Deciding to visit McDowell County? Here’s some cool recommendations to add to your itinerary to get the best out of your visit.
Sections
2
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Outdoor Activities
Here’s a list of outdoor activities my family loves!
This is one of my favorite trails in Old Fort! The scenery is beautiful and it’s family friendly! Bring your kids ready to swim while taking in such beauty of the nature around you!
Catawba Falls
My kids love having a picnic and playing at this nearby park in Marion. There are so many things to do at this park including basketball, tennis, and even a splash pad for children to run around in.
Parks & Recreation
One of my favorite places to get fresh local produce!
Irma's Produce | Old Fort NC
We have multiple playground here for kids to play!
Marion Playgrounds
This trail is my family’s favorite. You can take a nice walk with a beautiful scenery and have a picnic with your kids. They also have great fishing spots.
Joseph McDowell Memorial Greenway
Our kids love going to the splash pad. We also have birthday parties here as well. It’s a great spot to take the kids for a cool off fun time!
Facilities • Marion Community Building Park
Restaurants
Some of the best restaurants here in our town!
This is our favorite pizza place in the county! The food is affordable and the taste is amazing! You get the best portion sizes as well! Very family friendly!
Pepperoni's
Such a tasty Japanese restaurant we have in our town. Everyone loves it! And they provide sushi! I love sushi!
Japanese Express
I absolutely love it here! My daughter loves to order the dumplings and boba tea!
SAKURA JAPANESE RAMEN - Updated September 2025
This Japanese restaurant has literally been a town favorite forever and always packed with customers because they’re so good!
Nara Express
This is our favorite Chinese buffet in town! We go here more than we should 🤭 but it’s so good!
NEW CHINA BUFFET, MARION NC
This is a new Thai place that just opened up here in Marion! My husband and I are literally obsessed with this place!
THAI BLISS
One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the area! The corn cakes they put on your plate are my favorite!
Jalapeño Fresh Grill
Great place with amazing food and beautiful scenery! Needing to catch up with friends or date night? This is the place for you!
