The town of West Jefferson, in northwestern North Carolina, may take a while to get to from where you are, but trust us: you won’t be disappointed. With a year-round population of a little more than 1,300 residents, this tiny town in North Carolina is already a regular stop for tourists making the trek to the mountains of North Carolina. The fact that the historic and tourist district is so intimate could have something to do with that. This part of town is so walkable, you can park your car and see the whole town on foot. Take a look:
One of the biggest attractions in West Jefferson is the Ashe County Cheese Factory. For a while, this was the only cheese factory in the Southeastern US. Visitors love to pose with the giant cow tanks along Main Street.
© Robin Jarvis
You can pop into their showroom at your leisure and watch workers making cheese right through a huge window overlooking the whole process. Then, walk across the street to their retail store.
© Robin Jarvis
You’ll find a whole bevy of Ashe County Cheese products here, including many varieties of cheese and even homemade butter! The store also features some locally made products by other vendors, as well as an entire room filled with barrels (and barrels!) of candy.
© Robin Jarvis
Hungry? No problem! This tiny little town has enough restaurants to support a small city!
TripAdvisor/management
And they’re all within walking distance of where you parked your car.
TripAdvisor/management
Want to sit outside and enjoy the cool mountain air while your chow down on some local fare? There are plenty of outside dining options found here.
Facebook/The Rosebud Bakery & Diner
If you head to West Jefferson on Saturdays between 8:00 a.m and 1:00 p.m, then you’ll be able to check out the Ashe County Farmers Market.
West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority
Here, you’ll find even more locally grown, produced and hand-crafted items that make perfect gifts or keepsakes from your adventure in this tiny town.
Facebook/Ashe County Farmers Market
We’ve stated that West Jefferson is a “mountain town,” however, it’s actually located in a valley between two huge mountain peaks. You can drive a short distance out of town to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area for an outstanding view of the valley.
TripAdvisor/Barbara B
Overlooks give you an amazing vantage point to see the valley and the beautiful landscape surrounding West Jefferson.
TripAdvisor/Rick B
On the fringe of the historic district, you can take a hard turn onto a side road that leads to one of the most visited (and beloved) points of interest in W. J. One of North Carolina’s Churches of the Frescoes is open to the public to worship and view the famous frescoes painted by NC resident Ben Long in 1974.
© Robin Jarvis
Long spent years in Italy acquiring the knowledge and skills of painting in fresco style. He came back and adorned this church with three spiritual masterpieces. St. Marys is visited by thousands of people each year.
© Robin Jarvis
West Jefferson is located in Ashe County in the northwestern part of North Carolina. When you’re ready for a change of pace — from rushed to relaxed — this is the place to go.
Google Maps
Enjoy your day (or weekend) in West Jefferson! When you’re ready to venture a little further into nowhere, head to this destination eatery in Shatley Springs to the north of West Jefferson.
© Robin Jarvis
TripAdvisor/management
Facebook/The Rosebud Bakery & Diner
West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority
Facebook/Ashe County Farmers Market
TripAdvisor/Barbara B
TripAdvisor/Rick B
Google Maps
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