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Plan Your Trip

This riverfront vacation rental is centrally located in the western North Carolina mountains, which makes exploring other top attractions easy. Check our availability and sample itineraries to make the most out of your time at Old Masters’ Mill and experience all the surrounding area has to offer.

1. Check your dates.

2. Create an itinerary.

SPRING + SUMMER

Day 1

Bakersville, Burnsville + Spruce Pine

Morning:
  • Breakfast at Old Masters’ Mill – Enjoy breakfast against the sound of Cane Creek, and explore the old gristmill and surrounding property.
  • Float the N. Toe River with Loafer’s Glory Rafting – Right up the street from the mill, enjoy some time on the river.
Afternoon:
Evening:
  • Dinner at The Tropical Grill (Spruce Pine) – 4 miles from the mine. Caribbean-inspired cuisine with a view.
  • Relax at Old Masters’ Mill – 12 miles. Enjoy the spa and the sounds of the creek below.

FALL + WINTER

Day 1

Bakersville, Burnsville + Spruce Pine

Morning:
  • Breakfast at Old Masters’ Mill – Enjoy breakfast against the sound of Cane Creek. Explore the old gristmill and surrounding property.
  • Climb with NC Outdoor Adventures – Enjoy a vertical challenge with levels for any climber.
Afternoon:
Evening:
  • Early dinner at The Tropical Grill (Spruce Pine) – 4 miles from the museum. Caribbean-inspired cuisine with a view.
  • Stargazing at Willis Observatory – 7 miles from dinner. Enjoy clear fall skies and the fall constellations through their professional telescopes.

Day 2

Hike Roan Mountain High Knob Trail

Morning:
  • Breakfast at Old Masters’ Mill
  • Hike the Appalachian Trail at Roan Mountain – 25 miles. Start at the Roan High Knob Trail, a moderately challenging 3.1-mile hike that takes you through the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden, leading to the highest-elevation shelter along the Appalachian Trail.
 Afternoon:
  • Lunch at Roan Mountain State Park – Enjoy a picnic in the park or grab a bite at a local café.
  • Explore Roan Mountain State Park – Visit the visitor center and take short, scenic walks along the park’s easy trails.
  • Optional: Visit Carver’s Gap on the way home for a Shorter Hike (if time permits) – A 1-mile hike to Round Bald with spectacular views.
Evening:
  • Grill out on the back porch at Old Masters’ Mill  
  • Relax on the Porch – Unwind with a glass of wine by the creek.

Day 2

Blue Ridge Parkway + Linville Falls

Morning:
  • Breakfast at Mammie’s Breakfast Barn – 3.5 miles. Fuel up for an afternoon hike with a homemade kind of breakfast.
  • Catch the Blue Ridge Parkway in Spruce Pine – 14 miles from Mammie’s. Drive north to your next stop while enjoying a scenic drive with stunning fall foliage and panoramic views.
Afternoon:
  • Hike Linville Falls Trail – 23 miles from Mammie’s. A 1.6-mile moderate trail leading to the base of Linville Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the state.
  • Lunch at Famous Louise’s Rockhouse – 1 mile from the falls. Casual dining near Linville Falls with local favorites.
  • Visit Linville Falls Winery – 1.5 miles from Louise’s. Celebrate the harvest season with a wine tasting and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains.
Evening:
  • Dinner at 670 on Oak (Spruce Pine) – 10 miles from the winery. On the way back to the mill, stop for dinner at “Spruce Pine’s Front Porch” nestled inside the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Relax at Old Masters’ Mill – Enjoy the spa and the sounds of the creek below. 

Day 3

Linville Waterfalls + Winery

Morning:
  • Breakfast at Mammie’s Breakfast Barn – 3.5 miles. Fuel up for an afternoon hike with a homemade kind of breakfast.
  • Hike Linville Falls Trail – 23 miles from Mammie’s. A 1.6-mile moderate trail leading to the base of Linville Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the state.
Afternoon:
  • Lunch at Famous Louise’s Rockhouse – 1 mile from the falls. Casual dining near Linville Falls with local favorites.
  • Visit Linville Falls Winery – 1.5 miles from Louise’s. Celebrate the harvest season with a wine tasting and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains.
Evening:
  • Dinner at 670 on Oak (Spruce Pine) – 10 miles from the winery. On the way back to the mill, stop for dinner at “Spruce Pine’s Front Porch” nestled inside the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Day 3

Fall Colors at Roan Mountain

Morning:
  • Breakfast at Old Masters’ Mill
  • Hike the Appalachian Trail to Grassy Ridge Bald – 12 miles. A 5-mile moderately challenging hike that offers sweeping fall views of the surrounding mountains and the longest stretch of grassy bald in the Appalachian Mountains.
Afternoon:
  • Lunch at Roan Mountain State Park – 9 miles from trailhead. Enjoy a picnic or a meal at a local café.
  • Explore Roan Mountain State Park – Take a short walk around the park, enjoying the fall colors.
Evening:
  • Grill out on the back porch at Old Masters’ Mill  – 17 miles from the park.
  • Relax on the Porch – Unwind by the creek with a warm drink or a glass of local wine.

Other Things to Do: 

  • Fish the N. Toe River with Southern Appalachian Anglers – Call to inquire about booking.
  • Hike Crabtree Falls – 25 miles. Take a scenic 3-mile hike to the falls.
  • Apple Picking at Saylor Orchard – 10 miles. The orchard is a great place for fresh apple picking in fall.
  • Explore Bakersville’s Art Galleries – 3 miles. Discover local artists’ works in town.
  • Visit the Penland School of Craft – 15 miles. Take a self-guided tour of the campus. 
  • Explore Trails by Horseback at Springmaid Mountain – 17 miles. Enjoy the mountains via horseback (must be 8 years and older).
  • Visit in June for the NC Rhododendron Festival – 3 miles. Enjoy this popular event right in Bakersville.
  • Take a tour of Smithmore Castle – 15 miles. Currently a 5-star hotel, it offers tours on Tuesdays and has breathtaking views.
  • Take your best shot at a local gun range – 12 miles. Triggers-Traps and Trout is in Green Mountain. 
  • Little Switzerland Books and Beans – 19 miles. Visit these three stories of books, local arts and crafts, and espresso.
  • Rent a motorcycle in Little Switzerland – 19 miles. Enjoy the scenic views of the Diamondback Trail and more.
  • Rent UTVs and access trails with Off Roads Adventures – 27 miles. Get a little mud on your tires with some of the most scenic views of the mountains, forests and waterfalls.
  • Take a day trip to Mount Mitchell – 33 miles. Hike to the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and in mainland North America east of the Mississippi River.