North Carolina

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature

7 Things To Do Near Linville Caverns After You Explore Underground North Carolina

Linville Caverns in North Carolina offers year-round tours and nearby attractions for a full day or weekend trip.

Published Sep 3, 2021

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

North Carolina's only caverns that are open to the public for touring opened all the way back in 1937 and the attraction has been going strong ever since that first day. It helps that the caverns are open year round and maintain a perfect 52 degrees inside the cavern all year, no matter the season.

The caverns present a fascinating look into the underbelly of Humpback Mountain in the Highlands of North Carolina.

A dimly lit cave interior with rocky walls and a wet, winding path along the ground.
TripAdvisor/courtney f

Tours depart every 15 minutes five days a week (the attraction is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday).

advertisement

A walking tour through the caverns and perusing the gift shop afterward may fill up the span of a couple of hours.

Close-up of a textured cave wall with greenish stalactites and stalagmites, showcasing natural mineral formations.
TripAdvisor/courtney f

But if you're making a visit to Linville Caverns as part of a day or weekend trip, then you'll want to add some more fun to the excursion. Below, check out seven things to do near the caverns to make it a full day (or weekend) of fun for the while family.

1. Sweet Betsy Farm - Marion

A charming roadside market called "The Honey House," featuring a colorful exterior and self-serve options.
Facebook/Sweet Betsy Farm
Two beekeepers in protective gear inspect colorful beehives in a sunny field.
Facebook/Sweet Betsy Farm

This small farm produces fresh produce and honey and typically sells it all from an honor system, self-serve stand at the farm. Come in, check out the farm, and grab some fresh veggies and raw honey to bring home.

2. English Farmstead Cheese - Marion

A red barn-style building with a sign, surrounded by green trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Facebook/English Farmstead Cheese
A table covered with stacked containers of packaged food, likely dumplings or similar items, in a cozy shop setting.
Facebook/English Farmstead Cheese

Pop into this roadside cheese haven to discover farm-fresh cheese made on-site. And if you're a curd nerd, you'll love that you can also pick up oodles of curd here, too.

advertisement

3. Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine - Marion

A rustic building with a waterwheel beside a calm lake, surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky. Soft lights illuminate the scene.
Google/Brendon Burke
Close-up of a green pan with black sand and small gold flakes scattered along the bottom.
Google/Brad Thomas

Pan for gold and screen for gems at one of the few outdoor gem mines in North Carolina that remain open all year long (except for Christmas Day). You can pan in the traditional sluice, or take a sluice box right into the stream with you. As a bonus, Lucky Strike also has a campground you can use as a home base while exploring all the attractions here in Marion near Linville Caverns!

4. Historic Carson House - Marion

A charming two-story house with a wraparound porch, surrounded by greenery and blooming trees under a clear blue sky.
Facebook/Historic Carson House
A beautifully set dining table with fine china, candles, and a centerpiece of fruits, in a warmly lit room.
Facebook/Historic Carson House

Built in 1793 by an Irish immigrant, the Carson House is now a museum that puts life during the period on display and tackles the history of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the Gold Rush in North Carolina.

5. Jalapeno Fresh Grill - Marion

Sign for Jalapeño Mexican Grill, featuring bright colors and a clear sky in the background.
Facebook/Jalapeno Fresh Grill
A plate of Mexican food featuring a stuffed pastry, rice, and crispy tacos with toppings, accompanied by dipping sauces.
Google/Nick Lincoln

Jalapeno Fresh Grill takes Mexican food up a notch with presentations that are fantastic and portion sizes almost guaranteed to make for leftovers you can have later in the week.

advertisement

6. Eddie's Pizza & Pasta - Marion

A brightly lit restaurant with a peaked roof and neon accents, surrounded by trees and a parking lot at dusk.
Google/Wayne Gipson
A close-up of a pizza topped with vegetables, cheese, and olives, with a bottle of wine in the background.
Google/Chong Xiong

Prefer Italian over Mexican? Head to Eddie's Pizza and Pasta for delicious Italian options that include hand-tossed pizza, pasta, calzones, and more.

7. Lake James State Park - Nebo

A serene lake scene with a sandy beach, green trees, and a clear blue sky dotted with clouds.
Google/John Gray
A person relaxes in a hammock between trees, surrounded by autumn leaves and a serene lake in the background.
TripAdvisor/Steffi B

For some R&R alongside one of North Carolina's most beautiful small lakes, head to Lake James State Park, located only a few miles outside of Marion. Fish, swim, boat, and camp at this park that offers both day use and overnight (and longer) visits.

If you've often thought about wandering over to Linville Caverns to tour one of North Carolina's most fascinating natural wonders and also wondered what else there is to do nearby, then here you go: a bucket list of must-visit places to go and restaurants in which to eat. Start planning and enjoy!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature

Hike The Kent Mitchell Trail in North Carolina for an Unforgettable Adventure

Take in the Sights on the Kent Mitchell Trail on Bald Head Island in North Carolina and enjoy an island getaway. The transportation getting there is the most fun part!

Published Oct 21, 2024

Written by 

Chris Dodge

I love North Carolina. It is such a diverse state that offers pristine beaches on one end and rugged mountain wilderness on the other. It truly amazes me the varied experiences from East to West. If you are a coastline explorer, then this one is for you: The Kent Mitchell Trail on Bald Head Island. The pace of life slows down the second you step onto an island and this trail allows for you to stroll through a rare coastal preserve and soak up the tranquil beauty. So next time you need a beach in North Carolina to explore then head over to Bald Head Island and allow all of your worries to melt away in the hot sun.

advertisement
A red bicycle with a wicker basket filled with flowers leans against a wooden fence by the beach.
Red vintage bicycle with basket and flowers leaning on wooden fence at beach.

