101 Unique Things to Do in Asheville NC & Western NC
Unwind at the picturesque vineyards in the Tryon Foothills Wine Country near Columbus and Tryon. It's an easy 45-mile drive from Asheville via I-26 East. The rolling, rural countryside of eastern Polk County is home to fertile ground for grape growing. In fact, more than 20 vineyards dot the countryside along with five wineries open to visitors (the first vineyard arrived in 1890!). This area is called the "isothermal belt", located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. The mountains protect this area from harsh weather extremes and usually keep the area cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. So it has the longest growing season in western North Carolina. See a Google Map below with all five wineries. Let First Peak be your guide to wineries in their area.
For more wine tasting, see our Top 15 Wineries near Asheville.
At Parker-Binns Vineyard, you will be guided on a tasting of six wines. They also offer food through their kitchen Relish.
At Overmountain Vineyards, Winemaker Sofia Lilly offers a fascinating guided tour of their artisanal winery with a special tasting. Book this in advance. Their Tasting Room (photo at top of page) has a fantastic outdoor area overlooking the vineyard.
In Addition to Wine...
Nearby is the new Tryon International Equestrian Center with many horse competitions that are free to attend. A great scenic drive is the road to the top of White Oak Mountain and right past Shunkawauken Falls. The unique House of Flags Museum (33 Gibson Street) displays 300+ flags with interesting stories for each. Read more about things to do below!
Wineries, Lodging & Things to Do
Cabin & Cottage Rentals: Tryon, Saluda & Columbus
Find log cabin, condo or cottage vacation rentals by ponds or with mountain views in the First Peak of the Blue Ridge - many options near the Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Find log cabin, condo or cottage vacation rentals by ponds or with mountain views in the First Peak of the Blue Ridge - many options near the Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Russian Chapel Hills Winery
This vineyard rests below the beautiful St. Anna Chapel, which is part of the Eastern Diocese of the Russian Church. They use all of their own grapes for seven varietals, including reds Cabernet… read more
This vineyard rests below the beautiful St. Anna Chapel, which is part of the Eastern Diocese of the Russian Church. They use all of their own grapes for seven varietals, including reds Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and whites Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Plus, they have a Muscadine dessert wine. 2662 Green Creek Drive, Columbus, NC.
Mountain Brook Vineyard
This small boutique family winery uses 100% local grapes harvested by hand. They keep their vintages small to ensure the highest quality, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rose, Merlot, Cabernet… read more
This small boutique family winery uses 100% local grapes harvested by hand. They keep their vintages small to ensure the highest quality, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rose, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Bordeaux blend. 731 Phillips Dairy Rd, Tryon, NC.
B&Bs & Inns: Tryon, Saluda & Columbus
Find a great variety of historic B&Bs and inns in the towns of Tryon, Saluda and Columbus, the First Peak of the Blue Ridge. Includes Saluda Inn and Orchard Inn with exquisite dining.
Find a great variety of historic B&Bs and inns in the towns of Tryon, Saluda and Columbus, the First Peak of the Blue Ridge. Includes Saluda Inn and Orchard Inn with exquisite dining.
Shunkawauken Falls
This 150-ft. waterfall cascades down a mountainside beside the road, so you enjoy it from your car as you drive by! It's located near Columbus, about 10 miles from Pearson's Falls.
This 150-ft. waterfall cascades down a mountainside beside the road, so you enjoy it from your car as you drive by! It's located near Columbus, about 10 miles from Pearson's Falls.
Alexander's Ford Overmountain Trail
(1.5 miles, easy) Hike a section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail that was used for by local militia heading to an important battle in the Revolutionary War.
(1.5 miles, easy) Hike a section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail that was used for by local militia heading to an important battle in the Revolutionary War.
Parker-Binns Vineyard and Winery
This family-run vineyard is located in the foothills and has a very relaxed atmosphere. Try wines in their tasting room and on outdoor patios with mountain views. They use all their own grapes:… read more
This family-run vineyard is located in the foothills and has a very relaxed atmosphere. Try wines in their tasting room and on outdoor patios with mountain views. They use all their own grapes: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chambourcin, Petit Manseng, and Muscat. 2275 Whiteside Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756.
Overmountain Vineyards
Located on a family-owned farm in the foothills, their tasting room is open year-round and features a variety of estate-grown wines, such as the estate premium Epic, a Petit Manseng white wine,… read more
Located on a family-owned farm in the foothills, their tasting room is open year-round and features a variety of estate-grown wines, such as the estate premium Epic, a Petit Manseng white wine, and Patriot Red, a Bordeaux Blend. Also, hike a two-mile section of the Overmountain Victory National Trail. 2012 Sandy Plains Rd, Tryon, NC. Reservations required.
