Such a great trip! I booked a half day rafting the Nolichucky with 7 others. None of us had much prior white water rafting experience, but honestly that made it better. Huge shout out to our guide Sprocket: he was witty, super knowledgeable, and whipped us in to ship shape fast. The whole experience lasted almost 4 hours ans was tons of fun. At the end, the group got to "surf" which involved directing the raft upstream and hang in the little water fall. Beautiful scenery in the smoky mountains and we even saw a bald eagle. Overall I highly recommend this trip

My family had a great rafting trip with Lela and David as our guides. They were very safety-conscious but also lots of fun! Their communication was easy to follow, and we all worked as a team, including one teenager and two kids under 12. The picnic lunch was a very enjoyable way to break up the trip.

Stayed at Boone cabin with my hubby and 8 kids! So much fun, totally comfortable and enjoyable spot. Lela and David took our crew rafting down the Noli and showed us a great time. So impressed by their patience, professionalism and joy in what they do. Please ask for them by name when making reservations- you won’t regret it!

Planned this trip a month ago, long overdue vacation with my wife. We scheduled a 1/2 day rafting trip, for 1:30pm. We both work late nights into early morning so getting up for the 8:30trip would have been a rough indevour. However the wonderful staff worked some magic and got us a group for 10:30am. Our guide Lauren was amazing, personable, knowledgeable and made our trip memorable and safe. At night our "Appalachian concierge" Cory was quick to get us what we needed, helpful, friendly and an all around great guy! We had a couple great evenings at the Take Out Tavern. The food was amazing, the beers ice cold, service was absolutely spot on weather it was to warm our bellies after the wonderful white water or after a few beers. We stayed in one of the domes, the pictures didn't even do it justice to how luxurious it would be. The bathhouse facility and sauna were clean and maintained daily. We had a wonderful surprise of live music by the Dirty Dead. The grounds had this amazing vibe and ambiance, it felt like I came home, it was home, and everyone there was my family. A completely magical vacation, we can not wait to go again. Already looking at the calendars! Thank you to everyone, even if I didn't get your name you were intrical to making it the best vacation, what our souls really needed.

I gotta write an updated review. We’ve had a couple (big) bummers trying to camp here in the last year (really do not recommend the overnight car camping spots; twice our reservation was unavailable upon arrival and the staff seems pretty disinterested in addressing this issue), BUT I had an absolutely lovely experience at the take out bar, and enjoyed just chilling on the property while listening to the band by the river. The river access here is prime. We don’t like the camping experience and still resent that (it used to be one of our favorite spots), but as a day/evening hang out, we like the experience and will probably return. Also, NOLI is a very cool organization that meets at USA Raft for several of their events. We participated in the Blue Ghost Firefly hike this past Friday and really enjoyed it! Highly recommend checking out NOLI and participating in their activities!

Absolutely horrible customer service! My group was eligible for a 15% discount for lodging. At the time of my booking, months in advance of the trip, I was not aware of this but became aware a few weeks before the trip. I called and emailed repeatedly trying to get someone to issue a credit and was told that only the office manager, Tiffany could handle this. Tiffany never replied despite direct emails and messages from her employees. Two days before the trip, we were told a credit would be issued and finally thought the issue was resolved. It's now 4 weeks since the trip and no credit was ever issued. I have called 3 times since and finally spoke to Tiffany who was not even remotely understanding about her lack of professionalism and failure to address this the numerous times I had reached out. I was finally issued a store credit good for a year, but no actual refund because that is their "policy." Their "policy" also appears to be to avoid all communication when it isn't to their advantage. Very unprofessional! I feel ripped off. Buyer beware!

Out of the three times I have gone, none have ever disappointed me. We had an awesome river guide named sprocket, and he totally blew we away with how cool he was, especially with his jokes. Not to discount the other guides as they are equally awesome!! Please do yourself a favor and visit this iconic river with the best guides in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Stopping in to Flow is a MUST if you are visiting the town of Marshall NC. Located right on Main St, steps away from both the French Broad River and the Madison Country Courthouse, you are greeted by a feeling of quaint historic charm that blends both new and old. Antique french doors welcome you as you enter a world of high quality handcrafted items made by local artisans. Everything was displayed neatly and that made it easy to peruse. So many pieces were absolutely stunning! We will definitely return.

