceful were it not for the loud gunfire emanating from the firing range across the swamp.

This is a very nice park with a very nice walking path. I took my dog over there and it was a good walk for the afternoon. However, the nearby gun range noise was very disruptive and off putting. I don't want to hear artillery while I'm trying to enjoy nature. It's ashamed bc it will keep me from returning to the park, unless there's a day the gun range is closed. Poor planning on the city's part.

Loved this ! Amazing folks who know their birds and will walk the extra mile to make sure every visitor is happy. The whole area is small but has whatever it takes to attract families.

Great learning experience for the kids. It's about $45 for 2 kids and an adult. Also 100% outdoors and shaded so bring your off or prepare for mosquitos. My kids spent about an hour and a half but slowing them down to read all the info didn't happen the whole time. I'd say you could make an easy 2 hours if you walked through and read everything. When the kids are a little older I think it'll be better bang for the buck with their attention spans being what they are.

The walking path is nice & shady and the birds are wonderful. The cages do seem small for the individual birds. Also, I do agree that the gift shop people were less than helpful. If I can visit again, I’ll try to come when I can go to their hospital, as I am more familiar with that end of raptor and bird rehab.

Well worth the price as the birds are awesome. Really beautiful habitats and love how its built into the forest. Felt like you were hiking a trail and had a wide range of different raptors. If you love seeing birds of prey, this is the place to go.

Best raptor center this year by far. So close to the birds. Cages are not long and narrow. They are big but set up so bird is close to viewer. The birds were so active and wasn't to busy. Cool trails through the woods also

I attended with my child's school. The presentation was fun and very informative, the birds of prey were amazing to see up close. All of the facilities for both humans and the birds were top-notch!

The Carolina Raptor Center helps treat over 800 sick and injured birds per year. The facility is small, with a walking trail and enclosures that can be completed in less than an hour. Your visit supports wildlife, the price is reasonable, and it is worth stopping by if you are in the Charlotte area.

Great tour and very friendly atmosphere. The tour is just long enough to keep you interested and engaged. Tasting is a lot of fun as well. Best coffee flavored moonshine I have ever tasted!

Great visit and tour at Copper Barrel yesterday. Amazing building with lots of great history and very informative tour. Gift shop has tons to offer and George and his staff are amazing. Honestly, the best Moonshine anywhere! #shinetogether

This was an unexpected stop, that turned out to be a memorable time! From the moment we stepped inside Copper Barrel Distillery our senses were lit with the atmosphere that our host Victoria so graciously shared with us. From the history of Moonshine via “Uncle Buck” and George, the owners, to the tour of the distillery; the head, tail and heart. No beat was skipped here! The moonshine taste samples were amazing and smooth, all natural with sustainability in mind. You must try their adult slushies, very unique! We left with several bottles of Moonshine and cannot wait to return! You must go here!

Amazing place to go and learn local history. Anna was very informative and a wonderful tour guide. The samples at the end of the tour tasted great. My favorite was the mud slide.

Great staff, good drinks and delicious food. If you are in Wilkesboro N.C make sure you stop by for a meal and cocktail.

Very cool family run business. Authentic moonshine recipe passed down through generations and still operating by "Uncle" Buck and his neice. We were greeted by their 4 legged mascot and enjoyed tasting the cherry moonshine mixed with cheerwine next door at their restaurant.

This was unexpected stop, but well worth it. The owners were very nice and personable. The Moonshine was some of the best and realist I've ever had. This will be a Definite stop, every chance I get.

Best Lake in America! Love this place. Ramsey Creek and Jetton Park are flat out gorgeous sights and beautiful walks. Many easy access food spots on or just off the lake. The vibe is wonderful always

The Lake is absolutely beautiful with crystal clear water, but, the lake has a problem with blue algae blooms. There is currently a no contract order for affected areas. It is not recommended to fish or boat at this time.

Beautiful lake .. water sports .. fun overall

Awesome lake over 52 mi.² and 515 linear miles of shoreline. Clear water, sandy beach, islands, lovely scenery and beautiful houses.

It truly is our own Inland Sea. Grew up on the shores of LKN and now spend just about every weekend March through September on the lake. Absolutely the best sunsets around.

Place is absolutely beautiful. Great place to hang out. Been here a lot, so it’s definitely worth it. Other than the water getting dirty at times, it’s a great destination to hang out. Weather sometimes gets on your nerves, but that with everything that goes on. Definitely coming back here for my next visit.

Great family place. Kayaking, biking, hiking, or swimming, or camping you name it. You can do it all at Lake Norman. You can visit the educational center to learn all about the Lake and how far it extends throughout the state. Walk through the trails, and dip your feet in the water.

This park has a nice beach by the lake. Unfortunately you can’t swim from the beach. You can’t even go to the water for some reason. The signs are everywhere. But if you have a boat you can swim from your boat. I’m sure it’s safety reasons but so weird to be at the beach and not able to get to the water.

