I have been coming to this park my entire life. However, lately it has deteriorated greatly. As many schools visit this park for the wildlife, carousel & train experiences- just know that train is and has been out of service. The carousel has been out of order and was just fixed within the last couple of days. When you go to buy tickets, please don't expect to be greeted with a smiling face. As seen in the video, this lady was nothing but rude. This was sent to me after I told the story of how she treated me. I expect better from a tax payer funded park. Oh and let's talk about the bathrooms. There is no water in the restroom sinks. If you miss the folded over sign on the door, you'll figure it out after you put soap on your hands. But fear not, there is a temporary hand sanitizer station located right outside of the restrooms that is also out of order. So after a day of touching animals and playing on the playground, if you want to eat with clean hands, bring your own water bottle or hand sanitizer.

Absolutely beautiful park. Came here for the first time for the Jubilee. It was incredible. Beautiful lake, lots of parking. My dogs new favorite place for his walks.

Went with the family to get some outdoor time and just connect with everyone. We haven't been there in years, so we did it all and reminisced about went the kids were small and the fun we had there.

The park remains a reliable stronghold of peace amid an ever-changing world. I first deployed here as a child, armed only with curiosity and a snow cone. Decades later, the terrain still holds strong—forests dense and whispering like coded transmissions, trails firm beneath familiar boots. • Terrain Condition: Impeccable. The lake shimmers like polished steel, a natural mirror perfect for reflection and strategy. The animal exhibits continue to thrive—an ideal morale boost for weary operatives and young recruits alike. • Local Population: Families, fishermen, hikers, and children in full laughter formation. No hostiles detected. Only friendly civilians maintaining high spirits. • Structures: Playgrounds fortified, shelters sturdy, and mini-golf still operational for low-intensity recreational drills. • Weather Resistance: The park endures every season like a seasoned veteran—sun, rain, and time itself have failed to diminish its charm or tactical advantage. ⸻ TACTICAL EVALUATION: Dan Nicholas Park remains one of the safest, most reliable morale posts in the entire Piedmont theater. Perfect for family operations, solo recon missions, or strategic reflection along the water’s edge. The chirping of birds at sunrise feels like coded Morse of hope. The laughter of kids around the carousel reminds us what we’re fighting for—normalcy, joy, and a return to simple peace. ⸻ FINAL ASSESSMENT: Rating: 5/5 Stars — Elite Morale Outpost Operational Status: Fully active and secure. Recommendation: Maintain regular visits. Carry rations (ice cream from the concession stand). Report back with a smile.

Lots to do at this park, and all the activities are reasonably priced for a family fun day. We were there for hours and didn't even make it to the lake for paddle boats.

Beautiful park away from the city, Great place to relax, cook out or camp out. Very clean

I absolutely love this place! One of my favorite parks in the area! Especially during off peak times, the park is very serene. I enjoy feeding the plethora of ducks and geese. If you are relaxed and give them time, they will eat from your hand. Fishing is decent if you like catfish. The trails are perfect to get a quick hike in on. Nothing strenuous at all, but you still feel like you are away from a park. The playground is a huge hit for the young ones. The train and merry-go-round are a hit for all ages! The campground is decent and nicely shaded for the most part. I haven't stayed there so I can't say much about that. There is an abundance of shelters for groups to plan events. Parking around them can be a little sketchy at times, especially on very busy weekend days. If you have scouts in your family, they have a good scouting area that requires reservations. The zoo area is neat and the bald eagle exhibit is my favorite "attraction" so to speak. There is a splash pad there as well so the kids can run around, cooling off in this crazy heat. Or anyone for that matter. Now, my only complaint..... There is trash everywhere. Clearly park visitors don't practice "leave no trace" as there is ample evidence of this. To be fair, I have seen many a critter inside of trash cans rooting around and emptying trash on the ground. Maybe I'll be charitable and blame the trash squarely on the squirrels. But, it needs to be picked up daily. I know staffing can be an issue, but at a minimum, the trash cans should be emptied first thing every morning. While there, do your part and make sure you put the trashcan lids on tightly so the squirrels can't get in and cause havoc. Other than this, the park is awesome. I highly recommend a visit! When you leave the park, turn left and go check out the beautiful countryside and High Rock Lake.

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 have been to many Transportation Museums and this is one of the best! We were bummed to find out the roundhouse was closed for repairs, but even seeing it from the outside was cool. There is quite a huge variety of trains, which is what we came for, but we also enjoyed the old cars, buggies and a WWII airplane. A great family day out!

Had the BEST day at Thomas the Train! They thought of everything from food, fun, face painting, activities and even a changing table area for little ones w/ sanitizer and wipes. Impressive! We’ll be back next year it was such a wonderful day. Plan to spend 1-4 hours! So much to do and see!

It was an interesting experience. Very cool examples of old cars, trains and even plane. I especially recommend visiting the location with the sign "be careful". The train ride wasn't anything special, not a long and slow ride, but it's worth doing to get a complete opinion of the museum. And again, the train is very atmospheric. Clean restrooms. It's easy to buy tickets there without long waiting. 10$ admission to museum. 10$ ride on the train.

Multiple things to see from a plethora of trains with a with variety of models, various steam, electric, and diesel. Thee most unique steam was one the was loaded with very hot water instead of producing hot water. They had a Shay in the round house with hopes of repairing and running in the future. One building had cars, trucks, and planes along with matching shops. The train ride is short, about a mile, maybe less. They have an operating turntable that is used with the round house, which functions as a display and an active repair shop.

We had an incredible time visiting The Polar Express! It felt like being in the actual movie. Everybody was friendly. Everything was clean. It was blissfully a Christmas gift to experience. The hot cocoa. The Elves. The Conductors. The Santa. I couldn’t have imagined it to be any more magical than it was for myself and my family. We plan on making this our yearly family adventure. 🎄 🎅🧑‍🎄🎁💝

Frankly a very pleasant surprise. This museum covers a few acres. Although the main emphasis is on the history of railroad in North Carolina, the museum covers much more than that. The brief train ride in the steam locomotive was very nice and the guides very informative. The emphasis on railroading in North Carolina cannot be helped as the museum is on an old rail yard from the Norfolk and Southern railroad. Many of the buildings that were in use back then are still standing but have been converted to other uses. Even though the majority of the museum features the history of railroading other modes of transportation are not left without being covered. Modes of transportation covered in the museum include bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, fire trucks, and a few small airplanes. Plan to spend a few hours to allow time to cover all of it. Before you leave allow some time to browse the gift shop. This museum was relatively easy to get to and there was plenty of parking for all of the visitors.

A fun way to learn about the NC history of various modes of transportation. There are airplanes, bicycles, boats (canoes), cars, locomotives, steam engines,trucks, and more! The main featured attraction for me is the train 🚂 ride. There is even a lovely and friendly kitty called "Mookie" that will greet you if you talk to her! Visit early if you want to be able to see everything. One building is currently under construction for the 2025 summer. Just an FYI

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.

