The closest towns and supplies are Sparta and West Jefferson, 25-35 minute drives. Laurel Springs is the perfect location for a vacation basecamp, with adventure right outside your door in every direction. Scenic Drives and Views -Wildcat Rock, in Doughton Park, for a glorious sunrise. Look down from Wildcat Rock to see Caudill Cabin 2000’ below. Visit the west side of Bluff Mountain Picnic area for a beautiful sunset. Keep right at the fork and drive all the way to the end of the road. -See live music at the Blue Ridge Music Center. -Take a day trip to West Jefferson to explore all the downtown shops and restaurants. Drive to the top of Mount Jefferson and enjoy an easy hike. -Make a day of it and drive one of the most famous sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Linn Cove Viaduct, one of the most photographed spots on the parkway. On your way back, pick Boone or Blowing Rock (or both), to eat and shop away your afternoon. Hiking -From Parkway Paradise access the Mountains to Sea Trail and make your way all the way to the Bluffs and beyond. -The Bluffs/Bluff Mountain Trail -Basin Creek 9.5 mile out-and-back trail includes beautiful scenery along a creek, numerous water crossings, and the historic Caudill Cabin built in 1890. Plan to get your feet wet on this 5 hour hike. -A 30 minute drive to the Stone Mountain State Park entrance will take you along the East Prong Roaring River through the park. Access Upper Widow’s Creek Trailhead for a 2.5 mile hike along Widow’s Creek to a lovely double waterfall. Continue driving on Stone Mountain Road to Widow’s Creek Falls, a short walk from the road. Further up find the Lower Trailhead to access Stone Mountain Trail, the most popular trail in the park, a moderate to strenuous 5-miles, scaling bald rocks, and the upper and lower falls. From Lower Trailhead access the less strenuous Wolf Rock Trail and connect to Cedar Rock Trail to make a 3-mile loop with equally stunning views of rocky balds and Stone Mountain. -Virginia is for Lovers and Hikers! Head to Grayson Highlands State Park, 45 minutes away, and find wild ponies grazing along the majestic Appalachian Trail. Don’t miss the gift shop and scenic view from Listening Rock at the top. Hike the Massie Gap and Wilburn Ridge Loop to see the ponies and then head further toward Wilburn Ridge or north on the Appalachian Trail to escape the crowds. Explore Nearby Mountain Towns: West Jefferson is the quintessential NC mountain town known for its vibrant arts scene, delicious food, and beautiful scenery, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in every direction. Park anywhere downtown and you can explore the stores and restaurants for hours. Stop at Third Day Kitchen sit on the patio and enjoy the mountain view. Fulfill all your cheese fantasies at Ashe County Cheese. Eat, Drink & Play in West Jefferson - Something for everyone: Talia Espresso Bohemia Coffee House Third Day Kitchen Hatchet West Coffee Shop Blue Deer Coffee Shop Kitchen Table Games & Bistro Red Dog Bar & Bistro New River Brewing Ale House New River Brewing Taproom Boondocks Brewing Just Wing It Backstreet Bar and Grill The Grape & Grain Bottle Shop & Taproom High Country Tea & Grazing Room Craft Bistro in the Old Artists’ Theatre $$$ Old Barn Winery & Vineyards Ashe County Cheese Factory The Spice & Tea Exchange Mountain Outfitters Antiques on Main Great Southern Gothic: Escape Room & Curiosity Shoppe The Wranglin’ Mae Mercantile Footsloggers Outdoor Equipment & Gear Mo’s Boots The Cabin Store Watson Foods Farmers Market And so much more… Sparta is a rustic mountain town nestled near neighboring Virginia. Historically significant as the location where the first shovel hit the ground for the Blue Ridge Parkway construction in 1935. A quaint downtown welcomes visitors seeking a peaceful mountain getaway. Eat, Drink & Play in Sparta. - Something for everyone: Little Seed Kitchen & Bakery - The Best. 🥇 Muddy Creek Cafe & Music Hall - check their website for live music on the weekends. The music venue offers full service bar and restaurant table service during the show. 🎶 Becca’s Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop The Gathering Place Coffee Shop Main Street Pizzeria Mis Arados Mexican Crave Italian & American Laconia Ale Works The Cellar on Evergreen Sparta Candle Co Alleghany Arts & Crafts Gift Shop A Touch of Grace Gift Shop Mangum-Cater on Main Art Gallery $$$ Flower Pot Ranch Alleghany County Farmer’s Market Crouse Park - Saturday’s 9am-1pm 21 Salon and Spa. Book a spa treatment or book the day spa to enjoy the salt cave, infrared sauna, boutique, and relaxing solarium with table service from the cafe. More outdoor activities: Tubing and kayaking -New River Outfitters -Dusty Trails -Zaloo’s Canoes, Kayaks, and Tubes -Riverside Canoe and Tubes Golfing -New River Golf Club -Mountain Aire Golf Course -Stone Mountain Golf Club -Boone Golf Club -Olde Beau Resort and Golf Club Fishing -Our bass and bluegill pond on the property -Miller Creek just below our property along the parkway -East Prong Roaring River, Stone Mountain State Park -New River Outfitters -The Speckled Trout Outfitters -High Country Guide Service -Appalachian Fly and Yak -Elk Creek Outfitters -Due South Outfitters Christmas Tree Capital of North America - book a night in November and December and pick out the perfect tree at one of the many farms. Venture further out: Beech Mountain Resort Sugar Mountain Resort Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge Mount Rogers Recreation Area Virginia Creeper Trail Appalachian Trail We may be available to shuttle guests to nearby trails and wineries or dog sitting while you explore. Ask Andi for more info.