​The Jetton Park Loop is a 1.5-mile paved trail that's perfect for walking, running, or biking. Shaded by trees, it's a great spot for beginners. You'll find parking lots located along the loop, and restrooms are available near the Jetton Waterfront Hall and the playground. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Norman, and take advantage of the many picnic decks and fishing spots located along the trail. Its simple amazing places to spend time with family and friends.

Amazing park. It has it all - paved walking path in a beautiful Pine forest by the lake, playground, pet friendly, swing benches, BBQ grills and tables, event venue, clean restrooms. I love bringing my guests for a morning or sunset walk. Peaceful and serene area with a view of beautiful homes and the lake. That's a definitely winner for me!

An amazing paved trail to walk with your dogs. I think there are two trails, both over a mile, but I swear it seems to go on further. I will be definitely coming back! Fantastic views, too.

Jetton Park is nestled along the shores of Lake Norman, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park features well-maintained walking trails that wind through lush greenery and alongside the tranquil lake waters, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing jog. The scenic views are breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset, casting a golden hue over the water and surrounding landscape. Families can be seen picnicking under the shade of towering trees, while others take advantage of the ample space for recreational activities. Definitely recommended!!!

Love Jetton Park! So Beautiful! It's a MUST DO for a walk around the Park. Nature at its finest!

Beautiful park with lots of paved trails and a small beach.

We took our kids to the Great Wolf Lodge for a weekend getaway. To start with the positives - my kids absolutely loved it. The location was great, close to the highway as well as a lot of restaurants. The activities were also great for the kids - they had Halloween themed activities, a quest activity for kids to run around the hotel and play, and the water park was large with a ton for kids to do. The service was also decent and check-in/check-out was super easy. The negatives - the rooms were very basic, not super clean, and some part of it in need of renovation. I would say that was the overall theme of the hotel - very basic with lots of opportunity for improved cleanliness. Also, while expected, the food was very expensive for mediocre quality. Overall, my kids loved the experience and thought it was great but from an adult perspective I’m not sure the experience is worth the cost when compared to Disney, a water park day pass, etc.

Let’s start with the pros! The staff was awesome — everyone we met was super nice, helpful, and all smiles. That alone goes a long way! I also loved the free wolf ears; small touch, but it adds to the magic. The water park was a blast, and my kid had the timeeee of his life for his birthday. Big plus that you can enjoy the park before and after checkout too. Now for the cons. First off, $19 a day for parking? Wild. For what you already pay to stay there, that should really be included. We booked a themed kids’ room to make things extra special. My son loved it — but the cleanliness? Not it. Looked like housekeeping popped in, made the bed, and said, “Yep, good enough!” Dusty phone, dusty TV, hair in the tub, and little handprints all over the mirror. It’s giving “quick tidy,” not “deep clean.” And those beds… if the theme was “Fred Flintstone’s rock collection,” then 10/10 nailed it. I woke up feeling like I’d wrestled a dinosaur in my sleep. My ribs hurt so bad I had to move to the couch. Even my 7-year-old said it was uncomfortable — and he can nap anywhere! The restaurant experience wasn’t great either — waited an hour and a half for a table and another 45 minutes for food. The tenders and burgers were decent, but my chicken Alfredo? Tasted like swamp water with a side of sadness. The chicken was so dry I think it crumbled out of protest. Chef Ramsay would’ve shut it down immediately. Overall: Huge shoutout to the kind and upbeat staff — they truly made it magical for the kids. But please, Great Wolf Lodge… for the love of comfort, upgrade those beds! Cuuuuuzzzz maaaaaaaannn!!! My ribs are still filing a complaint!

My family loves to come to GWL, this is probably our 3rd time coming to this location, its been the best one. The customer service is exceptional, every one is always smiling and greeting you when they walk by. Even the lifeguards are always making sure you’re ok. My kids never want to leave, they enjoy all the activities. Only issue is and I’m sure is everyone else’s , is the parking, pretty expensive to be charged that every night instead of a one time fee. Also, food is decent. We don’t eat everyday here because it can get pricey. Other than that, we will continue coming to the great wolf lodge.

While this was an adventurous trip to say the least, it would have received 5 stars had my 2 girls, ages 6 & 7yrs not gotten 'stuck' in the water slide. This is a raft slide that in my opinion should have a minimum weight requirement to ride. My girls had no phobia of heights nor rides but this was the first slide/ride that they went on at this establishment and was unaccompanied not just without myself but without any other riders. Their total weight wasn't even 100 lbs and the raft held 4 to 5 riders max. The staff were not educated enough to NOT allow two little girls under 100 lbs to ride this alone.. so my girls 'got stuck' spinning in the middle of the enclosed water ride hanging onto the raft not to drown for 20minutes( I was told this by a supervisor of the water park who accompanied them back to me). Not sure how the ride staff couldn't realize this was happening when the bottom of the slide staff wasnt given the 'clear' thumbs up for the next raft, nor the top of the slide staff was permitting the next raft down. I was looking for my girls for almost a half hour after they told me that they were going on the slides(had no idea that this slide had a raft nor other requirements not permitting them from the ride). It was nice that the supervisor treated my girls to a dip n dots ice cream and apologized but this has created now a phobia of water slides. I do hope that the staff have been educated beyond apologizes after the fact. Tip for guests: do your research on the water slides, save money and purchase souvenir bottles for unlimited soda refills for the stay, and be safe & ENJOY!