Do the wagon-drawn horse ride! We had an absolute blast at the Lazy 5 Ranch! Our guide was not only hilarious but also packed with fascinating facts about the animals and the right way to feed them. The biggest highlight for me was the giraffe—our guide explained that the male giraffe usually only likes men since his caretaker is male. Well, I guess he thought I was one, because he skipped right past everyone else and came straight to me, eating out of my bucket first! 🦒 Such a funny and unforgettable moment! After the ride, we enjoyed exploring the walk-through area where you can pet and interact with even more animals. It’s such a wonderful, family-friendly adventure—we’d absolutely go back if we’re ever in North Carolina again. Pro tip: call ahead to reserve a time slot, and note that senior tickets (61+) are just $15! We paid went we go to the ranch not in advance.

We had an amazing day. We took the wagon ride and McKayla was phenomenal. She was very knowledgeable about all of the animals. The animals are very well taken care of and it was a fantastic experience. Puzzles the Giraffe was so funny with the way he like to steal hats. He is obviously loved by the trainers and very social. We have now done both the drive thru in the car and the wagon. I would recommend the wagon hands down for a personalized experience.

I came for the first time 2 weeks ago and went again last week. I love it. I highly recommend getting on the wagon because you can go further into the property where you can't drive. Both wagon drivers I had were very knowledgeable and very safety oriented. It's clear the animals know them and really like them. They had great facts about the park and the animals and you really get right up close. My 4 year old wasn't super into feeding so he was in charge of the food buckets. My 1 and 1/2 year old loved to be close. It's fun for everyone! They also have a playground, ice cream shop, gift shop and a walk through petting zoo.

We had such a wonderful time at Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC! We did the wagon ride first thing in the morning, and it was the perfect way to start the day. We saw so many incredible animals up close and had an absolute blast feeding them. It was both exciting and heartwarming — such a unique opportunity for all ages. Our wagon driver was fantastic — funny, knowledgeable, and a great tour guide. He made the whole experience even more enjoyable with his humor and fun facts about the animals. I can’t recommend this place highly enough. If you’re in the area, don’t miss it. A true gem!

Loved this place! So many animals to enjoy and beautiful scenery. Came for a field trip with school and kids had a blast! Wagon ride to feed the animals was great. Lots of variety of plants and animals here to see. Playground for kids was very nice. Facility was clean, staff very informative and courteous. Great day 😀

Lazy 5 Ranch is the best place to see animals up close! The ride through the park was so adventurous and exciting — you get to feed and watch a variety of animals from really close. It’s a perfect spot for families, kids, or anyone who loves animals and outdoor fun. Highly recommend visiting!

My wife and I have been coming here for years and brought the kids when they were younger. The 2 of us visited on 10/2/25 and found the place was looking run down especially the walk through wildlife habitats. There were many empty exhibits and most had lost their informational placards. The area also was not well kept at all. May be they need to hire better management or additional help. Perhaps they need additional funding or a new marketing campaign to bolster attendance. We love the drive through portion of the ranch and every trip is a different experience.

This winery is absolutely beautiful! So many cozy spots to sit, both indoors and outdoors. They have a restaurant on-site, and while the food was decent (I’d get my dish again), the mimosa was absolutely delicious. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery! We truly enjoyed the fireplace as the weather was a little cool that day.

What a beautiful place! The grounds are immaculate, and the architecture is stunning. Special thanks to Devin, Savannah, and Anna L., who were so kind and helpful. They were all knowledgeable and friendly, and made our trip that much better. This has quickly become our favorite vineyards. We are definitely coming back.

Lori was wonderful! Exceptional wine knowledge mixed with charm and great pairing recommendations. The wine was delicious, the charcuterie box was a nice addition, water refills timely and a pleasant atmosphere. I've been doing wine tastings for awhile, this was my first local one in NC! We'll be back. Only downside restaurant was closed and packed. We'll make reservations in advance next time.

Childress Vineyards is such a beautiful, wonderful place to visit! I proposed to my beautiful now fiance labor day weekend. The staff was very helpful with scheduling and planning the perfect day and keeping the secret proposal on the low till the right moment. Since it was also her birthday weekend I signed up for tastings, the bistro, and the tour. All is highly recommended, Mr. Win is a knowledgeable tour guide, who really let you know how special it is what they do there. I personally would recommend this location to anyone looking for a nice date day with your loved ones. Or if you have a special moment like proposing at a beautiful location, the scenery is Devine. Thanks Childress for the lifelong memory!

Winn was a fantastic tour guide! Very knowledgeable. The vineyard is beautiful. We took family from out of town and thought this woukd be a great day trip. Bistro has very good food, portions are big, price not bad. Definitely recommend!

We visited for wine tasting. Our hostess, Erin was absolutely amazing and as smart as Einstein! We learned so much from her about wine and pairing. She was kind and knowledgeable. Also the wine was really good with quite a variety to choose from. The scenery was picturesque. Be prepared to take pics. We’ll definitely be visiting Childress again.

I had such a lovely experience at Childress Vineyards! The staff was friendly, the wine was delicious, and the setting was absolutely beautiful. It’s the perfect place to unwind, sip, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. I’m already looking forward to my next visit

Fantastic place, we enjoyed this so much during pur vacation in North Carolina. Extremely friendly people. Also the golf course is super nice

We did an engagement party there for my daughter under one of the shelters it was beautiful with the bathrooms right by the pavilion

VERY nice park/campground with a lot of walking trails. Campground is only 3 seasons. Park has golf, pools, cottages, water, shelters, hiking, horse riding and so on.

Fantastic RV/Camper sites. Clean and well maintained grounds and facilities. Gorgeous walking trails and so much to do at the park. Pet friendly. Highly recommend!

Attended RAD Rides In The Park, lots of beautiful trucks came out to the park all for a great cause!

Spent a great day at the pool with the grandkids..they enjoyed every moment. Very reasonable prices. Nice clean picinic area., nicely spaced.

Beautiful Park!!!! Great place for horseback riding, boating, fishing, golfing, camping, biking, Reynolda House! Services such as covered picnic areas, clean restrooms and changing rooms, handicap accessible. Dogs on leashes, Bike MS Bike Ride is started & finished there in latter September each year. You will not be disappointed!!

A stunning FIVE-STAR self-guided tour of the Reynolda House Museum, built in 1917 as the family residence of Katharine Smith and R.J. Reynolds on a 1,067-acre estate. This comfortable and regal home is frozen in time, reflecting early 20th-century style, and is brimming with period furniture, artwork, accessories, and clothing/fashions—spanning 64 rooms and 34,000 square feet. Highlights include a pipe organ that fills the home with music, a swimming pool, a ping-pong room, a bowling alley, an indoor shooting range, a bank vault, a walk-in wine cellar, and more. The home sits adjacent to Reynolda Village, Reynolda Gardens, and Wake Forest University. We spent a full day exploring the property, but you can take two hours—or two days—to enjoy your visit at your own pace. Another must-see in Winston-Salem is Old Salem, just a short 4-mile drive from the Reynolda House Museum.

I’ll be honest, I’m not usually a huge historical home fan so take my review with a grain of salt. I did think the home was beautiful though! It was $18 (before tax) and I felt like it was worth it. There are four floors total, though the attic is small. The outside of the house was my favorite with the white exterior and green windows. If you can swing it, I’d recommend going in the afternoon so you can hear the organ play at 2:45 PM (it’s not exact because I guess it takes a while to turn on) and is digitized. It’s pretty cool though to hear the music while you’re walking through the house. I’ll review it separately, but definitely check out the gardens while you are there! They are free!

