Gem Valley LLC is a family-owned business just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Founded in 2006 by Debbi Farmer and Harry Davis, Gem Valley is the only public panning facility in Ashe County, NC. We are located near the historical Ore Knob Mine that was in operation from the mid 1800’s to the mid 1900’s. Our creeks feed into the New River, which is the second-oldest river in the world! Please visit our Directions page for how to find us!
Gem Valley is a Seasonal gem mining, fluming and gold panning business. At Gem Valley you have opportunity to find and take home some truly beautiful and valuable gems of all sorts! The Appalachian Mountains of NC have a huge variety of precious and semi-precious stones in its soil! Our flume workers will be glad to assist you in identifying your stones!
Our Gem Shop and Museum offers a variety of jewelry, stones, souvenirs and information on geology, paleontology, and the lapidary arts. Our experienced gem cutters will be glad to take custom stone-cutting and jewelry setting orders.
The park has a picnic area with tables and grills if you wish to spend lunch. Restrooms are available inside the gift shop.
We invite you to browse our website for more information on our prices, services, and to answer any questions you may have. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for more detailed information on our business.
Where mountain sunsets meet the historic New River lies Jefferson Landing, a gated resort community in Western NC. Just two hours from Charlotte and minutes from fine dining, shopping, music and art, Jefferson Landing makes every day exceptional. Take in a massage or round of golf. Visit West Jefferson for world-class art and antiques. Go fishing, hiking, or relax by our junior Olympic pool. Our cool summers, mild winters and lush foliage make every day extraordinary.
In addition to luxury estates for purchase or rent, we offer lodging from rooms and homes to our stately Manor House. While here, you can access our club house and pool, fitness center, and onsite restaurants. Planning a corporate retreat, wedding or golf vacation? You’ve just found your perfect site.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is a 1,188-acre North Carolina state park in Ashe County, North Carolina in the United States. Located near Jefferson, North Carolina, it includes the peak of Mount Jefferson, named for Thomas Jefferson and his father Peter, who owned land nearby and surveyed the North Carolina-Virginia border in 1749. In 1974, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
Located in Ashe County 25 miles northeast of Boone, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area surrounds a natural landmark that offers vistas as far as Tennessee from its overlooks and Luther Rock. The mountain, first spotted from the Blue Ridge Parkway, rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape. Over 700 plants call the park home, including the Dutchman’s pipevine, which is visited by the beautiful swallowtail butterfly and its distinct black-and-orange-spiked caterpillar. The park’s winding road to the summit hosts an annual downhill skateboarding event.
A hometown street festival in the heart of downtown West Jefferson, NC, featuring handmade arts and crafts, traditional mountain music, food & family fun.
Sharing our Mountain Heritage! The Christmas in July Festival is one of the best, old fashioned summer festivals in the South drawing thousands to historic West Jefferson, NC each July! The Festival began in 1987 as a celebration of the Christmas Tree Industry Ashe County, NC is known for. In 2015, Ashe County, NC was named the #1 Christmas Tree producer in the United States. The Festival is a free-admission event held in Downtown West Jefferson featuring the very best in traditional mountain music, handmade arts & crafts vendors throughout the region while still celebrating the Christmas Tree industry. Numerous food vendors feature a variety of the infamous delicious festival foods & more.
Children’s activities, roving performers, fun competitions, non-profits and the Farmers’ Market are also part of the festival each year.
Nowhere else will you find such an excellent array of local & regional music, food vendors, fun and festivities for the entire family than at Christmas in July in Downtown West Jefferson! Hope to see you there!
Ashe County Cheese is Carolina’s oldest cheese plant, producing quality cheese since 1930. We are located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.
Watch the fascinating process of cheese making from our viewing area (check cheese making schedule) and visit our cheese and gift shop. We sell over 20 varieties of original Ashe County Cheese as well as our own county butter, homemade fudge and everyone’s favorite, fresh cheese curd. We also offer other fine cheeses, locally made wines and a variety of gifts, souvenirs and old fashioned snacks and candies.
