Named for the surrounding range’s resemblance to the Swiss Alps, Little Switzerland, N.C., is an iconic Blue Ridge outpost featuring Old World-style chalet architecture. Eclectic shops and restaurants dot the community, which serves up sweeping mountain views, an hour northeast of Asheville.
Properties in Little Switzerland offer something for every taste. Cozy cabins, rambling ranches, and expansive lots are among the options, whether you’re looking for a seasonal home or year-round living.
Scenic village along the Parkway
As a summer colony, Little Switzerland’s population of 150 grows exponentially in the warmer months. It offers a scenic stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, boasting quaint cafes – Switzerland Café is a popular one – and local shops like the General Store and Little Switzerland Books and Beans. The Switzerland Inn, the biggest and oldest hotel (est. 1910) in the area, is a seasonal spot offering a variety of lodging options, including rustic cottages and lavish mountain suites. It also features a restaurant, spa and pool.
Outdoor adventure for every season abounds in and around Little Switzerland. Two popular falls are Crabtree Falls, offering a moderate, 3-mile round-trip hiking trail to access the 70-foot waterfall; and Tom’s Creek Falls, featuring an easy trail through Pisgah National Forest to an observation deck and a two-tiered, 80-foot fall.
A unique destination in the area is Diamondback Trail, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 334. This 38-mile, diamond-shaped loop is a popular draw for motorcycles and sports cars, and features hundreds of thrilling curves coupled with long-range mountain views.
Mining and music
The Emerald Village & Mining Museum – open spring through fall – offers the perfect spot to learn about the local gem and mining history. It features 12 mines for panning, as well as informative and entertaining exhibits of old mining and historical equipment. For a unique experience, visitors can take the Black Light Mine Tour to view an underground mine lit up with special ultraviolet lamps.
Enjoying events at Geneva Hall is another popular pastime in Little Switzerland. Held every Saturday night in July and August, events include mountain music, traditional square dancing and cake walks.
For more information about real estate in Little Switzerland, or anywhere in Asheville or Western N.C., contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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