I have lived with 15 minutes of this Museum for close to 20 years and this was my first visit. What vision Katharine Reynolds had in the early 1900s. The house and the gardens are gorgeous. Walked out a Patron member. Thank you for making today a great day

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to reynolda house museum in Reynolda village. The walk to the museum was so peaceful and full of nature. I walked past turtles in the river, snakes in the woods, and so many different flowers along the way. It was so special to walk around and see. When I got to the museum it had an exhibit of cigarettes. The whole exhibit was full of history about cigarettes and how they were branded in society. It was really cool to walk around and see so much history. I was happy to get an understanding about how cigarettes were branded and how they came to be so popular in Winston Salem. I’m very happy with this visit to a museum and I totally recommend a visit by anyone who is interested in history, art, or museums.

Great walking trails and scenery. I wish there were more garbage cans throughout the park. I had to cary some trash on an entire 2+ mile walk because I couldn't find a trash can anywhere.

Free with NARM membership. Mansion that belonged to R. J. Reynolds family. Really nice art collection and the home is a gorgeous 4 story mansion.

I didn't get to do a complete tour because I was tirrrreeeed, it was so big and interesting lol But I will definitely go back

Absolutely amazing place! The one and only public mine site in north America to dig emeralds. The folks here are very friendly and knowledgeable. I brought my two children with me to enjoy a day of digging. We found a few nice size corundum specimen and some very nice quartz crystals. You dont need your own equipment though I bring my own unfortunately epa regulations dont allow and metal tools in the creek with is ok by me seeing the creek has been salted i tend to avoid salted areas the dig site however is all natural and is where you can find your best quality stones. Would 100% recommend going here. FYI the photos are of the corundum we found and some stones from different regions of NC.

Really nice fun and family trip. Wear old clothes the red clay will not come out. Lots to do and the walk in the creek with rain boots is a must. Somewhat pricey but all around a good day trip.

I am giving Emerald Hollow Mine three stars because it had some charm, but overall, it fell short of expectations. The bathrooms were a nightmare—no soap, not very clean, and not what you would hope for in a family-friendly spot. The whole experience felt more like we were digging in someone’s backyard creek than visiting a professional mine. The creek area was just filled with your usual rocks, and the digging section was overgrown and difficult to work in. You have to haul your own shovel and bucket to the dig site, and a wagon system would really help here. We filled a large bucket with dirt and came back with basically nothing but mud. It was hot, mosquitoes were everywhere, and it just was not worth the price we paid. It might be more enjoyable on a cooler day—and I would definitely recommend wearing swim trunks if you plan to do the creek part. Kids were swimming, and honestly, they seemed to have the right idea. This place has potential, but it is definitely not what the advertisements make it out to be. With some improvements to the digging experience, cleanliness, and amenities, it could be a lot more enjoyable.

My wife and I had a wonderful experience digging through the mines, shifting then heading to the river to look for more stones. Time flew by to fast here. Upon arrival we let the staff know it was our first time at that location and they were so helpful and friendly. They showed us some of the stones and crystals that have been found there and directed us to the video area. You will get dirty bring spare shoes and clothing. Bring snacks, as this place is in a remote area, there are plenty of picnic tables to sit and relax. Thank you to the staff of Emerald Hollow for this experience.

We came on a Friday so there weren't very many people there, which was great. All the staff we interacted were amazing and helpful. There are several options to choose from * Buy a bucket of dirt and suft through it * Head down to the creek and sift * Walk up to the dig site find a spot and start digging! They provide you with a 5gal bucket and a shovel. Or you can bring your own, which is what we did. * make sure you listen and follow the rules the mine has. We also brought our wagon to hual everything. If you're planning on taking one make sure it has the big offroad/beach tires on it. The path back is about 1/4 mile and its just dirt and rocks, making it difficult to pull the wagon through. And you can haul you gem buckets a lot easier.

A fun place to spend the day with your family or partner. Very friendly people. I recommend taking a change of clothes, swimsuit or dry fit clothes since you will be in the dirt and there is a stream where you can pick up rocks and probably will get wet. There are bathrooms and picnic tables.

Took my 9 year old daughter for vacation. We had a blast. Campbell, very nice, helpful, and knowledgeable young man. Dara was another employee very nice and easy going, who also took her child there on her day off. Lillian works in the gem cutting shop very sweet, kind, and knowledgeable woman. Very cool place to go with your children and have fun searching for hidden treasures. My favorite thing to do was the creek, but we did end up going during a heatwave, well over the 100s, thank God for the creek 🤣😂 overall great place people and fun. I'm very happy with our trip.👍👍

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 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.

We were staying nearby so of course we had to visit! We just love his show and enjoyed seeing all the memorable at the museum. We even managed to snap our pics with the statue out front. Worth a visit if you are fans of the show.

My kids took me here for my birthday and it was great! We did the trolley tour so we could all be together and our guide was AMAZING!! The museum was great, we also walked along the town and it was fun. It was really just a super fun day!

A fun stop. Spent about an hour. Learned a lot I didn't know about the legend that is Andy Griffith. Ticket price was a little steep considering the size of the attraction. Wouldn't return, but glad we went on our way through Mt. Airy.

The museum was full of artifacts from the Andy Griffith show and many of the movies he was in. We thoroughly enjoyed the museum and the town. I highly recommend visiting for at least a day. The people of Mt Airy were very friendly and welcoming.

4 stars really. Has some cool Andy stuff not just from the show either, movies and all. I purposely didn't take pictures of some of the neatest things. Of course that's my opinion. Kinda small but entry is only $10 & crammed full of stuff. Loved the clothes etc .

Wow! What an interesting place. As of this review I don't know much about Andy or his show. But after this I hope to see some episodes.

This is a great museum packed full of memorabilia and displays regarding the life surrounding Andy Griffith and cast members of the Andy Griffith show. It is very enlightening and entertaining.

Fun time! Takes you back to Mayberry days. Time is slower. Stories are told. Original equipment. You can get your hair cut too!

My husband and I were at Mount Airy over the weekend and this little town is the cutest we adored it so much. We stepped in Floyds barber shop. The owner was so nice and we loved all the pictures they had up. And the old equipment as well :)

Awesome, Bill is such a wonderful southern Gentleman. Easy going and has a lot of stories especially about his dad Floyd.

I want to thank Floyd’s City Barbershop for their many decades of service to Mount Airy and for being such a special part of Mayberry history. A big thank you also to Bill Hiatt for carrying on his father Russell Hiatt’s legacy and keeping the doors open all those years so fans from around the world could experience the magic of Floyd’s. While the original Floyd’s is now closed and a re-creation of the show Floyd’s is reopening in its place, the original barber chairs that Andy Griffith sat in, along with other memorabilia, are now located at my shop—Justin’s Barbershop in Smiths Station, Alabama. I count it a blessing to safeguard these historic pieces and share them with the community so that the Mayberry legacy Russell created in his shop continues to live on. Floyd’s ( Russell Hiatt’s and Bill Hiatt’s legacy) will always be remembered as a landmark of smiles, memories, and tradition, and I am grateful for the many years the relics of the original Floyd’s and atmosphere that was created brought joy to those around the world.

When we were on Main Street in Mt Airy (Mayberry) I had the opportunity to get my hair cut at Floyd’s Barber Shop and in the same chair Andy used to sit in. As someone that grew up watching Andy Griffith this is one of those bucket list things I can check off. What an awesome experience. If you’re ever in the area at least stop by and enjoy the nostalgia of it all.

