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Discover Mitchell County: The Mineral City Experience
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items Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mitchell County—aka The Mineral City—and its charming neighbors have a little something for everyone.
Wander scenic trails, let the kids giggle at playgrounds, picnic under shady trees, or take your...
Map
Sections
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Bites & Delights ☕️🍴
Strolls & Giggles 🚶🦮🛝
Small-Town Shenanigans 💃🕺🎉
Mountains, Caverns, and Oz—Oh My! 🌄
Pan, Dig, Shine: Gem Mines Worth Visiting ⛏️💎
The Green Thumb Guide to Plant Paradise
Bites & Delights ☕️🍴
Eat, sip, savor—Mitchell County’s flavor trail awaits!
Taste your way through Mitchell County! From local restaurants and cafés to hidden foodie gems, this list highlights spots that serve up big flavors, hometown charm, and plenty of reasons to com...
#dtsblueridgejava is located on Lower Street in downtown #SprucePine. DT’s is my absolute fav place for coffee and/or lunch in Mitchell County. Excellent customer service, delicious fresh food and drinks, very friendly environment.
DT's Blue Ridge Java
Located on Upper Street in downtown #SprucePine Stop by #foxandfig to grab a coffee, pastry, or a light lunch.
Fox and the Fig | Spruce Pine NC
Located on Grassy Creek in #SprucePine, by Walmart, #puertonuevomexicanrestaurant is the best Mexican restaurant in Mitchell County.
Puerto Nuevo Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
Fresh on the scene in downtown Spruce Pine, the Spruce Pint Taproom opened October 6, 2025 and has locals buzzing! Everyone says the beer’s great, the vibe’s even better, and it’s quickly becoming the new go-to hangout. I haven’t made it there yet—bu...
Spruce Pint | Spruce Pine NC
Tucked into downtown Spruce Pine, the Mad Hatter Tavern is a lively destination with something for everyone: 32 taps of craft beers and ciders, a full liquor and wine bar, espresso drinks, and a food menu of pizzas, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and...
HOME | Mad Hatter Tavern and Appalachian Hat Company
Mad Platter Pizza is the gourmet pizza side of the duo, originally launched as a food truck by the same team behind the Mad Hatter Tavern. It’s now located at 116 Oak Ave A, Spruce Pine (lower street). Mad Hatter Tavern is on Locust Street (upper s...
Mad Platter Pizza | Spruce Pine NC
Strolls & Giggles 🚶🦮🛝
Creeks, trails, and giggles around every corner.
Perfect for families, pups, and anyone who loves the outdoors! Creekside walks, playgrounds, dog-friendly trails, and scenic strolls make every visit full of smiles, laughter, and wagging tails.
The #Bakersville Creekwalk has always been one of my favorite spots. I loved strolling the peaceful, paved path by the babbling creek with my dog, or sitting at the picnic tables and gazebo to take in the view. My grandkids adored the playground, and...
Bakersville Creekwalk
Riverside Park in #SprucePine was always a hit with the grandkids. From the dog-friendly riverside path and charming old footbridge to pavilions, playground, splash pad, baseball field, and fishing pier. There was even a community garden. Something f...
Riverside Park
One of the few parks that survived Hurricane Helene, Brad Regan Memorial Park in #SprucePine has something for everyone! Enjoy picnic shelters, playgrounds, a dog park, basketball and tennis courts, a multi-purpose court, and a refreshing swimming po...
Brad Ragan Park
Small-Town Shenanigans 💃🕺🎉
Festivals, fun, and a little bit of mischief!
Step into the heart of small-town fun! From lively festivals and quirky events to music, food, and local traditions… this list is your guide to the shenanigans that make our little area of WNC a little b...
Hilloween is a multi-day festival in Mitchell County, NC that celebrates Blue Ridge Mountain culture, supports young people across the region, and creates fun Halloween events for our friends and neighbors (even if you’re “from off”).
Some of these...
Hilloween
At the foot of Roan Mountain lies the charming town of Bakersville, NC. The third weekend of June each summer, the mountains come alive with the North Carolina Rhododendron Festival—celebrating the vibrant blooms both on Roan Mountain and in town. Th...
NC Rhododendron Festival
One of the Largest Square Dance Events in North Carolina!