Love this lamp! She just rose there, celestial pagoda girl . . . to see how her space is coming in? ❤️ To the artist! ❤️ To Flow. Thanks for coming back for us! You've always had just what I needed! ❤️

ETA: yes, this review is for Of Wand and Earth next door! So sorry, Google asked if I wanted to review this and I didn't pay attention to the name! I can't edit the location and I can't figure out how to delete it. Sorry for the confusion. Interesting selection of jewelry, statues, and other items. I love rocks and minerals and there was a pretty good assortment of those as well. Teas, incense, candles... Anything along those lines you are interested in you can probably find there.

Wonderful way to spend some time in Marshall. Very diverse collection from metal, wood and jewelry artists and more. Great space that’s thoughtfully used for all the pieces displayed. And Peggy was a lovely host while we shopped. We’ll be back for sure.

A Big City gallery tucked away in a quaint, adorable, small town. This gallery hosts an amazing variety of diverse arts and crafts. From coveted tapestries to Van Gogh style paintings. There are discoveries here waiting to be found. The artwork speaks volumes about their perspective Artists. Don't pass this shop unless you've already found this little treasure !

Such a lovely local gallery in DT Marshall

Flow opened 2 years ago because of the efforts of 8 local woman artists and had 35 more artists co-sign during that time. All the items in the store are handmade and the owners believe in the “slow craft movement”, meaning that each item takes as much time as it requires, the artist spends time with each artwork. It is a blend of items ranging from wonderfully drawn cards to furniture with prices ranging from 3$ to 1500$. It also has a theme-based exhibit space. A name can be placed on everything that is sold there and it feels very personal. The shop is also a link between the local and tourist community and the artist and it is truly a great place!

Wonderful art show....incredible talent!! Great trip through the Western North Carolina countryside, and into this quiet town. Wonderful people.

Located in Marshall NC on Blannahasset Island in the French Broad river. Historic 2 story school house with working art studios and event space available to rent. Ample parking on island and across the bridge in downtown Marshall.

What a wonderful and awesome find! The space is so full of character and the island it's on is a little piece of paradise. We found a pottery market by accident and talked with vendors and supported them with a purchase. So cool and definitely worth the adventure.

We've gone to the Handmade market over the years and it's such a good event. The renovated school retains so much if the character that you truly feel transported back in time. There are other events here throughout the year, and artists by appointment, so if you see something that interests you, come! ☺️

Went to art market. Was very impressed. I bought a pottery ring bowl that I didn't need but couldn't resist. My friend bought a handmade lether purse, some blown glass and a couple of other items. Good variety of stuff.

Stopped in after dinner and bought some prints. The wide variety of styles and mediums were well picked so that no two booths closely resembled another, and the shop offered a serene space to enjoy and appreciate the artwork in.

Awesome space offering plenty of workshops, a dance studio, art galleries, and the office for friends of Madison county animals. Plenty of parking!

While exploring shops on Main Street in Marshall, North Carolina, my brother and I discovered Penland & Sons Department Store. The store has been in business more than 100 years. There are window displays on the left and right of the double-doors entrance. After entering, we were politely greeted by a woman clerk who explained the history and her family connection. I walked all around the aisles and looked at many items for sale. On the upper top shelves of the wooden display cabinets are interesting memorabilia and one-of-a-kind antiques. The large interior seems even larger because of the very high ceiling. My brother purchased an old panoramic photograph of Marshall. He later told me he had to pay cash because Penland & Sons Department Store does not accept credit or debit cards. While many businesses in the small town of Marshall close at 3 or 4 PM, Penland & Sons Department Store opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM. It is closed on Sundays.

Highlight of my trip to North Carolina was visiting this store. Like you’ve entered another era. Unique North Carolina made clothing and gifts that are reasonably priced. Owner was wonderful. Wish there were more places like this.

Excellent service and the added touch a family history that extends 100+ years. The very kind sales person shared Madison County History from a family’s history which left me so intrigued. Also excellent collection of books which covers Madison County History.

3rd generation owner. She was amazing and was amazing to talk to. She let us try horehound candy. We will be going back. Should t miss this place.

It's Mast General Store before it was a chain. Good selection of items not usually found in department stores. Super people and locally made jams and pickles stock the shelves. Another reason to stroll downtown Marshall.

One of the owners of this pleasant welcoming store went out of her way to pickup a special order for me. They care about their customers! I’ll be back many times.

