Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina is the wonderful little town of West Jefferson. West Jefferson began as a common railway stop as lumber and other supplies were delivered there in the early 1900s. Today, you’ll find so many exciting things to do in West Jefferson.
The town has rapidly grown over the years and continues to do so today! Although it is growing, its small-town charm remains the same. West Jefferson is the perfect town for visitors who love fresh mountain air and making long lasting memories. At an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet, come visit the “coolest corner” of North Carolina!
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How do I get to West Jefferson?
West Jefferson is an easy 2.5-hour drive from Charlotte, NC. If you are flying in from out of town, chances are you’ll be arriving at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. From there you’ll travel north with the city in your rear-view mirror and the silhouette of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains ahead.
Much like many destinations in the US, a rental car will be needed to make your trip from Charlotte to West Jefferson. Luckily, if you are staying close to town, many attractions are walking distance throughout Main Street, so you’ll rarely need a car! If you do decide to drive into town, there are plenty of free parking spots.
When is the best time to visit West Jefferson?
West Jefferson is beautiful all year round, but nothing beats the crisp cool air and colors of the changing leaves in early October. With breathtaking views all around, there’s nothing like taking a stroll in downtown West Jefferson during the fall season.
Ashe County (where West Jefferson is located) is known for its many Christmas tree farms. People from all over come to choose and cut their own Christmas trees during the holiday season! No matter the time of year you come to visit, you can’t miss seeing the Christmas trees growing alongside the mountains.
Summertime in West Jefferson is when you will find many Charlotte natives escaping the heat. With the average temperature being in the mid 70s, West Jefferson is the perfect spot for summer activities like tubing down the New River or going for a hike in the mountains!
The Best Things to do in West Jefferson, NC
1. Shop Local – Boutiques, Art Studios, Antiques, & more
West Jefferson has a wide variety of stores, there’s truly something for everybody! Shops in West Jefferson range from specialty foods, clothing, furniture, jewelry, antiques, local artist galleries, and more.
2. Visit Ashe County Cheese
The Ashe County Cheese Store & Factory is North Carolina’s oldest cheese plant! It is free to visit the cheese-making viewing room but be sure to check the factory schedule ahead of time to make sure they are making cheese the day you visit. Enjoy some locally made cheese of all kinds at the cheese store!
3. Support Local Breweries & the Old Barn Winery
Two of the most popular breweries in town are Boondocks Brewing and the New River Brewery. Both breweries are dog friendly and also offer some very delicious food!
If a winery is more your scene, there’s no place better than the Old Barn Winery. At the Old Barn Winery, you can enjoy live music all day in the summertime (Fridays & Saturdays), they are also another great dog friendly option!
4. Catch a Movie at the Parkway Theater
The Parkway Theater is a piece of history located just off of main street. The movie theater has two screens, each showing a newly released movie. Tickets for nighttime movies are only $6 and matinee tickets are $5.
5. Hike to the Top of Mount Jefferson
To get one of the best views in all of West Jefferson, take a moderately difficult hike to the top of Mount Jefferson! There are no fees to enter the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. If you’re not up for a hike, the drive up to the entrance has two stunning overlooks that are worth stopping at!
6. Take a Class at the Florence Thomas Art School
You may stumble across the Florence Thomas Art School while walking around downtown. Each week there are a wide variety of classes taught by local artists here!
Some examples of classes are learning how to make a wool hat, basket weaving, or painting with watercolors. Visit the Florence Thomas Art School website to find a class and register.
7. Enjoy the New River
The New River is one of the few major rivers in the United States that flows north. Canoes, kayaks, and inner tube rentals are available for rent at Zaloo’s Canoes, Kayaks, and Tubes so you can relax down the river and take in the mountain greenery. You may also go for a swim in the New River at the New River State Park, Elk Shoals Access.
Other Tips to Know Before Visiting West Jefferson:
- The locals are very friendly! You’ll never meet a stranger in West Jefferson. Many of the locals have lived there their whole lives so never be afraid to start up a conversation, they’d love to talk about the town!
- The road trip to West Jefferson may cause those with sensitive stomachs to feel a little nauseous due to the winding roads! They are not the worst curves you’ll ever experience but if you aren’t a fan of winding roads then make sure to prepare ahead of time.
- The elevation change from Charlotte to West Jefferson is about 3000 feet and with that comes a change in weather. It could be a warm day in Charlotte but a chilly day in West Jefferson! Make sure to check the weather ahead of time and pack accordingly.
- For upcoming events, visit the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce website. Every July there is a major festival called “Christmas in July” to celebrate the Christmas tree farmers, local artisans, and live folk music, you won’t want to miss it.
Where should I stay in West Jefferson?
- Budget-friendly Option: Days Inn by Wyndham West Jefferson or Holiday Inn Express – These budget friendly options are not walking distance into town but are a short drive to main street. These are great options for saving money during a quick stay! The Days Inn by Wnyham is dog friendly while the Holiday Inn Express does not allow dogs.
- Mid-range or Luxury Options: Vacation Rentals – Since West Jefferson is a smaller town, there are limited options for hotels, however, you can find many vacation rental properties throughout the county! VRBO, Airbnb, and VacationRenter are great places to search for vacation rentals with a range of prices.
- Unique Option: West Jefferson Hotel (also known as the Historic Old Hotel) – This hotel is not open yet (as of February 2024) because it is being restored to be used as a hotel again! It was built as a hotel in 1917 until it was turned into shops and dining. The historic building was recently purchased and is now being completely restored to its former glory!
Things to do in West Jefferson Map
While it is great to experience the big cities, West Jefferson is an example of why you shouldn’t always skip the smaller places! Here’s a map of the best things to do in West Jefferson, NC to make your planning even easier!
“Come experience our wonderful little town where folks are friendly and every day is like a Saturday” – Julie McGunegle, West Jefferson local & former owner of the West Jefferson Coffee House.
Take it from someone who grew up there, it won’t be a hidden gem much longer!
More North Carolina Gems!
Looking to explore more of this amazing state? Here are some of my favorite guides!
- How to Spend a Weekend in Charlotte
- Weekend Guide to Raleigh (from a local)
- 3-days in Wilmington
- Outer Banks Weekend Adventure
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