Nine Reasons to Plan a Winter Getaway to Madison County, North Carolina

Cradled in the glorious Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, the quaint towns and rural communities of Madison County embrace the outdoors while also fostering a long-standing tradition of arts, music, history, hospitality and profound respect for the natural world.

“Our county truly has everything,” says Sandy Stevenson, director of the Madison County Visitor Center. “Outdoor recreation of all types, music, arts and, of course, very friendly people who welcome visitors.”

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Those sentiments are echoed by Heather Hicks, general manager of Hot Springs Resort & Spa.

“We like to think of Madison County as a timeless place where you can enjoy the outdoors and decompress,” she says. “People seek out our small towns as an ideal alternative to busy city life.”

So, whether you’re seeking a quiet getaway or itching for outdoor adventures, there’s more than enough to intrigue and delight anyone and everyone in Madison County.

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1. Hot Springs Soaks

The town of Hot Springs takes its name from the natural mineral springs that have attracted visitors for more than 200 years seeking to “soothe the soul, heal the body and calm the mind.” At the Hot Springs Resort and Spa, water heated deep inside the earth is captured in a variety of soaking tubs nestled along the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River. The 100-acre resort also offers lodging and an array of camping options.

2. Hike the Appalachian Trail

The town of Hot Springs is a perfect stop along the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, so the town is a welcome stop for weary hikers. But in addition to the world-famous trail, Madison County NC offers miles of trails in Pisgah National Forest that accommodate short rambles or challenge serious hikers, all offering beautiful views and tranquility.

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3. Where to Eat and Drink in Madison County, North Carolina

Whatever activity you undertake in Madison County NC, there are plenty of opportunities to eat and drink in and around Hot Springs, Marshall and Mars Hill. A favorite of locals and visitors is Zadie’s Market, which features seasonal specials and local brews from its location on the first floor of the historic Old Marshall Jail.

Over in Hot Springs, Big Pillow Brewing is a popular watering hole where you can sit outside, sip an in-house craft beer, grab a taco from Grey Eagle Taqueria and hear some live music. Down the street, Southern comfort food reigns supreme at the Smoky Mountain Diner. And be sure to trip over to Mars Hill, home to Mars Hill University, for a downtown stroll and a visit to Mars Theatre Brewing Company. Housed in a 1940s-vintage movie house, Mars Theatre Brewing Company has brewing tanks lining the walls so you can sip a pint on movie night or catch a live performance.

4. Outdoor Activities Year-Round

No matter what time of year you visit, Madison County has enough outdoor activities for even the most adventurous. Cyclists can discover scenic and challenging routes along sedate mountain roads that attract riders from around the country. In warmer months, the French Broad River offers everything from a peaceful float to the excitement of whitewater rafting. The area’s rivers and streams also bring joy to anglers. For a totally different view of the natural setting, the trained guides at French Broad Adventures will send you zip lining through the lush tree canopy.

Madison County NC is also the perfect winter destination for skiers, snowboarders and tubers. The newly renovated Hatley Pointe Boutique Ski Resort features 15 groomed slopes and great views. Stay a spell in the enhanced lodge lying below the slopes, which offers a cozy yet sophisticated retreat complete with crackling fireplaces, a delectable restaurant, an exclusive VIP lounge, a bespoke retail experience and state-of-the-art rental center. Or visit nearby Zip N Slip, which will send you blasting down an 800-foot slope on a tube.

5. Appalachian History

Situated in a historic native stone building on the Mars Hill University campus, the Rural Heritage Museum houses artifacts and exhibits that reveal the history and rural heritage of Madison County NC and the southern Appalachian region. Also in Mars Hill is the Anderson Rosenwald School, an important piece of Black history from the early 1900s that showcases a revolutionary project to develop educational opportunities for Black students in the South.

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6. Island For the Arts

Madison County NC and its mountainous setting have long attracted and nurtured artists as witnessed by a multitude of studios and galleries. Marshall High Studios resides in a brick schoolhouse built in 1925. Nestled on a 10-acre island in the French Broad River, this lovingly restored building houses 26 studios where artists involved in a wide range of media welcome visitors. A short distance away in downtown Marshall you can find numerous galleries, including Flow Gallery operated and curated by local artists.

7. Art & Ice Cream

Mars Landing Galleries in downtown Mars Hill is housed in a 1940s building that in its previous lives was a roller rink and antique store. The gallery features a range of creative pieces by talented local artists as well as studio spaces where you can watch artists at work. And in an unusual twist, you can savor tasty treats inside the gallery from Meadowsweet Creamery, including homemade ice cream sandwiches.

8. Mountain Music

The music scene is vibrant all over Madison County, an active spot on the Blue Ridge Music Trail.

Tap your toes, and maybe get up and dance during a jam session at The Depot in Marshall, where musicians join forces on bluegrass, country, folk and gospel tunes. And there’s a monthly bluegrass and mountain music jam session at Marshall’s Zuma Coffee that always draws a full house of players and fans.

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9. The Stars Come Out

Perched at over 4,000 feet above sea level in an optimal dark-sky location, Grassland Mountain Observatory offers a unique opportunity to peer upward for an unobstructed sweep of the heavens. Operated by the Astronomy Club of Asheville, public “star gazes” are offered twice each month, and private star-gazing sessions can be scheduled. Or you’re welcome to bring your own viewing device.

– Gary Carter