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.

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

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

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

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

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.

3. Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine - Marion

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

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

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.

6. Eddie's Pizza & Pasta - Marion

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

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!