The Museum of Ashe County History, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the historic 1904 Ashe County Courthouse building as a county heritage museum for visitors of all ages. The objects, documents, and images we collect and display help answer the questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? How did we get here? What did we do on the way? We think this will help us find good answers to another question: Where do we go from here?
The Museum of Ashe County History, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the re-purposing of the historic 1904 Ashe County Courthouse building as a county heritage museum for our citizens, their children, and our many friends who come to visit.
We use the objects, documents, and images we collect to answer the questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? How did we get here? What did we do on the way? We think this will help us find good answers to another question: Where do we go from here?
The museum is administered by a board of volunteers. The daily operation of the museum is managed by its employees.
Canoe, Kayak, & Tubing Rentals on New River, NC. Explore the historic and scenic New River on a relaxing and fun river adventure with Zaloo’s Canoes. Situated on the New River in Jefferson, NC, Zaloo’s Canoes offers the finest canoe, kayak, and tube trips in the area. After starting as a small canoe rental service out of the back of a pickup truck on the side of the road in 1976, Zaloo’s has worked hard over the last 46 years to become one of the oldest and friendliest river outfitters in the area. We specialize in fun and exciting boat and tube trips for families, friends, and groups on one of the most historic and scenic North Carolina rivers, which also happens to be an American Heritage River. The New River is a great canoeing, kayaking, and tubing river for a child’s or beginner’s first river experience — pets love it too! With its gentle flow and beautiful surroundings, the New River is sure to wow and stun the whole family and provide a priceless set of unforgettable memories.
Located in Ashe and Alleghany counties 35 miles northeast of Boone, New River State Park covers seven accesses along this National Wild and Scenic River that flows north through three states. Elk Shoals has a swim beach, and all accesses allow for launching kayaks and inner tubes to paddle or float along the shallow, gentle river. Paddle-in only campgrounds provide a remote experience. The hellbender — the largest salamander in the U.S. — and 14 species of rare and threatened plant species inhabit the New River valley.
WELCOME TO THE ASHE CIVIC CENTER. Home of quality entertainment and rental facilities
Our 282 seat theater/auditorium is home to a wide variety of events including music, theater, dance and more.
We are conveniently located off Highway 221 between Jefferson and West Jefferson. The Ashe Civic Center offers plenty of free parking.
Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond and spacious low density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!
West Jefferson Real Estate is hot property – with so much activity and growth offering an outstanding quality of life.
See Ashe High Country Realty® to buy NC Mountain Real Estate. Ashe High Country Realty® provides professional real estate services for:
- Ashe County
- Watauga County
- Alleghany County
- Grayson County
Ashe High Country Realty is certainly not the new kid on the block. We have been here since 1989. Since 1989, we have remained in the same excellent location – downtown, West Jefferson, NC. Due to our phenomenal growth and success, over the past few years, we have expanded our office space from 850 square feet to a total of 3,750 square feet.
We strive to be the best in providing superior professional service to our clients, and our business philosophy is established on principles of ethics, reliability and service to our clients. We are a team doing the right thing, the right way every time. That’s why over the years, we have been the leader in real estate sales and services in the High Country of North Carolina.
A hometown street festival in the heart of downtown West Jefferson, NC, featuring handmade arts and crafts, traditional mountain music, food & family fun.
Sharing our Mountain Heritage! The Christmas in July Festival is one of the best, old fashioned summer festivals in the South drawing thousands to historic West Jefferson, NC each July! The Festival began in 1987 as a celebration of the Christmas Tree Industry Ashe County, NC is known for. In 2015, Ashe County, NC was named the #1 Christmas Tree producer in the United States. The Festival is a free-admission event held in Downtown West Jefferson featuring the very best in traditional mountain music, handmade arts & crafts vendors throughout the region while still celebrating the Christmas Tree industry. Numerous food vendors feature a variety of the infamous delicious festival foods & more.
Children’s activities, roving performers, fun competitions, non-profits and the Farmers’ Market are also part of the festival each year.