You should definitely step in if on Main Street in Mt. AIRY. there are so many pictures, including historic photos of men that played the part of Floyd the barber. It is set up just like the barber shop from the Andy Griffith show. You can even get a haircut. Tourists are welcome!

My husband and I took our son to Floyd’s for his very first hair cut yesterday and while it was a very bitter sweet moment for me, Jeff took his time and did an amazing job with our little guy! Thank you guys so much for giving us an amazing memory!

Stone Mountain State Park is a true standout in NC’s state park system. It rewards hikers who are willing to work for views and variety. Yes, the loop is difficult in parts, but those who tackle it come away with a sense of accomplishment—and some of the best scenic moments the region has to offer. There are also many waterfalls to see as well. Overall gorgeous park to visit.

Stone Mountain Park – Perfect Day Hike from Charlotte! If you’re looking for a solid hiking spot about 1 hour 40 minutes from Charlotte, Stone Mountain Park is a fantastic choice! We took the Stone Mountain Summit Trail (orange path), which is about 3.2 miles round trip from the parking lot to the top and back. It took us approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a moderate to tough difficulty level — especially the final stretch with some steep inclines. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a few snacks — the summit has breathtaking views that are perfect for a relaxing break. The trail is well-marked, the scenery is beautiful, and the reward at the top is totally worth the effort. Highly recommended for anyone up for a bit of a challenge and wanting to explore nature near Charlotte!

I used to live 20 minutes away and would hike this mountain all the time. When you live in the mountains, you stop appreciating all the beauty of it. It’s been almost 15 year since I’ve lived there or hiked this mountain. The Rangers do a great job with keeping everything preserved. I can tell the hurricane did some damage last year but it’s still so beautiful. It takes about four hours to do the whole hike - if you’d like to stop by the waterfall, chill on top of the mountain, or just taking your time to take in the beauty of the mountain. 10/10 🌟

Very big state park with lots to do. State Rangers are very helpful and informative. Roads and hiking paths are kept up and clear. I am disabled and the rangers told us of the disabled access points, parking etc which was extremely helpful. I was able to see the Homestead because of the disabled access and parking. There is no cellular Wi-Fi unless you connect to the parks so be aware that cell service too is sketchy. We were only there for a day and really needed so much more time. It’s a beautiful park with lots to do. The history alone was worth the trip for me. The Blue Ridge area nearby is worth a week’s trip. There is plenty of wildlife too, a baby deer was found by hikers near the homestead when we were there. If you are into camping it would be an amazing place to stay. Definitely check into it if you are considering going to the area.

Beautiful place for hiking, connecting with nature and the pass. Every step is worth it. The views are breathtaking. It can take more than 4 hours to do the whole 4.8 miles, but it was all worth it.

Great moderate hike with waterfalls and scenic views. About 5 mile loop with tons of stops along the way for beautiful views, creeks and waterfalls. Decent amount of people on the trails on a Sunday afternoon. Highly recommend!

We enjoy the hike to the Mt. But they also have handicap entrance and parking so you can go directly to the base of the Mt and enjoy the view and the original homestead. Very nice and well maintained.

What a wonderful stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway! We spent a few hours here and loved every moment. We brought a picnic and made use of the picnic tables for lunch—a perfect way to enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery before heading inside. The museum on site is small but so well done, telling the story of Appalachian music with videos, exhibits, and interactive displays. Afterward, we enjoyed the live music in the breezeway—local musicians playing bluegrass and old‑time tunes, which gave the place such an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly, the grounds are beautiful, and it’s a great mix of music, culture, and nature. If you’re driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, definitely make time to stop here.

This was a beautiful place to visit. The music was great and my 3 year old daughter had a blast. She danced her heart away. Was a very clean place. Inside has a great display and history of bluegrass music. The people inside were very nice. If you are in the area, I suggest you stop by.

Very nice Music center in the Blue Ridge mountains! It's free to enjoy the museum and a variety of activities, including libe music on certain days. Staff is very friendly. You really can get submerged into the history of Bluegrass and other music that originated in the area. Very educational and a nice spot to stop while exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Nice little visitors center with mini museum off the beaten path of the blue ridge parkway. Nice gift shop, clean bathrooms. Friendly rangers and access to some walking trails as well. Sometimes has live music events. There’s an amphitheater a short walk from the man visitors center.

My family stumbled upon this gem while driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway. They play music from 12:00-3:00...we arrived just in time to hear two songs just before they were done. Beautiful mountain music! 💞They also have a small museum and gift shop with magnets, mugs, shirts and sweatshirts.

Really nice people! They have jam sessions and vistors are encouraged to join

How beautiful, peaceful and charming! Great, helpful staff & enjoyed our time! Thank you!

Chateau Morrisette is a gem along the stunning blue ridge parkway. You can feel the love that goes into the wine, the bottles label, the architecture (including all the repurposed barn wood) and the staff. Ryan, Melissa and Barnabas were so graciously welcoming. The whole experience felt warm, elegant and true to the winery’s family legacy. A must visit if you in the area. Maverick and I will be back.

A fabulous, lively winery. We were excited to try a flight and appreciated their help in choosing wines that we would enjoy. The member of staff who served was very friendly. We enjoyed all the wines and appreciated the detailed notes about each one. I particularly recommend their dry reds and you must try their Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of varied seating inside and they have a good range of snacks.

We had lunch here and wow, what a beautiful place! It feels like you're in another country. My wife had a grilled chicken sandwich and I had a fried chicken sandwich and we paired it with an oaked chardonnay. Everything was wonderful and the staff was terrific! Highly recommend!

Absolutely beautiful winery from the exquisite detail in craftsmanship to selection of wines to pairing with foods. You won't be disappointed . Live music even on occasion

I've been coming to this winery for at least a decade. It never fails to impress. I love the wines. The people are so welcoming and friendly. The restaurant is a great time as well. Brunch is typically my choice, but their food is delicious regardless of the time. Don't miss out on their December/Winter Wine Sale! Well-behaved dogs are welcome! I always love seeing the ones hanging out in the tasting room/wine shop.

Chateau Morrisette is a must visit to add to your list. Their friendly staff are eager to share their delicious award winning wines with you. I had the most relaxing time catching up with one of my dear friends while there. They had a perfect red for me and my friend enjoyed "the best Sauvignon Blanc she ever had". If you are lucky like we were, Nobel the precious black lab will be there to make you feel right at home. Cheers!

Lovely winery in a beautiful setting. Live music in the courtyard. The tasting room is beautiful and dog friendly! The host dog, Noble, is a stately black Lab who meanders through the space greeting four-legged and two-legged guests. There is even a "tasting bar" of treats for dogs. The wine is good - Archival XII and 2021 Chardonnay were our favorites. No, it's not what you can get in Napa but it's delicious and convenient for those of us on the East Coast. We also had lunch at the restaurant - service was very good, ambiance was great - beautiful views of the surrounding mountains (as you can see from the pictures the day we went wasn't very clear, but it was still pretty). Crab cake appetizer was very good, shrimp and grits were watery. But overall, we love this place and will be back.