Lots of things can be improved: bowling area the couch is ripped open; bowling lane sometimes not working; ice cream place the actual price is $2 higher than the price shown on the sticker, which is annoying since isn’t it state law that you have to sell thing as what your price is shown? I dunno, I’m not the expert of the law, but I am not used to have the employee tell me the actually price while I am seeing the sticker price right in front of my eye. How hard to replace the price tag? They still have movie theater sign showing on the wall but the employees said it is not operating - so at least remove the sign? On the other side, Room is okay. There is no routine room service but they can come upon request, which I don’t find too bad. We liked the cabin set up. Kids had a great time enjoying the cabin. Waterpark is good. But we actually enjoyed things other than waterpark like mini golf, rope course, bowling was a big hit (that’s why I’m very disappointed on the condition of the ally). Overall, a good place for staycation, considering about the price and the distance of traveling.

Came recently for my son's birthday. Customer Service was phenomenal with my guy from Jamaica and the team meeting me know they found my phone. The kids loved the water slides and the wave pool most. I think I climbed 78 stairs about 20 times. The beds could be larger and the rooms cleaned better for next guest. A young gentleman who was in the room prior was able to come in our room shortly after we checked in. I was deeply disappointed the ice cream machine was done and been down for months. I know Great Wolf can afford a new machine in one night. I think a meal (breakfast) and arcade tokens need to be included as well.

We enjoy the GWL, couple of things to note below - Highly disappointed that parking is $19 a day, $19? Seriously? You don't get anything for that fee, same parking lot they have always had, no security in parking lot, you have to search for a parking spot, etc. I pay less for parking when I stay in the city at a Marriott or Hilton. Second disappointment recently was an issue with the room that I requested maintenance to fix, and they didn't. The bed frame is in dire need of repairs or replacement, and I wasn't asking for replacement, but when I arrived in the room, the box spring in bed had slid far enough over that three metal rails were sticking at least 4 in out of the side of the bed. All maintenance did was slide the bed back over, keep in mind that the bed slides all over the place. So all you have to do is bump into the corner of the bed, while you're walking, and now the metal rails are sticking back out. With small kids, this is dangerous, it's unfortunate that the maintenance team didn't understand or comprehend the dangers involved in this. I had to move the bed back in place multiple times during our stay. After two successful days at the water park, we were told we could no longer bring our small hard cooler into the park, it's a small Milwaukee pack out cooler, it had water and milk in it for the baby. I was told by the water park supervisor that despite it previous two days of being allowed to bring it in that it is not allowed, I did have the option to leave it in the vestibule rather than taking it to my vehicle which is what I did. And then I made trips back and forth from our table to the vestibule to get Waters and snacks. I understand the hard cooler requirement, but a size requirement makes more sense than no hard coolers. A small hard cooler that fits under a chair serves no danger, a large 30qt yeti is a different story. No reason for it to be allowed the first two days of its policy, and it was searched both days for glass - it was seen. This is a ridiculous policy, if it's corporate, it's still ridiculous. Overall we spent around $1500 for a two night visit between room, food, gift shops, and parking. Also worth mentioning that the story time needs to be looked at, it was chaotic with the story teller, the audio and all the background noise. The kids had no idea what was going on, our kids had no desire to do it again. A classic book and story would have been awesome in front of the fireplace - that's a memory worth making. Other than issues listed above our stay was pleasant, kids loved the bingo break half way through the day, the pizza was good, some would say it's costly but there is convenience of having it on site, the snack bar at the pool is overpriced, even with convenience in mind, the room was clean when we arrive and housekeeping checked the trash daily. Front desk staff and pool staff were friendly and attentive. We're on the fence if we will go back anytime soon.

The museum and gift shop was closed but the teams race shop was open. Really nice people.

A must see when here in Charlotte .. Should you hear the cars roaring .a must see pit crew practicing in the rear of the museum.

My favorite race museum cause Hendricks has a great race team. Museum is free. And you can visit 24 and 5 race building for free. Saw pit road practice the guys were really nice. Nice large museum and gift shop. Was very excited to see them back open after covid19. Employees were nice and helpful at the gift shop. Explained area you can see and what area you can't.

Wow. This area with all the different buildings is amazing. The museum is so cool. Lots of cars on display. Trophies and uniforms. They have Jeff Gordon cars and things in display but nothing for sale..no shirts, hats, anything. That was a huge disappointment for me. Overall an amazing experience I am so lucky to have.

Our first visit was amazing while in town for the weekend. The woman working at the front desk of the 5 and 9 shop on 7/11 was extremely friendly and welcoming!

Ample parking, clean restrooms. Museum and gift shop is well stocked and informative. Large campus with plenty of activities.

If you’re making the trip to Darlington or Charlotte this shop is one of the best .. massive facilities , they also let you watch pit stop practices depending on when you go.

What an incredibly clean track, easy to get in and out. I'm not a big NASCAR fan but went with some friends and had a phenomenal time. Also loved the aluminum table available to every seat in the stands! We paid for premium parking and it was worth it, but also don't think any parking was particularly bad.

Saw the Roval 400 from the club level. Also had an infield pass. It was a great time and built some core memories. Even signed the start finish line before the race. A great venue and a wholesome family atmosphere.

I took my son and grandson here for our first racing experience. It was fantastic. Easy parking and entry, staff was helpful. We were able to bring a small cooler with drinks and food. Facilities inside were also very convenient.

Class A facility. We came for the Roval and this is a fun layout of a track. We camped in the turn 1 camping. Definitely not as rowdy of a crowd for this race than others we have been too.

Actually it was the Ford Performance Racing School Mustang Unleashed Experience. That's a mouthful! It was AWESOME! Drive a Mustang in ways that aren't legal or safe on public roads safely! I learned a lot.

5/5 - Thrilling experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway's Roval! The unique road-oval hybrid layout delivers heart-pounding action, with tight turns and high-speed straights that keep you on the edge of your seat. Electric atmosphere during races, top-notch facilities, and perfect for NASCAR fans—highly recommend catching an event here!

Saw the rovel today. Really nice race venue. I'm from Iowa, so I have been to the Newton track several times, this one is great.

The restaurant boasts gorgeous views and the staff is super friendly. We ordered two different sets of flights. The waitress was great explaining the difference in flavors. My favorite wine was the basil strawberry! They also had vendors on hand and a food truck. We walked through the vineyard and took beautiful photos. I highly recommend visiting!!!

A Truly Beautiful Experience at Raffaldini Vineyard & Winery Raffaldini Vineyard and Winery is an absolute gem! The surrounding scenery is breathtaking, stunning backdrop for a relaxing day. The service was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The views are truly amazing—perfect for taking in the natural beauty while enjoying some of the wines. We particularly enjoyed the wine flights and prosecco, which were surprisingly good and expertly crafted. Our day was delightful, and sharing this experience with my husband and best friends made it even more special. Happy to say Raffaldini is a beautiful place to visit, relax, and indulge in great wine and company. It’s definitely worth the trip, and we look forward to returning soon!

Worth each & every penny you spend… Wedding photographer here! I can’t rave enough about this venue. They without a doubt deserve any bit of attention they get. The grounds are well kept, every direction you look, you will have your breath taken. I was so amazed at how clean, beautiful, & detailed everything was. I honestly didn’t want to leave. Driving up felt like entering a dream! If you were looking for the extra push to check this place out, here it goes… Anddddd if you are hoping to have a photographer to take along for the ride that has super unbelievable rates, it wouldn’t hurt to contact me too 😂 - Mo’elle Photography & Video

If you like dry wine this is the place to go!!! They have a good selection of wines. The views are beautiful and let's not forget about the staff. They are so nice and explains to you through all the wines they have.

My friends and I visited the winery for the 20th annual Fiesta Italiana. The grounds are beautifully kept and the wine was wonderful. We enjoyed the event and the vendors/Food trucks and will more than likely be attending next year!

Five Stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My girlfriends and I celebrated my birthday on a glorious Saturday at the Winery. Everyone is so nice and accommodating! The wine is delish and we brought our own charcuterie board this time around. We will be back for sure!

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Yadkin Valley, Raffaldini Vineyards delivers one of the most unexpected wine experiences on the East Coast. Driving up the winding mountain road, the view shifts from Carolina pines to what feels like a slice of Tuscany transplanted into North Carolina soil. The estate, modeled after a Tuscan villa, greets visitors with terracotta tones, arched windows, and sweeping terraces that overlook the Blue Ridge Mountains. What sets Raffaldini apart, beyond its breathtaking setting, is the authenticity in the glass. The family has imported rootstock directly from Montepulciano, Italy, ensuring that the wines grown here carry not only the flavor of the land but also the DNA of the Old World. It’s a surprising twist that elevates Raffaldini from a charming Southern vineyard to a true bridge between continents. The Montepulciano-based reds are bold yet graceful, showing dark cherry, plum, and a whisper of spice—a nod to their Italian ancestry, but shaped by the cooler nights and mineral-rich soil of the Carolina mountains. White wines like Vermentino bring a crisp, Mediterranean brightness that feels almost surreal when sipped against a backdrop of Appalachian ridgelines. The tasting room staff lean into this dual identity, walking guests through flights that feel both familiar and adventurous. One moment you’re savoring the rustic earthiness of an Italian-style red, and the next you’re gazing out over the Carolina landscape, reminded that you’re very much in North Carolina. In short, Raffaldini is not just a winery—it’s an immersion. A Tuscan dream reborn in the Blue Ridge, proof that with vision, roots, and respect for tradition, the flavors of Montepulciano can thrive thousands of miles from their birthplace. For lovers of wine, travel, and surprising discoveries, Raffaldini is a must.

I can't share enough good things about our recent experience at Harvest Grill & beautiful Shelton Vineyards. Although, we have enjoyed eating there before, this time our daughter was getting engaged. Benson White & the staff all went above & beyond to make it extra special for the happy couple & our immediate family!! The table was lovely & we had the most amazing food. Everyone loved the charcuterie board!! It was beautiful & so delicious! I'm very happy we went with this location. It could not have been a more perfect evening for our family.

Shelton is gorgeous first off! We had reservations at the Harvest Grill and it was a fantastic meal! We didn’t let the drunk people beside of us ruin it - they had definitely had too much to drink when you’re stumbling through the restaurant and can’t find your friends and having to hold onto chairs- so aside from that- the ambiance of the restaurant was 10/10 and the food was delicious. My favorite wine was the dry rosé! After the meal we went over to the tasting room and enjoyed a flight of 5 wines. They had cute items for sale as well as chocolates. We really enjoyed our visit and would come back again.

Made reservations for our Anniversary. Great atmosphere, relaxed, comfortable and great service. Ashley was a great server, took great care of us and Benson the manager helped make our evening very special. Definitely would recommend as a great place to eat. We will be back.

Our server Kim was excellent. The Halibut dinner was over the top. Have dined at the Harvest Grill many times and it is always 5 star. Amanda was responsible for our fine dining experience.

Wonderful dinner at Harvest Grill . The Pork Ribeye was so tender and the special chicken parm Alfredo was amazing . Large portion. Best Alfredo sauce I have ever had . Thank you to Benson and Cortney for making our date night extra special .

We went for my birthday. The food was great as well as the service. Our server Adrianne B was wonderful. This was our 1st time, and there was a little issue with a part of our food, but it was taken care of promptly. Being a vegetarian, it was nice to have several options. We will be back in a few months for our anniversary.

We had a late lunch reservation. Our server took forever to take our orders. Then we waited an extremely long time for our food to come to the table. They were not very busy so not sure what took so long. Four orders were for hamburgers ranging from medium rare to medium for the meat. All four were well done and dry. One order was for a chicken salad and the chicken was dry and overcooked. We visit Shelton a few times a year for their wine. This is the second year in a row we ate at the restaurant and were disappointed both times. We will be eating elsewhere for now on.

Absolutely beautiful. We stopped on a Thursday afternoon and it wasn’t busy. We enjoyed a sweet white wine and a bottle of Sangria. We also had a wonderful Tuna Appetizer plate. (Can’t remember the name) and it was amazing! We sat outside and could see Pilot Mountain in the distance. I highly recommend you visit. Everyone was very friendly.

We had a great experience today checking out the winery to have lunch. The views were spectacular! Everyone was so nice and welcoming. The food was wonderful! We will definitely be returning with our friends in the future.

My husband John and I spent Valentine’s Day 2025 at JoLo Winery (wine tasting! ($35 pp)), and followed it with an incredible dinner experience at the restaurant. It was beyond De-Lish! *Nicole* was our A-MAZING Server! We’ll be sure to request her next time. We even joined the JoLo Wine Club, and benefited from the offered discounts, excitedly leaving with three bottle of scrumptious wines from our wine tasting adventure! If you can, come early! Enjoy sitting in their comfortable outdoor space, while simply gazing in wonderment at the stunning, lucious, wine-designed landscape, with a delectable glass (or 2) of fine wine! I can’t think of a better way to spend th day.

Best wine I've tasted from/in NC to date. Wonderful experience (tasting and then dinner) all around and we'll be back soon! Thank you to Levi for world class service and going the extra mile for us!!

JOLO Winery was a perfect place to have my 30th birthday dinner for myself. Every employee I spoke with was incredibly nice and made me feel at home. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable and I had such a great time. I would highly recommend everyone experience the Seasonal Wine Tasting and Dinner, I had the Chilled Goat Cheese Provincial, Amulfi Coast Pesto Haddock, and Limoncello Cake.

We adore this place! The wine is great and atmosphere is beautiful… service is always kind and helpful! We come often enough, in pilot mt there isn’t anything higher quality then this place. You can walk around the winery, eat inside or outside! There is a bar and outdoor bar too with fireplace for cool nights. That have events and tastings too! Parking is close and they have reserved as well… (This is hopefully taken as some helpful criticism) Our complaint is that… this time I was here again for my birthday, and they were out of my go to beach bubbles for appetizer… but they were offering it in the mocktails instead cause it was an old vintage we were told- witch is understandable… but then they said well we have some but it’s only for the membership people rn… so they really do care about you being apart of the membership… I think… as well as I feel your seating isn’t the best either…and Im sure there are many perks for being a member, like reserved parking.. or for instance discounts…things like that, but for the average person who wouldn’t benefit from the membership (we get sooo much wine and beer from our jobs to try…so no need for a membership) but instead we spend on bottles when we’re there for the experience… I feel like it would be nice if they have all areas for non members to enjoy too —- like example maybe on Friday and Saturday those areas are specifically for members only, and during the weekday…when it’s not busy that would be an area for guest to be able to sit and enjoy a different table spot for once …I’m kind of tired of sitting in the middle sandwich between other guests, of their outdoor dining spot every time… this is the 5x is the same spot —-especially with the sun shining in our eyes…. *sigh - a different time we sat inside next to the fireplace and it was sweltering. Even the other customers asked if we could open the side door. It was that hot in there! Maybe next time I’ll enjoy the bar area with an appetizer :/ The food is better than good, but it’s not better than Print works bistro or Ruth’s Chris steak… for instance I got the steak and au gratin and it really wasn’t that special they’re au gratin was not good at all. I did not finish it, sadly … and I added 2 scallops and that was by far better than my steak! However I usually get their scallops because I know there are on point… and their risotto is very tasty. or their beef Bourgnon with the pilot Fog!! their appetizer crab dip is very good too! That’s what I suggest… they used to have truffle fries that were pretty good, but they don’t anymore and there was another appetizer. We used to get this other app that was amazing- cheese & prosciutto on bread but they don’t have that either. Overall, it’s a wonderful place with a quality dining experience and view…we will be back im sure! Maybe I can mend my review a bit lol

Update. I stopped here with a wine tour. 6/21/25 (I'm the driver for a wine tour company) I decided to have lunch there. Nicole was my server. She was very friendly, welcoming and helpful! I ordered the chicken pesto flatbread minus the tomatoes. It was delicious! Previous post. Jolo is a beautiful vineyard. They have a nice view of Pilot Mountain. Plenty of seating inside and out. You will need to make reservations! I've never had a bad meal here. Parking can be tricky. The top parking lot is for members. The staff were welcoming and friendly. I'm not really a fan of their wines and that's ok!

This is my go to place to hike because it is literally in my backyard. Trails are maintained and marked very well. There are several trails with different levels of difficulty ranging from easy too hard, so there is something for all skill levels. I love seeing people out there with their pets and young ones. It does my heart good to see young people getting away from TVs and video games.

We made a fall trip with bunch of friends to this gem of a place. Views and rock formations were amazing. We did a few short trails. The one called Pilot knob trail is a must, it is 0.8 mile and takes just a little to go around the top. Drive from Charlotte was easy. We didn’t have to use shuttle as there were many parking spots on top of mountain but they do have shuttles from the bottom parking lot if top one is full. State park folks has maintained this park to the top notch. Some parts were closed for rock climbers while in other part we saw many climbers.

We hiked the Grindstone and the Pilot Knob Trails. Both trails are well maintained and marked. While Grindstone is rated strenuous, I would rate it moderately strenuous. Overall it's mostly moderate due to the trail surface itself being well maintained and use of switchbacks to ease the climb. One section above the 1.5 mile marker is more difficult as it's not switchbacked with a steeper pitch up the mountain and a bit rocky. The views from Little Pinnacle Overlook and Pilot Knob Trail are outstanding. The top is a bit like Mount Mitchell since you can also drive to the top. Pick your time to do the hike carefully to avoid the crowds at the top!

I have always loved Pilot Mountain State Park! When I was little, my family would go camping here every year. I'm glad it is still thriving and loved that they have added a shuttle for more people to be able to enjoy the Knob. It was certainly busy but there are many different trails to choose from. If you bring a dog, they are not allowed on the shuttle. We took the Grindstone trail from the visitors center up to the knob (3.5 miles one way). There were definitely some strenuous sections but also some flattish sections that provided a bit of a break. Bathrooms at the top were clean and there were working water fountains outside the bathroom!

Arrived early for a star party with the Forsyth astronomy club at the summit parking lot. It became cloudy at night but I did get some sunset pictures. Great visibility. On a clear day, with binoculars, you can see the condos on top of Sugar Mountain, which is 79 miles away. Winston Salem and Greensboro skylines are easy. You can see the Charlotte skyline (80 miles away) also. If you hike the Little Pinnacle trail, you will see Hanging Rock/Moore's Wall and Sauratown mountains. The visitor center is tremendous and very informative. Learn about the history of the Saura Indians, animals, flora, fauna and geology of this region.

What a very cool park. We were looking to hike up but found a road all the way to the top and do a nice hike around a few locations. What a great view.