Great place to buy sourwood honey not to mention Christmas gifts, local books, boots, carhartt merchandise and rada cutlery. Friendly local family owned business.

Amazing friendly people with a true love of astronomy!

Going tonight for Summer Solstice

**************UPDATE************** As of March 1st, 2024, Marshall main Street Grill has closed permanently. I'm hoping for a new leasing soon. Marshall has always needed a restaurant that locals could go and eat good quality food and not break the bank. And now they have it! The Main Street Cafe is absolutely out of this world good! With that good home cooking, soul filling food served here, i look forward to eating here every chance i get! I have had the privilege to have lunch here for 2 days in a row. Hamburger steak mash potatoes and gravy and a fresh garden salad! You can't get that anywhere else in Madison County....especially for $13.50!!! Great prices out of this world, great food and wonderful staff! Highly, highly recommend! They even open on Sunday for the church community, and that is something madison County needed for a very long time and now has!

A real locals’ breakfast and lunch cafe. Had two of the Specials: the best lobster bisque ever and an exceptional heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad. Also tried the homemade, double battered chicken sandwich that was also out of this world. The servers made us feel like they knew us and we lived there in town.

The food was decent my biscuit and gravy didn’t seem that fresh. The waitress was overwhelmed and showing frustration. Definitely needed help. At one point she knocked a bottle of hot sauce on the floor it shattered in the middle of the floor. 10-15 minutes later it still covered the floor and hadn’t been cleaned up. They need more help during busy times one waitress isn’t enough for a whole restaurant.

Nice restaurant very unique drinks and imports

Comfort food just like granny used to make. We had the eggs and bacon with a side of corned beef hash, hashbrowns, and home fries just so we could sample everything! Can't go wrong choosing any of them and dont forget a couple mimosas. Flavorful and delicious!

Simply the best diner food I’ve ever had. Sausage gravy was unreal. French toast was light and fluffy. Even an affordable avocado toast was on the menu. Everything prepared fresh by grandma and served with a smile by granddaughter. Service was super friendly. Coffee was excellent. Can’t say enough good things about this small town gem.

Great chicken quesadilla! Stuffed heavily with chicken, veggies, and cheese. Ordered jalapeño cheese grits as a side, and they were fine too! Very friendly staff, would highly reccomend.

What to say. The food is excellent, the service is perfect and super friendly. The setting is special. We all had different plates and not one was disappointing. What a delight to have dinner here. We will be back, no doubt.

You wouldn't guess that you'd get fine dining level food out of what looks like an old gas station. Surprise!! The food is amazing. Everything from starters to dessert was absolutely delicious and the service was great. We had the scallops and beef short ribs for dinner and both were excellent. The lemon curd tart was perfectly tart and the pot de creme was a chocolate lovers dream come true. They have a very small dining area (outside currently but that may change) so make sure you make reservations ahead of time. If you are in the area you don't want to miss this place!

Outstanding service and flavors. Star Diner is a true destination. Gorgeous views, filling and flavorful dishes. I loved my meal and the time we spent here. We were seated early and greeted warmly. Everything came out quickly. Super fresh and delicious. I hope to eat here again. I highly recommend. Make a reservation!

My husband and I visited Marshall last week and had, what we both agreed to be, not only the best MEAL but also service we have received in YEARS. Tip: get the bread service. You won’t regret it. Have a drink by the fire table and enjoy a truly lovely time in a magical place.

Wow! What a cool place to eat! Kate was our server. She did not disappoint 👏. The food was excellent with an atmosphere of relaxation. I am looking forward to my next meal there. PS $$$

The service started off pretty slow since a large party showed up just after I did but finished strong. The Cesar Salad was presented well. The dressing was a little too creamy for my taste. However, the flash fried oysters were outstanding!!! The crab cake was very meaty with well balanced flavors. Both of these were small plates and had the perfect sauce that completed each very well. This is a very good restaurant which I’m glad I got to attend. Overall, I highly recommend this place :)))

Ok this place is a 10 When you arrive it’s a old gas station and a tent outside with a 1920 Ford in front. I looked and said how can this place get unbeatable reviews and decided to stay . I was greeted by a really friendly staff. I got the Prime Rib and my wife got the scallops and shrimp with grits. It was like a 5 star Michelin restaurant.