Marion's Main Street is lined with historic buildings, churches and the courthouse. This small town sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near popular attractions like Mt. Mitchell (30 miles) and Linville Falls (25 miles).
Downtown Marion has really blossomed during the last couple of years! Some highlights include:
- McDowell Arts Council Gallery & Theatre (50 South Main Street)
- Refinery 13 Taproom brewery (13 N. Main)
- Spillway Bridge (93 S Main St): a music venue and taproom with 20 beers on rotation, and their first craft brewery.
- Flavors On Main General Store (49 S. Main Street)
- Mica Town Brewing (25 Brown Drive)
- Downtown Marion Tailgate Market: Stop by every Saturday 10am-2pm in May thru October for the freshest produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, baked goods, and locally-made crafts. The market is located at the intersection of West Henderson Street and Logan Street, admission and parking are free.
- See a full list of dining options on Destination McDowell's website here.
Keeper's Cut Meadery
Keeper's Cut Meadery: Offering wine-style and draft mead by tasting, flight, glass, and bottle in their large tasting room. Also enjoy mead cocktails, charcuterie & cheese boards, desserts, snacks, and soft drinks. (175 West Henderson St)
Carson House: Built in 1793, this house museum is one of the oldest standing structures in western North Carolina, having served as a stagecoach inn and stopping point for important historical figures. Read much more.
Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway: Walk or bike this new, one-mile recreational trail, picnic area, fishing pier, wildlife observation deck, and access to the historic Round Hill cemetery. The greenway's entrance road (Sam Phillips Drive) is located off of US 70 West, just past Lowe's and next to Table Rock Quarries.
Catawba River Outdoors (2334 Hwy 221 Business North) offers tube and kayak trips with shuttles to drop-off points upriver, ending at their location in town.
Mt. Ida Wilderness Area: This 36-acre park features a picnic shelter and a one-mile roundtrip hiking trail with views of downtown Marion from the top. The trail is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Woods Mountain: One of the most challenging hiking/mountain biking trails in western North Carolina, this 24.9-mile single-track loop crosses the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Go to Destination McDowell's website.
Directions to Marion: It's located 36 miles east of Asheville along I-40. Some of our other favorite small towns nearby include Old Fort (12 miles), Little Switzerland (17 miles), Morganton (22 miles), Black Mountain (20 miles) and Rutherfordton (24 miles).
Marion Attractions & Lodging
Linville Caverns
North Carolina's only natural limestone caverns feature stalactite, stalagmite formations, and an underground stream. Guided tours.
North Carolina's only natural limestone caverns feature stalactite, stalagmite formations, and an underground stream. Guided tours.
Catawba Valley Wine Tour
Visit wineries in the foothills of the Catawba Valley located east of Asheville, between Marion and Morganton. Three of them (Silver Fork, South Creek and Lake James Cellars) are along a 15-mile… read more
Visit wineries in the foothills of the Catawba Valley located east of Asheville, between Marion and Morganton. Three of them (Silver Fork, South Creek and Lake James Cellars) are along a 15-mile drive near I-40, so very convenient!
Tom's Creek Falls
This 80-ft., two-tier waterfall is accessed via an easy hike in Pisgah National Forest (near US Highway 221) north of Marion. It's a great hike for families. One of the few waterfalls with an… read more
This 80-ft., two-tier waterfall is accessed via an easy hike in Pisgah National Forest (near US Highway 221) north of Marion. It's a great hike for families. One of the few waterfalls with an accessible trail and observation deck for those with walking challenges.
Mount Mitchell
Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This state park has an observation tower, plenty of hiking and a restaurant. Be prepared… read more
Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This state park has an observation tower, plenty of hiking and a restaurant. Be prepared for much cooler temperatures at the top. Open year-round (except snowy days in the winter).
Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages
This relaxing getaway is perfect for families and large groups looking to embrace the great outdoors. Centrally located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, guests can access nearby attractions like… read more
This relaxing getaway is perfect for families and large groups looking to embrace the great outdoors. Centrally located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, guests can access nearby attractions like Linville Gorge and Grandfather Mountain. The lodge and cottages are set on beautifully landscaped grounds featuring stone fire pits, ideal for evening gatherings amidst the stunning mountain scenery.
Thermal City Gold & Gem Mine
Visit this authentic gold mine and travel back to the 1800s gold rush. Pan for gold and gems, talk to a real prospector and explore the "Old West" buildings with plenty of interesting things to… read more
Visit this authentic gold mine and travel back to the 1800s gold rush. Pan for gold and gems, talk to a real prospector and explore the "Old West" buildings with plenty of interesting things to see. Open mid March-October. South of Marion.
Lake James State Park
This state park has a wide beach with a nice pavilion with changing rooms, open for swimming May-September. Also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more.
This state park has a wide beach with a nice pavilion with changing rooms, open for swimming May-September. Also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more.
Blue Ridge Travelers Guide
Order this free, print guide for Marion, Little Switzerland, Linville Falls, Old Fort and Lake James areas of McDowell County - east of Asheville.
Order this free, print guide for Marion, Little Switzerland, Linville Falls, Old Fort and Lake James areas of McDowell County - east of Asheville.
Carson House Museum, Marion
Tour one of the most interesting house museums in the state, dating back to 1793, with a big collection covering 200+ years on three floors.
Tour one of the most interesting house museums in the state, dating back to 1793, with a big collection covering 200+ years on three floors.
Marion Festivals
WNC Bigfoot Festival
A quirky festival that celebrates the legendary Sasquatch, held in downtown Marion 36 miles east of Asheville. In addition to Bigfoot-themed items and local crafts, talk with sighters from across… read more
A quirky festival that celebrates the legendary Sasquatch, held in downtown Marion 36 miles east of Asheville. In addition to Bigfoot-themed items and local crafts, talk with sighters from across the country with evidence that it exists. Calling contest too!
Livermush Festival
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on the best… read more
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on the best livermush dish at the Food Truck Rodeo!
Mountain Glory Festival, Marion
Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Helene, this event is canceled. Learn more at Destination McDowell.
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains during Marion, North Carolina’… read more
Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Helene, this event is canceled. Learn more at Destination McDowell.
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains during Marion, North Carolina’s annual Mountain Glory Festival. Look for regional makers with original handicrafts. Shop over 200 craft, food, non-profit and sponsor booths brimming with locally made arts and crafts, festival…
Carolina Christmas Show
This Broadway-style show in Marion features live music, dancing, and comedy sure to put you in the holiday spirit! There are four performances to choose from throughout the weekend. Tickets are $… read more
This Broadway-style show in Marion features live music, dancing, and comedy sure to put you in the holiday spirit! There are four performances to choose from throughout the weekend. Tickets are $16-32. 400 Main Street West, Valdese, NC 28690
New Years Eve Golden Nugget Drop
Gather on Main Street in downtown Marion on New Year's Eve night to watch the giant golden nugget drop into a pot of gold. Many activities include a fun run, music, food, craft vendors, and more… read more
Gather on Main Street in downtown Marion on New Year's Eve night to watch the giant golden nugget drop into a pot of gold. Many activities include a fun run, music, food, craft vendors, and more!
