Little Switzerland, NC

Little Switzerland is a summer colony high in the North Carolina Mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Their town sign says "Population 46." Many buildings incorporate iconic Swiss architectural styles. Located about an hour north of Asheville, it offers a rare stop right along the Parkway for food at the Switzerland Cafe and a little shopping at the General Store (Milepost 334) or the Minerals Museum of NC (Milepost 331). (Banner Image: Blue Ridge Traveler)

Book lovers could spend hours roaming Little Switzerland Books & Beans, with multiple rooms stuffed with books. An art gallery featuring local artists is upstairs. 

The summer resort that started in 1910 was named because of its sweeping panoramas of deep valleys and distant ranges resembling those of the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Ride along Highway 226A along the 3,500-ft. ridge to see some of these vistas. Find several longtime favorite places to stay, including the Switzerland Inn. It's is the biggest and oldest hotel here, dating back to 1910, with a variety of lodging options, from rustic cottages to mountain view suites. They also have a restaurant, spa, pool and plenty of spots to enjoy the views. 

Find more shops to browse adjacent to the Switzerland Inn.

The 42-room Big Lynn Lodge was started 70 years ago and retains much of its original charm with lots of porches to enjoy the views. Room rates ($105-$160) include both breakfast and dinner. Motorcyclists and sports car owners come here to drive the Diamondback, which is the winding NC Highway 226A. Find more than 190 steep, climbing curves in just 12 miles. Switchbacks loop almost 360-degrees, snaking through lush green Pisgah National Forest.