West Jefferson Travel Guide

Read our comprehensive travel guide to West Jefferson, North Carolina. Discover the best things to see and do, places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, and much more.


Introduction to West Jefferson

Nestled in the North Carolina Mountains in the southern region of the United States, West Jefferson is a charming town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure or a history buff exploring the area’s rich heritage, West Jefferson has something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, you will learn about the best things to see and do in West Jefferson.

List of Places to Visit in West Jefferson

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ashe County Historical Museum: Located in downtown West Jefferson, this museum features exhibits that highlight the history of Ashe County from the early Native American settlements to the present day.
  • Mount Jefferson State Natural Area: This park offers hiking trails that lead to scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, bird watching, and guided nature walks.
  • Cheese Factory: Ashe County Cheese is located just a few miles from West Jefferson. It is a great place to learn about cheese-making and to sample some of the best cheeses in the region.

Natural Attractions of West Jefferson: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Grayson Highlands State Park: Just across the Virginia state line, this park offers scenic views, numerous hiking trails, and wild ponies.
  • New River: The New River, which runs through West Jefferson, offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and tubing.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: The Parkway offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. It is an excellent route for a scenic drive or a leisurely bike ride.

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Jefferson

If you love hiking or biking, you will be impressed by the hiking and biking trails available in West Jefferson.

  • Mount Jefferson State Natural Area Trails: With five different trails, visitors can choose a route that will provide a variety of experiences and scenic views.
  • Grayson Highlands State Park Trails: Offering over 20 miles of trails across varied terrain, visitors can explore the hills and valleys of this beautiful park.
  • Virginia Creeper Trail: This converted rail bed is now a popular biking and hiking trail that is well-suited for families.

Best Things to Do in West Jefferson: Activities and Tours

There are many activities and tours available in West Jefferson, including:

  • Art crawls: First Fridays in downtown West Jefferson host Art crawls where visitors can enjoy viewing and purchasing works from local artists.
  • Farmers Markets: The Alewife Farmer’s Market in West Jefferson is a great place to enjoy local food, crafts and wines.
  • River tubing: The New River is a local hotspot for tubing, especially in the summer months.

Week-Long Itinerary for West Jefferson

Day 1: Visit Ashe County Historical Museum and Art galleries in West Jefferson. Day 2: Spend time exploring the natural beauty of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and enjoying a picnic. Day 3: Bask in the colorful views of the autumn leaves as you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Day 4: Visit the Cheese Factory in Ashe County and participate in a cheese-making tour and taste testing. Day 5: Embark on a hiking adventure on the Grayson Highlands State Park Trails. Day 6: Take a short road trip to Boone, North Carolina and visit the shops and restaurants in downtown Boone. Day 7: Enjoy river tubing on the New River.

Food and Drink Scene of West Jefferson

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sweet potato fries: One of the specialties in West Jefferson is their sweet potato fries, which are served in many restaurants in the area.
  • Ashe County cheese: As mentioned before, Ashe County Cheese is a local staple that you shouldn’t miss out on trying.
  • Blackberry cobbler: Fresh blackberries are abundant in the region, and this is one of the most delicious desserts served in the restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer: West Jefferson is home to numerous breweries that create a variety of craft beers.
  • Wine: There are a few wineries in the region, including Thistle Meadow Winery, which offers wine tastings and tours.

Where to Stay in West Jefferson: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Holiday Inn Express: located just off of Highway 221, this hotel provides easy access to all of the local attractions and offers comfortable rooms and amenities.
  • Buffalo Tavern Bed & Breakfast: The Buffalo Tavern offers comfortable rooms, beautifully appointed decor, and a location that is convenient to the downtown area and area activities.
  • Cabins.ca: This cabin rental company provides visitors with cabins that offer an idyllic country oasis for a truly unique experience.

What to Buy in West Jefferson: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Ashe County Cheese: As mentioned before, Ashe County Cheese is a must-have souvenir for foodies. They offer everything from cheddar to blue cheese.
  • Handmade crafts: The local crafts scene in West Jefferson is highly active and is a great place to get one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
  • Apparel: Local shops offer Appalachian-style t-shirts, caps, and other items adorned with whimsical images.

Local Culture and Customs of West Jefferson

The people of West Jefferson are proud of their Appalachian heritage and their love for the outdoors. The area is also rich in artistry and handicrafts, as well as a love for storytelling. Being polite and courteous is appreciated as the locals hold strong to traditional values and manners.

Best Time to Visit West Jefferson

The best time to visit West Jefferson is during the fall months when the leaves change the colour of the landscape. Summer is another busy time of year with many outdoor activities to enjoy on the New River.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Jefferson

Do:

  • Enjoy the natural surroundings of West Jefferson
  • Participate in local festivals and art crawls
  • Try local food and beverages

Don’t:

  • Litter or destroy natural environments
  • Ignore the local customs as they are held in high regard

Safety and Health

Safety in West Jefferson

The crime rate in West Jefferson is very low, making it a generally safe place to visit. When enjoying the natural surroundings, make sure to exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings on hiking routes, and on the river.

Health in West Jefferson

There are two major hospitals in the area, Ashe County Memorial Hospital and Watauga Medical Centre in Boone. There are also several pharmacies in West Jefferson and the surrounding areas.

Getting to West Jefferson: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can access West Jefferson using these transportation options:

Airports Near West Jefferson

  • Tri-Cities Regional Airport - 75 miles from West Jefferson
  • Piedmont Triad International Airport - 94 miles from West Jefferson

Bus Stations Near West Jefferson

  • Greyhound - Boone, North Carolina -25 miles from West Jefferson

Other Options

  • Rental cars: Most major car rental companies have nearby locations.
  • Taxi services: Some local taxi services separate from Uber are available in the area.

How to Get Around in West Jefferson

The best way to get around West Jefferson is by car. Car rentals are available from the regional airports, and local companies may offer rental cars as well. Once in town, it is fairly pedestrian friendly for walking in the downtown area.

Where to Go Next from West Jefferson: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

West Jefferson is located just a short drive from numerous nearby destinations. Some of the most popular places to visit nearby include:

  • Boone: A university town located about 25 miles from West Jefferson.
  • Blowing Rock: A historic mountain town offering dining, shopping and events located around 30 miles from West Jefferson.
  • Asheville: A two-hours drive to the southwest, this vibrant city offers art galleries, breweries, and music venues.

Conclusion

West Jefferson is a charming town that offers breathtaking mountain views, rich cultural heritage, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. With this comprehensive travel guide providing information about the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and local customs, visitors can plan a memorable and enjoyable trip to West Jefferson.

Downtown West Jefferson Downtown West Jefferson