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Little Switzerland NC is an Alpine-like village at milepost 334
on the Blueridge Parkway and is known for its breathtaking views, waterfalls, pristine rivers,
streams and wildflowers. Located half way between Asheville and Blowing Rock it is 10 minutes from
Spruce Pine. Founded by immigrants in 1909 the area was named because of its sweeping panoramas of deep valleys and distant ranges
resembling those of the foothills of the Swiss Alps. The views are truly
spectacular in this small, friendly community. |
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The
Perch. Nestle in at "The Perch" with our nesting
wrens and soaring hawks on beautiful Grassy Mountain. Split level 2
bedroom, Queen and Double size beds upstairs and a
Queen size on the lower floor, 2 baths with showers, stone
fireplace, lots of wood & glass, 2 decks, and 2 kitchens. Awesome view
at 3800' elevation on privately maintained road atop Grassy Mountain. The
Perch site.
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The Loft.
Tucked against the mountainside, with a breathtaking view of the mountains
and valley below is THE LOFT. Open the door and
enter a cozy great room with a dining area for four and a well-equipped
kitchen. The master bedroom adjoins the great room. A private bath with
large, handicap-equipped shower area as well as a king bed and pine accent
furnishings are features of this accommodation. A screened porch off the
deck is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon or a safe place to
leave your pet while you hike the mountain trails. The
Loft site.
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Switzerland Inn.
Since 1910 the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, NC, has offered a
unique experience to the traveler seeking something out of the ordinary. Select
from spacious rooms in the main lodge, mountain view suites, private
chalets or a honeymoon cottage complete with a fireplace. For registered
guests, all rates include daily full breakfast, use of swimming pool (in
season), tennis courts, and shuffle-board. Our Chalet Restaurant
overlooking the scenic mountains of North Carolina also serves lunch and
dinner for your convenience and pleasure. Beer, wine, and mixed beverages
are available. The inn is located at milepost 334 on the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Switzerland
Inn site.
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EVENTS
AND ATTRACTIONS
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The
Orchard at Alta Pass. The
Orchard at Altapass is an Appalachian cultural and historical center
celebrating the people, music, art, and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge
mountains. Over 100 years old, the Orchard sits right on the Blue Ridge
Parkway providing some of the most amazing scenery in North Carolina.
The Orchard at
Alta Pass site.
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Mount
Mitchell State Park. There are a
few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising
more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging
clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places. In the crest of the timeworn Black
Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the
Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the
horizon is a feast for the eyes—breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty,
1,855-acre Mount Mitchell State Park will provide you with some of the
most tranquil moments you'll ever experience. Mount
Mitchell State Park site.
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Crabtree Falls. Located
at milepost 339, Crabtree Meadows snack bar, campgrounds and Falls is a
versatile recreation area. The two trails to the Falls are moderate to
strenuous but the natural beauty is more than sufficient reward. This is a
truly peaceful and pristine setting. Crabtree
Falls site.
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Penland
School of Crafts is a national center for craft
education located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.
Penland offers
one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books & paper, clay, drawing,
glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking, textiles, and wood. The
school also sponsors artists' residencies, educational outreach programs,
and an exceptional craft gallery. Penland
School of Crafts site. |
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RESTAURANTS &
ENTERTAINMENT |
ARTISTS &
GALLERIES |
MERCHANTS &
MORE |
Swiss
Ice Cream Shop. Nestled in the middle of the Little Switzerland
Village is the Swiss Ice Cream
Shoppe. A huge variety of classic flavors and a large selection of special
flavored ice creams to choose from, plus the incredible selection of
"Jelly Belly" jelly beans and freshly made, hand-dipped
chocolates, makes the Swiss Ice Cream Shoppe the perfect place to indulge
you sweet tooth while you shop. Swiss
Ice Cream Shop site. |
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Switzerland Cafe.
Casual mountain atmosphere combined with an innovative taste. Homemade
soups, salads, delectable sandwiches, house smoked meats and trout, and of
course, our famous desserts. Switzerland
Cafe site.

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Emerald Village. Emerald Village is one of North Carolina's most enjoyable attractions!
If you like gem mining... you'll LOVE Emerald Village! See Authentic
Equipment in a real mine! The indoor portion of the tour features uses of
the minerals & gems found in these mines. A collection of mining
lamps, dynamite plungers and other mining memorabilia are on display.
Emerald
Village site.
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Mt Mitchell Golf Course.
The Mount Mitchell Golf
Club has been rated four and a half stars (out of five) by Golf Digest
Magazine. It is a player friendly
par 72, with no blind shots and scenery that makes it hard to keep your
mind on golf. It features bent grass tees, greens and fairways. It is in
the Toe River valley and is virtually flat. The golf course opens in April
and closes during the month of November. The club house offers fine dining
and relaxation in Hawtree's Pub. The Pro Shop is well stocked with stylish
golf attire. Mt
Mitchell Golf Course site.
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Trillium
Gallery. The Trillium Gallery, located at the Switzerland Inn,
features a distinctive assortment
of American handcrafted jewelry, pottery, blown glass, stained glass,
wearables, wood, metal, and decorative crafts by local and nationally
known artists. This is our 21st year in business. Trillium
Gallery site. |
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Hearthside Handmades. The
shop carries many things for the garden, including rustic bark birdfeeders
and birdhouses. There is a wide variety of humming
bird feeders from the old standard Perky Pet to elegant glass with copper
enameling. One can also find their college or professional sports team
birdhouse or feeder. Hearthside
Handmades site.
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The
Gem Shop. The Gem Shoppe at the Switzerland Inn Village has
something for everyone interested in gems, minerals and jewelry. Children are
always special to us. We have a special selection for them to start or add
to their collection. The
Gem Shop site. |
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Simple
Pleasures. A new gift shop featuring apparel and accessories
from t-shirts to handbags. Simple Pleasures has handmade jewelry and
glassware for any occasion. The Swiss Christmas shop is located here also,
selling glass and handmade ornaments from around the world. Wooden boxes
from Poland and Russia are showcased. Simple
Pleasures site.
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Blue Ridge Soap Shed.
Featuring Aromatic Souvenirs of the
Blue Ridge Mountains and the South with scents created for North Carolina,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia,
and Florida. Magnolia, Gardenia and Rose fragrances in our Southern Belle
Beauty Bar; Georgia Peach in our Peaches 'n' Cream Goats milk Soap, and
Orange in our Summer Spice and Cobbler Cream Soaps; Pine Tar Soap for
removing tobacco resins; Appalachian Crafters Hand Repair Soaps for dry,
hardworking hands. SHOP ONLINE. Blue
Ridge Soap Shed site. |
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