Accessing the trail close to the river,(to more quickly reach the trestle bridge)is a bit tricky, but doable if you poke around to find a parking spot 😉Since I was only passing through on I-81, getting to hike on THAT SECTION (JUST outside of Draper) was my goal! But whether you do more of the trail or, like me, just a section, A stunning prize awaits you for your efforts: an incredible view! Solo traveler and enjoyed EVERY STEP🙌🏻THANK THE LORD FOR THE BEAUTY he generously gives us!

Gorgeous Trail, pretty much flat and beautiful views of the river and countryside. The railroad thru truss and trestle bridges are exciting to cross. Bring $7 for parking and at least $20 if you need to rent a bike which by the way they have more than enough. The trail is very long so unless you are a seasoned biker you'll have to do it in chunks. So far I've got everything North of Foster Falls done, looking forward to the southern end before it gets too cold.

Parked at foster falls. Me and my girlfriend and I had a great time riding around on our e bikes. We rode 10 or so miles out in one direction and 10 back so about 20 or so miles. Also went off on a few side quests to explore other parts. It's worth the fee to park for sure. It's a pretty smooth path for bikes not too hilly. You could basically ride any kind of bike on it. Was worried because my gf has an e bike with no suspension, but she was fine with it.

Nice park. $7 park fee. They converted an old railroad into a 57 mile trail. Its not paved but its flat. It runs along the river. You can rent bikes and kayaks.

Very scenic and peaceful. We bicycled a few miles starting in Galax. The trail is very well maintained. There is a $7 fee to use the trail.

Amazing experience. Great for hiking, biking and horse back riding. Lots of smal rest stations. Wonderful scenery.

Popped in here on our road trip. We didn't walk to the next places but stayed in yhe main part. Some interesting bits to look at from history of the place. $7 to park/enter. Lovely veiws of the river with some Canadian geese. Had we had more time om sure we would of enjoyed some of the 42 mile walk

This is a spectacular Park and Campground! Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Super clean, mostly shaded spots. Ours was a drive through, but there are many you can back your trailer into. Many of the spots had tents. The bath/showers were utterly spotless, as was our campsite. The girls enjoyed the wide pristine beaches and roped off swim area with life guards. There is a playground next to the beach as well as pavilions for covered meals or shelter from rain. There's also a gift shop which we didn't visit. The park has many clean trails around the point, mostly easy with one marked as moderate. We easily booked this via the state park website, that included the details we needed to select our spot. Besides the huge lake, this gorgeous campground is near the Blueridge Parkway and caverns. The girls were excited to see lightening bugs for their first time and we had a deer that came out of the trail right next to our campsite!

Very enjoyable camping experience. I was in Camp section C with hosts Renee and Kenny and their little dog Cody (apologies if I misremembered the names). They were very friendly and accommodating & most helpful. It was nice having showers as well as a wash station for dirty dishes. I was motorcycle camping and Kenny brought over a bundle of wood with some starter for me. I wished I could have stayed longer but I was through camping heading north. Very Serene setting and very affordable. It was very easy to book online and all of the information materials were waiting for me at my site.

This park was beautiful! Our RV site, D26, was level & spacious with water & electricity. The area is treed & has just enough sun & sky to enjoy the warmth of the day or the stars at night. The park is clean & access to the lake is close. The lake itself is gorgeous with a lovely, good-sized, sandy beach marked off for swimming. We only stayed one night & we wished we had stayed much longer, mostly for the tranquility & to be able to swim in the lake (which was probably about 70-75 degrees). I highly recommend this park!

This is a beautiful park. We just went to walk around after dinner. It's peaceful and the lake was calm; no crazy boating theatrics to watch. Met a few people walking their dogs. It looks like a great place to stay with enough room to roam. Or a nice place for a weekend picnic... They have a few gazebos at the lakes edge complete with tables and grill. (May have to reserve these.)

This place seems to be a fine place to camp, launch boats, picnic, and even have a wedding. Cool spot is that this was also the location of some pretty prominent locals of the way back past. Plenty of covered eating and a cool little playground makes this place a gem. It is a 7 dollars a car just to make entry into the park.

Great campground. Fabulous state park. Well maintained roads and trails. The lake has so much history. This place is amazing! The water is crystal clear. The beach is beautiful. The cabins are amazing. I can't wait to come back. This would be a great place for a family reunion. It was nice to visit in September when there were less people. The sunsets on the lake were stunning. We went bike riding on the trails and saw hundreds of deer. We also went kayaking in the morning and were amazed by the rock formations against the lake. So astounding! What a hidden gem. So glad we found it even though we were only able to stay one night at the campground on our way south. Really cool history here with a historic house, markers and signs explaining the history and an even cooler interactive historic website.

Beautiful campground, well thought out, and very well maintained. My dad is disabled and we were given a very nice spot with easy access to bath house, garbage, and water. Didn't get to see much as we were just stopping on our way through but I think the lake is pretty nice as well

Very cool scenic lookout. To climb the tower, go into the country store and pay the $8 per person to climb up. I thought the price was reasonable. The views were breathtaking. We were visiting the area on a motorcycle trip and stopped in right as they opened at 10 am on a weekday. We were the only people there at the time, but there were some others arriving as we left. For those on motorcycles, just know the parking lot is mainly loose gravel so be careful as you pull in/out. The woman inside the store was pleasant and told us a little bit about the area. She did mention that they have bands come in and play live music on some afternoons and it can get pretty busy during those times. There are some souvenirs you can purchase, and I saw they sold fudge and some other food items. Overall, a wonderful view and I would do it again!

Keith was working when we entered the gift shop to purchase tickets. He was very helpful. We had to wait 15 minutes to go up the tower because of a lightning strike. Keith told us we'd be able to see 4 different states from the top of the observation tower. The tower is 10 stories high, incredibly rickety, & absolutely terrified my daughter & myself. Lol. We sat on the floor of the observation level rather than stand because we could see that the wire was in need of repair & didn't want to get too close to the edge. It swayed quiet a bit, but it needs to for safety. Even though it scared me, it is definitely worth walking all the way up to see! Once we made our way back down, Keith sat outside on the porch & talked with us for a while. He said they close at 6pm, but if there are still people there, they don't kick them out. He was so kind & knowledgeable. This is a must see if you're near Big Walker Mountain! We loved it.

Wonderful spot to come and take in the view. Reason price to walk up the tower and across the bridge. The store is very nice with a lot of cute stuff. Staff is friendly and very helpful. Location is about 20 min off of rt 81. If you are passing by take a little detour and check it out.

Staff was so friendly sounds silly but my hot dog was amazing LOL the view is beyond breathtaking I did not climb the tower it's just not my thing but everything about this place is just awesome including the gift shop and merchandise! Also if you've never done the trail of the Dragon this is a great place to stop along your way!

Well worth the detour off the interstate to visit. 201 steps to the top, good height and was not too difficult for me. Tower did sway a bit, which added to the excitement. Tasty ice cream and country store on site.

I try and take ppl who are not from here to this place! It is a beautiful drive and the lookout is beautiful. They have some really cute handmade items in the store and the ice cream(milkshakes) are awesome!! Homemade fudge is good too!! Often they have live music and story tellers!!

Gorgeous views, great place to stretch your legs on a long journey (like we were doing). There’s a nice gift shop with ice cream, too. On a clear day you’ll be able to see 5 states from the top of the lookout tower, which has 200 steps to get to the top.