The Rhododendron Street Dance is a highlight of the Festival and offers fun for all ages! On Friday and Saturday nights, downtown Bakersville transforms into an open-air dance floor. Kick u...
NC Rhododendron Festival Street Dance - Mitchell County
The Spruce Pine Alien Festival is featured as a top 30 festival event in the month of June in North Carolina by NC tripping. This themed event includes 125+ vendors selling UFO and alien merchandise, out of this world food menus, and the chance to co...
Spruce Pine Alien Festival
The mountains are at their most stunning when the leaves begin to change! Celebrate peak fall color with a weekend full of sights, sounds, and flavors—live music, local crafts, homemade apple butter making, a Shriners Car Show, plus chili and cornbre...
MOUNTAINEER & APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL - Mitchell County
In neighboring McDowell County, the town of Marion goes wild each year with the annual Bigfoot Festival. This quirky celebration of all things Sasquatch takes over downtown with vendors, food, live music, speakers, and even a Bigfoot calling contest....
WNC Bigfoot Festival – Come a skeptic. Leave a believer.
Each October, neighboring Avery County bursts to life with the quirky Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, where fuzzy caterpillars race to predict the winter weather! Enjoy live music, local crafts, tasty food, and plenty of mountain charm against th...
Woolly Worm Festival - Banner Elk, NC | NC Fall Festival
Mountains, Caverns, and Oz—Oh My! 🌄
Adventure, wonder, and a touch of whimsy in the mountains.
Adventure awaits! Explore Beech Mountain’s Land of Oz, hidden caverns, and scenic mountain spots. Whimsical, awe-inspiring, and perfect for family adventures or a little grown-up nostalgia.
Just a short drive to our neighboring county, Grandfather Mountain stands tall with scenic hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge—perfect for breathtaking views and family adventures.
Grandfather Mountain
Fall in the North Carolina mountains is breathtaking, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-see! We’ve highlighted 20 of our favorite spots along the 170-mile Asheville-area section. From scenic overlooks and waterfalls to hikes offering the best view...
Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Color: Top 20 NC Places | RomanticAsheville.com
Another fun attraction in neighboring Avery County—Follow the Yellow Brick Road high atop Beech Mountain! This whimsical theme park brings The Wizard of Oz to life with costumed characters, live performances, and nostalgic magic during special events...
Home | Land of Oz | Beech Mountain, N.C.
Pan, Dig, Shine: Gem Mines Worth Visiting ⛏️💎
Buckets, sparkle, and hands-on treasure hunting fun!
Mitchell County, NC isn’t just rich in mountain views - it’s rich in real treasure! Known as the ‘Mineral City of the World,’ this corner of the Blue Ridge is a sparkling playground for gem hunter...
Just outside Spruce Pine, the charming community of Little Switzerland is home to what many consider the best gem mining in Mitchell County. At the heart of it all is Emerald Village - a family run attraction. Step into mining history at Emerald Vill...
Emerald Village
Grab a bucket and pan for sparkling surprises—emeralds, sapphires, rubies, amethyst, garnet, and more! Gem Mountain is a family favorite for rockhounds of all ages. Don’t leave without checking out the gift shop, where your finds can even be turned i...
Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine
Looking for a laid-back mining adventure in Spruce Pine? Rio Doce Gem Mine is a cozy, family-friendly spot to try your hand at gemstone panning. Buckets are filled with shiny surprises, and the friendly staff will help you identify your treasures. A ...
Rio Dòce Gem Mine
The Green Thumb Guide to Plant Paradise
Blooms, pumpkins, and everything in between—grow your happiness here.
From spring blooms to fall pumpkins and fragrant Fraser firs, this guide highlights Mitchell County’s top garden centers, nurseries, and seasonal plant spots. Rare finds, seasonal...
Plumtree Plants – Grassy Creek, Spruce Pine, NC
A beloved local family business in North Carolina, Plumtree Plants Garden Center offers bright spring flowers, cheerful fall pumpkins and mums, and fragrant Fraser firs in the winter. A seasonal favorit...
Plumtree Plants | Spruce Pine NC
Open year-round, Lakeview Mercantile & Gardens is a plant lover’s paradise! With an impressive selection—including hard-to-find varieties—you’re sure to find something special every visit. I never leave empty-handed!
Lakeview Mercantile and Gardens | Spruce Pine NC