In November 2021, David and I took a weekend getaway to Valle Crucis to stay at the historic Mast Farm Inn. I swoon over historic inns, and Mast Farm Inn is on the National Historic Registry and Valle Crucis Historical District of Watauga County. This quickly became an annual tradition for us each fall. Our plans are always really lowkey and we take this weekend as an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate before the holiday season really picks up. Valle Crucis provides us an opportunity to do this. Here are the best things to do in Valle Crucis for a relaxing weekend.
Valle Crucis is a peaceful, rural community located in North Carolina’s High Country and has been settled for over 200 years. In fact, the entire community of Valle Crucis was designated as North Carolina’s first rural national historic district, and the entire community is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Valle Crucis was named in 1842 when Levi Ives, the second Episcopal bishop of North Carolina, visited the area. Ives looked down from a hillside, noticed three streams forming the shape of a St. Andrew’s cross, and deemed the location Valle Crucis, Latin for “Vale of the Cross.” Valle Crucis Conference Center is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, part of the Episcopal Church.
That said, much of the Valle Crucis buildings have been restored to their original grandeur, including the Mast Farm Inn, Over Yonder Restaurant, and the Mast General Store.
A note about Tropical Storm Helene: Watauga County did experience damaging floods from Tropical Storm Helene and there are parts of the county that are still cleaning up. Please consider a donation to help those affected by the storm here.
This post was originally published in November 2021. It has since been updated and recirculated for fall 2024.
Fall Weekend: the Best Things to Do in Valle Crucis, NC
Check In and Enjoy the Mast Farm Inn
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A History of Mast Farm Inn
The main house on the property was finished in 1896, though the log cabin that faces the main house was built in 1810. Three generations of the Mast family lived in this cabin and raised corn, grain, sheep, cattle, and food for the family. That cabin is now the Loom House and would be a great spot for a romantic weekend getaway! The original cabin is widely believed to be the oldest habitable log cabin in the state of North Carolina.
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On our first trip, we stayed in Miss Allie’s Room, and I just adored the wallpaper in the bathroom with the clawfoot tub. It is a quiet room that overlooks the terrace and rock garden and the room also features a small sitting area perfect for curling up with a good book. For the past two years, we stayed on the third floor in Cousin Sarah, which is the largest room in the farmhouse. It also features a clawfoot tub and a window seat that I spent quite a bit of time curled up on reading. This year, we’ll be staying in the Elizabeth Grey Vining room and I am so excited to have a room with a gas fireplace.
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[/one-third]Breakfast at Mast Farm Inn cannot be beaten! Their breakfast is a 2-course meal and is served Thursday-Sunday from 8:30-10:30. It is open to the public as well as inn guests. There is also a prohibition-style cocktail bar with a cozy fireplace and a delicious craft cocktail list. You can also make a reservation for a 3-course dinner in the Valle Tavern on the weekends as well.
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[/one-half]Another highlight of our stay was heading over to the garden to see the horses. The views are spectacular and in warmer months, the barn doubles as a beer garden with live music.
Order the Chicken Fried Chicken at Over Yonder
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[/one-half]I saved a picture of the Chicken Fried Chicken at Over Yonder a while back, so this was a must-do on our weekend agenda. It was absolutely delicious and everything I had hoped it would be… and more. Over Yonder is located in a former homestead of one of the founding families of Valle Crucis and offers their version of classic Appalachian food in a modern, yet casual way. It is quite a cozy restaurant and it offers a market featuring local crafts and goods. It also features an Art-o-matic machine, which I always get a token to take home as a souvenier.
Browse the Original Mast General Store (and the Annex)
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[/one-half]The Original Mast General Store is located across from Over Yonder in Valle Crucis. Valle Crucis is the first rural historic district in North Carolina and where you will find both the original Mast General Store and the Annex. The original store is still the center of the community and is home to the community Post Office and a place to pick up a cup of coffee for 5 cents. It was quite a fun morning browsing the store and playing checkers.
Explore the Outdoors
If you stay at the Mast Farm Inn, explore the 20 acres on the property. Located right near Mast General Store is the Valle Crucis Community Park, which offers a few different trails to walk and enjoy the area. On the northern boundary of the community park, you can find the Watauga River. During warmer months, the shallow, slow-moving water makes the perfect spot to cool off.
Grandfather Mountain is only about 20 minutes away and is a great place to spend an afternoon as well. It just re-opened post-Tropical Storm Helene and is ready to welcome visitors. Another great hiking option in Valle Crucis is Crab Orchard Falls on Valle Crucis Conference Center property.
Beyond Valle Crucis
Grab Lunch and a Pint at Booneshine Brewing Company
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[/one-half]David and I make a point to have lunch at Booneshine Brewing Company, a short drive from Valle Crucis. It is worth the 15-minute drive to enjoy lunch and a pint in the taproom. And honestly, it is just an all-around great spot. Their beer is great, their food is delicious, and they have quite a bit of space whether you prefer to eat on the patio, at the bar, or enjoy the sunshine on the spacious lawn.
David really liked their Space Pegasus, which he originally tried at the tavern at Mast Farm Inn. We started with a soft pretzel (the beer cheese is delish!) and for entrees, David had the hot honey chicken sandwich and I ordered a quesadilla. We both highly recommend those options. We also really like their pizzas and their chicken tenders.
Stop at The Cardinal for a Casual Dinner
We usually leave after work on Fridays, so we stop at The Cardinal on our way into Valle Crucis. It is a quick stop right in Boone and offers delicious food options. I love their cobb salad and a side of fried okra.
Another consideration is to drive to Blowing Rock and explore the shops and have a meal there. The Speckled Trout is my favorite dining spot in town!
Be sure to follow along on my North Carolina 100 County Tour here. My annual North Carolina Holiday Gift Guide can be found here and features a gift set from the Mast Farm Inn.
Shop this Valle Crucis Weekend Guide:
