Eat
Enjoy the local flavors of the Blue Ridge Mountains! When you’ve worked up an appetite from hiking, biking or shopping, it’s time to pull up a chair at one of our local restaurants or cafes.
Find places to eat that serve up traditional American and Southern cuisine, from hotdogs and hamburgers to barbecue and traditional diner fare. Take the whole family out for pizza, or enjoy a casual meal at a burrito joint or TexMex restaurant.
Have a sweet tooth? Start your morning at the donut shop. Check out cookies and cupcakes at a local bakery, and cool off on a hot day with a delicious and decadent scoop of ice cream. Look for sweet bubble teas and locally roasted coffee.
Feeling thirsty? The Blue Ridge brewery scene is hopping! Ask for a tasting flight to sample several styles of local craft beers, or order up a pint to raise a toast to your mountain adventure.
Beyond beer, local wineries, meaderies and distilleries produce delicious craft beverages. Some offer tastings, tours and even live music. And be sure to pair of your sips with a bite of artisan cheese or honey produced right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Check out these places to eat as you plan your next visit.
Mama's Country Kitchen -Nebo
Breakfast and Brunch Diner.Hours: 7am to 3pm Tues-Sun *Closed on Mondays
English Farmstead Cheese
Visit English Farmstead Cheese in Marion, NC, a quaint shop that offers a variety of cheeses and local fare. All cheeses are crafted from milk produced on-site!
McDowell Local
A downtown Marion restaurant open Tuesday-Saturday. These owners' goal is to provide friends, family, and neighbors with a relaxed dining…
The Fowl Play Pub & Taproom
The Fowl Play Pub is located at the Switzerland Inn and is a great place to meet for drinks or…
Keeper's Cut Meadery
For traditional and flavored mead, try Keeper's Cut Meadery in Marion! Visit their tasting room or dog-friendly deck, where you can bring your own snacks.
The Chalet at the Switzerland Inn
The Chalet is a full service restaurant located at the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, NC. Serving three meals daily,…
Roma's Italian Restaurant
Roma Restaurant is celebrating their 10th Anniversary in Nebo, North Carolina, close to Lake James and Lake James State Park.…
Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm
Whippoorwill Farm is home to the Fonta Flora Brewery. Add them to your beer tasting list for a rustic experience,…
Headwaters Kitchen
Variety of your favorite breakfast and lunch items plus specialty dishes like Shakshuka breakfast stew! Open 8-2. Breakfast all day.…
GoGo's Handcrafted Cinnamon Rolls
This locally owned cinnamon roll bakery began in a home kitchen, known as Nothin' Fancy. They were so popular, the…
Blanton House & Venue
Located in downtown Marion, North Carolina, the historic Blanton House prides itself on offering fine southern cuisine with a low…
Ingenious Coffee Roasters
Ingenious Coffee Roasters is doing it all! You'll find them in downtown Marion's 310 District serving up delicious hot and…
Famous Louise's Rock House Restaurant
Situated on three county lines, choose your favorite! Family operated restaurant featuring home cooked…
Taylors Brewing
Two brothers sharing their favorite "home brews" and regionally crafted favorites with a large assortment of options on tap. COVID-19…
McDowell County Honey Trail
Did you realize our area is in the heart of Sourwood Honey territory? It is! We have 23 honey producers…
Deb's Diner
Locally owned restaurant serving breakfast and week day lunch specials. Located just outside Old Fort, NC, on Catawba River Road.…