A visit to West Jefferson will take you to some of the highest mountains in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Ashe County shares borders with Tennessee and Virginia and holds the nickname “The Coolest Corner of North Carolina.” Within a 30-minute drive from Boone, and only 20 minutes off the Blue Ridge Parkway, West Jefferson holds plenty that will make your Western North Carolina experience memorable!
Besides a unique photo opportunity at the iconic painted Dairy Cow Milk Tanks at Ashe County Cheese, find craft shops offering traditional handmade pottery, barn quilts, and musical instruments. There are beautiful murals painted by local artists on many downtown buildings. You can browse artist studios and galleries, and even schedule a class!
Let us introduce you to some special West Jefferson places:
Florence Thomas School for the Arts
offers art supplies, a gallery, and a full slate of classes. Be sure to admire Birds at Work, the building’s gorgeous mural!
Doe Ridge Pottery has been in business since 1988, but it hasn’t always been located in West Jefferson. The studio and gallery were initially located in Boone, NC, belonging to potter Bob Meier. In 2024, he sold the business to his long-time friend and artist, Nathan Fields, and the operation relocated to downtown West Jefferson. Depending on the day you visit, you might just run into Bob or Nathan in the studio.
The Ashe County Arts Center showcases works from over 100 artists. This historic stone school building is the perfect place for events, too! Make sure to check the schedule for great local concerts.Besides shops, galleries, murals, and painted milk tanks (#selfietime) Downtown West Jefferson offers great food at local restaurants and breweries and mountain music! Sit down for dinner or get a take-out meal. Perhaps enjoy a picnic and go on a hike. Remember, the Blue Ridge Parkway is only 20 minutes away!
Resources:
Additional Tourism Information:
West Jefferson:
VisitWestJefferson.org
Blue Ridge Parkway Road & Facility Operations:
https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm
Nearby natural sites, major hiking trails, or waterfalls:
New River State Park, Jefferson
Mount Jefferson, Summit Trail to 4,665 feet
Blue Ridge Parkway. Trails include:
Jumping Off Rock Trail (Milepost 260.3)
Thompkins Knob Trail (Milepost 272.5)
Lump Trail (Milepost 264.4).
Attractions (especially for kids and/or family-friendly):
Old Orchard Creek Farm, Lansing
Ashe County Cheese
Museum of Ashe County History
Major Festivals or Events:
Merlefest
Christmas in July
Ashe County Fiddlers’ Festival
Ashe County Farmers Market (Every Saturday)
West Jefferson Antiques Fair (September)
Stomp & Brew (October)
Local Dining and Libation:
The Tavern
Home Slice
Boondocks Brewing
New River Brewing
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