Name - Linville Caverns

City/State - Marion, NC

County - McDOWELL

Region - North Carolina High Country

Description - NC's only show caverns offers a unique glimpse of nature at work "inside" our mountains! Natural limestone caverns feature stalactites, stalagmites, underground stream with blind trout, the "Bottomless Pool", and the opportunity to experience "total darkness". Guides take visitors along a smooth path into the inner recesses of Humpback Mountain for an entertaining & informative half-hour tour. Complete your visit with rock specimens, gift selections, & souvenirs found in our gift shop.

Name - The Fun Factory in the Smokies

City/State - Franklin, NC

County - MACON

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Enjoy fun & food for the entire family. Features: over 100 arcade games, batting cages, indoor & outdoor mini golf, laser tag, a ferris wheel, go-carts & more. We even have The Foam Factory, an inflatable slide & a carousel for the little tikes. Plus, there are 3 distinct dining options: The Boiler Room Steakhouse, The Burger Factory & The Pizza Factory. Contact our special events coordinator for birthday parties, meetings & company events. Smoke-free. Family-friendly. (Open Mon - Sat)

Name - Stuart Nye Hand Wrought Jewelry

City/State - Asheville, NC

County - BUNCOMBE

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Since 1933 we have made Jewelry in natures own designs in Sterling Silver, Copper and Brass. We welcome Visitors to watch us at work. Our products are available at Guild Crafts next door, at other area Craft Shops and on-line at STUARTNYE.COM

Name - Ruby City Gems and Minerals

City/State - Franklin, NC

County - MACON

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Custom gem cutting and mounting,14kt gold jewelry and findings, cut gemstones, lapidary equipment and supplies, mineral specimens, stone carvings, gifts. Free Museum and store. Specimens from the local area and around the world local Sapphire weighing 385lbs. 14kt gold rings, earrings and pendants ready made or select your stone and have it mounted. We Stock Ruby, Sapphire, Emeralds, Diamonds Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Alexanderite. Jewelry design, ring sizing and jewelry repair are available.

Name - McDowell County TDA

City/State - Old Fort, NC

County - MCDOWELL

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - When it comes to fun & outdoor recreation, there are no boundaries in our spectacular region of the Blue Ridge Mountains.There are many great hiking trails,waterfalls & scenic roadways.Elevations top 4000 feet opening up to views of the green valley floors below.There are many outdoor wonders to discover on your exploration of Marion,Old Fort,Little Switzerland,Linville Falls & Lake James.Enjoy caverns,gold mines,antique shops,bluegrass jams,swimming,canoeing & biking.

Name - Oconaluftee Indian Village

City/State - Cherokee, NC

County - SWAIN

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Replica of a Cherokee community of the 1750 period featuring Cherokee artisans, lecturers, guides. Homes, and Council House of the l750 period. Also,Cherokee garden and nature trail is a part of the Village tour. http://www.cherokee-nc.com/index.php?page=17

Name - Unto These Hills

City/State - Cherokee, NC

County - SWAIN

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Cherokee, North Carolina's outdoor drama portraying the tragic history of the Cherokee Indians. Open mid-June thru late August annually, Mountainside Theatre. Performance time 8:30 p.m. http://www.cherokee-nc.com/index.php?page=9

Name - Spruce Pine Gem Mine

City/State - Spruce Pine, NC

County - MITCHELL

Region - North Carolina High Country

Description - Spruce Pine Gem Mine has been family owned and operated for generations,so you can mine with one of the oldest mining families in the nation,mining since 1810.We offer buckets of the finest gem ore from the best native gem mines.Search for your own valuable gemstones in the safety & comfort of our location south of Spruce Pine,North Carolina.We can make custom jewelry from your finds or from gemstones in our GemStone Shop.We are nationally recognized in magazines,books,PBS & local TV stations.

Name - Foggy Mountain Gem Mine

City/State - Boone, NC

County - WATAUGA

Region - North Carolina High Country

Description - We offer something for everyone in the family.Great fun for the children as they hunt for gems in our fully stocked mines and incredible shopping for the adults with the finest in colored stones from around the world.We have cut gems,museum quality mineral specimens, and custom jewels for those looking for that specific piece of jewelry.We offer the inspiration, imagination an creation without the high price.Great family fun at affordable prices.

Name - Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School

City/State - Pisgah Forest, NC

County - TRANSYLVANIA

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School is the ‘Leader in Climber Education’. We offer Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing trips throughout the Southeast including North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia. We tailor to individuals, families, groups, beginners and offer climbing skills courses for experienced climbers seeking to expand their skills and knowledge. http://www.foxmountainguides.com

Name - Asheville Hot Air Balloons

City/State - Candler, NC

County - BUNCOMBE

Region - Great Smoky Mountains North Carolina

Description - Asheville Hot Air Balloons, LLC flying in Candler and Asheville, NC across the Hominy Valley amidst the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Cold Mountain, Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Mitchell loom in the background. It will take your breath away! For Reservations call 828-667-9943. http://www.ashevillehotairballoons.com/

