This Hidden Gem Of The Blue Ridge Parkway Is A Village Called 'Little Switzerland'

The lush meadows and towering snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps captivate millions of visitors each year, but such outstanding natural beauty comes at a cost. Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, making it prohibitively pricey for budget travelers looking to experience its greatest attractions to the fullest. The same goes for long-haul flights, too, placing a trip to the high-altitude nation beyond the financial reach of many people in the United States. Luckily, North Carolina has a cheaper alternative that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank and the jet lag: Little Switzerland.

Residing at an altitude of 3,290 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this picturesque resort on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a two-hour drive from downtown Charlotte. It was the vision of Supreme Court Justice Robert Heriot Clarkson, who hiked the wilderness in 1909 and decided it was the perfect spot for a summer getaway. He snapped up 1,200 acres of land and founded a community the following year, naming his newly-built mountain idyll Little Switzerland due to the area's likeness to the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Over a century later, the resort still opens its doors six months of the year to welcome visitors seeking clean air, warm hospitality, good food, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

Although Little Switzerland only has a permanent population of around 46 people, it is well-geared towards catering for visitors to the area. It's a popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway with several atmospheric places to stay, from appealingly rustic lodges with a distinctly alpine vibe to the historic Switzerland Inn, founded when the resort was first built in 1910. Wandering around the tiny resort won't take long, but visitors may find themselves pleasurably hung up by browsing its bookstores, boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. The town comes to life during the summer months with live music events and square dances at uptown's Geneva Hall, and be sure to check out Marion Tailgate Market for crafts, fresh local produce, and entertainment for the kids.

Out of town, you have the chance to strike rich at Emerald Village, a network of 12 old mines where you can pan for gold or search for emeralds. The surrounding forests and trails make for excellent hiking, with wonderful cascades at Crabtree Falls and Linville Falls and outstanding panoramas unfolding around you from Wiseman's View and Chestoa View. Motorcyclists also have plenty to explore with two exciting and challenging routes — the 12-mile Diamondback Trail with its 200 bends and the lengthier (and scarier-sounding) Mountain Murder Run, a 114-mile adventure named after a grisly legend originating in the 19th century.

Strolling through Little Switzerland, you'll notice that many establishments are a mix of Old World charm and Americana, with the Swiss flag fluttering from buildings and storefronts that wouldn't look out of place in a Western. This blend extends to some of the cuisine. While establishments lean into the Swiss thing with names like Switzerland Cafe and Switzerland Inn, you'll find more robustly American fare than fondue sets or schnitzel.

Switzerland Cafe is famed for its North Carolina-style BBQ, specializing in delicious pulled pork and applewood-smoked trout. For lighter bites, you can order a grilled cheese or Reuben sandwich, and the general store next door is a great place to load up for a picnic. For a more luxurious sit-down meal, head over to the Chalet Restaurant at Switzerland Inn, which serves nicely presented dishes such as rainbow trout, roasted duck, and prime rib. Take a table on the terrace for dining with mountain views.

Justice Heriot was a religious man and staunch prohibitionist, so Little Switzerland started life as a dry town. Times have changed, and 21st-century visitors who enjoy a drink won't find themselves short of quality alcoholic beverages. At Switzerland Inn, you will find the Fowl Play Pub & Tap Room, offering a range of local brews on tap, spirits, and a decent selection of wine. Standard suds like Budweiser and Miller are available. Back at Switzerland Cafe, there is also a great variety of craft beers to savor.