HIGH COUNTRY TOWNS

Stop by these towns to enjoy everything they have to offer

High Country towns are special in many ways. From Newland in Avery County, Blowing Rock in Watauga County and West Jefferson in Ashe County, there’s a little something for everyone. In the summer expect busy roads and main streets, as the High Country is a hot spot for tourism. Don’t worry though, once you find parking, many of these great towns are very walkable and offer great spots to hang out for the day.

Ashe County

JEFFERSON

Jefferson, the county seat of Ashe County, is home to roughly 1,600 residents within the town limits. The town was first founded in 1799 and was named after then Vice President Thomas Jefferson. The town was originally called “Jeffersonton” for a short period of time and originally encompassed approximately 50 acres of land.

Now, Jefferson is home to the Ashe County Courthouse, Ashe County Park, the Ashe County Law Enforcement Center as well as numerous restaurants, shops and stores. The town also has the restored 1904 Courthouse listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The old courthouse is currently home to the Museum of Ashe County History, right next door to the Jefferson Police Department.

West Jefferson

The bustling downtown area of West

Jefferson is one of the most popular destinations in Ashe County. West Jefferson currently has around 1,300 residents that live within the town limits and has a wide variety of shops, art galleries, local restaurants and much more that bring tourists to the area. The Ashe County Arts Council calls West Jefferson home, as does the Ashe County Cheese Plant, West Jefferson

Park and the local office of the New River Conservancy.

West Jefferson was first incorporated in 1909 and originally saw much of its growth and popularity increase due to the Virginia Creeper Railroad that passed through downtown.

West Jefferson has numerous events in the downtown area that take place throughout the year. In addition to concerts throughout the spring and summer months, the Christmas in July festival and the Ole Time Antiques Fair in September are two of the largest annual events that take place in Ashe County.

Lansing

Lansing was the third and final town in Ashe County to officially be incorporated. The town of about 130 residents was first incorporated in 1928 and was another major stop along the Virginia Creeper railroad along with West Jefferson, Todd and the community of White Oak. The town has major historical significance to the area as there are