They do a really good job with this "museum." You can go on the train ride into the museum, guided by a retired coal mine worker. There are also other actual buildings from other coal mine camps that have been relocated to this location - - two room schoolhouse, chapel, managers house, bachelor's house, and a very nice complete children's museum. Good exhibits and artifacts. Pretty grounds. Certainly can spend a half a day or more there.

This wasn't on my first list of stops but I am so glad we added it! Our guide Gerald was absolutely a wealth of knowledge and had so much to offer. The mine tour, cabins and exhibits were all very well done. It may even be on my list to revisit if I'm in the area again! Excellent on every account!!

This was truly the best part of our trip to beautiful West Virginia. Absolutely loved our tour guide Gerald. He was so kind, knowledgeable and personable. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this tour to anyone young or old. It was a great time!

I visited due to being a Fallout 76 nerd. It was a great experience. Everyone I met was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The woman in the schoolhouse shared fascinating historical details that really brought the setting to life. My mine tour guide, Don, was a retired coal miner who added so much depth to the tour. He spoke about growing up in a mining town, the realities of coal mining, and how the company store system kept miners trapped in debt. It was immersive and a wonderful visit.

My family and I planned a trip with several stops. This one was great to learn some of the coal history in Beckley and have the chance to ride a railcar into a once working mine. They only hire retired coal miners to give the tour, so you are getting the real deal! Clean facility, great tours and friendly people.

We had the best time on this tour. And their prices were unbelievably reasonable, even the things in the gift shop were priced so most people could afford something. This really meant a lot to this broke mama! Our guide was absolutely amazing too, a retired coal worker who knew literally everything. Even the 2 15 year olds were engaged and learned some really cool things while being entertained. I apologize again to our guide for us rushing him, we really loved this tour! This was by far my favorite part of our trip to the area.

This museum is really cool if you're into history or coal mining or both. The guides are all former coal miners (our guide was 3rd generation) and they are very informative and in depth as they take you into an old mine from the late 1800s. It's a very unique experience and one I would highly recommend for anybody visiting the Southern West Virginia area.

A nice place to take a break from driving, but if you aren't interested in buying art pieces, it might not be for you. There were plenty of nice things to look at and some local food items (think jams and jellies). There were a few t-shirts and souvenir items, and a place to get some snacks and sit. If you're looking for local hand-crafted pieces, this is the place.

The facility is beautiful with wonderful products made in West Virginia. They also have one of the tourist swings you can take photos at. I took pictures of some stuff I liked. I no where near captured everything.

This has been a tourist attraction in wv off of I-77 for as long as I can remember. I’ve stopped here many times over the years and love to look at all the beautiful artistic creations from the people of my awesome state. Today I stopped here while I’m on a mission to find all the “almost heaven” swings with my husband. The building and grounds are beautiful and unique.

Wife and I have been here on a few occasions. A must see destination for local artistry of West Virginia, Virginia. Also, they allow campers and they have water on site only for RV freshwater holding tanks. A nice quiet place to stop for the day or evening and tour to see all of the artist work.

While visiting Beckley WVA my wife and I stopped by the Tamarack Marketplace to see what it was all about. This was our first time at the Marketplace and I haven't seen anything like this out west where we live so, it was a new experience for us. The marketplace was very impressive inside and out with so many beautiful things and an array of items including food, wine, glassware, pottery, quality woodworks, quilts, jewelry, restaurants and coffee. There is something here for everyone no matter the occasion and taste you'll find it at the Marketplace. It is a great place to visit. The service, the employees and the food was great.

Loved the different varieties of local art and craftsmanship. The atmosphere was nice really easy to walk around and want everything they had to offer. We only got coffee but it was fresh and good too.

Really great place to stop by if you are passing through. All items are created by local artisans. You can create your own glass blown ornaments or atch the process being done. I was really impresed by this chainsaw made completoit of wood...even the chain!

Wonderful ride through the gorge. Well worth the 45 minutes that I cludes a few stops to grap pictures. Scan the QR code to listen to the audio file of history as you take the ride through beauty and history. The rangers at the welcome center was awesome!

We came for bridge day and it was spectacular! They close the bridge and catapult adventurous spirits straight into the New River below. Over 300 base jumpers from all over the world put on their packs and parachute down. It’s a sight to see! Lots of great vendors, food and events at during that weekend. We attended the taste of bridge day the evening before at the adventures on the gorge and it was awesome!

One of the most iconic views in West Virginia. Seeing the bridge in person is completely different from photos, it stretches across the gorge like it’s floating, and the scale doesn’t fully hit you until you’re standing at the overlook looking out across miles of mountains. The bridge itself is one of the longest single-arch steel bridges in the world and also one of the highest in the U.S. It sits almost 900 feet above the river. The engineering alone is impressive, but the landscape around it is what really makes it special. The mountains roll in layers, and in the fall the colors are stunning reds, oranges, golds, and deep greens all stacked into the valley. There are several great viewing spots, but the Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlook and Long Point Overlook give the best angles. Long Point especially feels unreal, you’re right across from the bridge, eye-level with it. If you visit in October during Bridge Day, people BASE jump and rappel directly off the bridge, it turns into a full festival. Whether you’re hiking, just passing through, or stopping for photos, the New River Gorge Bridge is a must-see. Beautiful, massive, peaceful, and unforgettable.

Amazing place to visit. If you love history and nature at the same time, one of the best place to see in USA 🇺🇸❤️. 🏞️📍SUMMER 2024 The completion of the New River Gorge Bridge on October 22, 1977 solved a travel challenge. The bridge turned a 40-minute drive into less than a minute. It removed the need to navigate down narrow mountain roads across an ancient river. When it comes to road construction, mountains do pose a challenge. At New River Gorge, the challenge transformed into a work of structural art. The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest steel span in the western hemisphere. It is also the third highest bridge in the United States. The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia. In 2006, the U.S. Mint chose the bridge to represent West Virginia on the state commemorative quarter. In 2013, the National Park Service listed the New River Gorge Bridge in the National Register of Historic Places. This listing signifies the importance of the bridge as a historic resource.

Beautiful fall colors and bridge view was outstanding! We were there on a Thursday before Bridge day on Saturday. Board walk was easy accessible from Visitors Center. Steps are 175 if you decide to walk all the way to the bottom. We only went about half way and did fine with an amazing view anyway. You can also drive around to the bottom

Went mid October 2025. This was a nice stop, a full service welcome center with bathrooms. It was very clean. However, it was also very crowded at this location, even after the welcome center closed. The bathrooms are locked inside the welcome center, making it impossible to go after 5pm. It is a short walk to the view of the bridge then some steps down to see a better view. Maybe a 5-10 minute stop total. This place is partly dog friendly. You can bring your dog to see the bridge. But for bridge day dogs are not welcome. Which is wild and quite frankly very sad considering it is quite literally an outdoor event. That made us disappointed and we did not go to bride day because of that. I would go back to see the view if I was in the area. No hiking or anything else exciting around there. But stunning views it was my second time here.

An iconic piece of architecture and featured on the West Virginia version of the state series quarters, this is the third tallest bridge in the US. While you can't really appreciate its height from the 4-lane highway that crosses it due to the high concrete barriers, seeing it from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center or from down below it is pretty impressive. Worth your time to visit, as the area is beautiful, especially during Fall like it was when we were there over the last week.

