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October is one of the best times of year to stargaze at Grandfather Mountain. The air is cool and clear, and the summer constellations are still very prominent, with some early winter sights making their appearance later in the evening. Our goal for this class is to create a familiarity… Read More
Blue Ridge Farm Museum – Located on Route 40, we’re an 1800s Virginia farm complex with livestock & interpreters of farm life. Open mid-May to mid-August on Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 1-5. Check out our tours and programs offered by reservation.  Visit us online or call (540) 365-4416… Read More
Stay at Carolina Hemlocks and experience some of the best camping in NC! The beautiful South Toe River runs alongside the campground, creating a great place to swim, trout fish and tube. Tent and RV sites available (no hook-ups). Located a short drive from Mount Mitchell State Park and the… Read More
The Cradle of Forestry in America is a 6500-acre historic site created by Congress in 1968 that commemorates the birthplace of science-based forest management in the United States. The site is open April – November and offers three miles of paved interpretive trails, exhibits, film, music, crafts, education programs,… Read More
Embrace your nocturnal side at Grandfather Mountain through Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight, the park’s after-hours program where guests enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nighttime residents. Hours are 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Advance registration required. Read More
Folk Art Center – Milepost 382.5. Home facility of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Features craft shop of regional crafts, 3 exhibition galleries, daily craft demonstrations, special events. Parkway information and bookstore. National Park Service programs during season. Open daily with seasonal hours. Visit www.southernhighlandguild.org or call (828) 298-7928 for… Read More
Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program… Read More
Visit one of the most important houses in American history and become inspired through the stories & values of the Preston Family and all those who lived at Historic Smithfield. Completed in 1774, Smithfield was the county’s political and social center. The grounds and gardens supplement an understanding of… Read More
Mabry Mill Restaurant is currently closed for the 2024 season. Traditional visitor experiences at Mabry Mill including historic exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and live music events will still be offered at this historic site in 2024. The Mabry Mill gift shop will be open May-October. The gift shop features Virginia crafts… Read More
Engage your senses and stimulate your mind at Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson located 2 miles SE on Route 53 off Route 20 & I-64 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Day passes include house tours. Special tours including the Behind-the-Scenes tour also offered daily. Advance booking available online.  Explore hundreds of… Read More