The Mountain Magnolia Inn is 200 yards from the Appalachian Trail, and there are a number of hikes you can do right from the Inn. Lover’s Leap Trail is the most popular nearby trail. The hike goes along the French Broad River and then turns up the mountain’s edge with switchbacks taking you to great views of the river and valley below. The hike then goes to the north slope of the mountain with lots of moss and tunnels of rhododendron. You may also want to consider the Pump Gap Trail, the Laurel River Trail, Betty Place….to name just a few. You can find area trail maps at our local outfitters store, Bluff Mountain Outfitters, OR the town’s Welcome Center, just across the street from the Post Office.
The Biltmore Estate, vineyard and grounds are magnificent. If there is time during the event weekend and guests would like to venture to Asheville, the estate could be a great destination. www.biltmore.com The Grove Park Inn is another fun destination in Asheville. The historic hotel has main parlors, porches, shopping, and dining that are open to the public. www.groveparkinn.com Asheville downtown has a ton to offer with shopping, entertainment, and dining. Too many places to list. You just have to go there to find out.
In Hot Springs Artisun Gallery is 5 minutes from the Inn on foot and features the work of 50 area artists and craftspeople. You can also enjoy a latte or your favorite coffee beverage or a selection of wines by the bottle or the glass. Bluff Mountain Outfitters is located on the main street of downtown and has lots of wonderful things to look at, delicious snacks, and friendly staff. Gentry Hardware. Keith Gentry is a great guy and you can find anything from gadgets to Moon Pies in his store. Outside of Hot Springs Max Patch is a great 1/2 day trip for a picnic with incredible views. It's a scenic 45 minute drive to the trailhead. For those not into hiking long distance, this is a gentle walking path to the top of the bald which takes about 20-25 minutes. Highway 209 south out of Town is a Scenic Highway and heads to nearby Trust and Luck. About 30 miles away there is a quaint old General Store that worth a stop and they have a good chef if you are hungry.
Experience an Outdoor Adventure There is great whitewater rafting on the French Broad River. A couple of outposts are located just a 5 minute walk from the Inn. Horseback riding is a 20 minute trip and affords an opportunity to visit a garnet mine and enjoy beautiful scenic mountain views in route. Navitat is a zip line course in the trees on 50 acres of wooded land about 40 minutes away. The nearest golf course is also about 40 minutes away and a beautiful course set in the mountains. *Hot Springs Rafting Company --www.hotspringsraftingco.com *French Broad Rafting Company (rafting and ziplines, 15 minutes from town) www.frenchbroadrafting.com *Sandy Bottom Trail Rides --www.sandybottomtrailrides.net *Navitat Zipline Canopy Tours --www.navitat.com *Reems Creek Golf Course (beautiful course about 40 minutes from Hot Springs and just North of Asheville) www.reemscreekgolf.com
The Hot Springs Resort and Spa is located just a few minutes from the Mountain Magnolia Inn. They have private hot tubs to soak in the hot mineral springs and massage therapists onsite. www.nchotsprings.com