Nowhere else will you find such an excellent array of local & regional music, food vendors, fun and festivities for the entire family than at Christmas in July in Downtown West Jefferson! Hope to see you there!
Escape to the quaint, serene mountains of Western North Carolina. Make yourself at home and enjoy your picturesque Holiday Inn Express, in a true mountain setting. Our hotel offers the newest and finest facilities in the area. Experience true Southern Hospitality only the High Country can offer.
If you are in the area to play, we are located near many of the main area attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Jefferson State Park, New River State Park, Downtown West Jefferson, Jefferson, Oak Hill Academy, and Appalachian State University.
If you are in the area for work, we are centrally located to GE Aviation, AEV, United-Chemi-con, and other area businesses.
While you are here, enjoy our many complimentary services such as our high-speed fiber-optic Wi-Fi or wired Internet access, meeting room, Business Center, Fitness Center, and guest laundry center.
Any time of the year, experience our scenic local drives, beautiful mountain views, numerous leisure and outdoor activities and discover serenity!
This no-frills roadside hotel in a low-rise building with exterior corridors is off US Route 221, 1.7 miles from 1930s cheese plant Ashe County Cheese, 5.1 miles from Mount Jefferson State Park and 10 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The rooms have simple, modern furnishings and decor, and come with free WiFi, TVs with cable channels, minifridges and coffeemakers, as well as seating areas.
Complimentary continental breakfast is included, while other amenities include free parking, computers for guests’ use and a banquet room.
Meadowsweet is an 1895 farmhouse built by Scottish immigrant Joe Campbell. Joe built the house from American chestnut and oak from the property. He built the hearth in the parlor from local soapstone that he mined. Surrounded by lovely gardens with a mountain stream in the backyard flowing into the pond, the serenity and peace will put one at ease. As an Inn and Guest Lodging House you will enjoy a serene mountain landscape in a peaceful beautiful setting. Feel free to sit in the garden house or on its porch and enjoy the fountain or gaze at the butterflies. Stroll through the gardens and rest in the shade by the stream or simply by the pond and meditate.
Inspired by the surrounding landscape, Park Vista Inn & Restaurant was designed to make your visit a unique, comfortable and fun experience. Our rooms are spacious, our fares are competitive and the service is unparalleled.
Located just 450 ft off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 268, we strive to provide the absolute best experience in this scenic and iconic retreat. Our team will do their best to make your stay easy and satisfying. Take a look at our site to find out more about our rooms, food and amenities, and get in touch if there’s anything else we can help you with. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Historic Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast is located in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains near West Jefferson, Todd, Glendale Springs, Jefferson, Blowing Rock and Boone, NC in Ashe County. Enjoy a NC mountain private getaway in a relaxing country setting that is only a short drive to downtown West Jefferson Arts District, area attractions including historic Todd and Glendale Springs, and a scenic 40 minute drive to Boone and Blowing Rock.
An inviting full country breakfast is served in the Dining Room at 8:30 am each day. Coffee and tea is available at 7:45 a.m. in the parlor. Accommodations for earlier breakfast can be made if needed by guests. Just put the request in when making your reservation.
There are numerous attractions: hiking, biking, canoeing, West Jefferson Arts District, fine dining restaurants, antique shops, the Fresco Paintings and the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is also plenty of time to kick back on the front porch and do absolutely nothing but enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Sugar Tree Lodge is a secluded, custom 1500 sq ft timber and glass framed lodge built on 2 1/2 private acres with 600 sq ft. of outdoor decking. The lodge is located in Warrensville, NC, a 10 minute drive to downtown West Jefferson and a 20 to 40 minute drive from Boone, Blowing Rock, Appalachian State, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad, several ski slopes and many more attractions.
The Lodge sleeps up to 10 guests and is a short 5 minute walk to the New River where you can enjoy fishing, tubing and kayaking. There are walking trails on the property, an outdoor fire pit, built in picnic tables, porch swings and rocking chairs.
