Last month I saw so many people on social media taking trips to the Blue Ridge Parkway and other mountains in North Carolina to see the leaves changing. Most of the colors peaked around late October but I’m still in need of a road trip with some friends! So, if you happened to miss seeing the fall foliage in the mountains, there’s still another great trip you can take before the end of the year!
There’s a town in North Carolina’s High Country that goes by the name of Little Switzerland. It’s known as the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The small-town vibe and architecture were made to make you feel like you’re truly in the Swiss Alps! Visiting Little Switzerland during November will give you a taste of the mountain’s perfect transition from fall to winter. Even though the leaves have already changed, they will be setting up holiday decorations, and if you’re lucky, you may see some snow!
There are so many cute shops to visit in Little Switzerland, including my favorite, Books and Beans. This three-story bookstore with a coffee and espresso bar holds the Artisan League Gallery upstairs.
Emerald Village is a group of 12 historic mines where you can take a tour of the mines, choose a gem bucket, and have anything you find made into beautiful jewelry.
If you’re wanting to shop around, the Switzerland General Store and Little Switzerland Trading Co. are located at the heart of downtown where you can shop for souvenirs and boutique clothing. There are also many more shops located in the Switzerland Inn, one of the inns and lodging options in town.
A trip to Little Switzerland during late fall would be a perfect getaway to a small town with friends, family, or a significant other. Just imagine drinking coffee or hot chocolate while walking through such a scenic town. This hidden gem in North Carolina is definitely worth checking off the bucket list.