Before you hop on the trail, you will need to get over to the island. In order to set foot on Bald Head Island you will need to take the ferry over from the Deep Port Marina in Southport. You could also travel over in your own vessel if available, but once on the island, you won’t find a vehicle. Your options for transportation are limited to a bicycle, golf cart, or your own two feet. This especially is a draw for the island because you won’t believe how peaceful it is without cars. I have always found that whenever I am on an island, life just slows down naturally, and not having a car to zoom around with makes this a destination where the pace is part of the joy.

A winding wooden boardwalk through tall grass in a serene natural setting.
The Image Bank collection via Jupiterimages Getty Images

Since a day spent on Bald Head Island is meant to be a relaxing getaway, it seems only fitting that a hiking trail also has a similar feel. The Kent Marshell Trail offers a simple paved path and boardwalks over marshlands, but if you have more time then there is a beautiful forest to explore too. If you take your time then you will get the chance to see much of the wildlife that finds their homes on the island. Some people even just go to sit on the bench and soak up the view.

A narrow dirt path through a dense, green forest with tall grass and scattered trees under a clear blue sky.
Skip Ward/ AllTrails

Forests like this are rare along the southern coastline and are being taken over by development, so it helps to appreciate the uniqueness still offered in this preserve. The hanging moss, gnarled ash-colored trees, and bright green palm fronds make for a gorgeous backdrop for a relaxing walk. 

As you meander around, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for many forms of wildlife. One prized find is spotting the endangered loggerhead turtle. On Bald Head Island, you can also see otters, alligators, and busy little crabs, among many other creatures.

Aerial view of a lighthouse near a coastal town, surrounded by greenery and water, with houses in the background.
Stockbyte collection via Thinkstock Getty Images

You can hike as long or as little as you would like, and then after, you have a whole island to explore. Lounge on the beach, explore the lighthouse, ride a bike around the peaceful roads, or enjoy another walk. The sky is the limit!

The Kent Mitchell Trail on Bald Head Island is just the start of this ocean-side getaway. It certainly is a wonderful trail but the island as a whole makes the experience even more special. I also find it helpful while exploring an area with multiple trails to have my AllTrails app handy to check on where the paths may intersect. I would suggest doing the same before embarking on this great adventure to the east coast.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature

You Might Be Pleasantly Surprised to Hear the Predictions About North Carolina’s Milder-Than-Normal Upcoming Winter

This upcoming winter in North Carolina should be relatively mild. We'll see some snow and chilly temperatures, but thankfully, it shouldn't be a season of extremes.

Updated Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Winter in North Carolina is always a mixed bag. Thankfully, with the help of long-range weather predictions, we're able to prepare with a certain level of confidence. One such resource that has been relied upon for generations is the Farmers' Alamanc. The Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in North Carolina predictions are officially live, and you might be relieved to hear that this winter will be relatively "calmer and gentler." Of course, we can never be completely certain about weather events; however, these time-tested predictions give us some reassurance.

advertisement

So, how exactly does the Farmers' Almanac make its predictions each year? The answer is a mathematical and astronomical formula that takes into account several factors, including solar activity, positions of the planets, and even the moon's tidal action. This formula was developed in the early 1800s and has been passed down anonymously ever since. Most impressive of all? The almanac typically boasts an 80 percent accuracy!

By and large, throughout the entire U.S., "temperatures will be up and snowfall down." Areas that traditionally receive snowfall during winter will still see it, just not to the same extent.

Snow-covered mountains and trees under a clear blue sky, with mist rising in the valleys below.
Naturbild AB
+46 8 411 43 30
[email protected]

The Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in North Carolina predictions divide the state into different regions, North Carolina spanning a couple. The Appalachian region of Asheville and Western North Carolina will experience a cold and dry winter, with a bit of snowfall. The snowiest periods will occur in late December, late February, and early March.

Snow-covered trees and rocky terrain under a blue sky with wispy clouds, showcasing a winter landscape.
Hunter Green/AllTrails

For the rest of the state, winter will be slightly cooler in the east and along the coast and slightly warmer than normal in the west. The coldest bouts of weather will arrive in late November, late January, and late February. Precipitation will also be slightly above normal this winter for the Southeast, and the best chance of snow will be in late January and early February.

Aerial view of a modern house by a lake, surrounded by trees and residential areas, with boats along the shore.
Mooresville is a large town located in southwestern section of Iredell County, North Carolina, United States and is a part of the fast-growing Charlotte Metro area.

In short, it seems as though winter in North Carolina this year will have a little bit of everything: chilly temperatures and a bit of snowfall. However, compared to other years, the numbers aren't looking as extreme. No matter the forecast, though, it's never a bad idea to be prepared. For more information, check out this helpful guide on how to winterize your home. Those who live in Western North Carolina know all too well how devastating unexpected winter events can be. (Here's how you can help those still affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene).

Do you look forward to the winter season in North Carolina? What are some of your favorite things to do? If you're looking for some ideas, we've got a whole list of our recommendations for fun winter activities and adventures in North Carolina. Plus, here are nine favorite day trips to take in North Carolina when it gets cold. Don't forget to wear your coziest winter jacket!

For more information about North Carolina's upcoming winter weather forecast, check out the Farmers' Almanac predictions for the upcoming winter in North Carolina.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Illinois’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Tori Jane
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 13
alt
Stays
Vacation Rentals

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Louisiana is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Nov 13
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Northern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Beth Copenhaver
on Nov 13
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Southern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Megan Todaro
on Nov 13
alt