When I first started traveling as an adult (yikes, that was a long time ago!), I wanted to see all the big-name U.S. cities. You know, the cities that you don't have to say which state they're in when you're talking about them, like San Francisco, Denver, New York, and Boston. And while I am happy to say that I've seen both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, I've turned my attention to visiting America's more remote towns. At one time, I may have been afraid that there wasn't much to do or see in these towns, but experience has taught me that this fear simply isn't true! I've taken incredible hikes, eaten hearty meals at hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and met some of the kindest people. Murphy, North Carolina, is a remote mountain town in the southwest part of the state with lots to do and see.
Murphy is a small town with about 1,600 residents along the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's between the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers, and many points throughout the town offer stunning river and mountain views.
The town has several notable attractions. The Murphy River Walk is a beautiful three-mile walk following the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers and the historic downtown area. The path has several entrances, including at Konehete Veterans Park and the L&N Depot. Trailgoers can enjoy stunning water views and wildlife, as ducks, herons, and fish live along the trail.
The Cherokee Historical Museum in downtown Murphy is home to more than 2,000 Cherokee artifacts. At the museum, visitors can learn about the Native Americans who once lived in the area and view their drawings and photographs. The Hiwassee Dam is also a fantastic place to visit, offering spots for a picnic and beautiful views of Hiwassee Lake.
Murphy is also home to an incredible winery and brewery: Nottely River Valley Vineyards and Valley River Brewery. Visit the family-owned and operated vineyard's tasting room to enjoy their delicious wines. Valley River Brewery serves craft beer brewed on-site, wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and more.
Mercier Orchards, a fourth-generation family farm, is only a 40-minute drive from Murphy in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Visitors can pick seasonal fruit, enjoy hard apple cider, and purchase freshly baked goods like pies and doughnuts. It also sells various farm products at its on-site market, including jam, apple butter, salsa, honey, and syrup.
If you'd like to plan a trip to this delightful remote town, consider staying in this five-bedroom mountaintop cabin Airbnb. It has fantastic mountain views, a large deck, and a fire pit.
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