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NC 226 Access point. 6 mi. north to Spruce Pine. 14 mi. south to Marion.
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Museum of North Carolina Minerals Visitor Center ? and Park Store. Access point at NC 226. Features minerals found in North Carolina and regional geology. Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce.
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Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail - Commemorates the campaign leading up to the American victory at Kings Mountain in 1780. Route crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at Gillespie Gap, near the Mineral Museum. Administered by the National Park Service. www.nps.gov/ovvi Dogwood in bloom at Singecat Overlook | Photo by William A. Bake
Blue Ridge Craft Trails A Winding Road to Discovery
PENLAND, NC
8 miles north of Parkway via NC 226N, exit at Milepost 331. Penland Gallery - At Penland School of Crafts in Mitchell County, featuring contemporary craft and information about area studios. Open Tues-Sun from March to early Dec. Exit Parkway at US 226; follow 226N 7.5 miles; turn onto Penland Rd; follow signs to Penland School. www.penland.org/gallery (828) 765-6211.
MITCHELL COUNTY, NC
Exit Milepost 331. Gem mining, gem & mineral shops, Gem & Mineral Festival, Rhododendron Festival, whitewater rafting, Appalachian Trail/Roan Mountain, Penland School of Crafts, NC’s largest indoor recreational facility. For accommodations, event dates & attractions, contact: Chamber of Commerce, 79 Parkway Rd., Spruce Pine, NC 28777. Email: info@mitchellcounty.com. Web site: www.mitchell-county.com (828) 765-9483 or (800) 227-3912.
SPRUCE PINE, NC
Here along rivers and coves, up in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina, the landscape is legendary in the history of the American craft movement. The area continues to promote and cherish both traditional and contemporary work of great imagination. With roots embedded in the early 20th century, the diversity of Western North Carolina craft showcases virtually every imaginable kind of handmade art in objects brought to life by more than 4,000 makers. We invite you to come and explore – and make something original by hand yourself when the spirit moves. Tour crafts in the Blue Ridge and the living heritage of craft with our map of studios, galleries, art & craft shows and hand-made workshops.
For more information:
www.blueridgeheritage.com/blue-ridge-craft-trails 72
6 miles north of Parkway via NC 226, exit at Milepost 331.
ATTRACTIONS Gem Mountain - Located at MP 331. Mine trips to an active mine. Flume mining at its best. Free fluorescent mineral display, picnic area, gem & jewelry store, general store. People’s choice for gem mining! Open Mar.-Dec. Summer hours 9-6, open 7 days a week in Jun.-Aug. All other open months Mon.-Sat. 9-5. www.gemmountain.com (828) 765-6130.
LODGING & CAMPING Peak Mountain Cottages & Retreat Center - On 300 acres 7 miles N of Pkwy. Room to play or relax. Hiking trails, clear mtn streams. 460 Rabbit Hop Rd near Penland. Individuals, families or groups up to 25. www.peakmountaincottages.com (828) 765-9559. Springmaid Mountain Campground/Cabins - Retreat, horses/tubing/fishing. 7 mi N of MP 331 @ 2171 Henredon Rd. Year round. www.springmaidmountain.com (888) 297-0725.