Exactly what we expected. We are a retired couple who needed an inexpensive place to stay while enjoying the local sights. The cabin was clean and the mattress was okay for what it was. We liked the little end tables attached to the wall. The public bathrooms were extremely clean. The food from the restaurant that was open was great. They have a fantastic place set up to watch the sunset. It was my favorite thing about the resort.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Unforgettable Experience at Adventures on the Gorge! We had an incredible time doing the Gravity Zip Line—what a rush! The course itself is thrilling, with breathtaking views and heart-pounding fun, but what really made the experience exceptional were the people. Our guides, Bri, Madison, and Mark, were beyond outstanding—funny, knowledgeable, and totally on top of safety while still making it a blast from start to finish. Perry, our driver, was also fantastic and kept the energy high the whole way. The facilities were super clean, well-maintained, and added to the overall experience. It’s clear this place is run with pride and passion. We would highly recommend Adventures on the Gorge to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure—and we’ll definitely be back!

I have only been here for the taste of bridge day but this place is beautiful! The event was ran so well, plenty of vendors, places to sit, friendly people and the food was awesome! Thank you for a wonderful evening!

A truly wonderful experience. Adventures on the Gorge have great facilities. We stayed in the Loft Style Cabin, with bath and shower. Very clean and comfortable. Resort staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Restaurant choices are great. The pool area is modern and relaxing. Our rafting trip was awesome with our guides Robbie and Marcus. They are both professional and very knowledgeable. Robbie was in our raft and made our experience very memorable and he made sure we had a thrilling experience.

Logan and Ryan were amazing! They helped our newbie zip liners who had some fear of heights have such a great time! Thanks for making the experience fun for them!

Absolutely no one else I would ever want to be my guide. Mike truly made this trip. The river itself is obviously gorgeous and a ton of fun. But Mike’s knowledge of the river, the local history, and everything there is to do nearby made it all next level. Plus he’s just a ton of fun to be around. Being from Michigan doesn’t hurt either (except, sorry Mike, Go Green!!) Thank you for everything!!

I'd only ever used ACE Adventures for Whitewater Rafting until last weekend. My husband and I had a blast with Adventures on the Gorge. Our guide knew his stuff 💯%. Customer service was awesome. Everything went smoothly. Our lunch was tasty. I have zero complaints.

I enjoyed being able to explore tha capitol building. Seeing where the Supreme Court meets. I was able to observe the chambers of the Congress today. The people at the information desk were very helpful to point out places I could see in the building. This is a free activity Accessible mens and women's restrooms. Van accessible pay by app in middle of the complex

Awesome architecture, great grounds, we went through security and were able to see the different chambers inside the building. Very cool.

What an impressive building - the 23 carat gold leafed done is perfect in the sunlight. And the view of the river in front sets it off well. Visit the Archives/Museum ( their gift shop has terrific articles and food made in WV)

The Gold Dome is iconic! I spotted it from miles away when driving in, and seeing it up close was very cool. Even in cloudy weather, it shone very brightly, as gold does. Seeing it up close was what really did it justice, like Jim could tell you (WV pun). Very much a stop and visit, cheers.

Parking and then finding a way into the capitol was not fun. Many entrances were closed to construction or security when we visited. Finally inside, we join a tour group already started. I've seen many incredible capitols (Mississippi for example) and WV just rubbed me the wrong way. It's the 5th(?) capitol built in WV and very, very "high-end" with imported crystal chandeliers from the Czech republic and millions of dollars worth of marble. For all that it feels like an empty grand ballroom, more functional than lovely. A very expensive monument for a part-time legislature.

I visited on a Saturday, so parking was easy and there weren't a lot of people around. The building is very nice, but the rotunda was off-limits due to some construction.

Beautiful building and grounds. Make sure your camera battery is full and your memory card is empty, a lot of great photos to take here. Don't stop at the outside, spend a few minutes inside as well and tour the Governor's Residence if able.

Great place to go to learn the history of the area that is now West Virginia. Easy walk through the museum. No admission cost to the museum or gift shop. Free parking on Saturdays in the lots on the complex. You should also go by the Veterans Memorial near the museum.

I was pleasantly surprised at how large this museum was. Free admission, easy path to navigate, but again, significantly larger than I had expected haha. Tons of history, you could be here for hours.

Free and if you are going to tour capitol building the museum is just next door. There was a very nice display of quilts there. Lots of historical information and artifacts. Takes a while to walk through. It's go at your own pace and also kind of drawn out so be a true history buff or museum lover to enjoy fully. Nice statue of miner outside the museum building.

This museum is a gem! Very educational while having fun. Appealing to all ages, the exhibits are in chronological order. Would highly recommend this anyone visiting Charleston, West Virginia.

We loved visiting this museum. It was small, but perfect for kids with low attention spans. I especially loved the art made by people who work for the state displayed on the second floor.

Wow impressed with the set up. Great way to walk through the history of West Virginia. 8 year old son, “that was worth it!” They have a scavenger hunt for kids.

A true gem for anyone passing through the capital city. Took my family here after a track meet and plan on returning with my father who is a native born Mountaineer and has never been to this. It’s free admission and very enjoyable and educational about the states history from prehistoric times to current day.

If you're a fan of cryptids, folklore, or just delightfully quirky Americana, the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, WV is an absolute must-visit. This place is a love letter to one of the most fascinating legends in American history—and it delivers in spades. The museum dives deep into the eerie events of 1966–67, when locals reported sightings of a winged humanoid with glowing red eyes near the TNT area. These chilling encounters culminated in the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge, and ever since, the Mothman has loomed large in pop culture and local lore. The museum does a fantastic job of presenting this history with both reverence and flair. Inside, you'll find original newspaper clippings, eyewitness sketches, and even props from the 2002 film The Mothman Prophecies. There's a full-size Mothman statue, vintage police reports, and a recreation of the infamous TNT bunker. The displays are immersive and thoughtfully curated—equal parts spooky and fascinating. And don’t skip the gift shop! It’s packed with Mothman-themed treasures: shirts, sweatshirts, hats, buttons, stickers, mugs, and even plush cryptids. Whether you're looking for a tongue-in-cheek souvenir or a serious addition to your paranormal collection, they've got you covered. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the legend. This museum isn’t just a roadside attraction—it’s a celebration of mystery, community, and the enduring power of storytelling. Highly recommend! 👣🦇

My little sister and I visited last year, and we loved this museum!! We thought we knew everything about Mothman, but we learned a lot here! We also really liked how they talked about Mothman in pop culture, as we didn’t know much about the movie, etc. We made a lot of good memories here and took a lot of fun pictures, too!! The ticket price is not that bad - definitely worth the money!! Also, the gift shop has a lot of neat things, like T-shirts, books, stickers, and more! Definitely check it out!

I recently stopped by the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and it was a delightfully quirky dive into cryptid lore! Tucked right next to the iconic Mothman statue on Main Street, the museum is surprisingly small—think cozy roadside attraction rather than sprawling exhibit hall—but don't let the size fool you. It's absolutely packed with fascinating memorabilia, from original 1966 newspaper clippings and handwritten eyewitness accounts of those eerie red-eyed sightings to vintage photos, artifacts from the Silver Bridge collapse, and all sorts of mysterious "Men in Black" tidbits that left me piecing together the cryptic puzzle like a true conspiracy enthusiast. If you're into folklore, UFOs, or just a good shiver of the unexplained, this spot delivers big on intrigue in a bite-sized package. Pair it with a stroll to the statue or the annual Mothman Festival in September for the full eerie experience. Highly recommend—it's the kind of hidden gem that sticks with you long after you've left those haunted hollers!