Majestic views. Better than I expected. The drive up to the top was beautiful with the fall leaves all around us. Then at the top there are several lookouts to enjoy the top of Pilot Mountain, trees and valley from above.

The museum has some interesting and fun exhibits, but the place is very run down. My toddler enjoyed the preschool play area the most, which was well kept. The videos for some of the exhibits were easily 20-30 years old. I wish I could’ve let my child play in the ice/snow themed room longer because the ice skating floor and fake snowballs were fun, but the room smelled like mold. Honestly it’s the first time I’ve been to a museum in such rough condition. I hope they’re able to upgrade it soon because the staff and exhibit themes are wonderful.

I took my 8 year old over spring break. We had a good time and stayed for a few hours. It was a little dated in some ways. We watched the star show in the planetarium and although we enjoyed it the stars were so dim it was hard to see in the complete darkness! The shows operator said they were in need of an equipment change and definitely needed some new bulbs for the projector. They will be closing this location soon to join with their sister site downtown in a new building! We will definitely check that out and are looking forward to it!

Large kids museum that has a number of great exhibits. We were very impressed with the animals especially. The staff here is very helpful and considerate. The museum also features an outdoor nature walk, garden, and outdoor learning exhibits. Highly recommend for family visits.

I used to come as a kid, when I was 5. 11 years later, I brought my 5 year old sister. I went today, and still was not disappointed, I do miss the animals they used to have and the ride-on handle cart things which they’ve replaced with the icey area. Love this place for entertainment regardless.

What a great place to visit. Lots to see inside and there is a trail outside as well. The laser show was outdated and kinda of well..90s but the kids liked it. Highly recommend coming for a visit. You'll learn some cool things too. Plan to spend 2-3 to three hours to see everything.

Excellent place to take children. Lots to do! They have an assortment of animals, like snakes, spiders, birds, and some really cool and interactive science exhibits!

I am revising my post on the Kaleideum North impart due to the feedback I had from my last post it would appear the reason why things are not getting repaired or it may look kind of unkept as far as building appearance is due to the fact that they plan on moving out of this location and it makes sense not to sink a ton of money into something that's not going to be around for them it makes me wonder if the new location is going to be more interactive and not have any animals or have a few animals needless to say as it stands this location still provides Interactive exhibits for the children to Play and Learn it is nice to see a few animals left can't wait to see what the future holds for the Kaleideum

I love getting away to the Uwharries, my go to for close by( with in an hour) nature!

Great place to do all kinds of fun outdoor activities. We love camping and offroading in our Jeep!

Great place to visit. Alot of off road driving trails, hiking trails, fishing, swimming and they have a gun range. Great places to camp both tent and camper with bath houses and some have electric hook up. You can also just primitive camp out in the forest. Gun range is nice had 100 yd rifle range and a 50 yard pistol range. Just take note you need to bring your own ammo and targets, they sell none on site. The store down the road has all of that if you need it as well as camping stuff and food.

Great spot to escape for the weekend! Lots of off-road trails to explore along with hikes and lake access. We have camped throughout this area several times and love it.

FIRST time wheeling for me and the Mrs. And our jeep. Had a blast! We will be returning.

Great campsites and killer trails. Fishing is good too

Camped and played. We had the best time. Will come back soon!

Before heading back home we had decided to make a stop here after a night of camping. We came here on Sunday and it was pretty busy. We decided to checkout the waterfalls since they’re not long hikes. The cascade waterfall is the easiest. The other two are not hard to get too, but you will have many stairs and rocks to walk back up and it’s uphill the entire way back. But the falls were beautiful and the overlook was gorgeous as well. This is a dog friendly hike too. There is a large campground there, a visitor center and lots of places to sit and have a picnic.

Great Hike, Be Ready for the Incline (Budget Extra Time!) The logistical side of this hike is excellent. The parking situation is super great for the trailhead, and the path itself is very well maintained and clearly marked. The trail to Hanging Rock has some great, steady incline, so be prepared for a solid workout. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural spots and benches to stop and rest as needed. A note on timing: The path is 1.8 miles one way. We were really "huffing it" and managed the round trip in 1 hour and 20 minutes, but for most hikers, you should easily budget at least two hours just for the ascent and descent, not including the time you spend enjoying the views at the top. Bring water and take your time!

Definitely worth it. The drive is beautiful up there already. There are a couple of waterfalls with a very short hike (window and hidden falls). The hanging rock trail itself is a bit steep at some points but definitely doable and worth it! You can’t go wrong going mid to late October. The colors are already popping.