Name - Hot Air Balloon Rides

City/State - East Bend, NC

County - YADKIN

Region - North Carolina Piedmont

Description - Come fly with Captain Jack over the beautiful Yadkin Valley of NC. We are a North Carolina full-service hot air balloon company offering romantic daily balloon flights over the wine country. Experience the elegance and the excitement of a Carolina Balloon AdVenture! http://www.usaballoon.com

Name - Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

City/State - Chimney Rock, NC

County - BUNCOMBE

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - There's something for everyone at Chimney Rock. Whether you seek the high adventure of a challenging hike and guided rock climbing, a leisurely stroll and soaking in breathtaking 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge, it's right here. http://www.chimneyrockpark.com

Name - The Orange Peel

City/State - Asheville, NC

County - BUNCOMBE

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - If live music is your thing, then you belong at The Orange Peel. Listings are updated daily, so sign up for the e-newsletter so you don't miss any of our great shows. Past concerts have included Bob Dylan, Sonic Youth, Sam Bush and Nickel Creek. Come see why locals are saying, "See you at The Peel!" http://www.theorangepeel.net

Name - Lake Lure Tours, Marina and Beach

City/State - Lake Lure, NC

County - RUTHERFORD

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Dive into spectacular Lake Lure, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hop aboard for scenic boat cruises of this magnificent lake, or, rent a boat and explore on your own (March – early December). The Beach at Lake Lure and the Water Works offer summertime, soaking-wet fun! http://www.lakelure.com

Name - The Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center

City/State - Blowing Rock, NC

County - WATAUGA

Region - North Carolina High Country

Description - The Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center, opening in 2006, will be the premiere arts facility in the NC High Country offering the best in theatre, music, dance, film, children’s shows and will be the home of the Blowing Rock Stage Company. http://www.brcac.org

Name - The Orchard at Altapass

City/State - Little Switzerland, NC

County - MITCHELL

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - The Orchard at Altapass is an Appalachian cultural center celebrating the music, art, and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. Over 100 years old, the Orchard sits right on the Blue Ridge Parkway providing some of the most amazing scenery in North Carolina. Open May through October, 10am-6pm. http://www.altapassorchard.com

Name - Mount Pisgah Balloons

City/State - Candler, NC

County - BUNCOMBE

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - We offer one-hour hot air balloon rides in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. We are located just 20 minutes West of Asheville. We fly early morning flights (around 7am), seven days a week. Make your vacation a memorable experience. 2-10 passengers. http://www.gomountains.net

Name - NC ZOO

City/State - Asheboro, NC

County - RANDOLPH

Region - North Carolina Piedmont

Description - The NC Zoo is a world-class natural habitat park that is home to more than 1000 animals from Africa, North America and new in 2004, Australia. The sights and sounds of the NC Zoo are sure to delight children of all ages. Open 364 days a year. Come visit. http://www.nczoo.org

Name - Waynesville Live

City/State - Waynesville, NC

County - HAYWOOD

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Waynesville, North Carolina's local area community website with live cams, entertainment, attractions, games and much more! http://waynesvillelive.com

Name - Dellinger Grist Mill

City/State - Bakersville, NC

County - MITCHELL

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Historic Dellinger Mill,listed in the National Register of Historic Places,is the only grist mill of its kind left in the state of NC. I produce water powered/stone ground cornmeal and grits every third week of June-Sept. and every day in October and November, except Sundays. http://www.dellingermill.com

Name - Smoky Mountain Trains

City/State - Bryson City, NC

County - SWAIN

Region - Great Smoky Mountains North Carolina

Description - Welcome to Smoky Mountain Trains! Smoky Mountain Trains is more than an ordinary museum. With its collection of 7,000 Lionel™ engines, cars and accessories, impressive operating layout, children’s activity center, and gift/toy shop, Smoky Mountain Trains has something for everyone! http://www.smokymtntrains.com

Name - Chimney Rock Park

City/State - Chimney Rock, NC

County - RUTHERFORD

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - The best of the mountains in one place! Chimney Rock Park is a scenic attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, with spectacular 75-mile views, numerous hiking trails, a 404-foot waterfall, Nature Center, picnicking and more. http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/index.php

Name - Grandfather Mountain

City/State - Linville, NC

County - AVERY

Region - North Carolina High Country

Description - Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge, is the only private park in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. Considered the most biologically diverse mountain in eastern North America, Grandfather welcomes visitors from across the globe to this unique example of the endangered high-elevation spruce-fir ecosystem. This site features the outstanding photography of Hugh Morton. http://www.grandfather.com/

Name - Biltmore Estate

City/State - Asheville, NC

County - BUNCOMBE

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Biltmore House is America’s Largest Privately Owned Home. It has 250 rooms, including 34 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms. It boasts a total of four acres of floor space -- 175,000 square feet or the equivalent of approximately four football fields. http://www.biltmore.com/

Name - Great Smoky Mountains Railway

City/State - Dillsboro, NC

County - JACKSON

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - Now in it's ninth year of providing a full season of passenger excursion trips from April thru December. http://www.gsmr.com/

Name - Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina

City/State - Burnsville, NC

County - YANCEY

Region - Western North Carolina

Description - North Carolina. Mount Mitchell, 6684 feet (highest point east of Mississippi). Mount Mitchell State Park, Yancey County, southwest North Carolina. 35 miles northeast from Asheville. http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/momi/home.html