We stopped in to get souvenirs for our daughter. We didn't actually go into the museum, just the shop. It had lots of different t-shirt designs, stickers, books, and other items. It was a nice stop, right on our route. The lady behind the counter was very nice, and I got a free drawstring bag for spending over $100. I do love a free bag! 😄 It was great fun and I'm glad we stopped.

Wonderful experience! The statue was clean. The museum was clean and well informative! The staff were great and kind. As a cryptic lover, I have found my trip from out of state to this location to be wonderful. I will be coming back. Thank you to the staff who made my trip!

I just happened to go on the weekend of September 20th an the festival was going on I didn't even know it was going on til we all got there. We were initially just heading to the museum. The museum was definitely awesome.... I would have had a better time had I not had to potty the whole time but that's on me not the museum lol. There was a lot of cool history, pictures, costumes, actual plush like mothman characters, movies, lore, prophecies, stings even videos. I will say go to the museum when the festival is in town too there is a lot of cool stuff. Posters, plaques, clothing, purses, jewelry, art, etc. an you can't forget to take a picture with the statue itself in the middle of the square an touch his butt it's legen haha.

We unfortunately didn't get to visit the actual museum portion of the Mothman Museum, BUT the gift shop section was great! They had a Mothman version of about everything you could think of. The staff was super friendly as well. It's worth stopping by, even if you only have a few minutes. Next time I hope to actually go through the museum!

What a beautiful island and mansion! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and we also enjoyed the boat ride to and from the island.

First time visiting Blennerhassett Island, loved the Island. The only think I would've changed don't going in summer time, very hot and humid. If you want to go inside the big house buy tickets. The other smaller house is empty inside. We did rent bikes that was nice. On the ferry ride over some people bought they own bikes. Gift shop was the only place to get relief from the heat. Parkersburg area seems empty even though homecoming was happening. I would love to visit again but only in fall time.

I absolutely loved everything about this place. We did the whole package which included the museum, boat ride, horse carriage ride and tour. It was such a beautiful and great experience. I highly recommend for everyone!

I very much loved touring Blennerhassett Island! The ferry ride was relaxing and had fun facts - there is an upper and lower deck as well as a ramp to get on the boat. It was incredibly hot the day I went but the boat crew boys worked their tail off. The island is beautiful and stroller, wheelchair, and fat person friendly. Everything is in close proximity and flat to walk, much under shade. The gift shop is small and mainly knickknacks but they folks working were INCREDIBLY kind. So were the workers of the booths and wagons. I did not do a wagon ride as I really wanted to get some exercise in and lots of small kids and families on the wagons. My docent was incredible. Knew tons of the history and even threw a few “Hamilton” jokes in. I was also very impressed the island worked hard to say “enslaved people” which is the correct terminology! The house is gorgeous and does have an upstairs to see. Can take pictures without flash. Really enjoyed my time, said about 3 hours on the island. The mainland museum is fun and eclectic collections of local history and Blennerhassett objects. I wish I had done the museum first and then the island, but can be done in either order. Good for any one of any age, but the little kids in my tour group were definitely fidgety in the heat. I went as a single 26 year old woman who loves history and it was a total gem in my trip for a friend’s wedding. Would strongly recommend as it is cheap per person and very walkable!

What a neat place to spend an afternoon. We enjoyed the horse carriage ride and the history lesson of the island and its structures. We then took the house tour which told about the family that lived there. The stern wheel boat ride to the island was very nice and relaxing!!

Not often is there an opportunity to visit a historical island, accessible only by ferry. It's a very interesting piece of frontier history, when the wild west was anywhere beyond Virginia. The mansion is interesting, even if if is a facsimile of the original. More important, in my opinion, would be the museum. Full of artifacts through the ages, it give a wonderful link to a world gone by.

Perfect place to spend the afternoon! To get there, you ride a traditional sternwheel ferry. Once on the island it's picturesque. The wagon ride is definitely a must. All the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and really seems to enjoy their job. We got a quick bite at the concession pavilion and the prices were very reasonable. We spent about 3-4 hours touring.

My husband and I went on the Fall Foliage train ride and it was beautiful. The views are amazing. The gift shop is very nice with different drinks and snacks you can bring aboard the train. Getting your tickets is easy and the train depot is really cool. The ride is very interesting and you learn about the history of the area. The only thing we didn't like was how packed each train car was and how close you were sitting to strangers. We got there 45 minutes early, 15 minutes before it said to arrive, and it was already packed. We had difficulty finding the seats we wanted. We rode on the open train car to enjoy the nice weather but we had to sit on a bench shoulder to shoulder next to other people. They definitely need to have a max capacity that allows people to have some space. They shouldn't allow us to have to be that cramped together. We definitely will arrive even earlier next time. Other than that, I recommend it.

If you've never been on a train and want to say you have been, this is an inexpensive way of doing that. However, this is not what my friend and I had expected. The trip was not very "scenic" unless you enjoy seeing rundown backyards and trash piles. I understand the railway cannot control the public, but I wouldn't say this is scenic. The staff was very pleasant and friendly. The windows do not lock in place and can be dangerous. Several windows in the car we were in slammed shut from the vibrations of the train, thank goodness no one was hurt. The small town, can't remember the name, wasn't much to look at either and the "gift shop" there was a joke. But it was an inexpensive way to kill a couple of hours, just wouldn't do it again.

If you ever want to say you went on a train ride this is the perfect and inexpensive spot to do that. There were more views of people's backyards and work equipment than beautiful views but still really cool to see and do. The colors were beautiful since it was fall. We also stopped at a small village which was pretty cool.

Great fall day adventure at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Good size train and the vintage passenger cars from 1921 were well maintained. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful. They also offer Christmas and Easter time rides, as well as a New Years Eve celebration 🍾 ride. It is a non-profit organization, and they welcome donations in any amount to keep up with the maintenance.

The experience wasn’t what I expected, especially with it being $85. I don’t want to be too harsh with my review, since I love that they provide this experience to the public. All the staff were friendly and seemed to enjoy being there! Inside of the trains were clean and they had a vintage feel. The seats were comfortable and had a lot of leg room. Like a lot of the other reviews, I also was disappointed and the views. You see a lot of run down housing and trash. I understand that Hocking Valley Scenic Railway cannot control this, but wanted others to make others aware that most of the sites are not attractive. The biggest disappointment to me was the re-enactments. We paid for a ride that included reenactments, but every single performance was performed at the back and since the performers did not have microphones we could not make out a single word that was being said. I think this should be taken into consideration for future rides. Maybe have them do one reenactment at the front, then one at the back, so all riders are included or even some type of microphone. Overall, it we are glad we did it since we had been wanting to for awhile, but it isn’t something we would go back for a second time.

We had a wonderful relaxing ride on the train. It was a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it making it a part of your visit to the area

Have a small museum at the end of the train line with live, 1860 actors. It’s so awesome to go back in time, LIVE!!