Enjoy the outdoors from inside with the huge windows and french doors or sit on the porch and take in the scenic views. The lodge has a brand new Freeflow Hot Tub with LED lighting for relaxing under the stars.
Sugar Tree Lodge is the perfect place to spend honeymoons, anniversaries and celebrate birthdays. The lodge is perfect for two looking for a secluded, romantic getaway or for extended families to get together and celebrate holidays.
Relax, Renew and Get Back to Nature.
- Address: 342 Gap Trail, Fleetwood, NC 28626
- Location: Fleetwood Falls Resort, between Boone, Jefferson and the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Sleeps: Up to 6
- Description: When you wake, watch the rising sun through the large glass windows or sit out on the deck and become inspired by the long range sunrise views from the loft, living room, breakfast table or the deck. This two bedroom, one loft chalet faces east by southeast from the high ridges of the Old Fields township near Fleetwood, NC. The view is back towards the community of Fleetwood and crosses the river at least twice creating four layers of mountains between you and the horizon.
- This chalet is all new, including the furniture and appliances.
- Bedrooms: 2 (1 up, 1 down)
- Loft: 1 (with fold-out futon sofabed)
- Bathrooms: 2 Full (1 up, 1 down)
- Beds: Queen, Double, Futon (Double)
- Levels: 1½
- Amenities:
- · Deck with a View
- · Stone Fireplace
- · Central Heating
- · Central A/C
- · OTA HD TV
- · DVD/VHS player
- · Game System Monitor
- · Wireless Internet
- · Oven/Stove
- · Dishwasher
- · Microwave
- · Refrigerator
- · Coffee-maker
- · Washer and Dryer
- · Ceiling Fans
- · Floor Fans
Country-style riverside guesthouse offering warm rooms & a cottage, plus a garden.
Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond and spacious low density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!
Luxury King Suite – Swipe on the first picture to view more interior and exterior pictures of this luxury glamping tent! This king suite includes a king bed in the 16 x 24 tent as well as an extended deck that includes an adjoining 13 ft diameter queen tent. This king suite can sleep up to six: King bed x 2, Queen bed x 2, and room for 2 camping cots. The two glamping tents share a spacious deck and is perfect for families with children or couples who want to stay in close proximity to one another. These two tents share the en-suite bathroom and shower as well as the cooler and grill. This 16 x 24 king glamping tent is furnished with a handcrafted king size bed, luxury linens and blankets, wood stove, and en-suite bathroom/shower. It comes equipped with a solar awning to provide power and lighting within the tent. It has a covered spacious deck overlooking Big Laurel Creek complete with a custom fire pit and Blackstone propane grill (propane provided). A large capacity cooler and coffee bar are also provided. Book your stay today for the upcoming 2023 season – availability is limited!
The views will take your breath away! Relax at this unique and tranquil log Guest House, which is a studio, on a 10 acre horse ranch. It is a stargazer’s and nature lover’s delight, teeming with wild life including deer and wild turkey. The property is only 10 minutes from the Town of Boone, but faces north, with long-range Blue Ridge Mountain views. No lights or noise from the Town, and you will feel as if you are a million miles away!!! Bring your dogs (no breed restrictions), and your horses! ‘Dry stalls’ may be available. Please do not forget carrots for Blitzen, our miniature horse, who has big blue eyes and who smiles as he greets guests! The property is 10 minutes to ASU; and 20 minutes to Blowing Rock and ski mountains. The Space: The log Guesthouse is a studio with a large kitchen and full bath (shower & tub). It is located near the Main House. Guest Access: Guests have full access to the log Guest House and the barns, and are welcome to say hello to the horses. Please only two carrots at a time for Blitzen, due to their sugar content. He is almost 16 years old, and cannot be ridden – for your safety, for the safety of children, and for Blitzen’s safety. He is not a pony, but rather a miniature horse, who can spook. His favorite thing is running as fast as he can down the very long driveway. You can almost hear him laughing;) Please only feed carrots to the horses, and feeding and petting them is at your own risk. Children should be careful when feeding Blitzen. He does not bite, but he thinks that everything is a carrot!!!
