Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on July 19, 2023.
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If you’re cruising down the Blue Ridge Parkway between Blowing Rock and Asheville, chances are you’ve noticed the sign for Little Switzerland. And if you didn’t know already, this amazing mountain town is home to the lovely Switzerland Inn.
Thanks to an adorable collection of shops, delicious restaurants, and amazing rooms in a beautiful setting, you can see why this place is a must for your next North Carolina mountain getaway.
We were lucky enough to stay there and are happy to share our experience at the property and its surroundings.
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Switzerland Inn
Rooms
With options that include single kings and beautiful chalet A-frames, the Switzerland Inn’s rooms have something for large groups and couples seeking a quiet spot.
They’re spacious, comfortable, and most rooms feature a breathtaking view of the valley below. There really is no reason to ever leave. We spent two relaxing nights in the Chanticleer, which is set away from the main lodge.
It was nice, quiet, and gave us time to soak in that mountain air from our balcony.
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Dining
There are two main dining options while staying at the Switzerland Inn—The Chalet Restaurant and The Fowl Play Pub.
The Chalet Restaurant
The Chalet Restaurant boasts serene views while you dine on upscale and locally sourced ingredients. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors at the Terrace.
The Chalet Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but dinner reservations are strongly encouraged for non-guests of the resort.
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Fowl Play Pub
The Fowl Play Pub serves up whimsical cocktails and uniquely themed casual bites after 5:30 pm. This was a great option when the main restaurant was crowded or if there was an event happening on the premises.
Things to Do at Switzerland Inn
Shopping
On-site at the Switzerland Inn, there are a variety of shops to browse and indulge. Whether you’re looking for local products, something you forgot for your trip, or some souvenirs to bring home, it’s fun to browse and buy!
And if you work up an appetite from shopping, stop in the ice cream and fudge shop and load up on some sweets before enjoying the rest of your vacation.
Just Relax and Have Fun
If you want to just enjoy the scenery from Switzerland Inn, you can do just that. There’s also a pool, ping-pong table, corn hole, and plenty of open space for you to enjoy without ever leaving.
We particularly enjoyed lounging on our balcony with a good book (I finished Where the Crawdads Sing while we were there!) and sipping on some Linville Winery Merlot.
Massages are also available for guests, with options including Swedish and Deep Tissue!
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Places Near the Switzerland Inn
Little Switzerland
0.3 miles from Switzerland Inn
As you might’ve noticed from our guide to North Carolina’s small towns, Little Switzerland itself is not to be overlooked. While the driver’s side window might make it look like a small strip of shops, those shops are filled with incredible finds!
At Books and Beans, you’ll find a delectable coffee shop and tons of great used books. It’s one of our favorite bookstores in North Carolina for more than a few good reasons!
Of course, you’ll want to stop by the general store for its awesome wine selection, and the Switzerland Café serving up some of the most incredible smoked barbecue sandwiches!
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Gem Mining
3.1 miles from Switzerland Inn
The High Country of North Carolina is filled with treasure! Sort through the pebbles to find gems like garnet, amethyst, emeralds, smoky quartz, rubies, and sapphires at Emerald Village.
You can tour the underground Bon Ami Mine at the NC Mining Museum or pan for gems! This is a great activity for all weather conditions!
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Linville Falls
17.2 miles from Switzerland Inn
Linville Falls is great way to spend a morning and is one of our favorite hiking spots in North Carolina, especially during fall. The hike to the falls follows a wide, well-maintained path and offers four different viewpoints of the 45-foot falls.
It’s a moderate 1.6-mile round-trip walk and offers outstanding views! Keep in mind that this trail gets busy, so beat the crowds by getting there early.
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Linville Falls Winery
17.2 miles from Switzerland Inn
Nestled off the Parkway is Linville Falls Winery, which I mentioned as a great accompaniment for a balcony book. This locally owned and family-run North Carolina vineyard specializes in slowly ripening vines to produce fresh, vibrant wines.
Their grape varieties include Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Noiret, Marquette. Petit Verdot, Marechal Foch, and Riesling, as well as many berries and Christmas Trees! We enjoyed their Elevate blend as well as the Merlot.
Grab a bottle or two for your room or to take back home with you. We might’ve made off with a handful (or more).
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Ready for a Switzerland Inn Stay?
We could’ve stayed much longer at Switzerland Inn and look forward to our next visit. I mean, how can you beat a place in that setting with all the conveniences a person would need?
And while we wait to come back, those views, that food, and the memories of our relaxing time there will remain on my mind for quite a while.
Have you ever stayed at the Switzerland Inn? What did you think of the place? Would you go back? Let us know in the comments section!
would love to come up for a week end, what are your rates
A friend and I stayed here a couple of weeks ago (she had never been) and we had the most relaxing and fun time! I highly recommend it! We’re coming back!
That’s awesome to hear, Janice! Hope you can make it back really soon!
We have been staying at this lovely inn since 1980, on our honeymoon. We love Little Switzerland so much! We always include a stay or at least a meal there every time we go west to the NC mountains. The inn and the cafe serve excellent food. A great town to linger for relaxing, the views, food, and shopping!
Great to hear, Vida. Hope you can keep coming back to enjoy Little Switzerland!
We would LOVE to stay here! We always travel with our two very well-behaved and quiet small dogs. Is this place pet-friendly?
Yes! I believe some of their accommodations are pet-friendly.
Would love to stay there oct 23-26 , two rooms , 4 people. We have eaten there 5 times with bill and betty Altman. Bringing family ftom the bahamas for their 40th wedding anniversary.
Hi Natasha, please contact the Switzerland Inn directly for reservations. Thanks for reading!
Is the inn opened in October??? When does it close for winter?
It looks like they are open until mid November!
This quaint getaway is a true gem indeed. It’s been a few years since we drove through this area. Hopefully, later this year, we will take a weekend trip to this spot. We live about an hour & 45 minutes away. Simply breathtaking views..