Local Spotlight on Spruce Pine

• CBD Oils, Salves & Vapes • Certified Organic Herbs • Organic Foods • Locally Handcrafted Jewelry

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209 Locust Street, Suite A • Spruce Pine, NC 28777THE BEST QUALITY –MANUFACTURER IN THE AREA! 828-520-1253 • poppyswildcraft.com* THE BEST PRICES in the area! * * THE BIGGEST SELECTIONS! * Home of the Finest in Rustic Furniture, Home Decor & Gifts 828.765.8261 swtradingcompany.com

279 Oak Ave • Spruce Pine, NC Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

Home of the Finest in Rustic Furniture

swtradingcompany.com

Take a virtual tour of the store & watch a video about store & owners 279 Oak Ave. Spruce Pine, NC 2877 828-765-8261 Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm Why wait for your order? Buy right off our showroom floor & have it today!

Helping eliminate domestic violence and sexual abuse through education, advocacy and crisis services. 24hr. Emergency Hotline: 828-765-4044 Office: 828-765-4015 www.mitchellcountysafeplace.org P.O. Box 544 Spruce Pine, NC 28777

This small town of 2,000 residents has a quaint downtown area with some nice surprises for shopping and dining. Spruce Pine offers the uniqueness of having not one but two main streets, Upper Street (Oak Avenue) and Lower Street (Locust Avenue). The nicknames are appropriate given their respective altitudes. The town is located about an hour north of Asheville and just six miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway (at Milepost 331/Highway 226 at Little Switzerland). It's 14 miles east of Burnsville.

Several festivals each year fill the streets with plenty of extra fun. Above pic is Fire on the Mountain held in April. The Spruce Pine Alien Festival in June is out of this world!

No matter when you visit, stop by their helpful Mitchell County Visitor Center first to chat with helpful volunteers. It is located inside the Museum of the NC Minerals at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway off NC Highway 226 (79 Parkway Road). A selfservice information center is located downtown Spruce Pine at 165 Locust Street. On Oak Avenue in downtown, don’t miss the impressive Toe River Arts Council Gallery (269 Oak Avenue) and The Market On Oak (262 Oak Avenue) with handmade works of 100 western NC artisans. Stop for a cup of coffee at DT’s Blue Ridge Java (169 Locust).

A walk around town leads to several public art projects, including the town clock on Upper Street. The entire area is a mecca for artists. Don’t miss the Penland School of Crafts is just 6 miles from downtown with a variety of classes and a gallery open to the public.

From downtown, walk the towering Footbridge across the Toe River to Riverside Park. Walk the greenway, picnic or wade in the water. Spruce Pine has been designated as a Mountain Heritage Trout City and trout fishing is available from the banks of the river downtown. Troutacular is held on the first Saturday in June.

Gem Mining

Tagged “The Mineral City,” Spruce Pine has several gem mining spots. The Spruce Pine Mining District is home to one of the richest deposits of gems and minerals in the world. Mined for its mica, kaolin, quartz and feldspar, the District provides over 90% of raw materials used in plumbing fixtures. Spruce Pine quartz is used in the manufacture of silicon chips. Make sure to visit the Rio Doce Gem Mine (14622 Hwy 226) nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is fun for the whole family.

Nearby

See more of our Coolest NC Mountain Small Towns. Located 11 miles away is Bakersville, home to the NC Rhododendron Festival. And Roan Mountain is the largest naturally growing rhododendron garden in the world!