First off, know that they go on an hour long lunch break around 1pm and have no one at the visitor center or any signs placed on the door stating this. 🤦🏼‍♀️ There were multiple people standing around confused because of this. Secondly, if you are staying in a cabin, BE AWARE that the doors lock on their own when they are shut. 🙄 For whatever reason they did not relay that to us nor were there any signs to let us know on the cabin. We were very lucky we made it to the office 5 minutes before they closed to have an officer come let us back in. It felt that we were an annoyance due to this, even though we had no way of knowing. It’s upsetting because we were there since noonish and I asked if there would be anyway we could do an early check in to the cabin even if at 3 or 330 instead of 4 and was told possibly so we checked back a couple times and they just seemed flabbergasted for some reason?? I don’t understand why they could not simply reach out to the person who cleans the cabins and request #6 which was ours to not be cleaned last.. being that there was only 4 at the most to clean as two of my neighbors had been staying there another night and stayed the night before. I talked to them and asked if they were told about the doors locking on their own and they said no and that they had the same problem?!? It’s just totally unnecessary and exhausting when they could simply print signs out. The positives of this place is that it’s absolutely amazing. It feels like a slice of heaven and I was impressed at the cabin price 200$ for two nights and it had heat, was cute inside and clean, a fridge , oven , microwave. They only have a teeny shower that clogs very easily but overall I was impressed with the cabin. Unfortunately dealing with several of the people running the place was unpleasant and the bed was more like a mat and we only got about an hour or two of sleep so we only stayed one night. I will definitely be back at some point to hike again but the less you have to deal with the workers the better. Also, don’t forget you need to bring your own blankets , sheets and towels etc to the cabin if you’re staying in one

I try to make it to Hanging Rock at least once a year. This is one of my favorite places and it has something for everyone. Great for a challenging hike with some amazing views or a casual stroll with some lovely waterfalls. I especially like going in autumn when temps are a little cooler and the fall colors are starting to pop.

Great place to spend the day. We hiked 2 separate trails and found 4 different waterfalls. Still so much left to explore, definitely coming back a other weekend to do more hiking and find more adventures

It was amazing the view was beautiful and so amazing. The two trails we did was great one I want to say was may be a little harder then what's posted. But over all we had a blast

Had a great visit at Kersey Valley zip lining! Jenn H. And Jennifer S. were great flight captains. They made the experience fun and I felt safe and enjoyed my time.

It’s been 10+ years since I’ve Zip-lined, but I went to Kersey Valley this week had a blast. My guides Mike and Jennifer were very encouraging and made me feel very safe! Had a great time and would definitely go back!!!

Took my daughter and some friends (between the ages of 12 and 35)for her 18th Birthday. It was amazing. Our flight captain's Justin and Billy were great. When we go back, we will be requesting them! If you want something fun for the whole family this is the place to go!!!

Such a great experience!!! We did the first class zip lining with Andrea and Kenny. They were both wonderful. My 10 year old was pretty scared and they were so great talking him through things. I was nervous he would back out but he did every single one and by the end was practically running off the platforms! I was very impressed with all of their safety protocols. I felt very confident we were in great hands. Highly recommend. Worth the drive from Raleigh!! They offer so much else too! Can't wait to check out their other attractions!

Jennifer and Zach were great guides! We had the best time!

We had a fantastic time! This was our very first time ever Zip Lining and it was so much fun. Matt and Zach were a blast and made us feel safe and comfortable the whole time. We will definitely be going again!

This was our first time and it was awesome. We did the first class flight and Savannah and Zack were our Captains and they did an amazing job. I was nervous but they made me feel so comfortable by the 3rd line I was fine and ready for more. We will be back and bring the family. They have so much more to do here other than zip lining but you must try it you won't regret it. Thank you so much Savannah and Zack for making this such a great experience. You guys ROCK!!!!

Buy tickets ahead of time, it will save you time once you enter! Make sure you come early to get in when they open, there is so much to see and do that you will need the entire time! Register for your Santa photo and train ride then go see everything, the wait is about an hour for the train and for Santa.

Excellent choice. This haunt always goes so far to make this one of the best on the east coast.

Thanks to My 'fiancé's Daughter Jessica Cornstuble for inviting us to this event amongst many others with her children.. Kersey Valley Christmas was awesome, one of my best Christmases.. Thanks Jessica, Lyla, Lucas, Lennox and my fiance Tammy.. .."My Family"..

We had such a great night at the Christmas celebration. My son is 5 and we loved the train through the lights and enjoyed smores by the open fire pits and Santa made our night. The staff here was so great and the nicest people, Santa was amazing and truly out did himself. Such a happy and great place to explore. We will definitely be coming back again.

We were so tired at the end of the day. The boys had the best time. Shout out to the awesome women in the food shack .holy Pete they fed everyone .the food was correct, it was good, they need more food places,at least one with grab and go. To keep wait times down. Keep up the good work.

Loved every minute of the Christmas event. Lots of lights, the food was good and all the rides were great! Glad they brought Christmas back!

The Escape Rooms here are amazing. So much detail and effort into each of the rooms provide a unique experience for you and your group. They offer one of the best in the Nation and should not be missed. Kersey Valley is a great destination and needs to be on your list of places to experience.